SUIT Proposed Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters & Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Procedures

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Proposed Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters & Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Procedures

A 60-day public comment period on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s water quality standards and Clean Water Act section 401 certification procedures will be held from August 23 to October 22, 2021.

For all interested individuals, an online hearing regarding the Tribe’s Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Procedures will be held on:

Thursday October 7, 2021 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To attend the hearing, please register at https://bit.ly/3wnzxAb before the event.

To register for this event, open a new web browser and go to the above WebEx Events link then click on the “(Register)” link next to Event status. Prior to the WebEx Event, it is advisable to visit the following help site to test your browser and connection: https://bit.ly/3e7p7Ne. Should you have additional technical problems, please contact the SUSS helpdesk at 970-563-5050. To join using audio only call: 1-415-655-0003 and use audio access code: 145 895 0864.

The live online hearing will be recorded and posted on the Tribe’s website. The proposed water quality standards, 401 certification procedures, and related documents can be found on the Tribe’s website at https://southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/public-comments/.

You can submit your comments by one of the following methods:
• E-mail: wqs@southernute-nsn.gov (Preferred Method)
• Mail: Water Quality Standards Committee, Environmental Programs Division, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, P.O. Box 737 #81, 71 Mike Frost Way, Ignacio, Colorado 81137.

SUIT WQS comment period announcement

SUIT WQS quick notes

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Indian Tribe moves to Phase III “Protect Our Neighbor” and Reopens Tribal Operations

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay Box – 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, August 3, 2021

 

Southern Ute Indian Tribe moves to Phase III “Protect Our Neighbor” and Reopens Tribal Operations

 

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On Friday, July 30, 2021 the Southern Ute Tribal Council, in consultation with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Incident Management Team (IMT), approved Resolution 2021-104, which amended the Tribe-wide Recovery Plan adopted in March of this year. Modifications were made to the metrics and restrictions within approved Phases of the Recovery Plan.

The revisions to the key metrics and restrictions support a move to Phase III “Protect Our Neighbor,” which is one phase below the Fully Open phase. The IMT will continue to monitor the data closely and provide the tribal leadership with the most up-to-date information in an effort to support the tribal reopening while prioritizing the health and safety of the tribal membership, employees, and visitors. The following graphic outlines the Key Metrics and Restrictions to be followed during each of the Phases.

Effective Monday, August 9, 2021, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe will move to Phase III “Protect Our Neighbor”. The Tribal offices will open to the public, employees, and visitors, all of whom will be required to follow COVID-19 health safety guidelines.

Below are examples of capacity restrictions when the Tribe moves to Phase III “Protect Our Neighbor”.

  • Personal gatherings are restricted to no greater than 125 persons.
  • Indoor capacity is permitted up to 100% and 500 maximum capacity
  • Outdoor capacity is permitted up to 100% and 500 maximum capacity

More information can be found on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s website and social media, in the Southern Ute Drum, and on the air at KSUT Tribal Radio. Individuals can also call the Southern Ute Indian Tribe directly at (970) 563.0100 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

If you are sick, please self-isolate. If your symptoms begin to worsen, please call your primary healthcare provider or the Southern Ute Health Center at 970.563.4581. Do not arrive at your primary health care provider office without calling to notify the professionals of your symptoms.

Please continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, cough and sneeze into the bend of your elbow or in a tissue then throw the tissue away. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects in your home or workplace. Please continue to practice social distancing staying 6 feet away from others. Stay connected with your loved ones and our tribal elders.

 

Key Metrics and Restrictions for Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic

20210803 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe moves to Phase III “Protect Our Neighbor” and Reopens Tribal Operations (Final)

20210803 – Revised SUIT Phase I Metrics & Restrictions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: North Cinder Butte Area Fires – 6.20.2021 2100 Update

For IMMEDIATE Release, June 20, 2021, 2100 PRESS RELEASE

 

Suppression Efforts Continue on the Dry Gulch Area Fires

 

Durango, CO – Durango Interagency Coordinating Group (DICG) Media Contact:  Scot Davis

Title:                                  DICG PIO

Phone:                                 970-946-8979

Email:                                sdavis@lospinosfire.com

 

DRY GULCH FIRE AREA

Current Situational Update:

 

Since the dry lightning storm that hit the Fort Lewis Mesa area Friday afternoon and evening on June 18, 2021, 31 separate fires have been discovered. Of those, 9 are reported to be controlled/contained/out, and 10 controlled.

