EPA v. Jicarilla Apache Nation

Case summary

EPA Region 6 sent an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) to Jicarilla Apache Nation (Respondent). EPA Region 6 sent the AOC under its authority pursuant to Section 1414(g) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, in response to violations of the Ground Water Rule. Within the Order, EPA alleges that Respondent failed to correct significant deficiencies or provide corrective action plans within 120 days of receiving notification of significant deficiencies at both Jicarilla Nugget Casino PWS (063500008) and Jicarilla South Woodyard (063500007). If mutually signed by both the Respondent and EPA, the Order requires the Respondent to submit corrective action plans for addressing significant deficiencies for EPA review and approval, correct significant deficiencies, and to continue issuing quarterly public notice to residents and consumers until all significant deficiencies are corrected. The respondent has two weeks from receipt of the Order to return a signed copy to EPA.

Defendants (2)

• Jicarilla Apache NationNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• President Edward VelardeNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• JICARILLA NUGGET CASINO (PWS #063500008)

  P.O. BOX 587, DULCE, NM, 87528

  Registry ID: 110037951749

• JICARILLA SOUTH WOODYARD (TRIBAL PWS #063500007)

  P.O. BOX 587, DULCE, NM, 87528

  Registry ID: 110037951721

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1412/1414 — National Drinking Water Regulations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Jicarilla Apache Nationentered 2022-10-18

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2022-09-26Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2022-09-26Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2022-10-18Final Order Issued