CTUIR, IHS leaders to sign MOA for $44.5M water project – Elkhorn Media Group

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and Indian Health Service Sign Agreement for Wastewater Treatment Project

MISSION – (News release from CTUIR) Elected leaders of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and Indian Health Service (IHS) officials will sign a memorandum of agreement on Monday, Aug. 26 for the tribe’s $44.5 million wastewater treatment project.

Introduction

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) have come together to sign a memorandum of agreement for a wastewater treatment project. This project, with a budget of $44.5 million, aims to address the tribe’s wastewater treatment needs and contribute to sustainable development goals.

Ceremonial Signing

The ceremonial signing of the agreement will take place at the Nixyáawii Governance Center. This event will celebrate the $38 million funding allocated by the IHS Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) Program for the Mission Community Wastewater System Upgrade.

Gratitude for Funding

CTUIR Chairman Gary I. Burke expressed gratitude towards the Indian Health Service for securing the crucial funding for the wastewater treatment plant. He emphasized the importance of this facility in producing water for irrigation needs, reducing groundwater usage, and supporting economic and community development on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting sustainable water management and protecting groundwater resources.

Project Details

The wastewater treatment project is the largest funded by the IHS Portland Area SFC Program. The facility, operated by Public Works, will be located along Mission Road and will have the capacity to treat up to 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day. By maintaining current demand levels, the facility will conserve aquifer water while serving the growing community. This aligns with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, as it ensures access to clean water and promotes sustainable water use.

Reuse Water and Conservation

The project aims to produce reuse water through the treatment and reclamation process. It is estimated that by 2042, 444,000 gallons per day of reuse water will be available to offset water withdrawals from the regional aquifer. This is equivalent to the annual permitted water production capacity of two to three additional community wells. The Class A-recycled water produced will be suitable for watering lawns, gardens, and fruit and vegetable plants. This initiative contributes to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting the efficient use of water resources.

Improving Water and Sanitation Infrastructure

IHS Director Roselyn Tso highlighted the importance of access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure. She emphasized the impact of inadequate services on public health and the respect owed to Native people. The Indian Health Service has been working towards improving water and sanitation services for tribal communities for 65 years, but with limited resources. The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment in this infrastructure is a significant step towards improving the overall well-being of tribal communities and aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Funding and Construction Timeline

In addition to the IHS funding, U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden secured $3 million from the Environmental Protection Agency for the wastewater system project. The CTUIR will also provide $3.5 million in funding. Construction on the facility is expected to commence in late 2025, with a completion goal set for late 2027.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article discusses the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, which is directly related to SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. It also mentions the economic and community development opportunities that will arise from the project, connecting it to SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The project’s aim to reduce groundwater usage and limit impact on groundwater resources aligns with SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. Additionally, the mention of producing recycled water for reuse aligns with SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
• SDG 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

The targets identified are based on the specific issues mentioned in the article. The project aims to improve water quality by treating wastewater, which aligns with SDG 6.3. The construction of the wastewater treatment plant contributes to the development of sustainable infrastructure, as stated in SDG 9.1. The project also promotes sustainable urbanization and responsible management of resources, connecting to SDG 11.3. Lastly, the production of recycled water for reuse supports the environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste, as mentioned in SDG 12.4.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 6.3: Reduction in pollution levels and hazardous materials in the treated wastewater.
• Indicator for SDG 9.1: Completion of the wastewater treatment plant and its operational efficiency.
• Indicator for SDG 11.3: Increase in economic and community development opportunities resulting from the project.
• Indicator for SDG 12.4: Volume of recycled water produced and its usage for irrigation purposes.

The article doesn’t explicitly mention specific indicators, but the information provided can be used to derive potential indicators for measuring progress towards the identified targets. These indicators can include the reduction in pollution levels and hazardous materials in the treated wastewater (SDG 6.3), the completion and operational efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant (SDG 9.1), the increase in economic and community development opportunities resulting from the project (SDG 11.3), and the volume of recycled water produced and its usage for irrigation purposes (SDG 12.4).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: elkhornmediagroup.com