ENVIRONMENTAL

Established over nine years ago, the Cocopah Environmental Protection Office works to protect and preserve the natural resources available for future generations of the Cocopah Indian Tribe. This grant-funded office operates in compliance with tribal and federal environmental statutes and includes the Pesticides Department. Grants originate from federal and state departments including the Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Homeland Security and Arizona Department of Health Services.

The office is located on the West Reservation. For more information, call (928) 627-2025, extension 13.

PROGRAMS

Domestic Water Well Testing:
This department tests the drinking water quality for the North, East and West Reservations, Cocopah Korner, Cocopah RV & Golf Resort, Cocopah Resort & Conference Center and Cocopah Casino.

Technical Environmental Consultations:
This department interprets the regulatory standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and ensures the tribe is in compliance with those standards.

Water Consumption Metering:
This department monitors the amount of irrigation water used on the Reservation to ensure the tribe does not exceed its annual water allocation.

Hazardous Material Responders:
In the event of a hazardous material spill on the Reservation, this department responds to the incident and ensures the proper authorities are notified. They are also available for consultations.

Pesticides Application Monitoring:
This monitoring system, organized by the Cocopah Pesticides Department, ensures that pesticide applicators and sellers who work on the Reservation obtain the proper permits and are in compliance with federal law.

Pesticides Equipment Inspections:
This department inspects workers' pesticide application gear and ensures that all workers handling pesticides are properly protected.

Long-Term Environmental Management:
This department develops and implements long-term environmental management plans for the Cocopah community and tribal lands. The department is currently in participation with the National Wildlife Federation and the Colorado River International Conservation Area Committee to develop a long-range environmental management strategy for the limitrophe section of the lower Colorado River. A limitrophe is a region that borders several different governing bodies. In the lower Colorado River limitrophe, the United States, Mexico, Arizona, California, and Cocopah Reservation borders intersect.

Habitat Protection:
This department will monitor natural habitats found on the Reservation to ensure healthy environments for the plants and animals of the Southwest. For example, the department ensures hunters comply with regulations set by the Arizona Department of Game and Fish during hunting seasons and prohibits illegal hunting out of season.

Wildlife Surveys:
This department supports outside departments conducting wildlife surveys. The survey results help the department better understand the plant and animal populations found on the Cocopah Reservation.