De-listing

SANDPOINT - A proposal to remove the Pend Oreille River from a list of Idaho waters impaired by phosphorus is generating concern among water quality watchdogs.

The de-listing is contemplated in the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality's 2010 integrated report, a water quality status report required by the federal government every two years.

The report serves as a guide for DEQ's management of water quality and provides an opportunity for the public to learn about the status of surface waters and submit comments.

The deadline to comment on the draft integrated report is Monday, Nov. 29.

"There's still time to bone up on it," said Tom Herron, DEQ's Panhandle region water quality manager.

"You might have to sacrifice a football game or two this weekend, but you'll be in good shape to enter comments."