The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on a draft reuse permit for the city of Nezperce.
The city of Nezperce currently discharges treated wastewater effluent to Long Hollow Creek in Lewis County under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit ID0020397. The city is not meeting the ammonia and temperature requirements for the permit and has applied for a recycled water reuse permit to limit or eliminate discharge to the creek. Under the permit, the city would apply an average of 43.8 million gallons of Class C recycled water to a 74.9-acre management unit April through October. Operation of the reuse facility is expected to begin in 2026.
The permit would authorize reuse operations for seven years and establish monitoring requirements, limits on nutrient and hydraulic loading, and conditions established by DEQ to protect public health and the environment.
The permit materials are available for public review at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho 83706) and on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page. Written comments will be accepted through November 11, 2024, until 5 p.m. MDT. Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to:
Todd Higgins
1410 N. Hilton St.
Boise, ID 83703
