[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6355612,"mediaKeyId","2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b","parentId",2218094,"title","EPA PFAS drinking‑water rule triggers Idaho adoption; DEQ sampling finds PFAS detections, some sources near proposed MCLs","audioSeconds",1633,"startMs",3835350,"endMs",5468470,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b&start=3835&end=5468","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b/thumbnail_3835350.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6355612/Idaho/EPA-PFAS-drinkingwater-rule-triggers-Idaho-adoption-DEQ-sampling-finds-PFAS-detections-some-sources-near-proposed-MCLs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355612-d347f09126a5eedd00339e1e7e6f1691/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495636&Signature=Q2wsOypSI1zBOh4d6RP4GTvnr4zKGFkj61wl7yYPpVD9fxVhzEcrwrs6BUj236e2IAupYsV21ugjk9iReucdWkCAlEYYrL2WoK99wxtkcsT8YhLF710kjTho5w8a~kJ7M1X0GBYqnRyESoFSpowGVt7x5OIN87ZsYbbGkXA~EwORabUfz76XVDQmIS03kHnPGe9eD4r~pVTWPKZm3ByVScehnwCVs~nhRdPO1p7Rj8B25QgzrIBUx1TrVn~OXiq4tOzcIlXNN7pfJfek3Hb0FsN8lBppE8kyiGB~FBOqOqPlZs17U~uk4EPnz81ZYHbEuauYI864tLWxsmF4pK5ZEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Idaho House of Representatives","date","2025-01-30T00:00:00Z","article","The Department of Environmental Quality told the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee that EPA’s finalized PFAS drinking‑water rule requires Idaho to adopt federal monitoring, reporting and maximum contaminant level (MCL) requirements and that the department’s sampling has identified PFAS detections in multiple public water system sources.

\"PFOS is a compound that breaks down very slowly,\" said Tyler Forcionati, drinking water bureau chief, describing why the group of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has drawn regulatory attention. He summarized EPA’s April 2024 final rule, which establishes enforceable maximum contaminant levels for specified PFAS analytes and adds monitoring, reporting and public‑notification requirements for community and nontransient noncommunity public water systems.

Under the federal schedule DEQ described, public water systems must complete initial monitoring by April 2027 and transition to routine monitoring thereafter; systems must include PFAS results in consumer confidence reports beginning April 2027, must provide public notification if an MCL is exceeded starting April 2029, and must achieve compliance with an MCL by April 2029.

DEQ outlined three sampling efforts: Department of Defense monitoring near installations (Mountain Home Air Force Base detections led a system to install treatment in 2018 at about $1.36 million and O&M estimated at $100,000; that source was taken offline in 2020); EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5), which selected a random sample of 61 Idaho public water systems in 2023–25 for expanded PFAS testing; and DEQ’s voluntary PFAS sampling project, funded through EPA grants, which has sampled raw source water at 381 of 3,219 active sources (about 12%) and found detections at 66 sources. At the system level, DEQ sampled 203 of the state’s 2,016 regulated public water systems (about 10%) and found detections at 58 systems (about 28% of those sampled).

DEQ said 14 systems in its voluntary sampling had one or more sources with measurements that could exceed the finalized federal MCL; that represented 25 impacted sources and 11 of those 25 sources had two or more regulated analytes above the finalized MCL thresholds in the results DEQ reported. The range of detections DEQ reported spanned low‑ppt levels up to 42 parts per trillion for certain analytes; PFOS was the most common detection. DEQ said it offers confirmation sampling to systems and that, where detected, it can sample neighboring systems on a voluntary basis.

DEQ described existing mitigation funding: standard Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans, bipartisan infrastructure law funds (about $7.5 million per year for drinking water and about $1 million for wastewater for state fiscal years 2023–2027), and other emergent contaminant funding streams. To be eligible for the emerging contaminants funds, DEQ said systems must submit a letter of interest and document a PFAS issue; the next LOI cycle runs Oct. through Jan. for SFY27 funding.