 

Currently, the largest fire is the Iron Springs Fire, 37 7.008, -108 4.506 (LAT/LON), which is 10 acres in size. Ground crews and a Type 2 helicopter have been working the fire, and spot fires, throughout the day.

 

No new fire starts on 6/19 and 6/20 Structures Threatened and Evacuations:

Currently, there are no structures threatened and no evacuation orders in place.

 

Current Apparatus:

 

1            Type 2 helicopter with a Helitack crew of 9,

1            Type II Interagency (IA) Crew,

8            Type 6 Engines, local and regional departments: Boulder (Left Hand), South Arkansas, Montrose, Loveland, Canon City, and Mancos

1            Tender, and

70          Personnel.

 

Operational Directive for 6/22/21:

 

Continue with suppression efforts on Iron Springs fire, and
Continue to work hotspots and watch for any “holdover” fires to

 

Fire Conditions for 6/22/21:

 

Weather will continue to be hot, dry and windy. High temperatures between 85 & 95 degrees, humidity below 14% after 1200, and wind gust up to 30 MPH. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for tomorrow. Thunderstorms with dry lightning are not expected tomorrow afternoon.

 

Smoke is visible from the CO Hwy 140 corridor. Individuals should avoid County Road 136 and the west end of County Road 100. Smoke will be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood- smoke-and-health

 

The public is encouraged:

 

To avoid areas with active fire and where fire operations are occurring,
Slow down and use caution while driving through, and in the area of, fire operations,
Continue to observe Stage 1 Fire Restriction, and
Understand that the current weather conditions combined with extremely low fuel moisture content greatly increase the potential for fire starts and growth – please use caution with any activity that produces heat and

 

The cause of the Dry Gulch Fire Area is the result of the recent lightning storm. The Tribe is coordinating with local agencies to ensure the safety of the public and to minimize the impact of the fire. The Tribe is also working with oil and gas operators in the area to shut-in facilities in the vicinity of the fire to mitigate any potential impact from those operators to first responder’s ability to contain the fire.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

STAGE I Fire Restrictions General Public:

 

Prohibited acts:

 

 

 

OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is

 

AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are

 

CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited. The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after

 

Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the North Cinder Butte Area Fires, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

 

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more info or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

 

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

Durango Interagency Coordinating Group (DRCG) Information

 

 

 

The Durango Interagency Coordinating group has been established in 1990 to unite all local fire response agencies, local, state, and national agencies including: BLM. USFS, BIA, NPS, Colorado State, Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, San Juan (CO), Dolores and San Miguel Counties, and local fire departments within those counties. The DRCG is tasked to assess current wildfire conditions and release coordinated messages to inform and educate concerning fire danger and current fire restrictions. Wildfires do not know jurisdictional boundaries and therefore having a cooperative environment to collaborate on conditions and how best to approach fire safety and response.

###

NCBAF_Press Release_06_21_21_2100

Photo Credit | Durango Interagency Coordinating Group

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: North Cinder Butte Area Fires – 1008 Update

 

For IMMEDIATE Release, June 19, 2021 PRESS RELEASE

 

18 Fires Break out on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation

 

Durango, CO – Durango Interagency Coordinating Group (DICG) Media Contact:    Scot Davis

Title:                                 DICG PIO

Phone:                                 970-946-8979

Email:                               sdavis@lospinosfire.com

 

 

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – 18 Fires broke out yesterday on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The North Cinder Butte Area Fires are located throughout the west side of the reservation. Fire crews responded to 12 fires yesterday, June 18, 2021

 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southern Ute Agency Fire Management and Los Piños Fire Protection District, Fort Lewis Mesa, and Colorado State helicopter have responded.

