Established in 1981 by the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribal Executive Board, the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP), has grown substantially in size and scope since its inception. Originally, OEP was under the direction of the Tribe’s Planning District Office as part of the effort to designate the Tribe’s airshed from Class II status to Class I. An air quality monitoring program was instituted after the designation was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA). A director, an air quality scientist and a bookkeeper were hired as the first OEP employees.

Today, OEP has seven divisions which are responsible for a number of environmental programs and projects. Monitoring, compliance assistance, regulatory and enforcement activities comprise the bulk of the work plans for 16 full time staff.

As a result of OEP’s efforts, the Fort Peck Tribes have enjoyed a number of firsts such as the first Tribe in the Region to implement a Non Point Source Program, the first in the Region to obtain Treatment as States for numerous water quality, safe drinking water programs, and air quality programs, and one of the first tribes in the country to have federally approved water quality standards.

Current efforts OEP is involved with include the Brownfields program, pesticide regulatory program development, the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP), and a minor source air quality permitting program. Several partners assist OEP with both the new and old endeavors such as the United States Geological Survey, EPA, the Bureaus of Reclamation and Indian Affairs, and the State of Montana. The Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board advises OEP on projects and programs for the Reservation to ensure that they meet the needs of the residents and membership of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes and protect the beautiful land on which they live.

The OEP office has a newly expanded Recycling program, with a daily, 50+ pickup locations around the community, Recycling Cardboard, Plastic, Aluminum and used Motor oil to heat The recycling center.

 OEP Director Wilfred Lambert