South Fork Coeur d'Alene River Watershed Advisory Group (WAG)
The South Fork Coeur d’Alene River
Watershed Advisory Group (WAG) is planned to form in 2017
Watershed advisory groups (WAGs) are groups of interested citizens that provide local public input and guidance to DEQ during the development of water quality improvement plans or "Total Maximum Daily Loads" (TMDLs) for water bodies that fail to meet water quality standards. TMDLs are designed to reduce the levels of pollutants, such as bacteria and sediment, in impaired water bodies.
The South Fork Coeur d'Alene River WAG is not part of the Superfund cleanup, although many of the water quality issues are related. Many groups, such as the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, address the Superfund cleanup of metals. Instead, the WAG will focus on other water quality concerns such as sediment and temperature.
The South Fork Coeur d'Alene River Sediment Subbasin Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Load was developed, submitted to EPA for review, and subsequently approved by EPA in August 2003. The South Fork Coeur d'Alene River WAG and DEQ will plan and implement water quality improvement projects to achieve targets set by existing TMDLs for sediment in the subbasin. Additionally, TMDLs addressing temperature will be developed for waterbodies in the subbasin not fully supporting beneficial uses.
Currently, DEQ is compiling water quality data and talking with people who may be interested in participating in the WAG. If you are interested in participating or have questions, contact Kajsa Van de Riet at (208) 666-4633 or kajsa.vanderiet@deq.idaho.gov. Meeting announcements and other WAG materials will be posted on this webpage once the WAG begins.
Note: Content on this page is provided for informational purposes as the WAG and DEQ develop and implement water quality plans for the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River watershed. All review documents are considered draft and are subject to change. The goal of providing these documents at WAG meetings and on this webpage is to ensure citizens an opportunity to provide input as the documents are developed.
Next Scheduled Meeting Date
TBD