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BLACK MESA, ARIZONA - In a joint effort to address the lack of water resources and improve reservation economies in northeastern Arizona, the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe have entered into discussions with Peabody Energy and its utility customers to support long-term water supply projects for municipal and industrial needs.

Parties have been meeting for several months and include Peabody, the owner and operator of the Black Mesa Mine near Kayenta, Ariz.; Southern California Edison, the operating agent for Mohave Generating Station in Laughlin, Nev.; and Salt River Project, a Mohave Station owner and operating agent for the Navajo Generating Station near Page, Arizona.

Projects under consideration include developing the infrastructure to increase the water supply to Hopi and Navajo communities. Creating a new water source to convey coal from the Black Mesa to Mohave Station is also being pursued. The projects would enhance the standard of living for the Hopi and the Navajo while showing respect to cultural and religious concerns about use of water.

The discussions are focused on multiple objectives:

1. Meeting the long-term, municipal and industrial water needs of the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation communities;
2. Providing a sufficient quantity of water to convey coal from Black Mesa to the Mohave Generating Station; and
3. Meeting the continuing need for low-cost electric power through the Mohave and Navajo Stations, serving 3.5 million homes throughout the Southwest.

"We have worked for nearly a decade to achieve this objective," said Wayne Taylor, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of the Hopi Tribe, whose administration spearheaded the dialogue among the stakeholders.

"This unprecedented step demonstrates our joint commitment to work together on an issue that is of vital importance to the Hopi people and their survival in northern Arizona," Taylor continued. "Bringing water to the Hopi villages will make it possible for the Hopi to continue their life and their culture in their homeland as they have for more than a thousand years, and it will allow them to do so while enjoying an improved standard of living that most Americans take for granted."

"I think it's important that this type of cooperative working relationship take shape, despite our various positions on these issues," said President of the Navajo Nation Kelsey A. Begaye. "From the beginning, the Navajo Nation has stressed the importance of communication and discussion of these issues. A clear and open discussion on many topics has helped bring us to this working relationship today."

The tribes and companies hope that their joint efforts will produce long-term sustainable water supplies. Water use in Hopi and Navajo communities averages only 30 to 40 gallons per capita per day compared with other Arizona towns that can average more than 200 gallons per capita per day, according to a Harvard study.

"The cultural and economic survival of the Hopi and Navajo people depends upon a stable water supply," said Chairman Taylor. "Our growing populations, under-served communities and need for economic development demand a larger, reliable water supply. Water not only sustains our people and our communities but also serves as a critical focal point of our religious beliefs."

Discussions are complex, involve numerous parties and will continue with participation from all stakeholders including state and federal governments.

Options under consideration include construction of a multi-use pipeline from the Colorado River that would deliver water to Hopi and Navajo communities and include an industrial spur to the Black Mesa Mine.

The group shares a common vision of extending the benefits of a major economic resource for the tribes and maintaining a reliable electricity source for Southwest communities, said Irl F. Engelhardt, chairman and chief executive officer for Peabody Energy. "The project is good for all of the parties and brings the added benefit of helping the Hopi and Navajo develop infrastructure that will encourage further economic development on their lands."

"Our goal is to collectively develop a water use solution that meets the needs and concerns of the parties involved, while continuing to provide low-cost electric power to serve consumers throughout the Southwest," said Harold Ray, executive vice president of Southern California Edison.

Richard Silverman, general manager of Phoenix-based Salt River Project, also praised the joint effort. "This is a significant development in our ongoing efforts to address longstanding water and energy issues affecting Arizona and the Southwest."

Claire Heywood, Hopi Tribe Public Relations, can be contacted by email: CHeywood@hopi.nsn.us.