EPA v. Pueblo of Acoma (NMU000704)

Case summary

PUEBLO OF ACOMA (NMU000704): The Pueblo of Acoma was inundated with unusually high amounts of rainfall that began July 11, 2006, and continued through the middle of August, 2006. Because of these excessive rainfalls, the lagoon systems became compromised with the wall of one lagoon in danger of collapse. This wall is adjacent to the Rio San Jose and its collapse would cause not environmental degradation to the river but could endanger human health of those residents downstream of the lagoons. The Pueblo contacted EPA Region 6 to apprise them of the situation and to request and to declare a state of emergency. A discharge from the lagoon would be a violation of the Clean Water Act. On August 16, 2006, Region 6 issued an Emergency Order for release of storm water from the lagoon which sits adjacent to the river.

Defendants (1)

• Pueblo of Acoma (NMU000704)Named in settlement

Facilities (1)

• PUEBLO OF ACOMA (NMU000704)

  P. O. BOX 309, ACOMA, NM, 87034

  Registry ID: 110028179995

Statutes cited

• CWA 301 — NPDES Discharge without a Permit

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Pueblo of Acoma (NMU000704)entered 2006-08-16

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2006-08-16Final Order Issued
• 2006-08-21Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2009-07-01Enforcement Action Closed