The department also presented docket 580-108-2401, which incorporates the federal 40 CFR Part 141 Subpart Z PFAS requirements into Idaho rules and updates the CFR reference date to July 1, 2024; DEQ said adopting the federal rule is necessary to maintain state primacy under the Safe Drinking Water Act. DEQ presented the proposed rule as non‑discretionary and said the Drinking Water Advisory Committee and state utilities supported adoption.

Committee members asked whether PFAS is proven carcinogenic; Forcionati said scientific evidence is evolving and recent studies are leaning toward carcinogenicity for some PFAS compounds. Members also asked about treatment technologies; Forcionati said common treatment options include granular activated carbon, ion exchange and reverse osmosis and that costs can be substantial for small systems.

DEQ asked the committee to support adoption of the federal PFAS requirements into state rule to preserve primacy and provide a regulatory framework for monitoring and compliance. The committee did not vote at the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Environment, Energy and Technology Meeting January 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","DEQ told the committee that EPA’s April 2024 PFAS drinking‑water rule requires states to incorporate federal MCLs, monitoring and reporting requirements and that Idaho sampling has identified PFAS detections in multiple public water system sources, with some sources near or above the federal thresholds.","taxTitle","Environment, Energy and Technology, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Idaho","taxId",56883,"location","Idaho","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6355621,"DEQ consolidates wastewater and septic fees, proposes new recycled‑water permit fee to sustain reuse program",859,2018330,2878210,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b&start=2018&end=2878","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b/thumbnail_2018330.jpg","/articles/6355621/Idaho/DEQ-consolidates-wastewater-and-septic-fees-proposes-new-recycledwater-permit-fee-to-sustain-reuse-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355621-e257d01dcac2e95b83d430a6d8485cfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495636&Signature=fxdN8oOzSng-SRHfqqpe-tcVoqTgwg245NcACXF6qfuDTcXDZjRcysA6s~WyFdjpzwZr~7mvdiCf8Rp6NjpEGapt3-~Q0wU92AzgUjbrWXVCk57bR9wpHn5Dch8drw9peOEpdm3HAYBAwkZVSIanYpQyC3XBTO5qp5772tqMX8p4V~lLXZKVkTgI9U8AaOjC7RsW-NteDvkydIqAdJoHSlY4A3WsWGOr8me0Df5-SAR3fZO2FifIVoNs2AQbqlbRNohfsrgbgGFeLIR1bNeYHI5U8g50lV7gaaJ6xl3eu2p6HBz8mojhdw9iaB5i9mLBVBb-9PHhpXFpHDEVqYtHDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Environmental Quality told the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee it is proposing a consolidated fee chapter that would gather existing wastewater, septic and reuse permit fees into a single rule and establish a new fee schedule for recycled‑water (reuse) permits.

\"We're also introducing a new fee for recycled water permits,\" said Mary Anne Nelson, DEQ Surface and Wastewater Division administrator, presenting docket 580-114-2401. She said the change is intended to make fees easier to find and administer and to ensure funding sustainability for the recycled‑water program.

DEQ said the proposed fee chapter consolidates minimum fees drawn from the seven local public‑health district schedules and creates a new table of minimums so that, if a health district declines to run the septic permitting program, DEQ would have a fee schedule available to operate the program. Nelson said the agency created the table by identifying the lowest fee charged across districts for common permit categories; the table would represent minimums, not ceilings.

The rule also introduces an annual fee schedule for recycled‑water permits (reuse) and transfers the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) fee schedule into the chapter for consistency. Under DEQ's proposal the reuse permit program would become effective July 1, 2025; the agency described its first fee cycle as July 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026, with invoices sent Oct. 1, 2026 and payment due Nov. 1, 2026, meaning revenue would not be realized until state fiscal year 2027.

