Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

On November 9, 2026, the Department of Justice lodged a proposed consent decree with the United States District Court for the District of Montana in the lawsuit entitled United States v. Crow Tribe of Montana and Crow Public Utilities, Civil Action No. 1:26-cv-00111-TJC.

The United States filed a lawsuit against the Crow Tribe of Montana and the Crow Public Utilities (collectively, “Defendants”) alleging violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The United States' complaint seeks civil penalties and injunctive relief for violations at Defendants' three public drinking water systems, three wastewater treatment facilities, and various solid waste facilities and open dumps, all located within the boundaries of the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. The proposed consent decree requires injunctive relief to bring Defendants' facilities into compliance and payment of a $1,750 civil penalty based on Defendants' limited ability to pay a civil penalty.

The publication of this notice opens a period for public comment on the consent decree. Comments should be addressed to the Assistant Attorney General, Energy and Natural Resources Division, and should refer to United States v. Crow Tribe of Montana and Crow Public Utilities, D.J. Ref. No. 90-5-1-1-12359. All comments must be submitted no later than thirty (30) days after the publication date of this notice. Comments may be submitted either by email or by mail:

Under section 7003(d) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, a commenter may request an opportunity for a public meeting in the affected area. Any comments submitted in writing or at a public meeting may be filed in whole or in part on the public court docket without notice to the commenter.

During the public comment period, the consent decree may be examined and downloaded at this Justice Department website: www.justice.gov/​enrd/​consent-decrees. If you require assistance accessing consent decree, you may request assistance by email or by mail to the addresses provided above for submitting comments.