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TRIBAL
BUSINESS COUNCIL DISCUSSES SEWER MAIN BREAK BY
THE FORT BERTHOLD RURAL WATER OPERATORS
The Tribal Business Council discussed, at length,
the Health and Safety Issues and risks of the
May 3, 2002 Sewer Main Break at the Drags Wolf
Village. The issue was brought to the attention
of the Tribal Business Council through the Environmental
Office and the Indian Health Service, along with
Chlorine Driver, Chairman's Assistant and myself,
regarding the potential of problems concerning
the health and safety of the residents of the
Drags Wolf Village.
During the discussion, after much avoidance of
who was ultimately responsible for the break,
the Waste Water Division held the opinion and
its code of conduct: "You break it, you fix it."
The Rural Water Division's counter was that they
were not responsible for the sewer main, even
though they broke the line, while repairing the
original problem, which was a fresh water break.
When all was said and done, there was not a clear
determination of who was responsible for the future
repairs of broken sewer water mains by the Rural
Water Division. During the clarification
of the facts, there began to be much finger pointing.
This I did not agree, nor will I ever agree with,
as there is a lot at risk. You must have
cooperation and a positive working relationship
when it comes to these types of issues.
Lastly, the Tribal Business Council went on record
to have Texx Lone Bear and Jim Heckman draft policies
and procedures for future potential water main
break emergencies that will be consistent with
the Bureau of Reclamation Regulations.
TRIBAL
BUSINESS COUNCIL DEFERS ACTION ON THE NEW FOUR
BEARS LAGOON PROJECT UNTIL MAY 13, 2002
The
Tribal Business Council discussed the issues of
the replacement of the current Lagoon System.
The current Lagoon System is located next to the
Pow Wow Grounds within the Four Bears Segment.
As noted, the Lagoon is over ten years beyond
its operational capacity and there needs to be
something done as soon as possible.
Mrs. Annette Young Bird, Realty Officer of the
Three Affiliated Tribes presented her proposed
Right-of-Way Lease. The debate, however,
went toward the direction of looking into previously
approved property that was available prior to
the receipt of the Grant Funding from the USDA,
EPA and Indian Health Service.
Debate was taken from each Council Member about
the decision to approve a Right-of-Way with the
Smith/Little Owl Land Owners or to approve the
purchase of land from Snowbird Land Owners.
However, after much discussion, it was decided
to defer any action until May 13, 2002.
This was a meeting without enough historical information
provided by the Tribe, Indian Health Service and
the Environmental Protection Agency as to the
top four (4) prioritized locations within the
Four Bears Segment.
However, the Tribal Business Council went on record
to direct Mr. Ted Bolman to look into section
line access for public utilities and the acquisition
of land and/or easements for this project.
Myself, I am opposed to this action as this groundwork
was already performed twice in the past and the
result was the same on each occasion. It
more than likely means another delay to have no
end result for the benefit of the Tribe.
Since the Land Owners, have been firm on their
bottom lines from day one, this would only delay
such project from being completed.
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