Environmental Division
The Environmental Division at Santa Ana’s Department of Natural Resources (SADNR) is the home of the Pueblo’s environmental remediation programs and projects. Since 2016 the Environmental Division has been working to clear pollution and preserve the land by: cleaning up formerly used defense sites; protecting air quality; promoting and increasing recycling and waste reduction; responding to brownfields; and, working for energy and climate change resiliency. The Environmental Education Program, started in 1999, works with all divisions to communicate with citizens and receive feedback about SADNR directives. Collaborators and partners in implementing our programs include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, the New Mexico Environment Department, the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Air Quality Program
The Air Quality Program implements sections of the Clean Air Act to protect ambient and indoor air at Tamaya, with programs and services such as air monitoring, permitting review, emissions inventories, planning, and public education. Learn more...
Brownfields Program
Brownfields are sites that may have environmental and health hazards and are in need of revitalization. The Pueblo runs a Brownfields Response program to inventory and prioritize brownfield cleanups. The primary goals are to reduce public health and environmental hazards on existing sites that are abandoned or underused due to these hazards. Learn more...
Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP)
NALEMP is a Department of Defense (DoD) funded program to address environmental impacts on Indian Lands from former DoD activities. Under the NALEMP program, the Environmental Division has cleared over 1,000 acres of World War II era practice bombing ranges on Santa Ana Mesa.
Sustainability Program
The Environmental Division is initiating a new program focused on sustainable measures at the Pueblo. Activities include our exciting solar iniatives!
Solid Waste Program
The solid waste program promotes practices that improve public health and protect Santa Ana Pueblo air, land, and water; including providing recycling and trash services at two transfer stations. The program collaborates with the Restoration Division and Wellness Program on composting and recycling education.
Environmental Division Team
Lisa Hopinkah – Environmental Division Manager
Tara Weston – Environmental Programs Manager
Victor Sanchez – Transfer Station Operator
Stephen Sanders – Environmental Program Specialist
DNR Divisions
Contact DNR
505-771-6461