DEQ described three fee scenarios it presented to stakeholders — (1) fixed annual cost, (2) application fee only, and (3) a hybrid — and said the negotiated rule‑making committee selected a fixed annual cost approach designed to generate about $200,000 in annual revenue for reuse permit administration. Nelson said that approach spreads costs equitably across facility types and helps the agency reduce permit backlogs and staffing pressure.

DEQ told the committee the rulemaking process included three rulemaking sessions and outreach to a range of stakeholders including the Association of Idaho Cities, Idaho Rural Water, municipal utilities and sewer districts, Idaho Power and industry consultants. The agency received letters of support from Idaho Rural Water and comments from the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry; the environmental health directors working group also provided recommended edits DEQ incorporated.

DEQ said the largest reuse permit fee under the table would be $3,000 for municipalities of 15,000 people or more; a smaller private municipal category was cited at $750. Committee members asked whether penalties or enforcement fees would change; Nelson said penalties are not addressed in the fee rule. Representative Burgoyne asked whether homeowners or homeowners associations participated in the process; DEQ said attorneys representing homeowners associations participated and that the final rule incorporates a fee waiver provision to address extenuating circumstances.

DEQ said most health districts already collect fees under their own authorities and this rule would not automatically increase those district fees; rather, the chapter is intended to document a default minimum fee table for a DEQ‑run program if districts elect not to run the program. The rule was presented to the board of environmental quality and DEQ said the board approved the rule as presented to them on Nov. 14, 2024. There were no comments on the administrative bulletin posting during the public comment period, DEQ said.

Speakers from Idaho Rural Water and the Association of Idaho Cities testified in support of the rulemaking during the committee hearing.

The committee did not vote on the docket at the hearing; the chair said votes are expected at the Feb. 18 meeting.","The Department of Environmental Quality proposed a consolidated fee chapter that centralizes septic, wastewater and recycled‑water permit fees and introduces a new annual fee schedule for reuse permits intended to provide stable funding for DEQ's recycled‑water program.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6355626,"DEQ proposes broad rewrite of Idaho septic-system rules, including new definitions, riser requirement and reduced setbacks",1785,26960,1812770,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b&start=26&end=1812","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b/thumbnail_26960.jpg","/articles/6355626/Idaho/DEQ-proposes-broad-rewrite-of-Idaho-septic-system-rules-including-new-definitions-riser-requirement-and-reduced-setbacks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355626-d13fa2888d2925b6606f8d83e099b03f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495636&Signature=SMNhP0DjS1KETq05qy1iO~59T2n~OAhAgKCt580LXbqjx1Yy69g0FxLhmR9vHiJUKOZi~jHLhlU47A8QqdXLGFPgiw6wEjQBM76vW9zpPMcIlrGO6uoD7oizK8VV9RoO2WlkTkAEFVYyDkZ5b5Vee0gEFF26iS0LUApFr25DjP0KngS8ury-UMJzFMWbxrjr68TABTncsoG90wzXHaTzRqU~92BFMBB4d7j4GWlMvCUVRh1krxImM00Y4eKWAp11WOTviEYoVG~rFiR-F10wJw4jICNgjUey-JMZQTZo-WfW0QFeK-ZRXUh2jhNjzb5QE03Rr7d8uyfZFZKXKKRFTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Environmental Quality on Wednesday presented a package of proposed changes to Idaho’s septic and subsurface sewage rules that would reorganize definitions, simplify permitting and change several construction and setback requirements.

The update to IDAPA 58.01.03 (docket 580-103-2301) is intended as a 0‑based review, Mary Anne Nelson, Surface and Wastewater Division administrator for DEQ, told the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee. \"This rule follows legislative intent outlined in Idaho code 39102,\" Nelson said, and DEQ \"removed outdated language and cut more than 1,100 words from this rule.\"

DEQ said the rewrite moves some material out of the Technical Guidance Manual (TGM) and into rule where it belongs, clarifies multiple definitions and reorganizes installation and approval procedures so technical requirements sit in guidance while definitional and enforcement items remain in rule. The agency also described changes intended to encourage service providers for advanced treatment systems while reducing duplicative licensing barriers.

