EPA approves Hopi Tribe's water quality standards

WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 11, 2008 -- On July 8, 2008, EPA approved water quality standards for the Hopi Tribe located in Northeastern Arizona. Across the U.S., there are now 33 tribes with water quality standards effective under the Clean Water Act. EPA's approval action culminates a two-step process that began with EPA's April 2008 finding that the Tribe was eligible to be treated in the same manner as a state (TAS) for administering a water quality standards program.

The second step -- approval of the water quality standards -- ensures that all surface waters within the exterior boundaries of the Hopi Indian Reservation are covered by standards under Section 303(c) of the Clean Water Act, including designated uses and water quality criteria. The standards can now form the basis for federally-enforceable regulatory requirements.

EPA provides technical assistance to tribes to develop and implement water quality standards, and to manage other water quality programs.

For more information on Indian tribal approvals, see: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/tribes/approvtable.htm

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