Environmental

Seneca Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma Environmental Management Department

The Environmental Management Department (EMD) of the Seneca Cayuga Tribe has various functions within the tribe. Each employee is responsible for an EPA work plan that was developed by the department with EPA’s approval. All tasks within the work plan, including salaries and operating budget are provided by the EPA or other funding agencies which may include; BIA, USGS, USFW, etc. Currently, the EMD is operating under a General Assistance Project (GAP) grant and a Clean Water Act 106 grant. Both of these grants consist of extensive water quality testing on Grand Lake, Sycamore Creek and Buffalo Creek. Among other items, the department’s work plan includes a plant study, development of a Solid Waste Management Plan, Recycling, GIS/GPS map development, and a long range plan for self sustainability. Grant research is also an ongoing process within the department. As funding comes available through various agencies, the EMD sees a future for Air Quality Monitoring, Climate Change, Alternate Energies, and Wetland Preservation and Development.

Capabilities are also available outside the standard work plan which may be used to help tribal members on an individual basis. Currently, each employee has the certifications and/or licenses to perform specific testing or monitoring. Lead Based Paint Testing/Risk Assessments, Mold Inspections, Asbestos Inspections, Water testing (Tap, Well, Surface), Phase I Environmental Assessments (NEPA & ASTM), BIA Phase I, Radon Testing, and much more.

The EMD has recently purchased two mobile recycling trailers. The trailer is separated by individual bins for each material. Currently, the trailer is set up for paper, plastic, aluminum cans(rinsed), and cardboard (broken down). Please use the trailers at your convenience. One is located at the tribal offices in Grove and future plans will move the other to the Grand Lake Casino.

On behalf of the EMD, we are here to serve the tribal members, the environment, and our surrounding communities.

Michael Rutledge – Environmental Director – Ext 29
Sherry Mead – Environmental Specialist – Ext 28
Micco Emarthla – Water Quality Technician – Ext 26

Phone: 918-787-5452