The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the Navajo Nation’s application for treatment in a similar manner as a state (TAS) status under the Clean Water Act for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and sludge management programs. The Navajo Nation is the first Tribe in the country to receive this approval for both programs, according to EPA.

The approval makes the Navajo Nation eligible to apply to administer the programs on its lands. If authorized, the Nation could issue discharge permits establishing pollutant limits and monitoring and reporting requirements, regulate sewage sludge use and disposal, and carry out related enforcement and administrative functions.

“This approval brings Navajo Nation one step closer to having direct regulatory authority over the water resources on its lands,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Martucci.

Navajo Nation EPA Director Stephen B. Etsitty said obtaining NPDES authority and implementing the program will be important for the Nation’s future growth and water quality protection.

The TAS approval does not itself authorize the Navajo Nation to administer the programs. It establishes eligibility to apply for that authority.