Idaho seeks federal approval to regulate water pollution
Wed., Aug. 31, 2016
BOISE – Idaho wants to take over regulating pollution discharge into the state’s lakes and rivers from the federal government.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality on Wednesday submitted an application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take control of permitting and enforcement aspects under the federal Clean Water Act.
Idaho is one of four states where federal officials regulate pollution discharge into surface waters.
State officials say having Idaho run the program will have local experts better acquainted with Idaho making decisions.
The Idaho program would issue pollution discharge permits to cities, industrial businesses, mining operators, animal feedlots and others.
An environmental group says it’s concerned the state won’t spend the money needed for the program to protect the state’s waters.
The program is projected to cost $3 million annually.
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