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News Archives - 2018

February 12, 2018 - Legislative Report
January 22, 2018 - Legislative Report

News Archives - 2013


WATER

State Water Plan:  The Idaho Water Resource Board adopted the revised State Water Plan at its November meeting.  The Plan will now be forwarded to the Idaho Legislature for final approval in 2013.    

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Natural Resources Interim Committee:
A potential water delivery call in the Big Wood River and a bid for state primacy for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) were on the agenda at the Natural Resources Interim Committee meeting in Boise on September 27 and 28. Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) updated legislators on pending issues.

read more   link


Treasure Valley Comprehensive Aquifer Planning Process:
The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) remanded the Treasure Valley CAMP Plan back to its Water Planning Committee to address concerns raised by Board members.  The Water Planning Committee will meet in December and, based on its feedback, the Board is expected to make a final decision in January as to whether or not the Plan will be introduced in the 2013 legislative session.   

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Existing & New Surface Water Storage Alternatives:
At its August 20th meeting, the Idaho Water Resource Board reviewed the Henry’s Fork Basin Study, part of a joint effort between the board and the Bureau of Reclamation to identify existing and new surface water storage alternatives. Seven potential sites were identified with costs ranging from $42 million to almost $316 million. Other options include Agricultural Conservation and Management and Market Based Alternatives. Other sites in Idaho are also under consideration.

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Recharge:
Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) estimates it has recharged approximately 17,000 acre-feet this fall, coming close to its goal of 20,000 acre-feet.  

read more


Water Management Tools – an IGWA editorial printed in the Times News:
In the water business we know only Mother Nature makes water. Since man cannot make new water, we must manage our water supply with the tools available, recognizing that no on tool is the cure or solution to improving Idaho’s supply or addressing shortages….

read more


IDEQ Negotiated Rulemaking: Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health (HHC)
On November 28th IDEQ announced that it will undertake an Idaho Fish Consumption Survey.  While waiting to see if its budget request is approved, IDEQ will move forward with stakeholders to address design and policy issues.  The survey from start to finish is expected to take approximately two years.    

read more  link


IDWR Injection Well Rules
(IDAPA 37.03.03)  The public comment period closed on October 24th, 2012.  Following a review by the Idaho Water Resource Board in November, the pending rule is expected to be submitted during the 2013 Legislature. 

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IDWR Injection Well Rules
(IDAPA 37.03.03) The Idaho Water Resource Board approved the rules at its November meeting.  The pending rule will now be submitted for final adoption from the 2013 Legislature.  IDWR indicates it will also introduce two bills in support of the rules, one to address bonding for Class II Injection Wells and another to address the definition and fee for Class II Injection Wells. 

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Reasonably Anticipated Future Needs (RAFN)
The Governor’s office has convened a working group to address planning horizons for municipal water suppliers as outlined in the Municipal Water Rights Act.  No legislation is anticipated for the 2013 session.


ENERGY
2012 looks to be a deceptively quiet year for Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association. IIPA successfully participated in the negotiations to settle Idaho Power Company and Rocky Mountain Power’s 2011 General Rate Cases. Irrigation Load Control Programs on both systems will operate under the same terms and conditions as 2011. But, issues still on the table-peak load growth, cost-of-service, renewable generation costs-very much impact IIPA’s mission to promote an inexpensive, reliable electricity supply…

read more


Energy, Environment & Technology (EET) Interim Committee:
The interim committee met in Boise on October 18 & 19, 2012 to discuss issues ranging from invasive species to renewable resource development and a statutory change to the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

read more  link


Idaho Power Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
Idaho Power focused on coal and wind studies at its November Meeting.     

read more


Idaho Power Idaho Public Utilities Commission:
A decision pending before the IPUC has serious implications to future electricity rates in Idaho and possibly the future of renewable energy development in Idaho. Technical hearings were held in August.