 

Current Apparatus:

 

1            Type 2 helicopter with a Helitack crew of 9,

1            Type II Interagency (IA) Crew,

4            Engines,

1            Tender (water taker), and

1            20 Person IA crew from the Lolo National Forest

 

Operational Directive for 6/19/21:

 

  • Check for hotspots from fires suppressed on 6/18
  • Recon and map fire area with Type 2 helicopter
  • Prioritize fires for suppression

 

Fire Conditions for 6/19:

 

Weather will continue to be hot, dry and windy. High temperatures between 87 & 97 degrees, humidity below 15% after 1200, and wind gust up to 25 MPH this afternoon. Thunderstorms with dry lightning are expected this afternoon.

 

Smoke is visible from the CO Hwy 140 corridor. Individuals should avoid County Road 136 and the west end of County Road 100. Smoke will be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood- smoke-and-health

 

The public is encouraged:

 

  • To avoid areas with active fire and where fire operations are occurring,
  • Slow down and use caution while driving through, and in the area of, fire operations,
  • Continue to observe Stage 1 Fire Restriction, and
  • Understand that the current weather conditions combined with extremely low fuel moisture content greatly increase the potential for fire starts and growth – please use caution with any activity that produces heat and

 

The cause of the North Cinder Butte Area Fires is the result of the recent lightning storm. The Tribe is coordinating with local agencies to ensure the safety of the public and to minimize the impact of the fire. The Tribe is also working with oil and gas operators in the area to shut-in facilities in the vicinity of the fire to mitigate any potential impact from those operators to first responder’s ability to contain the fire.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

STAGE I Fire Restrictions General Public:

 

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  • OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is

 

  • AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are

 

  • CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited. The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after

 

  • Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the North Cinder Butte Area Fires, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

 

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more info or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

 

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

Durango Interagency Coordinating Group (DRCG) Information

 

 

The Durango Interagency Coordinating group has been established in 1990 to unite all local fire response agencies, local, state, and national agencies including: BLM. USFS, BIA, NPS, Colorado State, Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, San Juan (CO), Dolores and San Miguel Counties, and local fire departments within those counties. The DRCG is tasked to assess current wildfire conditions and release coordinated messages to inform and educate concerning fire danger and current fire restrictions. Wildfires do not know jurisdictional boundaries and therefore having a cooperative environment to collaborate on conditions and how best to approach fire safety and response.

 

###

NCBAF_Press Release_06_19_21_1008 (004)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 18 Fires Break out on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571

Lindsay J. Box, PIO – 970.759.1494

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 18, 2021

 

 

18 Fires Break out on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation

 

 

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – 18 Fires break out on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The North Cinder Butte Area Fires are located throughout the west side of the reservation. Fire crews have responded to 5 fires and fires are being prioritized.

 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southern Ute Agency Fire Management and Los Piños Fire Protection District, Fort Lewis Mesa, and Colorado State helicopter have responded. Type II IA Crew, 4 engines, and air support have been ordered.

 

Smoke is visible from the CO Hwy 140 corridor. Individuals should avoid County Road 136 and the west end of County Road 100 . Smoke will be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health

 

The cause of the North Cinder Butte Area Fires is the result of the recent lightning storm.  The Tribe is coordinating with local agencies to ensure the safety of the public and to minimize the impact of the fire. The Tribe is also working with oil and gas operators in the area to shut-in facilities in the vicinity of the fire in an effort to mitigate any potential impact from those operators to first responder’s ability to contain the fire.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

 

STAGE I

General Public:

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.

 

  1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.

 

  1. CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.

 

  1. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the North Cinder Butte Area Fires, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

For more info or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

###

20210618 – 18 Fires Break out on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation

 

SUIT moves to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3 on Today, June 17, 2021

Southern Ute Indian Tribe moves to Phase II “Safer at Home”, Level 3 – Effective TODAY, Thursday, June 17, 2021

 

The change to the current restrictions include the following:

 

>+< Personal Gathering Size – No greater than 30 persons

>+< Indoor Capacity – 75% of the space or 100 persons max

>+< Outdoor Capacity – 75% of the space or 200 persons max

 

To find a list of the approved activities, please check out the Southern Ute Indian Tribal website, Tribal Council social media, and the Southern Ute Drum.

