Nez Perce Tribal Utilities Services

John Wheaton, Utilities Planner

Solid Waste Operations

Solid Waste Management is necessary to keep our communities cleaner and improve overall health. Our goals are:

· To implement and maintain a solid waste dumping site, which includes recycling

· Coordination of solid waste programs within the Tribe’s reservation boundaries.

Programs include:

· Involving the community with educational efforts by providing information on solid waste and how it affects our environment

· Clean-ups of refuse waste along side roads and illegal dumps

· Deter illegal dumping

· Provide recycling to Tribal offices and the community

· Provide updates on identifying wastes that can be diverted from the household waste

Water Operations

Our goal is to provide clean potable water for our customers as well as maintain a reasonable rate structure that our customers can afford.  Our water technicians operate and maintain the three water systems (North Lapwai, South Lapwai, and Kamiah) and the two sewer systems (Kamiah and North Lapwai) serving the Nez Perce Tribe. Tasks include reading meters, water testing, repairs, and planning future system upgrades.

Utilities Projects Planned For 2010

· New water well for Kamiah

· New diverter valve for the sewer system in Kamiah

· Construction of the Waste Water Plant in Lapwai

· Installation of Automatic Meter Readers on water meters

Perspective Drawing of  Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Lapwai Valley. Ground breaking anticipated May 2010 and operational early 2011

Cardboard Recycling

Sewers & Waste Water Plants vs. FOG (Fats, Oil & Grease)

Fats, Oils, and Greases are not just bad for your arteries and your waistline—they are bad for sewers too. The FOG in liquid form may not seem harmful, but do not let that fool you.  A wastewater sewer system works similarly to the circulatory system of the human body.  Wastewater flows through pipes, is pumped at the pump stations, and is cleaned by the wastewater plant. As FOG cools, it hardens, making it a toxic substance for sewer and septic systems.  It sticks to the inner lining of drainage pipes and restricts the wastewater flow, eventually causing a blockage.  The FOG build up is the number one cause of public sewage spills and drainfield failure.  Luckily, these situations are entirely preventable by:

 

· Never pouring FOG into your sink or toilet

· Pour FOG into a can- a coffee can works well

· Place a lid over the top

· Store it to be reused until full

· When the can is full, throw it in the trash

· When there is FOG residue in a pan or on a dish,

       wipe it with a paper towel before washing and throw that towel in the trash

· Also, place a strainer in the kitchen sink drain to catch food scraps and other

solids, then empty the strainer into the trash

Link to the

Interactive maps

Link to EPA Regulations

Link to the

Status Report of Implementing & Enforcing the UST Program in Indian Country