EPA Authorizes Red Lake Nation to Set Water Quality Standards at Reservation in Minnesota
The Red Lake Nation (Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians of Minnesota) is now authorized to establish water quality standards for surface waters on the Red Lake Reservation. The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians’ reservation occupies more than 836,000 acres in northwestern Minnesota, including portions of Beltrami, Clearwater, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties in Northwest Minnesota.
After a thorough review of the Red Lake Nation’s application and public comments, EPA determined that the Band meets the Clean Water Act requirements to develop water quality standards “in a similar manner as a state’’ and to make water quality certifications for its reservation. An authorized tribe or state must propose any new or revised water quality standard under a separate action which is subject to public notice, public comment and EPA approval.
Documents
- Approval Letter from Regional Administrator Debra Shore to Red Lake Chairman (pdf)
- Approval of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Application for Treatment in a Similar Manner as a State (pdf)
- Documents and Attachments Related to 2019 303/401 Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians' Supplemental Treatment as a State Application