The Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to gain approval for its water quality standards.

The tribe is seeking "treatment as state" status under the Clean Water Act. The law recognizes tribal authority to regulate waters that run through tribal lands.

The tribe's standards would affect the Tongue River. The tribe is concerned that coalbed methane development is polluting the river. For this reason, the tribe faces opposition from the state and drilling industry.

The tribe adopted its standards three years ago but hasn't submitted them for formal approval. Joe Walks Along Jr., the water-quality coordinator, said the process has been cumbersome.

Get the Story:
Water talks go on: Tribe still trying to win EPA approval of quality standards (The Billings Gazette 7/11)

Relevant Links:
Northern Cheyenne Tribe - http://www.ncheyenne.net

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