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The Columbia River Treaty:
Ratified in 1964, the treaty was negotiated to provide flood control and hydropower generation in the Columbia River Basin for the mutual benefit of Canada and the U.S. There is no specified end date; but, the treaty includes a provision that it can be modified or terminated after 50 years with 10 year advance notice. So, in 2014, the Pacific Northwest will make a recommendation to the U.S. State Department about the treaty’s future. And, regardless of the recommendation, another provision of the treaty is that the current assured annual flood control operating procedures will end in 2024. Both countries are engaged in review processes. One significant factor in the U.S. has been the emergence of environmental issues as a third management priority equal to flood control and hydropower generation.

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Bonneville Power Administration
celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. And Administrator Steve Wright announces his retirement in 2013.

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Idaho Damage Prevention Coalition’s
was formed this year to safeguard Idaho’s underground facility infrastructure from excavation damage through public awareness, education, safe digging practices, and promote the national Call-Before-You Dig number 811. The group received $100,000 in from a federal grant program 2011-2012 to advertise Call 811 and to make presentations to encourage the establishment of local Utility Coordinating Councils to address damage prevention throughout the state. While primarily aimed at the natural gas industry, the group encompasses a broad participation among stakeholders with buried infrastructure and is a response to actions at the federal level. The goal is to encourage the use of Call 811, not just enforcement; but, if Idaho does not address enforcement, the U.S. Department of Transportation would become the enforcement agency and would be able to assess fines and penalties. There is discussion among the coalition as to which state agency should be responsible for this program and if there is enough momentum to bring this to the legislature in 2013.

News Archives - 2012


Idaho Power Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
As a hydroelectric utility, Idaho Power needs a reliable water supply to generate electricity, integrate renewable resources (especially wind), and meet Endangered Species Act (ESA) obligations.  As such, its water supply forecast is a significant part of the IRP process and the utility supports a range of activities to ensure that it has the water and resources to reliably and affordably meet its customers’ electricity needs. Without an adequate water supply, the company must use other resources to meet demand, including thermal resources like coal and natural gas, demand side management and market purchases.  The utility is currently reviewing all existing demand side management programs to determine the optimal amount of demand response that it needs.   

read more



We are excited to introduce our new executive assistant, Cassandra Myers, who comes to us from the Idaho State Department of Education.  She is the proud mother of 7 month-old Kaileigh and a full-time student at Boise State University working on her BAS with a minor in communications and an emphasis in dispute resolution.  She will be working in our office part-time Monday through Friday.

IPC 2013 IRP September Report


News Archives - 2011


The Energy, Environment & Technology Interim Committee discussed a proposal to keep the Idaho Energy Plan up-to-date and current as well as benefits and challenges of Idaho's newly emerging natural gas industry.


read more | previous articles



Rathdrum Prairie CAMP:
The Idaho Water Resource Board will consider adopting the draft plan now that the public comment period is completed.  If adopted, the final plan will be submitted to the 2012 Idaho Legislature.  The draft plan may be viewed on-line at http://www.idwr.idaho.gov/waterboard/WaterPlanning/
CAMP/RP_CAMP/RathdrumCAMP.htm



The Treasure Valley CAMP Advisory Committee’s Draft Plan may be viewed on-line at http://www.puc.idaho.gov/internet/cases
/summary/PACE1110.html



The Antidegradation Guidance Advisory Committee will meet July 22nd to review a final draft and executive summary.  Review the draft and comments at http://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/antidegradation-guidance.aspx


read more | previous articles


Idaho Power Company Files General Rate Case for 2012.  Irrigation rates could increase as much as 14%.  To follow the case or submit comments, visit Idaho Public Utilities Commission website at: 

http://www.puc.idaho.gov/internet/cases/
summary/IPCE1108.html


IPCO filed its 2011 Integrated Resource Plan with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.  The IRP projects how much electricity the company needs to reliably serve its customers  over the next 20 years.  View the Plan on-line at http://www.puc.idaho.gov/internet/cases/
summary/IPCE1111.html

read more | previous articles

Rocky Mountain Power General Rate Case Filed in Idaho.  The Company proposes increasing irrigation rates by 19%.  Follow the case on-line at http://www.puc.idaho.gov/internet/cases/elec/PAC/PACE1112/
staff/20110609PRESS%20RELEASE.HTM



