DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for ​Little Weiser Bridge project

Accepting comments from June 17, 2024, through July 8, 2024.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for the Little Weiser Bridge project.

The project proposes placing a private access rail car bridge across the Little Weiser River. The bridge will be placed on pre-cast concrete abutments on both sides of the river above both the ordinary high-water mark and 100-year flood plain. Additional riprap will be placed on both sides of the abutments, impacting 80 linear feet of the waterbody. Concurrent with riprap placement, the project will construct a cofferdam approximately 100 feet away from the river allowing the water to flow back to the river through grass and straw wattles. The cofferdam will be built from large totes filled with gravel. The project will use an existing crossing to move construction material to the other side of the waterbody during low flow conditions.   

Based upon review of the federal permit application, readily available water quality related materials, and certification request in accordance with the Clean Water Act § 121.5 (b) and (c) and 121.7 (c), DEQ, certifies that if the permittee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the permit and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, then it is reasonable for DEQ to conclude that the activity will comply with water quality requirements, including applicable requirements of the Clean Water Act §§ 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, Idaho’s “Water Quality Standards” (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of state law.

The certification materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through July 8, 2024, at 5 p.m. (MDT). Submit comments electronically via DEQ’s public comment form or by mail or email:

Meghan Cline
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
meghan.cline@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents

Draft certification

Accessibility Services: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will provide reasonable language access services and/or disability services for documents at no charge. To request an accommodation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Americans with Disabilities Act, contact DEQ’s nondiscrimination coordinator at (208) 373-0271 or accessibility@deq.idaho.gov. Para obtener información en español, visite https://www.deq.idaho.gov/about-us/accessibility/.