Why It Matters
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comments on a draft water quality certification for the proposed Rivermoor Project in Star. The project would develop single-family housing and affect several waterways and ditches in the Lower Boise River Subbasin.
What Happened
DEQ’s draft certification concerns work that would pipe and fill portions of Phyllis Slough, Eureka Canal, and Unnamed Ditches No. 2 and No. 3. Phyllis Slough is also identified as the Eureka Main Canal, while Eureka Canal is also known as the Back Lateral.
The project plan includes 10 separate compensatory wetland mitigation areas within the project site. DEQ determined that meeting the conditions of the federal permit and certification would support compliance with specified water quality requirements.
By the Numbers
- November 13, 2026: Comment period begins
- December 4, 2026: Written comments are due
- 5 p.m. Mountain Time: Comment deadline
- 10: Compensatory wetland mitigation areas
- 40 CFR §§ 121.5(b), 121.5(c), and 121.7(c): Cited certification provisions
Zoom Out
The draft addresses requirements under Clean Water Act sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, along with Idaho’s water quality standards in IDAPA 58.01.02 and other applicable state water quality requirements.
What’s Next
Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or by email to Meghan Cline. Written comments must arrive by December 4 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
The draft certification is available at DEQ’s State Office at 1410 N. Hilton St. in Boise, the Boise Regional Office at 1445 N. Orchard St. in Boise, and DEQ’s website.
DEQ said language access and disability services for the documents are available at no charge. Accommodation requests may be made under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Americans with Disabilities Act. The nondiscrimination coordinator can be reached at (208) 373-0271.