Key changes described by DEQ include adding or consolidating definitions (for example, ‘‘absorption bed,’’ ‘‘bedroom,’’ ‘‘drain field’’ and ‘‘septic tank’’), clarifying that treatment products designed to treat more than 2,500 gallons per day must be reviewed under the wastewater rules (580-0116), and combining multiple definitions for proprietary products into a single definition. Nelson said DEQ \"added the definition of minimum tank capacity\" to clarify that capacity refers to the sum of all tanks in a system, not each individual tank.

On construction and inspection matters, DEQ proposed that septic tank risers extend to the surface to aid pumping, inspections and property transfers; removed allowances for fully buried tanks with no surface access; and removed seepage pits (historically allowed only in Health District 7), which DEQ said are substandard and rarely permitted in the last 20 years. The agency also proposed removing some large‑tank design specifications that it called outdated and unnecessary because modern tanks do not match the old dimensions.

Setbacks and system limitations were adjusted. DEQ said it reduced the vertical separation from downslope cut or scarp from 25 feet to 10 feet based on health district experience and alignment with Oregon practice. The rules add prohibitions against dumping substances detrimental to biological operation of systems (for example, certain chemicals and formaldehyde) and move granular installation details into the TGM where variances can be considered.

On provider and product oversight, DEQ proposed removing the requirement that service providers be licensed complex installers so as to increase capacity for operations and maintenance of extended treatment package systems (ETPS). DEQ also proposed raising bond requirements for installers and service providers (the last bond update was in 1993) and adding language requiring product and tank submittals be prepared or submitted by an Idaho‑licensed engineer for preauthorization review by the technical guidance committee.

Committee members asked about end‑user cost impacts, the length of DEQ product reviews and why some definitions were adapted from neighboring states. Nelson said DEQ consulted Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah and Wyoming when consolidating definitions and that the DEQ review focuses on plans and specifications for products rather than each individual installation. Representative Bruce asked whether DEQ considered cost impacts to cities and counties; Nelson said health district staff and installers participated in rulemaking and that DEQ considered those impacts during negotiations.

DEQ said it held two negotiated rulemakings with participants from health districts, DEQ, the attorney general's office, industry service providers and the public, and that the board of environmental quality approved the rule as presented to them on Nov. 14, 2024. The committee did not take a vote; the chair reminded members that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that any votes would occur February 18.

The agency noted one substantive cross‑reference: treatment products that remove more than 2,500 gallons per day are outside this chapter and must be reviewed under IDAPA 58.01.16 (wastewater rules), which DEQ plans to bring for review next year.

If adopted as proposed, the changes would tighten some construction requirements (risers to surface), relax some installation barriers (service provider licensure to encourage more maintenance providers), and update technical references, DEQ said.

DEQ emphasized the changes were developed with input from the technical guidance committee (which includes health district environmental health professionals, a licensed installer, a professional engineer and DEQ representation) and that the manual will continue to supply design and installation guidance while rule language covers enforceable requirements.

The committee heard the presentation and technical questions but did not vote on the docket during the hearing.

