Waste Management Program

Overview

The CDD-EPNR Waste Management Program (WMP) has been primarily supported by EPA General Assistance Program (GAP) Performance Partnership Grant (PPG) funding for the past several years, which has served as the foundation for the development of the Community’s environmental programs infrastructure. WMP functions include conducting compliance assistance visits with hazardous waste generators on the Community, responding to chemical and/or fuel releases to provide cleanup oversight, recording and cleaning up illegal dumpsites, and providing waste management training to applicable Community departments to ensure staff understand federal regulations and Tribal ordinances as they pertain to hazardous waste, used oil, universal waste and medical waste. Additionally, the WMP conducts Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments for property transfers or future development.

Solid Waste

Solid Waste Program

With its proximity to the Salt River Landfill, the Community is a target for illegal dumping. The WMP works with the Salt River Police Department (SRPD) Rangers and the Public Works Department to report, assess, and clean up dumpsites as soon as possible after discovery in order to prevent additional dumping.

When dumpers are caught in the act, SRPD, is allowed by Tribal ordinance to seize the vehicle used in the dumping. The dumper must work with the Community’s Office of General Counsel to clean up the dumpsite, perform community service, and pay restitution before the vehicle is returned.

If you witness illegal dumping and the dumper is at the site, call SRPD dispatch at 480-850-9230.

To report an illegal dumpsite, call the CDD-EPNR hotline at 480-362-7500.

: Before Clean-up

: After Clean-up

: Dumper caught in the act on SRPD dash cam

: Dumper caught in the act

: Illegal dumpsite – Before clean-up

: Illegal dumpsite – After clean-up

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Program

Several Community departments generate hazardous wastes such as paints, paint thinners, and cleaners, as a part of their daily operations. The WMP works with the departments to ensure their wastes are managed and disposed of in compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, the WMP provides annual training to departments to ensure staff have an understanding of federal waste management requirements and are able to respond or react accordingly to spills or releases.The WMP inspects businesses on the Community that generate hazardous waste. Based on the results of inspections, the WMP provides guidance to ensure the businesses are complying with federal regulations and Tribal ordinances.

: Hazardous wastes properly accumulated

: Universal wastes properly stored

USTs

Underground Storage Tanks

Six gas stations with underground storage tanks (USTs) holding both unleaded and diesel fuels operate on the Community. In 2015, the US EPA revised UST regulations, increasing emphasis on properly operating and maintaining UST equipment. The new regulations will help prevent and detect UST releases, which are a leading source of groundwater contamination. The WMP is in the process of implementing a UST program to assist gas station operators with compliance with EPA’s UST regulations.

: Inspecting automatic tank gauge (ATG) probe

: Inspecting UST Sump

: UST installation at gas station

Release Response

Release Response Program

The WMP responds to fuel and chemical releases to provide cleanup oversight. Soil sampling is conducted to determine the extent of any contamination, and contractors are used to excavate affected soils.