BOISE, ID – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality seeks comment on the Supplement to the Idaho Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Planning Period. The supplement is required as part of the federal Regional Haze Program, which seeks to improve visibility in wilderness areas and national parks with the goal of attaining natural visibility conditions by 2064.
From Idaho DEQ:
Under federal rules, states are required to periodically update regional haze plans. DEQ submitted the Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Planning Period to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August 2022, and EPA determined it administratively and technically complete on August 11, 2022.
The 2024 supplement provides DEQ’s responses to public comments received on the August 2022 submittal, corrects errors in tables, and expands on the August 2022 submittal. Table 1 summarizes what is included in the supplement and how it impacts the August 2022 submittal.
During the development of the 2024 supplement, DEQ initiated the 60-day Federal Land Manager consultation review process with the United States National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Forest Service (USFS). NPS commented on the supplement during the consultation period and recommended that DEQ base reasonable progress determinations on the four factors identified in the Clean Air Act, consider controls used in other parts of the United States, and verify compliance dates. Appendix F of the supplement offers NPS’s specific conclusions and recommendations and DEQ’s subsequent responses. USFS did not provide comments on the supplement.
A public hearing on the supplemental materials is scheduled for September 11, 2024, at 4 p.m. (MDT). See DEQ’s Events web page for more information. The meeting location will be accessible to individuals with disabilities, and language translators will be made available upon request if made five days prior to the meeting date. For arrangements, contact Dianne Hobbs at Dianne.hobbs@deq.idaho.gov.
The draft supplement and appendices are available for review on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities web page, at DEQ’s State Office (1410 N. Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho), and at DEQ’s regional offices. Written comments will be accepted through September 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. (MDT). To be most effective, comments should address whether this submittal meets Clean Air Act requirements to address regional haze. Reference the document title listed above when sending comments or requesting information. Submit comments electronically using the form below or by mail or email to:
Dianne Hobbs
(208) 373-0440
