Comments sought on HBC permit

PRIEST LAKE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on a draft water reuse permit renewal for the Huckleberry Bay Company.

The permit authorizes the company to continue operating a wastewater treatment facility and reuse system for another 10 years. It allows recycled water to be used to irrigate forested land during the growing season.

As part of the permitting process, the company is required to show how it will address public health and environmental concerns, including methods of preventing surface and ground water contamination. The draft permit specifies buffer zones around the irrigation site, hydraulic and nutrient loading rates, operating practices, and monitoring requirements established by DEQ to protect public health and the environment.

Written comments on the draft permit will be accepted through September 13, 2018, at 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

The draft permit and staff analysis are available for public review at DEQ’s Coeur d’Alene Regional Office and on DEQ’s website (download at right).

Submit comments on DEQ’s website or by mail or email to: Chris Westerman DEQ Coeur d’Alene Regional Office 2110 Ironwood Parkway, Coeur d’Alene, ID. 83814or via email: chris.westerman@deq.idaho.gov.