Summary
EPA is proposing to issue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit to the University of Idaho.
The University of Idaho owns and/or operates a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) in Latah County, Idaho. The permit requires the implementation of a comprehensive stormwater management program (SWMP) and outlines the control measures to be used by the University to reduce pollutants in their stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable, to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act. Annual reporting is required to reflect the status of the SWMP implementation.
This permit is being issued to the University for the first time. In June 2019, EPA determined that discharges from the University’s MS4 contribute to violations of applicable water quality standards in Paradise Creek and are a significant contributor of pollutants. As a result, and in accordance with federal regulations, EPA designated the University’s MS4 as a "regulated small MS4" that requires a NPDES permit, and the University subsequently submitted a NPDES permit application. The issue of whether the designation was proper remains open during the comment period on this permit.
Tentative Determination
The Region 10 office of the EPA has tentatively determined to issue a discharge permit to the applicant.
State Water Quality Certification
EPA will request that the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) certify the permit pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1341. Questions or comments regarding the certification should be directed to:
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Lewiston Regional Office
Attn: Sujata Connell, Surface Water Quality Manager
118 "F" Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
The NPDES permit will not be reissued until the certification requirements of Section 401 have been met.
Administrative Record
Electronic copies of the draft permit and technical fact sheet are available below under "Related Documents."
Copies and other information may be also requested by contacting Misha Vakoc, 206-553-6650.
Because of COVID-19 response, there is no public access to the Region 10 EPA building at this time. Therefore, we cannot make hard copies available for viewing at our offices.
Disability Reasonable Accomodation
If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please call Misha Vakoc at 206-553-6650 (voice). TTY/TDD users please dial Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6388. Please provide one week advance notice for special requests not related to ongoing programs and services.