Environment Division

Mission statement:

To manage, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.

In the late-1970s, the discovery of widespread environmental contamination from local industry spurred the need for greater tribal participation in the clean-up of waste sites and management of active pollution sources. The exposure effects of local industrial pollution had far-reaching implications for public health and tribal use of natural resources. Those early staff laid the ground work for what became the Environment Division.

Today, the Environment Division provides a wide range of professional opportunities where staff work to restore traditional practices, improve the safe use and enjoyment of natural resources and ensure sustainability for future generations. The Environment Division includes six programs that oversee multiple regulatory authorities that play an essential role in self-governance of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.

Agriculture Program

Supporting sustainable agriculture through farming education, community outreach, and services. The Agriculture Program provides assistance to community members who are looking to increase local production of farm products. This is accomplished through workshops, evaluating different production methods, and direct assistance to growers.

Services & Programs offered:

Market Garden Produce | Mother Earth Eggs | Mother Earth Pig Shares or Meat Packages | Services We Offer | White Corn

Air Quality Program

Providing the community with access to technology and data to reduce the impacts of harmful air quality, both indoors and outdoors. The Air Quality Program specializes in monitoring a variety of harmful pollutants. Reducing the harm of exposure requires improved decision making and evaluating methods to reduce or eliminate exposure.

Further information:

Land Resources

Promoting the sustainable protection and enhancement of land resources, while working to restore the reciprocal relationships that exist between the land and the Akwesasne Community. The Land Resources Program includes a forestry crew that actively manages black ash trees to support traditional basketry, and pest response for impacts from the invasive emerald ash borer. The program operates a plant nursery that support restoration of native trees and shrubs. Lastly, the program administers the Tribe’s a pesticide and herbicide regulations.

Further information:

Forestry Resources | Invasive Species | Pollinator Protection

Remediation and Restoration

Applying scientific methods and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to manage industrial chemical risks to human health, restore the environment, and restore traditional practices of the community of Akwesasne. The Remediation and Restoration Program provides oversight for the remediation of hazardous waste sites, removal of abandoned structures and cleanup of former commercial properties. The program specializes in post-cleanup restoration for native species including fish, freshwater mussels and medicinal plants. Learn more →

Further information:

Brownfields | Remedial Advisory Committee (RAC) Meetings | St. Lawrence River Area of Concern at Massena/Akwesasne | Superfund

Solid Waste Management

Ensuring the proper handling and disposal of solid wastes generated in Akwesasne. The Solid Waste Management Program operates a community Transfer Station where materials are sorted for recycling and disposal. They offer a range of commercial and residential solid waste services in Akwesasne. Learn more →

Further information:

Water Resources Program

Ensuring the safety and health of Tribal Waters by monitoring water quality, protecting aquatic habitats and monitoring native fish populations. The Water Resources Program provides the community with timely information on threats to water quality (i.e. swimming safety) and other the health of fish resources. The program oversees regulatory actions through wetlands protection, water quality standards and permitting.

Further information:

Fisheries | Hogansburg Dam Removal | River Health | Wetlands

Initiatives

Environmental Assessments

Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Reviews (ERs) have become an important planning and development tool for the Tribe because of increased development on the reservation. The format and structure for conducting EAs and ERs parallel that of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and are tailored to the uniqueness of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Culture. Learn more →

St. Lawrence Environment Trustee Council

A Trustee Council was formed to assess injuries and determine damages to the natural resources of the St. Lawrence Environment and develop a plan for restoration of these injured natural resources. The Trustee Council consists of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (on behalf of the State of New York), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce), and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Environment Division (together, the Trustees). Learn more →

Further information:

Administrative Record Index | Restoration Projects

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Contact Information:

Environment Division Office

Teionkwarihwaienawa:kon | Community Services Building

850 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655

Weekdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Phone: 518-358-5937

Email us: environment@srmt-nsn.gov

Solid Waste Transfer Station

179 County Route 43, Fort Covington, NY

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 2.45 p.m. (closed Thursdays)

Phone: (518) 358-4632, Fax: (518) 358-4529

Email the Solid Waste Team: transfer.station@srmt-nsn.gov