Public Comment Period (30-dy) for the Proposed Revisions to Water Quality Standards of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

Public Comment Period: April 22 - May 21

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is authorized to administer federally enforceable Water Quality Standards (Standards), pursuant to sections 303(c) and 518 of the Clean Water Act, to protect the Designated Uses of tribal waters.

The Tribe is seeking public comments on the proposed revisions to these Standards. As required by law the Standards must undergo triennial review to regulate emerging pollutants, refinement of existing standards, and account for updated science. These Standards apply to surface waters and groundwaters of the Tribe.

The purpose of the Standards is to protect public health and the Designated Uses of tribal members in the enjoyment of tribal water resources. The Standards provide clear criteria by which activities and discharges to waters can be managed by the Tribe. The Standards are as protective, or more so, than New York standards and the requirements of the Great Lakes Initiative

The Standards are divided into two categories: i) narrative criteria for ambient water quality conditions, and ii) effluent limits for discharges to waters.

Written comments must be received by the close of business on May 21, 2010. Comments can be sent to Tony David, SRMT Water Resources, 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655 or by email at Tony.David@srmt-nsn.gov

To download a copy of the Standards Click Here

For more information on tribal programs and water quality standards go to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at: www.epa.gov/waterscience/tribes/

Revised: April 16, 2010