Morongo Band of Mission Indians Environmental Protection Department

12700 Pumarra Road Banning, CA 92220

Phone: 951-755-5128 Email: epd@morongo-nsn.gov

www.morongonation.org

Promoting community awareness and involvement as it relates to the environment, human health, and climate change.

Environmental Education in Morongo Schools

Working with the students to help them gain an understanding of their local environmental and how to protect it.

Annual Earth Day Event Community event designed to educate,

celebrate, and empower environmental protection.

Native American Preference Summer Internship Program

Providing an opportunity for Native American students to explore professional work experience in the environmental field.

Outreach at Community Events Information sharing at community

events including: Community Meetings, Sovereignty Classes, Health Fairs, and Cultural Days.

Quarterly Newsletter A quarterly distribution with articles

and information related to the local environment and programs the Environmental Protection Department offers. Sign up at https://morongonation.org/environmental-newsletter-email-signup

Committed to working with Tribal Members, the

community, and other departments to protect and

conserve the air, water, land, and wildlife.

Vision Honor and protect all life, land, and traditions on the Morongo

Indian Reservation through unwavering environmental

stewardship and community engagement.

Mission Our mission is to protect and preserve Morongo’s natural

resources, traditions, and tribal sovereignty. We promote

environmental awareness and environmentally considerate

actions by exemplifying environmental stewards,

fostering collaborative relationships, expanding education and outreach

activities, and continuing to enrich and develop our

programs.

This brochure was printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper

THE MORONGO

ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION DEPARTMENT

Community Outreach &

Education

Environmental Protection

Department Programs

The Morongo Environmental Protection Department (EPD) was established in 2004, authorized by Morongo Tribal Ordinance #12. The EPD implements federal environmental statues and develops tribal programs, as allowed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1984 “Indian Policy”, for the protection of the natural environment on the Morongo Indian Reservation. The EPD seeks delegation to administer sections of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act and works to develop tribal environmental regulations for the protection of the land, air, and water for current and future generations of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

(Available to residents of the Morongo Reservation)

Indoor air quality monitoring and assessment for mold, moisture, carbon monoxide, lead, and combustible gas

Information and resources on water conservation

Abandoned vehicle removal

Household hazardous waste collection

Electronic wastes collection

Live Christmas tree recycling Environmental education workshops and

events Environmental code violation investigations

*Please note this list is not exhaustive, please contact departments for specific assistance requests.

Federally Delegated

Environmental Regulation

Environmental Protection

Department Programs

The pollution prevention program encourages reducing wastes, conserving natural resources, avoiding harmful chemicals, and properly disposing of wastes within the reservation. Programs offered include curbside recycling, electronic wastes recycling, abandoned vehicle removal, bulky item recycling, and hazardous waste disposal. The program ensures Morongo entities are in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Tribal disposal rules and regulations.

The Compliance Assistance Component ensures Tribal Administration departments, Business Enterprises, development projects, and any other tribally regulated entity comply with Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and Tribal environmental protection codes and ordinances. Overall, the program is designed to recognize and eliminate any environmental risks on the Morongo Indian Reservation.

The Tribal Air program measures and reports Morongo’s outdoor air quality. The program’s objective is to collect legally defensible air quality data that can be used to educate and protect the health of the community. The program ensures the Tribe is compliant with EPA air quality permits regulations and standards. The program also provides education and tools to improve indoor air quality.

The Tribal Water program monitors surface water quality, assists in preventing water pollution, identifies potential or existing contaminant sources, and provides resources to encourage conservation and responsible management of water. The program also assists in compliance with the Clean Water Act and related water laws and permitting requirements.

The Resource Conservation program manages natural and biological resources and promotes functioning ecosystems. Activities include invasive species removal, erosion control, species identification, habitat enhancement, and biological assessments. Compliance with the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act are also significant components of resource conservation.

Community Services

Tribal Air Program

Tribal Water Program

Compliance

Assistance

Pollution Prevention

Program

Resource Conservation