Author: cris

March 31, 2023

Contact: Tasha Owen, Water Quality Analyst, tasha.owen@deq.idaho.gov. 

TWIN FALLS — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking representatives to fill two vacancies on the Upper Snake Basin Advisory Group (BAG).

The two vacancies include representation from the hydropower industry and the public at large.

The Upper Snake BAG is comprised of citizens, appointed by DEQ’s director, that represent stakeholder groups from 19 counties in southern Idaho. The BAG advises DEQ on water quality objectives within Idaho’s Upper Snake Basin and represents industries and interests directly affected by water quality programs within the basin.

The BAG meets as necessary to advise DEQ on the following matters:

• Priorities within the basin
• Revisions needed in the designated beneficial uses for water bodies within the basins
• Categories to which water bodies in the basin should be assigned
• Processes for developing and implementing total maximum daily loads
• Members to be appointed to watershed advisory groups
• Water quality 319 nonpoint source priority projects throughout the region

Members must have a demonstrated interest or expertise that will benefit the work of the group. Anyone interested in serving on the BAG as a representative of the above interest groups should contact Tasha Owen at (208) 736-2190 or tasha.owen@deq.idaho.gov by 5 p.m. MDT on April 30, 2023.

Contact: Dan McCracken, Coeur d’Alene Regional Administrator, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Dan.McCracken@deq.idaho.gov

COEUR D’ALENE—The Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee (CLAC) met today to prioritize $20 million for projects that improve and protect water quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake, as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho Initiative.  

The committee voted to award $3.6 million for 10 projects that will target phosphorus reduction throughout the basin. 

Projects include restoration work in tributaries intended to reduce phosphorus entering Coeur d’Alene Lake from Wolf Lodge Creek, Mica Creek, and Fernan Lake; stormwater management projects for Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg, and Eastside Highway District; and shoreline stabilization in Powderhorn Bay.  

In a final item of business, committee members considered projects to address findings outlined in the National Academies of Science (NAS), Engineering, and Medicine’s Future of Water Quality in Coeur d’Alene Lake report. The report, published in November 2022, provided a third-party assessment of water quality data collected over the last three decades and outlined issues of concern. The committee plans to meet again on March 23 to finalize prioritization and authorize spending for the projects to address NAS recommendations. 

The December meeting continues Governor Little’s multiyear effort to improve the health of Coeur d’Alene Lake. In 2021, Governor Little established the CLAC and directed $2 million for projects that reduce levels of phosphorus from entering the lake from wastewater, stormwater runoff, erosion, and other sources. The following year, Governor Little made an additional $20 million available for projects that support the state’s 2009 Lake Management Plan and reduce nutrient loading to the lake. 

BOISE – On September 27th, 2022, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that the Idaho Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan required under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program was approved for implementation. There is now $4,425,511 in funds available to Idaho to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. For the Fiscal Years 2022-2026, Idaho is expected to receive just under $30 million through the NEVI Formula Program. A portion of the FY22 funding will be used to conduct a siting, access, and feasibility study to guide EV fast charger buildout.

Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Administrator, Richard Stover, announced “the approval of the Idaho’s NEVI plan is welcome news. This plan was the culmination of extensive outreach and community input and reflects a strong working partnership between the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR), and other stakeholders and community members across Idaho. Its approval represents an important step in infrastructure, economic and workforce development in Idaho. Over the next year, we will be conducting a siting, feasibility, and access study to determine how and where to deploy this funding. This study will involve significant outreach to local communities, disadvantaged communities across Idaho, and possible funding partners. We are excited to get this plan moving”

The Idaho Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan may be viewed on OEMR’s NEVI webpage. https://oemr.idaho.gov/programs/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-program/

July 7, 2022

Contact: Danielle Terhaar, Water Quality Analyst, Danielle.Terhaar@deq.idaho.gov

CASCADE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) invites the public to join for an open house event focused on cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and water quality monitoring at Cascade Lake.

The event is scheduled for July 13, 2022, from 12 to 6:45 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 105 E Mill St in Cascade.

Representatives from DEQ, US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Central District Health, Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Parks and Recreation, Cascade Medical Center, Friends of Lake Cascade, Kelly’s Whitewater Park, and Natural Resources Conservation Service will be available to answer questions about cyanotoxin health effects, water quality sampling and monitoring, public safety, and other related topics.

Cyanobacteria blooms, also called harmful algal blooms, are not uncommon in the warm summer months. Cascade Lake experienced an early bloom in mid-June, sparking questions and concerns among the people. Please meet with us if you would like to learn more.

July 6, 2022

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks public comment on a proposed settlement action with Conger Management Group, Inc. for violations of the 2022 construction general permit for discharges from construction activities.

Conger Management Group, Inc. obtained coverage under Permit IDR1002S3 as an operator at the Edington Commons Subdivision in Meridian, Idaho. DEQ alleges Conger Management Group, Inc. failed to comply with an applicable condition of the permit.

DEQ prepared an expedited settlement agreement and consent order directing Conger Management Group, Inc. to resolve the violation and either pay a civil penalty or request a compliance conference. Conger Management Group, Inc. has made payment in full for the civil penalty of $450.00 and signed the consent order.

The consent order is available for review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton St.) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.

Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email:

Nicole Deinarowicz
IPDES Compliance and Enforcement Officer
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
1410 N Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83706
Nicole.Deinarowicz@deq.idaho.gov

Related Documents

Draft expedited settlement and consent order

August 12, 2021

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is releasing an Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program (IPDES) preliminary draft permit to the City of Deary for preliminary review.

The facility has 10 days to review the preliminary draft permit and fact sheet for any errors and omissions that should be addressed before the public participation period.

After the preliminary draft period has concluded, DEQ will revise the preliminary draft permit as needed, and it will become a draft permit for public review and comment. DEQ will formally notify all necessary parties that the draft permit, fact sheet, and associated application have been posted on DEQ’s website for public review and comment, per the “Rules Regulating the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program” (IDAPA 58.01.25.109). To be notified of the forthcoming posting, go to the DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page and click the “Subscribe to this page” link.

Staff Contact
Jonathan Drygas
IPDES Permit Writer
Jonathan.Drygas@deq.idaho.gov

July 29, 2021

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today announced the award of $98,515 in drinking water construction assistance to Cassandra Hills Owners Association, Inc. in Benewah County, Idaho.

The funding will be used for drilling a new well, installing the pump and piping, and related engineering water quantity and quality testing.

The assistance from DEQ’s State Revolving Fund, which is capitalized annually by grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency, provides this funding with no repayment obligation. The favorable loan terms represent a $132,023 savings to the community when compared to average costs for municipal general obligation issuances.

Staff Contact
MaryAnna Peavey
Grants & Loans Bureau Chief
MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov