​What we do...
Despite the loss of revenue, the Campo Band voted to stop commercial grazing on tribal lands effective January 1, 1995. The result has been the single most effective move to assist in the recovery of wetland species in riparian areas. Continued support by the Band will allow CEPA to expand its efforts into the 36 miles of perennial and ephemeral streams of the reservation.
The Campo Wetlands Restoration Project on Diebold Creek has received national recognition for restoring large stretches of stream habitat. The project was the subject of an article in the May-June 1995 issue of Audubon Magazine. Originally, an overgrazed stretch of valley with a 12 foot deep arroyo and ephemeral water flow, the creek now flows perennially, the arroyo is silted in and new riparian vegetation has grown to over 20 feet. This has all occurred since the original erosion structures were emplaced in 1992.
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CEPA staff maintains four public drinking water systems. In addition to general operation and maintenance of the systems, staff monitors for safety and suitability for drinking and use, monitors and protects the watersheds that recharge our underground water source, and reduces and removes sources of pollution that could affect water quality and suitability.
The reservation is subjected to emission impacts from the San Diego Metropolitan area, as well as emissions from the industrialization in Mexico along the U.S. border. Internally, mobile sources from automobiles on the highways, is the major area under CEPA review. To ensure regional regulation development is equitable in dealing with tribal communities, CEPA monitors and participates in the Western Regional Air Partnership. The WRAP may recommend regulations on southern California that could have tremendous impacts to tribal communities.
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And how...
​Currently, CEPA receives funding through grant programs provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The four EPA programs are: Clean Air Act §103, Clean Water Act §106 Water Pollution Control Program (WPCP), Clean Water Act §319 Non-Point Source (NPS), and the Indian General Assistance Program (GAP). CEPA, with the support of the Tribe, also applies for other relevant grant opportunities as they are made available through various agencies and foundations.
About us
Historically...​
The Campo Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) was created by order of the General Council of the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians in July of 1990. Originally created to address concerns relating to a commercial development, the scope of CEPA activities has grown to all areas of environmental protection and protection of public health.
CEPA traces its cultural origins to the traditional environmental specialists of Kumeyaay society known as Kwasiiaay. Blending traditional knowledge and modern methodologies have created a sophisticated program of environmental protections that respects and augments contemporary tribal society.
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​Who we are...
The governing board of CEPA is comprised of three commissioners appointed to staggered three year terms by the Tribal Chairman and ratified by the General Council. Policy is executed through the Chairman, Supervisors and environmental technicians and specialists. Additional staff support is supplied by contractual staff.
