EPA v. Spokane Tribe of Indians

Case summary

On February 16, 2023, EPA Region 10 issued an administrative order on consent to the Spokane Tribe of Indians to resolve noncompliance with the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (''NPDWRs ) at the Ford-Newhouse Lane, Martha Boardman, McCoy Lake, Reservation Road, and Wellpinit community water systems in Wellpinit, WA. The Spokane Tribe of Indians failed to obtain a certified water operator for the five community water systems. Operator certification is an important step in promoting SDWA compliance. It establishes minimum professional standards for the operation and maintenance of public water systems. To return to compliance, the Respondent has agreed to certify at least one water operator by December 31, 2023. The estimated cost of implementing this injunctive relief is $300. All five community water systems are areas with environmental justice concerns.

Defendants (1)

• Spokane Tribe of IndiansNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (5)

• MARTHA BOARDMAN WATER SYSTEM

  5727 MARTHA BOARDMAN RD, WELLPINIT, WA, 99040

  Registry ID: 110012951476

• RESERVATION ROAD-PUMPHOUSE W/CHLORINATOR

  6195 FORD-WELLPINIT RD, WELLPINIT, WA, 99040

  Registry ID: 110012950592

• WELLPINIT-W-01 SERVICE SINK ,FINISHED TAP AT PUMP HOUSE

  6195 FORD-WELLPINIT RD, WELLPINIT, WA, 99040

  Registry ID: 110012945714

• FORD-NEWHOUSE LANE WATER SYSTEM

  BRUNTON RD AND SATCHMO RD, FORD, WA, 99013

  Registry ID: 110012951644

• MCCOY LAKE-MC-01 PIERCE POINT WELLS PUMP HOUSE

  6195 FORD-WELLPINIT RD, WELLPINIT, WA, 99040

  Registry ID: 110013239959

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1412/1414 — National Drinking Water Regulations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Spokane Tribe of Indiansentered 2023-02-16

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2023-02-08Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2023-02-16Final Order Issued
• 2023-02-16Complaint Filed/Proposed Order