Idaho DEQ considering permit for Idaho National Laboratory

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking an air quality synthetic minor permit to construct from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a multipurpose research and development facility to be located on Idaho Highway 20/26.

The permit would regulate the emissions from the facility — to be located between Arco, Idaho Falls and Highway 33, between Mud Lake and Arco — and would include an emissions cap. If the INL’s permit request is approved, the laboratory will be considered a minor facility and will not need a Tier I operating permit.

The permit application and other related materials are available online at the DEQ’s website, and the department will provide a 30-day public comment on the permit if one is requested by Jan. 4. The request can be made through email or mail.