Havasupai Tribe develops water quality standards

SUPAI, Ariz. (AP) – A remote tribe whose members live in a gorge off the Grand Canyon has received federal approval to develop water quality standards.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it has approved the Havasupai Tribe's application to protect the creeks, springs and freshwater wetlands on the reservation.

The tribe will develop standards under the federal Clean Water Act and have the authority to enforce action when those standards are violated.

The standards will be available for public review and comment, similar to a process used by states.

EPA regional administrator Jared Blumenfeld says the tribe's waters are an integral part of the life and culture there, so it's fitting that the tribe make decisions to protect them.