 

For questions, please contact Tribal Council Communication Specialist, Ms. Lindsay J. Box at 970.563.2313 and via email at lbox@southernute-nsn.gov or IMT PIO, Ms. Amy Barry at 970.563.2281 and via email at abarry@southernute-nsn.gov

 

Designed & Produced by Lindsay J. Box

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Amended Public Health “Safer at Home” Order of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box, Communication – 970.563.2313

Amy Barry, IMT PIO – 970.563.2281

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2021

AMENDED PUBLIC HEALTH SAFER AT HOME ORDER OF THE SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN TRIBE

 

WHEREAS, authority is vested in the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council by the Constitution adopted by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and approved November 4, 1936, and amended October 1, 1975, and August 27, 1991, to act for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe; and

 

WHEREAS, under Article VII, Section l(n) of the Constitution, Tribal Council has the authority, “To protect and preserve the property, wildlife and natural resources of the [T]ribe, and to regulate the conduct of trade and the use and disposition of tribal property upon the reservation.”; and

 

WHEREAS, in January 2020, the World Health Organization designated the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic; and

 

WHEREAS, on February 18, 2020, in Res. No. 2020-025, Tribal Council declared a state of emergency to respond to the spread of COVID-19; and

 

WHEREAS, based on the increasing incidence of COVID-19 in the region and the danger COVID-19 posed to the tribal membership, on March 25, 2020, Tribal Council issued a Stay at Home Order requiring tribal members to stay at home unless performing essential activities; and

 

WHEREAS, since March 2020, the Tribe’s Incident Management Team (“IMT”) and Tribal Council have been monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and actively managing the Tribe’s response in accordance with the Southern Ute Community Emergency Operations Plan and Southern Ute Health Center Communicable Disease Response Plan; and

 

WHEREAS, the Southern Ute Community Emergency Operations Plan identifies operational phases for the Tribe’s emergency management activities, which phases include a Response Phase and a Recovery Phase; and

 

WHEREAS, as the Tribe moved into the Recovery Phase, Tribal Council adopted a Tribe-Wide Recovery Plan, which includes a system of phases and levels of pandemic management; and

 

WHEREAS, the phases include Phase 1 “Stay-at-Home;” Phase 2 “Safer at Home” (including Levels 1, 2, and 3 of Phase 2); Phase 3 “Protect Our Neighbor;” and Phase 4 “Fully Open;” and

 

WHEREAS, on March 29, 2021, after the IMT recommended to Tribal Council that current data supported moving into a less restrictive phase than Phase 1 – Stay at Home, Tribal Council issued a Safer at Home Order, which superseded the Stay at Home Order and eased previously established restrictions; and

 

WHEREAS, Tribal Council may issue additional Public Health Orders throughout  the pandemic to implement or modify specific restrictions as circumstances warrant and new information  becomes known; and

 

WHEREAS, based on the fact that a vaccine is readily available in and around the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and the risk of COVID-19 transmission has diminished, Tribal Council finds it appropriate to amend previously established requirements.

 

NOW THEREFORE, TRIBAL COUNCIL HEREBY ORDERS:

 

  1. There are three different levels of the Safer at Home Phase, and the level in effect at any given time shall be established by the IMT based on the criteria identified in the Tribe-Wide Recovery Plan, Appendix

 

  1. Phase 2 – Safer at Home that was put into effect on March 29, 2021 remains in

 

  1. All persons who come within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation and are within the jurisdiction of the Tribe shall comply with this Order and any other Public Health Order then in

 

  1. Contractors working on the Reservation shall continue to complete a health screening before entering an indoor

 

  1. Outdoor and certain indoor activities continue to be permissible, provided those activities comply with the Event Caps in effect at the time of the

 

  1. Tribal entities and departments shall continue to follow their reopening

 

  1. This Amended Safer at Home Order supersedes the Safer at Home Order put into effect on March 29,

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Order shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on June 2, 2021 and will be in effect until further notice.

