ARSENIC TREATMENT PLANT OFFICIALLY OPENS
By Harrison J. Bahe
The Yavapai News | hjbahe@fmyn.org | (480) 789 – 7124
On December 16, 2025, a grand opening ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the newly constructed Arsenic Treatment Plant. After six years of planning and collaboration between the tribe and its contractors, sustained funding and support from the Indian Health Service, more than $6 million in combined funding from the EPA and IHS, an additional $518,000 from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and 16 months of construction, the Arsenic Treatment Plant officially opened its doors.
The completion of the Arsenic Treatment Plant marks one of four major infrastructure accomplishments achieved by the Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) and the Tribal Council. The other projects include the complete rehabilitation of five community water storage tanks, the construction of a new wastewater percolation pond, and the development of a splash pad and community park.
With the new treatment plant now operational, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Water System has reduced arsenic levels from exceeding the EPA standard of 10 parts per billion to just 5 parts per billion. As a result, the Nation will no longer receive EPA violation notices or issue community advisories related to arsenic levels.
“Our water is now cleaner than it’s ever been,” said Councilman Albert Nelson.
Construction of the facility was completed by Currier Construction, with Jason Boelke serving as project manager, Arvind Mogre as project engineer, Marcos Gamez as superintendent, and Emilio Ysaguirre as on-site manager.
NCS served as the owner’s representative, led by President Ram Narasimhan, with Greg Bahe and Aaron Armenta serving as project engineers.
Overall project management and funding were provided by the Indian Health Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, with management oversight handled by IHS. Landon Hardy served as project manager, with John Kathol and Julianne Junes-Harvey as district and regional managers, and Ken Fitzgerald as deputy director from the Phoenix office.
The success of this project was also made possible through strong tribal leadership and support, including Councilman Albert Nelson as the
Tribal Council liaison; CEDD Directors Erika McCalvin and Orlando Moreno; Project Manager Mark Frank; Plant Operator Ed Perez of Inframark; and Public Works Manager Tom Beeson.
This new facility ushers in a new era of cleaner, safer water for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Additionally, should EPA standards become more stricter in the future, the Arsenic Treatment Plant is equipped to meet those higher requirements.
