Request for Comments on Water Quality Standards

Mar 11, 2021

AKWESASNE – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Environment Division’s Water Resources Program is notifying membership that there are recommended amendments to the Tribal Water Quality Standards. These changes include 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.

The Water Quality Standards are required to undergo a review every three years to make corrections and updates based on the latest scientific information. The 30-day period for Tribal members to submit comments will end on Onerahtókha/April 9, 2021. Following the comment period, Tribal Council may 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 1, 2020) from the Environment Division Office located at 449 Frogtown Road. Since the Environment Office is closed to the public, community members will be required to call (518)358-5937 in advance. To receive the document, members can pick it up at the service window near the main entrance. Please remember to wear a mask when you come to the window and if someone is ahead of you please be patient and maintain social distancing to keep everyone safe.

The document can also be downloaded from the Tribe’s Members Portal at https://www.srmt-nsn.gov/tribal-members/login under the section Papers, Studies, Reports.

Individuals are encouraged to review the document and submit written comments to Tiernan Smith, Water Resources Program Manager at Tiernan.Smith@srmt-nsn.gov or they may also be mailed to:

Tiernan W. Smith

Water Resources Program Manager

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

449 Frogtown Road

Akwesasne, NY 13655

For more information about the proposed amendments, individuals may contact the Environment Division’s Water Resources Program by calling (518) 358-5937 during normal business hours.