RELEASE: DEQ Seeks Comment on Proposed Settlement Action with the City of Bellevue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2026

Contact: Brandi Lowe, Wastewater Enforcement Coordinator, [email protected]

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks public comment on a proposed settlement action with the City of Bellevue (City), regarding its central wastewater treatment and reuse facility in Blaine County, ID.

DEQ alleges that the City failed to comply with conditions of Reuse Permit No. M-112-03, which was issued under IDAPA 58.01.17, Recycled Water Rules. Alleged violations include permit renewal deficiencies, noncompliance associated with treatment system failures and bypass operations, inadequate operation and maintenance practices, improper management of the rapid infiltration basins, monitoring and sampling deficiencies, failure to conduct required lagoon seepage testing, and incomplete reuse groundwater monitoring compliance activity.

To address the noncompliance, DEQ developed a Compliance Agreement Schedule (CAS) that requires the City to complete corrective actions and implement long-term operational improvements. The CAS requires the City to complete engineering evaluations, improve operation and maintenance practices, conduct additional monitoring and reporting, implement management plans, and submit a complete reuse permit renewal application.

The proposed settlement action is available for public review on DEQ’s Public Comment Opportunities page and at the DEQ State Office, 1410 N Hilton Street, Boise, ID 83706. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. MDT on September 18, 2026. This settlement action may be amended or adjusted in the future, in which case, DEQ may provide an additional public comment opportunity.

Submit comments electronically via DEQ’s website, by email, or by mail to:

Brandi Lowe
Wastewater Enforcement Coordinator
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
1410 N Hilton Street
Boise, ID 83706
[email protected]

About Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

DEQ was created by the Idaho Environmental Protection and Health Act with a mission to protect human health and the quality of Idaho’s air, land, and water. Learn more at https://www.deq.idaho.gov.

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