DEQ warns permit delays as turnover bites; requests targeted pay increases and funding transfers for cleanup and loans

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee it is facing high turnover in technical permitting positions and proposed targeted pay increases to improve recruitment and retention.

Director Jess Byrne told the committee that permit processing times and backlog have lengthened because of vacancies in technical programs and that many positions require lengthy training. "Right now...in February, it took us about 89.1 days on average to issue an air quality permit. We are now closer to a hundred and 60 days on average," Byrne said, adding that turnaround has meaningfully slowed in several permitting programs.

Why it matters: DEQ issues the air and wastewater permits that can control when businesses can construct facilities and discharge wastewater. Committee members pressed the director to explain how pay and staffing choices affect economic development and how DEQ is using dedicated funds for remediation and drinking‑water/wastewater loan programs.

Key details

- Staffing and pay request: Byrne described a targeted proposal that would raise entry hiring minimums to 83% comp ratio for new hires and up to…