Pueblo of Laguna to manage own water quality standards

The Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico recently were granted authority over its own water quality standards and certification programs by the Environmental Protection Agency, becoming the 54th tribe to do so, the ERA said in a recent posting.

The decision, issued under the Clean Water Act, will see the tribe managing water quality in portions of the Rio San Jose, Rio Paguate, Water Canyon Creek, Encinal Creek, Rio Puerco and the Rio Salado, for an area covering approximately 500,000 acres. The tribe will manage water quality to ensure that public and environmental health are maintained and to promote aquatic life and wildlife.

“This is an important achievement to help the Pueblo of Laguna advance its environmental goals,” EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry said. “EPA applauds the Pueblo for its leadership to take steps to protect their water resources.”

The Pueblo of Laguna  is one of 567 federally recognized tribes across the country, a prerequisite for any tribe wishing to manage its own water quality standards and programs. Tribes must also have a governing body, jurisdiction and the capability to manage the standards