RELEASE: DEQ Seeks Comment on Proposed Settlement Action with Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2026

Contact: Ben Johnson, Wastewater Enforcement Coordinator, [email protected]

BOISE – The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on a proposed settlement action and consent judgment with Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District (PLRWSD). DEQ alleges violations of the Clean Water Act and the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) permitting requirements. PLRWSD holds IPDES Permit No. ID002023, which authorizes the discharge of treated wastewater from its publicly owned treatment works in McCall, Idaho, to the North Fork of the Payette River (NFPR). PLRWSD also holds reuse permit M-236-01 which serves as its main disposal method of effluent from PLRWSD through land application.

DEQ alleges that PLRWSD’s violations include unauthorized discharges of pollutants to the NFPR resulting from leaks in the wastewater storage pond liner, and a failure to properly operate and maintain the wastewater treatment system.

The proposed settlement action requires PLRWSD to implement corrective actions to achieve and maintain compliance with its IPDES permit and reuse permit M-236-01, complete specified planning, operational, monitoring, and infrastructure improvements, and submit regular progress reports documenting compliance with the consent judgment. The PLRWSD must also pay a civil penalty of $75,980, with additional stipulated penalty of $683,820 that may be assessed if the PLRWSD fails to meet specific compliance milestones outlined in the consent judgment.

In compliance with Idaho Code 39-108(9) and IDAPA 58.01.25.500.04, DEQ is publishing the proposed settlement action for public comment. The proposed settlement action is available for review on DEQ’s website and at DEQ’s State Office (1410 North Hilton Street, Boise, Idaho 83706). Written comments will be accepted through November 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. MT. 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 on DEQ’s website, or by mail or email to:

Ben Johnson
Wastewater Enforcement Coordinator
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
1410 N. Hilton St.
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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