The Department of Environmental Quality will return for further rulemakings on wastewater rules next year, DEQ staff said.","The Department of Environmental Quality presented proposed updates to IDAPA 58.01.03 (docket 580-103-2301) to simplify language, move technical guidance into rule, change definitions, require risers to surface, reduce certain setbacks and remove seepage pits. No committee votes were taken.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6355616,"DEQ streamlines planning grants rules; adds priority points and clarifies eligibility for drinking‑water and wastewater pipeline",176,3100150,3277050,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b&start=3100&end=3277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218094-2a6a9ae8ab21201c8855596f43a4e63b/thumbnail_3100150.jpg","/articles/6355616/Idaho/DEQ-streamlines-planning-grants-rules-adds-priority-points-and-clarifies-eligibility-for-drinkingwater-and-wastewater-pipeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355616-f55ea011351adf2e16789cd0151e08eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495636&Signature=ET1Ro0aKJhrowswxaWQYfQLbqCH-IDeX5d-5Ize0evi9nu2L14kL7wg403wT9Rlvjs9pzJorzeB9G0zRXQbt8MOVsrSiOOqLwj7Gom2Aw0CdCX5mSU9GCaz4rudS8Zj7rdPEjXTRyY3iYzj40KP9aIlKNKHARzhwiCJBY1uz-AzzLiuYB32WJ-RlfVGcpmZA6w7yd3~Tjau16~qX05NbNnd08wQbD84gA3sOy6BKHw5gXSgpWOyndyVSphGgZzoaBApUDtWTU01fbmbNHqs9qqFx3z8sbC9C10MC4utqq-5N-QvqLBDmifqSmzkd3Bh-IqIEdl~58Ya-hADpuC5uhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Environmental Quality presented proposed revisions to the agency’s planning grant administration rules covering drinking water and wastewater facility planning. Jerry (Jeri) Henry, administrator for DEQ’s Drinking Water Protection and Finance Division, told the committee the updates are administrative and intended to streamline the chapter and align eligibility with federal revolving‑fund requirements.

\"This chapter provides a framework for administration of our planning grants, which support public drinking water and wastewater systems and developing planning documents, such as engineering facility plans,\" Henry said, presenting docket 580-122-2401. He said the rewrite updates web links, removes unused references, reorganizes for readability and clarifies priority scoring.

DEQ said the planning grants were combined in 2021 and this docket continues prior streamlining. Key changes include revised priority rating criteria (section 20) to add clarity where user charges exceed the affordability threshold (2% of median household income), removal of bonus points for public health emergencies (planning grants are not intended to address unplanned emergencies), and clarification that eligibility mirrors EPA drinking‑water and clean‑water state revolving fund guidance for consistency.

Henry said DEQ also incorporated feedback on bonus points by changing the letters‑of‑interest process to capture systems in good standing (for example, systems with recent sanitary surveys free of significant deficiencies, source water protection plans, or cross‑connection control plans) so those systems can receive points during the funding pipeline. He said the errors‑and‑omissions (professional liability) insurance amounts for consultants are less relevant at the planning stage and are being addressed separately in forthcoming loan rules.

Public involvement included two negotiated rule‑making sessions (April 16 and June 5, 2024) and a public comment period following publication in the September 2024 administrative bulletin. DEQ said it received comments, made clarifications, and that the changes do not expand regulatory authority; they are procedural and intended to ensure consistency with federal funding requirements.

Henry described grant funding sources: roughly $350,000 derived from clean‑water fees supports wastewater planning grants, and a federal capacity‑development grant (drinking‑water SRF) supplies roughly $350,000 for drinking‑water planning grants; DEQ also used American Rescue Plan Act funds in 2023 to support a larger set of planning grants. Henry asked the committee for support to adopt the docket when it is considered for a vote.

The committee asked about the source of planning grant funds and whether the changes would affect the public; Henry said the revisions are primarily administrative but could affect applicants by clarifying scoring and improving transparency. The hearing closed without a committee vote; the chair said votes will be scheduled for February 18.","DEQ presented proposed updates to planning grant rules (IDAPA 58.01.122, docket 580-122-2401) to improve readability, update links, harmonize eligibility with EPA revolving‑fund requirements, and adjust the priority scoring system including guidance on affordability and bonus points for systems in good standing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EPA PFAS drinking‑water rule triggers Idaho adoption; DEQ sampling finds PFAS detections, some sources near proposed MCLs

DEQ consolidates wastewater and septic fees, proposes new recycled‑water permit fee to sustain reuse program

DEQ proposes broad rewrite of Idaho septic-system rules, including new definitions, riser requirement and reduced setbacks

DEQ streamlines planning grants rules; adds priority points and clarifies eligibility for drinking‑water and wastewater pipeline