The Environment Department is “Responsible for management of all environmental issues that affect the Pueblo of Sandia tribal        lands ……”

The Department’s work includes:

– the protection of water rights
– the delivery of water for agricultural purposes
– the protection of surface and ground water quality
– the development of wildlife  habitat
– reintroduction of certain wildlife species
– co-management of the T’ur Shur Bien special trust area
– restoration of the cottonwood Bosque
– GIS mapping
– solid waste management
– dam safety
– drainage planning
– grant development and management                                                   

– contractor procurement and oversight                                                  

In addition, the Department supports the Pueblo’s other Departments and enterprises primarily through water quality sampling and analysis, UST program compliance, and addressing regulatory issues that affect planning and development of projects.

The Environment Department is a committed partner with federal and state granting agencies and collaborates extensively with those agencies to fund and implement complex environmental protection and natural resource management projects throughout the Pueblo’s land.

Despite the Pueblo’s government status, work within the Pueblo’s borders must follow certain regulations and approval processes. Navigating this complex regulatory structure of tribal, federal, and state systems is a challenge that is compounded by the growth of surrounding communities. The Department’s projects are also affected by the presence of endangered species and seasonal conditions.