DEQ seeks comments on Boyer Slough TMDL

COEUR d'ALENE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on the Boyer Slough Total Maximum Daily Load for phosphorus and ammonia.

Boyer Slough is a small subbasin in the Lake Pend Oreille watershed in Bonner County. DEQ monitoring and subsequent assessments identified total phosphorus and ammonia as the primary pollutants of concern impairing coldwater aquatic life, salmonid spawning and primary contact recreation beneficial uses in the subbasin.

The draft TMDL establishes water quality targets and load capacities, estimates existing pollutant loads and allocates responsibility for load reductions needed to return listed waters to a condition that meets water quality standards. It also identifies implementation strategies — including reasonable time frames, approach, responsible parties and monitoring strategies — needed to achieve load reductions and meet water quality standards.

The draft TMDL is available for review at DEQ’s state office, 1410 N. Hilton St., Boise, and DEQ’s Coeur d’Alene Regional Office, 2110 Ironwood Parkway, as well as on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page.

Written comments will be accepted through April 24, 2026. Comments may be submitted electronically through DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page or by mail or email to Todd Higens, watershed analyst, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, 2110 Ironwood Parkway, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, [email protected].