This notice is to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the Morongo Band of Mission Indians (Tribe) Water Quality Standards. In April 2018, the Tribe was authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), to administer water quality standards and certification programs under the Clean Water Act for all waters within the exterior boundaries of the Tribe’s Reservation or otherwise subject to the Tribe’s jurisdiction.
Background
The Tribe’s Environmental Protection Department worked closely with the U.S. EPA to develop Water Quality Standards. These standards will be adopted through incorporation into the Tribe’s Ordinance 39 Surface Water Quality Protection Ordinance. This Ordinance was approved by Tribal Council on March 15, 2018. The purpose of this Ordinance is to carry out the provisions of the Morongo Environmental Protection Ordinance, Section IV(C)(1), to protect surface water quality on the Reservation. Carrying out this purpose includes, among other things, protecting the health, safety and welfare of Tribal members and all other persons within the boundaries of the Reservation; preventing the deterioration of water quality and other natural resources resulting from surface water pollution; and protecting the cultural, social and economic stability of the Reservation.
Per the Water Quality Standards Regulation at 40 CFR 131, the Tribe is required to hold a public hearing to solicit public input on these Water Quality Standards prior to submission for U.S. EPA approval.
Public Comment Opportunity
The Tribe is formally soliciting public input on Water Quality Standards prior to formal tribal adoption and U.S. EPA submittal of the current document. Ordinance 39 Surface Water Quality Protection Ordinance with incorporated Water Quality Standards may be viewed at https://morongonation.org/environmental/tribal-water/. You may also request a copy by contacting the Environmental Protection Department Tribal Water Program at [email protected] or (951) 755-5197.
Comments may be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject “WQS Comment Letter” or by mail to:
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Environmental Protection Department
12700 Pumarra Road
Banning, CA 92220
Comments will be accepted through November 26, 2021.
Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held on Wednesday October 27, 2021, 6:30 p.m. at the following address:
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Community Center
13000 Malki Road
Banning, CA 92220
At the public hearing, commenters will be given an opportunity to make oral comments or to summarize previously submitted written materials. If you would like to provide oral comments, please submit your name to [email protected] with the subject “WQS Hearing Speaker.”
If you will need accessibility accommodations at the hearing, please contact the Environmental Protection Department Tribal Water Program at [email protected] or (951) 755-5197.
If deemed appropriate, the planned Oct. 27, 2021 public hearing may be converted into a virtual meeting in response to COVID-19. If this occurs, an advance notice and link to participate in the virtual meeting will be posted on the Morongo website at https://morongonation.org/environmental/tribal-water/.