Draft Water Quality Standards Hearing And Request for Public Comments

Public Meeting, Public Notice

January 8, 2026

The Seneca Nation’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is seeking public comment on our Draft Water Quality Standards. EPD has prepared Draft Water Quality Standards(WQS) that establish clear and enforceable criteria to protect all waters within the Nation’s exterior boundaries. These standards define the Nation’s designated uses, including, fishing, gathering, cultural and ceremonial practices, subsistence activities, aquatic life, source water protections, and recreation and sets the protective pollutant thresholds necessary to uphold those uses.

Grounded in the Seneca Nation’s March 21, 2021 Treatment as a Sovereign (TAS) status under Clean Water Act Section 303(c), these standards affirm the Nation’s full authority to set, maintain, and enforce water quality protections. Through this work, the Seneca Nation asserts its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of Onödowa’ga:’ lands and waters for the health, culture, and prosperity of present and future generations.

WQS Documents may be reviewed below and at:

• SNI EPD Offices
Allegany Office – 814 Broad St, Salamanca, NY 14779
Cattaraugus Office – 84 Iroquois Dr Irving, NY 14081
• SNI Clerks Office
Allegany Office – 90 Ohi:yo Way, Salamanca NY 14779
Cattaraugus Office – 12837 NY 438, Irving, NY 14081
Buffalo Office – 533 Amherst St, Buffalo, NY 14207

Seneca Nation Water Quality Standards 2025 Download

COMMENT PERIOD:

The comment period will run for 60 days beginning on December 26, 2025, and ending at 4:30pm on February 24, 2026.

PUBLIC HEARING
Public hearing and info sessions will be held:

Date: January 28, 2026
Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Location: Allegany Territory

Date: February 11, 2026
Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Location: Cattaraugus Territory

Public participation is essential to ensuring transparency and accountability in the development of environmental regulations. By enabling Tribes, communities, organizations, local governments, and individual stakeholders to contribute their expertise, concerns, and local knowledge, the rulemaking process benefits from informed, place-based perspectives that help refine standards to better protect water quality and address community needs. All comments submitted within the designated comment period will be duly considered and responded to in a timely and appropriate manner.

Submitting Comments

Comments may be hand delivered or mailed to:

• Cattaraugus EPD Office – 84 Iroquois Dr. Irving NY 14081
• Allegany EPD Office – 814 Broad St. Salamanca NY 14779

Or emailed to: