Environmental

Mission Statement

"The Miami Nation Department of Environmental Quality exists to create and conduct programs that examine, monitor and describe the environmental conditions of Miami Tribe Lands."

Services we offer for Miami Tribal Members:

Lead-Based Paint Inspections

Miami Tribal Citizens within a 100-mile radius receive this service free of charge in Oklahoma and Missouri. Discounted rates are available to other tribal residents of Oklahoma within 100 miles of Miami, OK. Standard rates apply to members of the public in Oklahoma residences within 100 miles of Miami, OK.

Mold Inspections

Within 100 miles of Miami, OK. Miami tribal citizens: all fees waived, besides lab costs. Discounted rates apply for other tribal residents. Standard rates apply to members of the public.

Water Sample Collection

Within 100 miles of Miami, OK. Miami tribal citizens: all fees waived, except lab costs. Discounted rates apply for other tribal residents. Standard rates apply to members of the public.

Asbestos Testing

For Oklahoma residents within 100 miles of Miami, OK. Miami Tribal Members receive this service for free, besides lab costs. Discounted rates apply to other tribal residents of Oklahoma. Standard rates apply to members of the public in Oklahoma.

Soil Sampling

Within 100 miles of Miami, OK. Miami tribal citizens: all fees waived, besides lab costs. Discounted rates apply for other tribal residents. Standard rates apply to members of the public.

Please contact the Environmental Department for more information.

Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP)

In 1992, Congress passed the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act (42 U.S.C. 4368b) which authorizes EPA to provide General Assistance Program (GAP) grants to federally-recognized tribes and tribal consortia for planning, developing, and establishing environmental protection programs in Indian country, as well as for developing and implementing solid and hazardous waste programs on tribal lands.

The goal of this program is to assist tribes in developing the capacity to manage their own environmental protection programs and to develop and implement solid and hazardous waste programs in accordance with individual tribal needs and applicable federal laws and regulations.

Through our GAP grant, we maintain an Environmental Outreach Program, prioritizing recycling and roadside cleanup. We oversee three recycling trailers, located at Prairie Sun Event Center North Parking Lot on P Street. A variety of recyclables can be placed inside these trailers. We partner with Red Cedar Recycling in Miami for hauling and sorting of recyclables.

Items that can be recycled in our trailers:

#1 & #2 Plastics ONLY, Newspaper, Office Paper, Magazines, Aluminum Cans, Tin Cans, Glass, and Cardboard.

Items we do not recycle:

Any other plastics (#3-#6), Styrofoam, Medical Waste, Clothing, Large Appliances, and E-Waste.

Water 106 Program

Through our Water 106 grant funded by EPA, department staff monitor 3 ambient water sites on a monthly basis. They are Neosho River at Riverview Park, 4 Mile Creek at E40 Rd Bridge, and Elm Creek at our old cultural grounds. All data is collected and uploaded to EPA. We test for EPA’s 9 basic parameters, monthly metals for water, and quarterly metals for soils at all sites.

Tar Creek Apprenticeship Program (TCAP) is set for Summer 2027!

Running from June 1 - 30, 2027, in the Miami, OK area, TCAP is seeking students who are passionate about connecting with nature through a cultural lens and eager to gain hands-on experience in natural resource restoration and traditional ecological knowledge — all while earning income in Northeast Oklahoma.

Our program combines hands-on learning, engaging presentations, field trips, and collaborative group activities to build practical skills, deepen cultural connections to the natural world, and support environmental stewardship.

Applicants must be 17–21 years old and must turn 17 by June 1, 2027. Preference will be given to citizens of the seven sponsoring Tribal Nations: Cherokee Nation, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Seneca-Cayuga Nation, and Wyandotte Nation.