 

(Signed by Chairman Melvin J. Baker)

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20210616 – Amended Public Health Order Safer At Home for SUIT

20210617 – SUIT Phase II, Level 1 Metrics & Restrictions (1)

Southern Ute Reservation Fire Conditions are VERY HIGH

Southern Ute Reservation Fire Conditions – VERY HIGH

Much of the Western United States in in some level of drought conditions. The Southern Ute Agency Fire Management Office would like to share that the current fire conditions on the Southern Ute Reservation are  VERY HIGH.  Effective today, June 16, 2021 at 6:00 a.m., the Southern Ute Reservation entered Stage I Fire Restrictions. To find more information on the details of the Stage I Fire Restrictions, please click on the link below:

 

Southern Ute Reservation Initiates Stage I Fire Restrictions

 

If you have questions related to fire conditions and/or what acts are prohibited in the Stage I Fire Restrictions, please contact the Southern Ute Agency Fire Management Office at 970.563.4571, Tribal Council Communication Specialist, Ms. Lindsay J. Box at 970.563.2313 or via email at lbox@southernute-nsn.gov

 

Tribal Janssen Vaccination Event – May 14, 2021 from 10 to 2

Southern Ute Indian Tribe – Tribal Vaccination Event

Janssen Vaccine Event NEXT Friday May 14, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sky Ute Casino Resort Event Center

 

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted the restrictions on the Janssen vaccine Friday, April 23, 2021. The vaccine can be administered without limitations. Individuals who have questions should contact their primary care provider (PCP) or the Southern Ute Health Center (SUHC) by calling 970.563.4581 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For more information on the Janssen vaccine, please visit the CDC site below:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/JJUpdate.html

>+< IHS Vaccine Eligibility <+>

+ Anyone ages 18 years and over (including the general public.)

+ Southern Ute tribal members, IHS-beneficiaries and tribal staff will have priority when scheduling.

Individuals interested in the Janssen vaccination event are required to register at the Southern Ute Health Center (SUHC) Vaccination Sign-Up Link provided below.

SUHC Vaccination Sign-Up Link | https://www.tinyurl.com/y2bmk652

Sign-up DEADLINE is Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

Photo Credit | Lindsay J. Box

Designed & Produced by Lindsay J. Box

20210501 – May 14 Janssen Vaccine Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8 Rivers Capital and the Southern Ute Growth Fund Announce Joint Development of Zero Emissions NET Power Plan

8 Rivers Capital and the Southern Ute Growth Fund Announce Joint Development of Zero Emissions NET Power Plant

DURHAM, N.C. and SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN RESERVATION, Colo., April 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 8 Rivers Capital, LLC and The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund (SUGF) have joined together to develop the Coyote Clean Power Project, locating one of the world’s first zero-emissions NET Power natural gas-fired power plants within the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The Coyote Clean Power Project will represent a paradigm shift in how the world generates energy, producing 280 MW of clean power 24/7, while capturing and storing CO2. 8 Rivers, through its Zero Degrees development business, and the SUGF plan to design and construct a NET Power plant over the next five years.

The Tribe’s participation continues their long history of leadership in environmental stewardship and the energy transition, including the development and operation of a facility for a decade that captured naturally venting fugitive methane, one of the first utility scale solar projects in Southwest Colorado, and other alternative energy projects including biofuels. The Coyote Clean Power Project will be fueled with natural gas while capturing all emissions associated with combusting gas.

The underlying NET Power technology is a game-changing advance for global decarbonization. It produces no air pollution, can operate water neutral, and features the flexibility required to seamlessly pair with renewable energy sources for a 100% clean electricity grid while utilizing natural gas without atmospheric emissions. The Coyote Clean Power Project underscores the economic opportunity of the energy transition to a more carbon neutral environment for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, as it will entail hundreds of millions of dollars of capital investment and has the potential to create over one thousand direct and indirect clean energy jobs both on and off the Reservation. As the project moves forward, Coyote Clean Power expects to make a final investment decision in 2022 and production could begin by 2025.

