Department of
Environmental Quality

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DEQ's Pocatello Region in southeast Idaho includes the cities of Blackfoot, American Falls, Pocatello, Soda Springs, Preston, and Montpelier. This region occupies 11.7% of the geographical area of the state and is home to 11.9% of the state's population. Major cities include Blackfoot, American Falls, Pocatello, Soda Springs, Preston, and Montpelier.

This portion of the state is known for phosphate mining and processing, fishing at Bear Lake, hot springs, and agricultural production of wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets. Two large water supply reservoirs dominate the northern portion of this region at the edge of the Snake River plain: the American Falls Reservoir on the Snake River and the Blackfoot Reservoir at the headwaters of the Blackfoot River. To the south, north-south running ridges and valleys dominate the landscape. Nestled in one of these valleys is Pocatello, Idaho's third largest city and a major railroad hub. This region's unique blend of urban, industrial, and rural character brings forth a variety of environmental protection challenges and opportunities.

Portneuf Valley Air Quality Plans & Reports

During winter months, the Intermountain West often experiences poor air quality when atmospheric inversions keep pollution closer to the ground. However, the Portneuf Valley airshed is one of the few airsheds in the state to move from non-attainment status (poor air) to attainment status (better air). Factors contributing to the air quality improvements over the past two decades include closure of the FMC plant, replacing inefficient wood stoves, increasing mass transportation, reducing oil- and coal-fired furnaces, and adding more emission control equipment on stacks, such as the Simplot Don Plant. Learn more.

Basin-Watershed Advisory Groups

Basin and Watershed Advisory Groups, BAGs and WAGs, are panels of citizens that advise DEQ on water quality objectives and provide input and guidance on development of water quality improvement plans for specific watershed within DEQ's Pocatello Region. Learn more.

• Bear River Basin Advisory Group (BAG)
• Blackfoot River Watershed Advisory Group (WAG)
• Portneuf River & Tributaries Watershed Advisory Group (WAG)

Southeast Idaho Selenium Investigations

In 1996, isolated livestock deaths associated with excessive selenium uptake in the vicinity of historic phosphate mines in southeast Idaho prompted concerns regarding potential human health and ecological effects from past mining operations. Investigative and cleanup efforts are ongoing.  Learn more.

Conda/Woodall Mountain Mine Site

The Conda/Woodall Mountain Mine site is located east of State Highway 34 about eight miles northeast of Soda Springs in Caribou County. Mining for phosphate ore at the Conda area began about 1906 and continued until 1984. Overburden piles comprised of shales high in selenium and other trace metals are present on the site. Learn more.

Water Quality Plans & Reports

Subbasin assessments and surface water quality improvement plans have been developed for a number of water bodies in DEQ's Pocatello Region. In addition, numerous studies have been conducted of ground water resources in the area. Access the plans and reports here.