AKWESASNE – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Clerk is providing notification to membership that the Environment Division’s Water Resources Program has recommended amendments to the Tribal Water Quality Standards. These changes include a proposed reclassification of the St. Regis River from Class B to Class C based on observed conditions. The change will maintain the same level of protection for tribal uses. There are also proposed improvements in how substance standards for selenium, cadmium and aluminum are calculated.
A majority of tribal chiefs voted to present the proposed amendments to tribal members during a 30-day comment period that ends on Kenténha/October 18, 2019. The Water Quality Standards are required to undergo a review every three years to make corrections and updates based on the latest scientific information. Following the comment period, Tribal Council may take action to enact the amendments, with at least two tribal chiefs voting to adopt the proposed changes through tribal council resolution.
Tribal members may obtain a copy of the proposed amendments that are contained within the Water Quality Standards for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Under the Authority of the Clean Water Act (September 16, 2019) from the TribalClerk’s Office. The document can also be downloaded from the Tribe’s website at www.srmt-nsn.gov.
Individuals are encouraged to review the document and submit written comments to the Tribal Clerk’s Office located in the Ionkwakiohkwaróron Tribal Administration Building. Written comments may also be mailed to:
Office of the Tribal Clerk
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
71 Margaret Terrance Memorial Way
Akwesasne, New York 13655
For more information about the proposed amendments, individuals may contact the Environment Division’s Water Resources Program by calling (518) 358-5937 or stop by their office located at 449 Frogtown Road in Akwesasne, New York during normal business hours.
