Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The San Carlos Apache Tribe has agreed to continue its efforts to bring the San Carlos Wastewater Treatment Facility and three drinking water systems into compliance with federal environmental laws. This move aims to ensure the health and safety of the community.
On August 20, 2024, EPA Region 9 and the San Carlos Apache Tribe reached agreements through 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 as part of its initiative 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 agreement under the Clean Water Act requires proactive measures from the Tribe to prevent future unauthorized discharges. These measures include submitting a Compliance Plan detailing steps to prevent future unauthorized discharges and holding bi-weekly meetings with the EPA to discuss compliance status.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act agreements, the Tribe will submit Corrective Action Plans addressing significant deficiencies identified in 2022 at Upper Seven Mile, Bylas, and Lower Peridot drinking water systems. The agreements also require retaining certified operators for Upper Seven Mile and Bylas systems.
These new orders replace a previously amended order issued by the EPA in November 2016.
For more information on EPA's drinking water program or reporting possible violations of environmental laws, visit EPA's website.
