United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics
EPA 745-N-98-001
www.epa.gov
Volume 1
Number 1
September 1998
&EPA OPPT Tribal News
Environmental News fo
Indian Tribes from the
Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics
In This Issue
PCB Spill in North Dakota
Greetings from OPPT Director
News and Events
4 Introducing OPPT Programs
Grants
6-7 EJP2 Grants
8-9 News About Lead
10 Initiatives
Interview with Sharri f'enno
Calendar, Web Sites
PCB Spill Cleanup in
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
On February 5, 1998, EPA received an urgent tele-
phone call from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in
North Dakota about possible PCB contamination
from leaking fluorescent light ballasts. The light ballasts
were located in the elementary school, administration
building, high school library, and several Bureau of
Indian Affairs buildings on the reservation.
EPA confirmed that many of the buildings' light fix-
tures did contain harmful PCBs, and many were leaking.
This posed a direct health threat to employees and chil-
dren exposed to the hazardous materials. An interagency
cleanup team was able to successsfully contain, remove,
and ensure the safe disposal of PCB-contaminated materi-
als. Team members also tested other areas for contamina-
tion, trained tribal staff to identify and test for PCBs, and
ensured that fixtures containing PCBs were removed and
replaced.
Ms. Kim Le of EPA's Office of Enforcement,
Compliance, and Environmental Justice, and Mr. Randy
Brown of EPA Region 8's Office of Pollution Prevention,
State and Tribal Assistance, were the EPA point persons
for the cleanup team. The interagency team was made up
of officials from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA),
Indian Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, and key tribal representatives.
In addition to PCBs, tribal members were concerned about
potential dioxin contamination in some of the BIA buildings.
Continued on page 2
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GREETINGS
from OPPT's
Director!
We are excited to present the
first edition of EPA's Office
of Pollution Prevention and
Toxics quarterly tribal newsletter! This
newsletter offers an excellent opportu-
nity for readers to become better acquainted with our program
and projects. Our Office is continuing to seek better ways to
communicate with our tribal partners in managing the complex
environmental issues that we face each and every day. We hope
this newsletter will allow tribal members, governments, and
organizations to effectively participate in and benefit from our
different programs and funding opportunities.
OPPT is committed to working in partnership with tribal
governments to safeguard and protect the environment from
toxic hazards and to promote pollution prevention in Indian
country. This past year, OPPT took significant steps to foster
better communication links through its newly established tribal
program. The first priority of this program is improved commu-
nication so we can better exchange information regarding envi-
ronmental concerns and issues facing Indian country today.
In order for us to succeed, we want to hear any comments,
ideas, and concerns that you may have about our programs and
activities. Please feel free to contact us through Phil Robinson,
Chief of our Liaison Branch, at 202-260-3910.
We look forward to continuing to work with Indian tribes
and providing newsletters that are of interest and value to your
environmental concerns, now and in the future.
Sincerely,
William H. Sanders, III, Dr.P.H., P.E.
Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
OPPT's Mission
I'roinolc fiollnlioii in-crcnlioii
Promote llit- use of lens lo.ric clieiniculs
I'romote I lie reduction of risks
Promote public uii(ler>it(iiiiliH<£ of I he risk* of chemicals
PCB Spill Continued from page I
The cleanup team's dioxin expert con-
firmed the contamination and traced the
source to the ceiling tiles. Team members
took samples, tested for the presence of
dioxin, and safely removed contaminated
materials from the affected areas.
From the beginning, the tribal com-
munity expressed concerns and uncer-
tainty about potential adverse health
effects from exposure to PCBs and diox-
in. To allay these concerns and prevent
rumors or misinformation from spread-
ing, the cleanup team initiated an exten-
sive public outreach effort, including
appearances on public radio talk shows;
individual and public meetings; informa-
tion fact sheets; taking numerous PCB
wipe samples to determine the extent of
the contamination and reduce fears; and
meeting with key tribal and BIA officials
to discuss EPA's findings and make rec-
ommendations.
For more information on the cleanup,
contact Randy Brown, Region 8, at
303-312-6048.
OPPT TRIBAL PROGRAM
William H. Sanders, III
Director, OPPT
Susan Hazen
Director, Environmental Assistance Division
Philip Robinson
Chief, Liaison Branch
OPPT Tribal Workgroup
Mary Lauterbach, Chairperson, 202-260-9563
Robert Wright, National Programs Chemicals
Division
Louise Little, Pollution Prevention Division
Annette Mold, Economics, Exposure and
Technology Division
Linda Goodman, Information Management
Division
Robin Wisnosky, Environmental Assistance
Division
Randy Brinkhuis, Risk Assessment Division
Joe Boyd, Chemical Control Division
Dave Combs, EPA Region 8
Newsletter
Jennifer Couture, Editor
Gilah Langner, Stretton Associates, Inc.
