San Carlos Apache Tribe, EPA Agree to Bring Tribe’s Wastewater and Drinking Water Systems into Compliance with Federal Law
Phoenix – The San Carlos Apache Tribe, in a significant step towards ensuring the health and safety of its community, has agreed to continue its work to bring the San Carlos Wastewater Treatment Facility as well as three drinking water systems owned and operated by the Tribe into compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. These agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signify the Tribe's commitment to meeting the standards set by these crucial environmental laws.
On August 20, 2024, EPA Region 9 and the San Carlos Apache Tribe demonstrated their commitment to environmental compliance by agreeing to the terms of one Administrative Order on Consent for violations of the Clean Water Act and three Administrative Orders on Consent for violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These violations were identified by the Tribe and brought to the attention of the EPA as part of the Tribe’s efforts to protect public health and the environment.
"Our mutual goal is to protect the health of tribal members, which means ensuring their drinking water is safe," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "To that end, it is essential water systems operate in alignment with the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. I’m grateful to the San Carlos Tribe for their proactive, transparent partnership, and I am confident that these agreements will help us achieve our goals."
The Clean Water Act agreement ensures the Tribe will take proactive measures to prevent future unauthorized discharges, ensuring the safety of the community. These measures include submitting a Compliance Plan detailing the steps the Tribe will take to prevent future unauthorized discharges and holding bi-weekly meetings with the EPA to discuss compliance status with the Administrative Order on Consent.
The Safe Drinking Water Act agreements ensure the Tribe will submit Corrective Action Plans that will guide the specific work needed to address significant deficiencies identified in 2022 at the Upper Seven Mile, Bylas, and Lower Peridot drinking water systems. The agreements also require the Tribe to retain certified operators for the Upper Seven Mile and Bylas systems.
The Safe Drinking Water Act Administrative Orders will supersede and replace a previously amended order issued in November 2016 by the EPA.
For more information on EPA's drinking water program, please visit EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act website.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations, visit EPA's enforcement reporting website.
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