Idaho DEQ Looking At Settlement With Simplot

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on a proposed settlement with Simplot Company for alleged violations of state and federal environmental laws at the Grandview Feedlot, in Elmore and Owyhee counties. The State alleges Simplot failed to comply with Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting requirements and other applicable provisions of the Clean Water Act and Idaho law.

State Says Discharge Impacted Surface, Groundwater, Reaching The Snake

DEQ says specifically, that Simplot operated the Grandview Feedlot in a manner that resulted in unauthorized discharges of pollutants into surface or groundwater. The State alleges that these discharges reached waters of the state, including ground and surface waters, and waters of the United States, including the Snake River. Alleged violations include:

Overapplication of manure and process wastewater
Failure to maintain required nutrient management records
Management practices that may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment

The proposed consent judgment directs Simplot to implement corrective actions, cease unauthorized discharges, apply for an IPDES permit, maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and pay a civil penalty. The proposed civil penalty for past and continuing alleged violations listed in the complaint is $370,850 ($274,000 for violations of DEQ rules, $60,000 for violations of ISDA rules, and $36,850 for state attorney’s fees). DEQ said this total does not include additional stipulated penalties that may be assessed if Simplot fails to meet specific compliance milestones outlined in the consent judgment.