{Editorial Assistance)
Brian Adams, Big Fish Design
(Graphic Design)
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News & Events
EPA Releases Most Recent Data
on Toxic Releases
On June 18, 1998, EPA announced the most recent
Community Right-to-Know information under the Toxics
Release Inventory (TRI) program. Total industrial releases of
toxic chemicals in U.S. communities decreased 4 percent, from
2.5 billion pounds to 2.4 billion pounds in 1996.
The greatest percentage reduction in environmental releases
of chemicals occurred in underground injection wells, where
discharges were reduced from 240 million pounds in 1995 to
204 million pounds in 1996 -- almost 15 percent. Reported air
emissions were down 115 million pounds — a seven percent
reduction — in 1996. Surface water discharges and land releases
both reported increases of about nine percent in 1996 compared
to the previous year.
In order to provide more information to the public about
industrial releases of toxic chemicals, the Clinton Administration
expanded EPA's Toxic Chemical Right-to-Know Program. In
1997, EPA required seven new industry sectors to begin report-
ing their releases of TRI chemicals by July 1999. These indus-
tries are: metal mining, coal mining, electric utilities which
combust coal and/or oil, solvent recyclers, hazardous waste
treatment and disposal facilities, chemical distributors, and
petroleum bulk plants. With the addition of these sectors, the
number of facilities reporting to the TRI program will increase
approximately 30 percent.
Starting next year, OPPT plans to make available tribal TRI
reports in a format similar to state TRI reports. The 1996 TRI
data and related information are available on the Internet at
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/tri. To obtain a hard copy of the
TRI Public Data Release, call the TRI Hotline at 1-800-490-9198.
4™ National Tribal Conference
In May 1998, the Prairie Island Indian Community spon-
sored the 4th National Tribal Conference in Red Wing, Minnesota.
EPA staff from the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
(OPPT) served on a lead awareness panel with representatives
from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Upper and
Lower Sioux Community of Minnesota. EPA presented an
update on the requirements of 402/404 TSCA and availability -i
of 404(g) grants funds. CDC staff discussed their lead screening
program. The Upper and Lower Sioux Community representa-
tive explained their training and certification program.
Headquarters
Tribal Training
Kick-Off Session
On July 22, 1998, approximately
160 EPA managers and staff participated
in a "Working Effectively with Tribal
Governments" training course. The
course provided an excellent introduction
to tribal culture and history, as well as
the key issues involved with implement-
ing EPA's Indian program. The training
consisted of four components:
Jerry Pardilla
> Introduction to Tribal History, pre-
sented by Karen Biestman from EPA
Region 9
> EPA's Indian Program and Policy,
presented by Caren Rothstein,
OPPTS, and Janemarie Freiheiter,
Region 8
I Legal Issues, with Jim Havard,
Office of General Counsel
> Cultural Panel, with Jean Gamache
from EPA Region 10, Karen Biestman
from EPA Region 9, and Jerry Pardilla,
Executive Director, National Tribal
Environmental Council
The training was developed by sever-
al EPA offices under the leadership of the
American Indian Environmental Office
and OPPT. From all reports, the train-
ing was well received and feed-
back has been positive. Stay
tuned for more information
on a.follow-up session
'with EPA staff.
.
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Introducing OPPT's Tribal Programs
1998 OPPT Tribal Program
This year, EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
(OPPT) has undertaken several new activities for building a
more effective partnership with Indian tribes in protecting and
safeguarding the environment. OPPT's tribal program for 1998
was developed with the advice of other EPA offices and in
consultation with tribal coordinators from the EPA Regional
Offices, the American Indian Environmental Office, the
National Indian Workgroup, EPA's Tribal Operations Committee,
the OPPT Forum on State and Tribal Toxics Action (FOSTTA),
and members of Indian tribes.
A major focus of the OPPT's 1998 tribal program has been
on better ways to communicate our program and activities with
the tribes. Currently under development is a comprehensive
communications package for tribes that will explain OPPT pro-
grams, list contact people and Internet Web sites, and compile
and summarize grant information. This newsletter is another ele-
ment of the package and is expected to be published quarterly.
Other major activities of OPPT's 1998 tribal program
include grants funding, internal training on tribal issues, follow-
up activities from EPA Tribal Operations Committee meetings,
interagency coordination efforts, and stakeholder outreach.
OPPT is very interested in obtaining feedback from tribal
organizations. To comment or for more information, contact
Mary Lauterbach, 202-260-9563 or lauterbach.mary@epa.gov.
