Document QJYDoGyVd0x67KGD4nGExBB84

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 10 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 155 Seattle, WA 98101 WATER DIVISION October 26, 2023 Mr. Bob Smith Hoh Tribe P.O. Box 2196 2464 Lower Hoh Road Forks, WA 98331 Re: Violations for Failure to Monitor and Report Lead & Copper and Toluene Hoh Tribe, PWS ID 105300011 Dear Mr. Smith: The EPA did not receive adequate tap sample results for Lead & Copper for 6/1/2023 - 9/30/2023 as required under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR), according to 40 CFR 141.86. As a result, Hoh Tribe is in violation of the NPDWRs. Hoh Tribe is currently scheduled to take 5 samples every year 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 submit Lead & Copper sample results from 6/1/2023 - 9/30/2023, if samples were collected during the period OR collect Lead & Copper samples at approved sample sites during the next year's compliance monitoring period and submit results to EPA. Also, the EPA did not receive sample results for toluene for 7/1/2023 - 9/30/2023 as required under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR), according to 40 CFR 141.24. As a result, Hoh Tribe is in violation of the NPDWRs. Hoh Tribe is currently scheduled to take 1 sample every year at WELLS 5&6 FINISHED TAP COMBINED. Results must be reported to the EPA by the 10th of the month following the sampling period. To return to compliance you must either submit sample results if a sample was collected during the monitoring period OR collect samples according to your current monitoring schedule and submit the results to EPA. Additionally, in accordance with the Public Notification of Drinking Water Violation Rule 40 CFR 141.204(b) Hoh Tribe must distribute Tier 3 Public Notification (PN) within 1 year of receiving this letter. For community water systems, the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) may be used as a vehicle for the initial Tier 3 public notice, instead of individual Tier 3 public notices, under 40 CFR 141.204(b)(2). 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: 2023.10.26 06:31:10 -07'00' Karen Burgess, Manager Groundwater and Drinking Water Section cc: Sandy Redsteer, Indian Health Service