Accepting comments from April 19, 2024, through May 10, 2024.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for refining site remediation and lakeshore enhancement activities at the former Panhandle Smelting site.
The remediation effort will take place at the former Panhandle Smelting and Refining Company site. Past smelting activities have contaminated the soil with heavy metals and left behind contaminated materials, including arsenic, lead, and zinc. A large remnant of the PRSC is a slag pile named Blackrock. The activity will clean up the contaminated site, isolate Blackrock with shoreline protection, and provide a public recreational area. This certification, with Nationwide Permit 14, addresses only the first phase of the activity.
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 May 10, 2024, at 5 p.m. (MDT). Submit comments electronically via DEQ’s public comment form or by mail or email:
Chantilly Higbee
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Chantilly.Higbee@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/.
Official Government Website
DEQ seeks comment on draft 401 water quality certification for refining site remediation and lakeshore enhancement activities at former Panhandle Smelting site
Accepting comments from April 19, 2024, through May 10, 2024.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks comment on a draft 401 water quality certification for refining site remediation and lakeshore enhancement activities at the former Panhandle Smelting site.
The remediation effort will take place at the former Panhandle Smelting and Refining Company site. Past smelting activities have contaminated the soil with heavy metals and left behind contaminated materials, including arsenic, lead, and zinc. A large remnant of the PRSC is a slag pile named Blackrock. The activity will clean up the contaminated site, isolate Blackrock with shoreline protection, and provide a public recreational area. This certification, with Nationwide Permit 14, addresses only the first phase of the activity.
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 May 10, 2024, at 5 p.m. (MDT). Submit comments electronically via DEQ’s public comment form or by mail or email:
Chantilly Higbee
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Chantilly.Higbee@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/.
Public Comment Form