Forum on State and Tribal
Toxics Actions (FOSTTA)
Created in 1991, FOSTTA is a forum which allows state and
tribal officials to address toxics-related issues and to improve
communications and coordination among states, tribes, and
EPA. The group is organized into the FOSTTA Coordinating
Committee; four issue-specific projects (pollution prevention,
chemical management, Toxics Release Inventory, and lead);
and two work groups on tribal affairs and community-based
environment.
Membership in FOSTTA is open to state and tribal health
and environmental officials for a two-year period, subject to
renewal. Candidates for membership may be nominated by
agency officials, state and tribal officials, professional societies,
or the general public. FOSTTA meets three times a year in the
Washington, DC area, with support from the National
Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Contact: George
Hagevik, NCSL, at 303-830-2200.
What is the AIEO?
The American Indian Environmental
Office (AIEO) was established by EPA
Administrator Carol Browner in 1994 as
part of an effort to build a partnership
with Indian tribal governments to protect
the public health and environment in
Indian country.
AIEO strives to ensure the coopera-
tion of EPA Headquarters and Regional
Offices with Indian tribes. EPA views
tribal governments as the primary
parties for setting standards, making
environmental policy decisions, and
managing environmental programs
in Indian country.
In partnership with Indian tribal gov-
ernments, EPA addresses the environ-
mental protection and public health needs
of 1.6 million Indians and non-Indians
who live on more than 60 million acres
of land in Indian country. The challenge
for Indian tribes and EPA is to ensure
that the extensive air, land, and water
resources in Indian country and the
places where people live and work are
protected from pollution threats, consis-
tent with tribal and/or federal standards.
In 1998, working with Indian tribes
and all parts of EPA, AIEO will design a
framework for conducting a baseline
assessment of ambient environmental
conditions, pollution releases, and physi-
cal modifications to ecosystems. The
President's budget for 1999 includes sig-
nificant new resources to implement the
baseline assessment.
AIEO is also working with Indian
tribes and all parts of EPA to ensure that
tribal concerns and issues are appropri-
ately considered in the Agency's annual
planning and budgeting process and
multi-year planning activities under the
EPA Strategic Plan. Since 1994, signifi-
cant increases have been made in EPA's
Indian budget. With these resources, EPA
and the tribes have the opportunity to
strengthen their partnership for a cleaner,
healthier environment. Contact: Richard
Regan, AIEO, at 202-260-1008.
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Grants
PPIS Grants Fund Tribal Projects
Created under the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, the
Pollution Prevention Incentives for States (PPIS) grant program
helps establish and expand state and tribal multimedia pollution
prevention (P2) programs. Grants are aimed at building P2
capabilities and testing innovative P2 approaches at the local
level. EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, which
administers the grant program, emphasizes the sustainability of
P2 programs and the need to ensure that pollution prevention is
a critical component in the delivery of environmental protection
in the future.
In 1992, the All Indian Pueblo Council became the first
tribal organization to receive a PPIS grant. Since then, EPA
has supported 24 tribal PPIS projects, with total EPA funding
exceeding $1 million. In FY 1998, the following three grants
were awarded to tribes under the PPIS grant program:
Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians: In partnership with the
Southern Aroostook (Maine) Soil and Water Conservation
District, this grant sponsors several projects that demonstrate
Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent erosion, nutrient
enrichment, and bacterial contamination in streams running
through fields used for grazing livestock, near the Meduxnekeag
watertable. Grantees are organizing a Pasture Support Group
interested in using P2 grazing techniques for their livestock. To
preserve the quality and quantity of nearby water sources, inno-
vative techniques are being introduced to the larger agricultural
community through pasture walks. The Houlton Band of
Maliseet Indians will monitor E. coli bacteria levels at test sites
before and after these initiatives as an indicator of the impact of
the project.
The Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of
Alaska were awarded a grant to address ongoing solid waste
problems within the Juneau Native village through a demonstra-
tion project that emphasizes waste reduction. This community-
based project has the following goals: identify the solid waste
issues confronting the community, establish appropriate
responses, and assess resources that are currently available.
Efforts are being made to involve key individuals at the state
and federal levels, and to research how other native groups have
addressed similar problems. If the reduction of solid waste with-
in the villages is successful, this pilot project will be replicated
at other tribal sites in southeast Alaska.
The Coeur D'Alene Tribe in Idaho was awarded a PPIS
grant to limit the use of pesticides in order to improve the quali-
ty of ground and surface water on the reservation. The grant
established a youth conversation camp to do labor-intensive,
Continued on page 9
TSCA
Section 404(G)
Lead Grants
EPA issues grants to help states,
tribes, and territories finance lead-based
paint activities. Under the authority of
Section 404(g) of the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA), these grants are
awarded by EPA's Regional Offices at
the end of each fiscal year. The total
amount of grant money available for FY
1998 is $12.5 million with a $1.5 million
"set-aside" for Indian tribes, plus an
additional $1.2 million appropriated for
tribes this year. For more information,
contact Robert Wright, OPPT, at
202-260-7800.
