Reminder, comment period ends soon on Snake River temperature plan
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, October 15th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON – A reminder to Eastern Oregon residents, the public comment period for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s new Snake River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Water Quality Management Plan is closing soon. The final deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29.
For those unfamiliar, the TMDL establishes new thermal pollutant loading limits in the Snake River, with the long-term goal of attaining more natural temperatures and thermal flows in the river system. Its development follows two court cases and EPA actions, wherein the EPA, as written in an executive summary of the plan, “disapproved of Oregon’s Natural Conditions Criterion for temperature in 2013.”
In essence, it was determined that current standards for managing thermal impact on the Snake River and native temperature-sensitive fish species, such as Salmon, Steelhead, and Redband trout, were inadequate, and that temperature flow through the river was becoming unnatural.
In particular, an environmental analysis shows that the Hells Canyon Dam complex had a notable temperature impact, causing cooler water than normal in the spring and early summer, and warmer water than normal in the late summer and fall. Removal of “riparian vegetation” along the Snake River has also had a minor contribution according to the summary.
For more information on upcoming public meetings and comment options for the TMDL, see the following press release from the Oregon DEQ:
(Press release from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality)
Summary
Consistent with Oregon Revised Statute 468B.110 and OAR chapter 340 division 42, DEQ proposes the draft Total Maximum Daily Load and Water Quality Management Plan for the Snake River to address temperature impairments. Following public comment, the TMDL and WQMP will be proposed for adoption by Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission, by reference, into OAR 340-042-0090. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will review the TMDL by Dec. 4, 2028, after the commission adopts the rule.
Public Comment
DEQ is seeking public comment on the proposed rule amendments. More information on this rulemaking, including the draft rules, can be found on the Snake River Temperature TMDL rulemaking web page.
How to comment: You can provide comments to DEQ by email, mail or at the public hearing. Anyone can submit comments and questions about this rulemaking.
- Email: Send comments by email to SnakeHells.TemperatureTMDL@DEQ.oregon.gov
- Mail: Oregon DEQ, Attn: Amanda Ondrick, 475 NE Bellevue Dr #110, Bend, OR 97701
- At the virtual public hearing: 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 (see below)
The deadline to submit comments is 4 p.m., on Oct. 29, 2026.
Virtual Public Hearing: Attend this public hearing for an opportunity to learn about the rules, ask questions, and provide verbal public comment.
Date: Oct. 19, 2026
Start time: 5 p.m.
Join by phone:
Call-in number: 1 669 444 9171
Meeting ID: 851 3055 3138
Note for public university students:
ORS 192.345(29) allows Oregon public university and OHSU students to protect their university email addresses from disclosure under Oregon’s public records law. If you are an Oregon public university or OHSU student, notify DEQ that you wish to keep your email address confidential.
Additional Information
To view copies of the notice documents, learn more about this rulemaking, and how to submit comments, you can view the rulemaking web page at: Snake River Temperature TMDL rulemaking web page.
If you want to receive future email notifications about this rulemaking, you must sign up through Granicus Communications.
You can also obtain more information about this rulemaking by contacting Mandy Ondrick, Project Manager at Amanda.Ondrick@deq.oregon.gov
