DEQ warns permit backlogs and turnover are slowing projects; seeks targeted pay increases

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee that staff turnover and vacancies have lengthened permitting timelines and that the agency is proposing targeted pay increases to improve recruitment and retention.

Why it matters: DEQ issues air quality and wastewater permits and administers state remediation programs. Legislators asked for evidence that pay adjustments would improve permit turnaround and for details on fund balances that underwrite loans and remediation work.

Agency overview and staffing: Budget analyst Janet Jessup told the committee the Department of Environmental Quality is allocated roughly 385 full‑time positions. Director Jess Byrne said the agency has seen high vacancy rates and turnover in specialized permitting positions and that recruiting and training new staff has become a major challenge. Byrne said it can take up to two years to train a new permit writer and that recent turnover means the agency is often replacing staff just as they become fully productive. Average tenure for new employees in…