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FEBRUARY 12, 2001

A dispute between three Maine tribes and private paper companies continues this week as the case heads to the Maine Supreme Court.

The tribes last week went before the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals and asked them to enter the dispute. The tribes don't want to turn over papers related to a dispute with the Environmental Protection Agency over who controls the water quality of rivers near their reservation.

The state wants sole control but the tribes want the EPA to assume jurisdiction. The tribes say the paper companies have polluted the rivers and the state hasn't taken care of the water.

Lower state courts have said the tribes' papers are subject to a freedom of information act but the tribes say they are internal tribal documents.

Get the Story:
Tribal commission sides with Indians as case heads to Supreme Court (AP 2/11)