EPA and tribal programs report progress reopening transfer stations but illegal dumping persists on Wind River Reservation

EPA Region 8 and tribal solid‑waste staff told the Select Committee on Tribal Relations on June 16 that recent multi‑agency efforts have stabilized transfer‑station operations on the Wind River Reservation, but that illegal dumping and funding shortfalls remain a key obstacle.

Amy Swanson, an EPA Region 8 attorney, summarized federal constraints and roles: "States do not have authority to regulate solid waste in Indian country and EPA does not have enforceable federal solid waste regulations in Indian country — tribes are typically responsible for managing their own solid waste, with EPA providing technical assistance and limited emergency authority." She said EPA can use imminent‑danger authorities where public health is at immediate risk.

EPA and the Indian Health Service described steps taken under a joint action plan developed at a May 2024 waste summit: transfer‑station cleanups, grant coordination (GAP and competitive solid‑waste infrastructure grants), and updated inventories of open dumps. IHS and EPA staff said two of four transfer stations had been cleaned and brought back on line; one large cleanup earlier removed roughly 504 tons of debris from a site that had experienced a fire.

Tribal staff echoed progress and the limits of current resources. Verenton (representing Eastern Shosonyi solid‑waste operations) said the tribe obtained a front‑end loader and maintains multiple transfer stations but still lacks permanent buildings and equipment storage. "Our roll‑off trucks are getting pretty well beat up — all these bumpy roads — but we're still hanging there," Verenton said.

Rapo First, which assumed operation of at least one transfer station in late 2025, reported it used tribe and partner funding to reopen sites; staff said the program now serves residential and commercial accounts, manages curbside pickup for some tribal housing, and runs summer hours to accommodate working families.

All parties called for integrated solid‑waste management plans (ISWMP) and tribal codes to create clear legal frameworks for penalties, collection rules and enforcement. EPA and IHS staff said ISWMPs help tribes qualify for additional funding and make cleanups and equipment purchases eligible under federal grant programs.

Speakers urged a mix of short‑term cleanup funding and longer‑term investments in buildings, roll‑off trucks and community education — and asked for continued coordination among EPA, IHS, the state and tribal governments. EPA said it will continue inventories and planning and signaled further technical and grant support where feasible.