House Panel Oks Water Temperatures

The House Environmental Affairs Committee on Monday approved new water temperatures needed to protect young bull trout living in Idaho’s mountain streams.

During June, July and August water temperatures should not exceed a daily average of 12 degrees Celsius in the 59 designated tributary waters in central and North Idaho.

For spawning bull trout, waters during September and October shouldn’t exceed an average daily temperature of 9 degrees Celsius.

Environmental groups such as Idaho Rivers United and the Idaho Conservation League argue that the summer temperatures aren’t cold enough to protect young fish.

The groups favor colder temperatures supported by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

The Senate must approve the temperatures before the state Division of Environmental Quality asks for EPA approval.