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EPA Seeking Comments on Proposed Water Quality Standards
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is inviting public comments on the question of whether federal baseline water quality standards should be established for tribal land waters where Clean Water Act-effective standards are not already in place. The agency is also seeking feedback on what these standard should be—such as designated uses, narrative and numeric criteria, and antidegredation requirements—and how they should be implemented.
The public comment period ends December 28, 2016. U.S. EPA will host identical webinars on November 16 and December 15 that will include opportunities for participants to ask clarifying questions. Registration information is available on the agency website.
Click here for additional information on the proposed rulemaking. To submit a comment, visit the docket folder at regulations.gov.
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Events for Tribal Water Systems
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 Final EPA Rule Enables Tribes to Obtain Authority to Identify Impaired Waters and Establish TMDLs
Monday, November 21 at 12:00 pm Central
Hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This webinar will provide an overview of the CWA section 303(d) program and the responsibilities tribes with 303(d) TAS will have in implementing the program, including steps involved in developing lists of impaired waters and TMDLs. The webinar will also provide an overview of the final rule, including procedures for tribes to apply for TAS, and EPA’s procedures for reviewing a tribe’s TAS application. | Click here for more information.
Native American Water Master's Association Training
November 23 | Fresno, California
Hosted by the Rural Community Assistance Corporation
The purpose of these meetings is to provide a forum to discuss evolving drinking water and wastewater technologies, regulations, safety, and issues facing tribal water and wastewater utilities as well as tribal environmental departments. The meetings also supports local tribal water and wastewater operators by providing contact hours needed to maintain drinking water certification. | Click here for more information.
Electrical Controls Schematics
Tuesday, December 13 at 2:00 pm Eastern
Hosted by the Indian Health Service
This 90-minute webinar, presented by Wayne Wruble, walks you through how to read and understand electrical control diagrams. | Click here for more information.
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Want to find additional training opportunities for operators,
including events in your area?
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 Final Guidance on Awards of Grants to Indian Tribes Under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This 158-page report presents basic steps a tribe can take to collect the information it will need to make effective decisions about its water quality program. In addition, the guidance outlines new reporting requirements and data expectations for all tribal programs receiving Section 106 funds.
Click here to download.
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Have a different question?
You can find thousands of helpful resources in our database.
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EPA Announces $62.6 Million for Environmental Improvements on Tribal Lands in the Pacific Southwest
Tribes in Arizona, California, and Nevada along with the Indian Health Service have been awarded a total of roughly $37 million support water quality and infrastructure projects.
"Do it for the water:" Native Americans Carry Potomac Water on Prayerful, 400-mile Journey
Tribal members walked from West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay carrying some of the river water they hope to return to unpolluted health.
How One California Tribe is Coping With Drought
This interview with Robin Cabrera, the director of project management at the All Mission Indian Housing Authority, highlights steps the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians have taken to conserve water and develop new supplies.
Adapting to Climate Change on Tribal Land Explored at Upcoming Summit
Attendees at the second annual Native Waters on Arid Lands Tribal Summit, held November 9-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada, will hear presentations focused on helping communities in the Great Basin and Southwest adapt to climate change, with a focus on water resources and agriculture.
Colorado River Indian Tribes Sign Water Deal to Alleviate Drought
A deal between a coalition of tribes and the Lower Colorado Region of the Bureau of Reclamation seeks to address concerns over drought and water levels in Lake Mead.
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