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Here's the latest information about stormwater management around the Treasure Valley.
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Boise River near Caldwell

Boise River near Caldwell

In the Forefront


DEQ seeks comments on Lower Boise River TMDL: 2015 Total Phosphorus Addendum

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment through July 6 on a proposed plan to improve water quality in the lower Boise River. The lower Boise River has been identified as impaired for total phosphorus. Excess phosphorus can contribute to algae growth that negatively affects water quality.

The draft Lower Boise River TMDL identifies stormwater runoff as a point source that contributes to excess phosphorus pollutant loading into the Boise River. The TMDL proposes that a 42% reduction in the stormwater load is needed to meet TMDL goals. Reductions in stormwater loads can be accomplished through Best Management Practices (BMPs), including retain onsite requirements, such as bioretention, infiltration, and collection and reuse; onsite stormwater inspection and maintenance; use of phosphorus-free fertilizer; and public education.

For more information regarding the Lower Boise River TMDL or other stormwater-related issues, contact Robbin Finch, Water Quality Environmental Program Manager.

Stormwater At a Glance

 

Sub-watershed Planning

Taking the lead for Partners for Clean Water, Co-Permittee Ada County Highway District (ACHD) has selected a consultant to work on Sub-watershed Planning to develop two sub-watersheds plans for Main Street (West Downtown) and Americana Blvd. The goal of the planning process is to identify locations where strategic planning and stormwater controls will improve water quality in the Boise River and meet stakeholder and NPDES permit objectives with efficient use of resources. The process includes a thorough analysis of the current built condition and hydrologic characterization followed by water quality modeling, stakeholder engagement opportunities, and prioritizing potential projects in the sub-watershed areas. 

The Main Street and Americana Blvd. sub-watersheds were chosen for a number of reasons: 1. they discharge directly to the Boise River; 2. they have a potential for redevelopment and infrastructure improvements in the downtown and near downtown areas; and, 3. they have ongoing collection of outfall water quality monitoring data. The goal is to reduce discharge of polluted stormwater runoff by identifying potential opportunities for stormwater infiltration, evapotranspiration, rainfall harvesting/reuse, or other site-based Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) practices.  

For more information, contact Jason Korn, ACHD Stormwater Quality Specialist, at 387-6269.

Worth Reading About

 

New ArcGIS Collector App will simplify storm drain inventory process

Beginning this fall, we will have an new volunteer opportunity to promote in the Boise area. The ArcGIS Collector App allows users to update and inventory the storm drain data within our permit coverage area. Volunteers will download the free app onto their smart phones or mobile devices and will be given access to the storm drain data and ultimately record the status of the storm drain, i.e. marked, not marked, damaged, etc.

The information will be used to update storm drain records for the comprehensive storm sewer system inventory that is required by our NPDES Permit. While this project is underway the storm drain marking opportunity will be on hold. Volunteers can take part in this new effort beginning September 1.

Upcoming Events


MS4 Co-Permittee Quarterly Meeting
July 21
9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Site R, ACHD

StormCon Stormwater Conference
August 2-6
JW Marriot Austin
Austin, Texas


 

Need to Report a Stormwater Problem?



Stormwater Pollution Hotline
395-8888

Private Property
Boise City Public Works
384-3901
TTY Relay
1-800-377-3529

Public Streets and Alleys
Ada County Highway District
387-6100

Boise River and Tributaries
Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality
373-0550
 

Contact Us



Aimee Hughes
Stormwater Environmental Education Coordinator

West Boise Wasterwater Treatment Plant
11818 West Joplin Road
Boise, ID 83704
208-608-7365
ahughes@cityofboise.org

Robbin Finch
Water Quality Environmental Program Manager

150 N. Capitol Blvd.
Boise, ID  83702
208-384-3916
rfinch@cityofboise.org

 
Streamlines is published by Partners for Clean Water
 
Copyright © 2015 City of Boise, All rights reserved.


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