“We are delighted to partner with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on this clean power project, highlighting our collective leadership in the energy transition to a carbon neutral environment. The Coyote Clean Power Project’s affordable delivery of zero emissions power is unprecedented, and the project is a model for future deployments of this critical decarbonization tool” said, Damian Beauchamp, President at 8 Rivers and Board Member of NET Power.

Shane Seibel, Southern Ute Growth Fund Executive Director stated, “The Growth Fund is excited to partner with 8 Rivers, a leader in developing decarbonization technology,  to progress the Coyote Clean Power Project to the next phase of development enabling the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to continue its leadership of energy development in Indian Country and to participate in solutions for transitioning to a carbon neutral environment by providing clean and affordable baseload power in Southwest Colorado.”

“The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is excited to begin the partnership with 8 Rivers, adding a new clean energy project to our business portfolio. Although the Tribe has a rich and successful history as an energy producer in Indian Country, we have always prioritized the protection of our natural resources. This project further exemplifies our environmental stewardship,” stated Vice Chairman Bruce Valdez.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated, “Development of one of the world’s first zero-emission and water neutral power plants will lead to economic development and job growth while accelerating our transition to 100% clean electricity. We are thrilled about this partnership between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and 8 Rivers Capital, as our region continues to lead in the clean energy transition, and my Administration stands ready to support next steps in the Coyote Clean Power Project.”

Ron DeGregorio, CEO and Board Member of NET Power said, “The NET Power team is thrilled that 8 Rivers and the Southern Ute Growth Fund have selected our clean energy technology. The Coyote Clean Power Project represents one of the first of many future NET Power plants with the potential to eliminate carbon emissions and achieve net zero by the year 2050.”

The NET Power system utilizes the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle, combusting natural gas with oxygen, as opposed to air, and uses supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid to drive a turbine instead of steam. This eliminates all air emissions, including traditional pollutants and CO2, and inherently produces pipeline-quality CO2 that can be sequestered, all while operating at competitive cost and efficiency to traditional gas power plants.

PROJECT WEBSITE:   www.Coyote.Energy

Southern Ute Growth Fund: The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund operates and manages the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s businesses and business investments. In this role, the Growth Fund oversees a significant portfolio of companies and investments in energy, real estate, and private equity. The Growth Fund’s headquarters are located in the heart of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Ignacio, Colorado. Since the Tribe created the Growth Fund in 2000, it has committed substantial capital to a broadening range of businesses and investments. In just eighteen years, the value of the Growth Fund’s holdings has grown substantially. Operations and assets are spread out over thirteen states and the Gulf of Mexico. For more information, please visit: www.sugf.com.

8 Rivers Capital, LLC is a Durham, NC-based firm leading the invention and commercialization of sustainable, infrastructure-scale technologies for the global energy transition. 8 Rivers is the inventor of the Allam-Fetvedt Cycle, a paradigm-changing net-zero power solution that was named ADIPEC’s “Breakthrough Technology of the Year 2018” and that is anticipated to form a cornerstone of the clean energy transition. 8 Rivers is also focusing on developing and deploying technologies for clean hydrogen and ammonia, direct air capture, retrofit carbon capture, sour gas sweetening, and space-based solar power. For more information, please visit: www.8Rivers.com.

NET Power, LLC: The mission of NET Power is to provide advanced clean energy to consumers worldwide by generating lower-cost power with zero emissions. NET Power is a clean energy technology company that promotes, develops, and licenses a proprietary process for efficiently generating electricity from natural gas while capturing all CO2 emissions. The firm’s revolutionary Allam-Fetvedt Cycle promises to enable the world to meet its climate goals without paying more for electricity. The company is co-owned by Exelon Generation, McDermott, 8 Rivers Capital, and Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (OLCV), a subsidiary of Occidental.  For more information, please visit www.NETPower.com.