Environmental Guide for Local Governments
Local governments often own and have primary responsibility for wastewater and storm water systems, drinking water systems, and solid waste disposal services and systems, among other areas of environmental concern. Through planning and zoning actions, operational ordinances, and inspections, local governments also directly influence business development in their boundaries.
Local governments share a mutual responsibility toward sustainable development and protection of air, land, and water. Local governments can implement rules, regulations, or ordinances, but cannot enact regulations and ordinances that are inconsistent with state or federal rules, statutes, regulations, or permits. For this reason, it is advisable for local officials to be aware of state and federal rules, statutes, and regulations.
The Idaho Environmental Guide is a resource for local government officials to assist in managing a community's environmental responsibilities. The purpose of the guide is informational; it is not an all-encompassing summary of state and federal rules and regulations. It should be consulted before approving projects to understand the impacts to air, water, and/or land that could affect the health, welfare, and sustainability of the community.
Note: Planning and zoning is a local authority. DEQ plays a complementary role, but does not make land use decisions. Note that DEQ's approvals of activities under its regulatory authority are still subject to local planning and zoning restrictions, which may be more or less limiting. When projects overlap local boundaries or affect areas outside of a community's jurisdiction, coordination with the corresponding local government is encouraged. The Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act (I.C. § 67-6537), outlines requirements for local governing boards to collaborate and cooperate on projects.
Air Quality
Air pollution is any substance in the air that can cause harm to human health or welfare or the environment. Pollutants may be natural or humanmade and may take the form of solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases. Natural sources of air pollution include smoke from wildfires, dust, and even volcanic ash. Humanmade sources of air pollution include emissions from vehicles and factories; dust from unpaved roads, agriculture, or construction sites; and smoke from human-caused fires. Learn more.
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Burning and Smoke Management
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Fugitive Dust
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Greenhouse Gases
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Nonattainment
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Odor Control
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Permit to Construct
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Toxic Air Pollutants
Water Quality
Water is one of Idaho’s most important resources. Our rivers, lakes, and streams provide natural beauty and supply the water necessary for drinking, recreation, industry, agriculture, and aquatic life. Ground water is particularly important to Idahoans; 95% of our drinking water comes from ground water. Protecting Idaho’s water from contamination is vital to sustaining our quality of life. Learn more.
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Ground Water
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Source Water
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Surface Water
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Wastewater
Waste Management and Remediation
DEQ monitors and controls the generation, treatment, storage, and disposal of wastes in Idaho. DEQ focuses on ensuring that wastes generated in or entering Idaho are managed and disposed in a manner protective of human health and the environment. On the remediation side, program resources are directed to responding to releases of hazardous substances to surface waters, ground water, or soils. Learn more.
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Brownfields
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Hazardous Waste
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Household Hazardous Waste
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Inactive or Abandoned Mining Areas
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Petroleum Storage or Fueling
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Solid Waste
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Waste Tires
Special Environmental Concerns
Certain activities may impact the environment and be cause for concern. Learn more about these issues and what to do in an emergency situation here.
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Concentrated (or Confined) Animal Feeding Operations
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Construction Activities
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Emergency Response
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Pesticides
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Ponds
- Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Salvage Yards or Vehicle/Equipment Storage
Resources
Online resources provide access to information to help local governments create sustainable communities and protect Idaho's environment. Learn more.