Document OnYLeEoeK92Yx2N43d6OjLap

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 10 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 155 Seattle, WA 98101 WATER DIVISION March 1, 2023 Mr. Joseph Bob Nooksack Indian Tribe P.O. Box 157 Deming, WA 98244 Re: Violation for Failure to Monitor and Report Lead & Copper Whispering Cedars, PWS ID 105300120 Dear Mr. Bob: The EPA did not receive adequate tap sample results for Lead & Copper for 7/1/2022 - 12/31/2022 as required under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR), according to 40 CFR 141.86. As a result, Whispering Cedars is in violation of the NPDWRs. Whispering Cedars is currently scheduled to take 5 samples every 6 months at approved lead and copper tap sampling sites. Results must be reported to the EPA by the 10th of the month following the sampling period. To return to compliance you must either: 1. Submit Lead & Copper sample results from 7/1/2022 - 12/31/2022, if samples were collected during the period. -OR1. Collect Lead & Copper samples at approved sample sites during the next year's compliance monitoring period and submit results to EPA. -AND2. Notify customers of this violation within one year in your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This letter serves as initial notification of non-compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act for the regulation and time period cited. EPA supports compliance assistance and encourages early action to return to compliance. Issues not addressed in a timely manner may be referred to enforcement. Prior to an enforcement action for the cited violation(s), EPA Region 10 will offer government-to-government consultation, in accordance with the EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes. Please contact the Groundwater and Drinking Water Section at (206) 553-6253 or R10TribalDW@epa.gov to determine next steps or if you have questions. Sincerely, KAREN BURGESS Digitally signed by KAREN BURGESS Date: 2023.03.01 14:14:08 -08'00' Karen Burgess, Manager Groundwater and Drinking Water Section cc: Sandy Redsteer, Indian Health Service