Rocky Mountain Power filed its Integrated Resource Plan with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.  The 10 year resource planmay be viewed on-line at http://www.puc.idaho.gov/internet/cases/summary/PACE1110.html

  • Comprehensive Aquifer Management Process
    • ESPA CAMP    (read more)
    • Rathdrum Prairie CAMP (read more)
    • Treasure Valley CAMP (read more)

    Idaho Water Resource Board
    • State Water Plan (read more)
    • Water Supply Subcom. (read more)

    IDEQ Negotiated Rulemakings
    Water Quality Standards   
           • Antidegradation Implementation      Policy Final Rule (read more)
       •     Antidegradation Implementation      Policy Guidance Development
         read more
       • Temperature (2 sections: thermal      treatment requirements...due to      wastewater treatment & ambient      temperature criteria/salmonid      spawning) (read more)










News Archives - 2010

News Archives - 2008, 2009

News Archives - 2007



Legislative Reports 2007

The Idaho Supreme Court issued its much awaited opinion on the Conjunctive Management Rules on March 5, 2007, unanimously affirming that Idaho Department of Water Resource’s rules are constitutional. IGWA’s legal counsel, Randy Budge, provides the following brief summary of Justice Linda Trout’s opinion overturning Judge Wood’s district court decision.For more information, click on the Supreme Court Decision pdf below or visit www.isc.idaho.gov/opinions/falls.pdf

IGWA Welcomes New Members:  Goose Creek Irrigation District, Clark Jefferson Ground Water District, and Fremont Madison Irrigation District

May 30th Judicial Hearing in Jerome Delayed.  Judge Butler Disqualified. The temporary restraining order that prevents IDWR from moving forward with its proposed curtailment in WD 130 remains in place pending the appointment of a new judge and a re-scheduled hearing.

IDWR Director Conditionally Accepts Replacement Plan and Postpones Mandatory Curtailment for Surface Water Coalition Call in American Falls area - Water District 120.

Potential curtailment is temporarily on hold in the Thousand Springs area – Water District 130 -  pending a 5th District Court hearing in Jerome on May 30, 2007.

 

More information available at www.idwr.state.idaho.us. Click on Potential Curtailment Order Information Page. 

IGWA Welcomes New Members:  Goose Creek Irrigation District, Clark Jefferson Ground Water District, and Fremont Madison Irrigation District

Transmission, Taxes, Energy & the ESA in Brief

La Nina Forecast could ease 2008 curtailment

Energy, Environment & Technology Interim Committee endorses energy efficient state buildings

 

Director warns of potential curtailment
Up to 2700 water right holders and 500,000 acres face potential 
curtailment in 2008.  IDWR Director Dave Tuthill issued the warning 
October 17th so there is time to consider alternatives and avoid 
economic disaser.  Winter snowpack, the outcome of two IDWR 
administrative hearings, and possible agreements between 
water users will determine the final numbers.
   
Administrative hearings on the Blue Lakes and Clear Springs water 
calls begin November 28th in Boise.  A second hearing scheduled 
for January 16, 2006 will address the Surface Water Coalition’s 
water call in the Upper Snake.
   
If snowpack accumulation reaches 105% of normal by April 1st and 
reservoirs fill, at least some curtailment on the Snake River could 
be avoided.  However, the water supply is not expected to be 
sufficient to meet mitigation goals in the Thousand Springs area.
       
Tuthill also advised that any water user considering the Conservation 
Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) as an alternative to curtailment 
must apply before a curtailment proceeding is formally underway.
     
The letter along with a list of recipients, map, and Director’s 
OP‐Ed may be viewed at www.idwr.idaho.gov.

 

IGWA Presentations Now Available

 

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