Inter-Tribal Council
of Michigan Receives
EPA Lead Grant
The Inter-Tribal Council of
Michigan, Inc. (ITC) is one of the
winners of an EPA Lead Poisoning
Prevention and Lead Hazard Awareness
Public Education and Outreach Grant.
ITC is a non-profit Indian community
action agency that acts on behalf of
federally-recognized tribes in Michigan.
ITC plans to modify educational materi-
als to specifically address Michigan tribal
needs. Materials will be distributed to
health care professionals and clinics, day
care providers, parents and guardians,
pregnant women, housing and mainte-
nance staff, and community groups. ITC
will also present educational workshops
and run an active media campaign.
For more information about ITC and
the work they will be doing on this
project through December 1999,
contact Paul Schmeichel,
the ITC Environmental
Services Coordinator,
at 906-635-4208.
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Environmental Justice
EJP2 Grants Fund Tribal
Pollution Prevention Projects
EPA's Environmental Justice through Pollution Prevention
(EJP2) grants program looks for ways to help environmental
justice communities deal with environmental problems by using
pollution prevention, rather than pollution control. Pollution
prevention means reducing or eliminating pollution at its
source, prior to recycling or treatment. Pollution prevention can
cut environmental risks while promoting public involvement
and economic benefits.
Since the inception of the EJP2 grant program, EPA has
awarded 22 grants to tribal communities. Nine tribal applicants
won grants in FY 1997 (see accompanying decriptions). Grant
funds support:
1. Local environmental, environmental justice, and community
grassroots organizations that promote environmental justice,
preferably by using pollution prevention; and
2. National and regional organizations working in partnership
with local organizations or tribal governments to promote
environmental justice using pollution prevention approaches.
Approximately $4 million is available for FY 1998 grants.
The deadline for applications was April, and awards will be
announced in October 1998.
Defining Environmental Justice
In a 1992 report, Environmental Equity: Reducing Risk
for All Communities, EPA found that people of color and
low-income communities experience higher exposure to
toxic pollutants than the general public. The environmental
justice movement has focused attention on equitable envi-
ronmental protection for all and on empowering those most
often disenfranchised from the decision-making process.
"Environmental justice" is defined by EPA as the fair
treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with
respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement
of environmental laws, regulations, programs, and policies.
Fair treatment means that no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic
group should bear a disproportionate share of the negative
environmental consequences resulting from the operation of
industrial, municipal, or commercial enterprises, or from the
execution of federal, state, local, or tribal programs.
1997
EJP2 Grants
Haudenosuanee Environmental Task
Force: An Indigenous Strategy for
Long-Term Pollution Prevention
(Grant Award: $100,000)
The Haudenosaunee Environmental Task
Force (HETF) was founded to address
the environmental concerns of the
Iroquois Confederacy; to prevent future
pollution problems; and to develop
restoration plans to sustain the indige-
nous.people, their culture, and the natural
world for future generations. The grant is
intended to help HETF function more
efficiently as a clearinghouse for the
exchange and dissemination of environ-
mental information. HETF will complete
the design of community education pol-
lution prevention programs that combine
traditional environmental knowledge
with scientific and technical information.
HETF will also coordinate a conference
bringing together experts and the
community to discuss environmental
laws, pollution prevention, and
Haudenosaunee culture.
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians:
Environmental Justice Through
Pollution Prevention ($91,632)
The Choctaw received a grant to conduct
a comprehensive investigation into pollu-
tion prevention opportunities and barriers
facing the "community. The research will
produce recommendations for the devel-
opment of a community-wide pollution
prevention plan. To support economic
and natural resource development, the
project has three components. The first is
a sociological assessment of Choctaw
community members. The second is a
natural resource assessment, focusing on
the watershed and tribal interactions with
fisheries. The final component is an eval-
uation of waste reduction and energy
conservation opportunities and barriers
on the reservation. Defining tribal educa-
tion and training needs, as well as non-
regulatory strategies and technologies for
effecting community-wide pollution pre-
vention, is a priority. Tribal members are
involved in data collection and interpre-
tation, recommendation development,
and oversight efforts.
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1997 EJPZ Grants
Fond du Lac Reservation Business
Committee: Pollution Prevention
Initiative ($22,080)
The Fond du Lac Reservation
Business Committee's solid waste
specialist is conducting waste audits
on eight businesses on the reserva-
tion. The goal is to remove persistent
toxins from the businesses' waste
streams and educate their employees
on pollution prevention alternatives
for reducing solid waste. The source
reduction audits involve the staff and
management of these businesses to
help identify areas where toxic sub-
stances are being used. The specialist
will then assist the businesses in
implementing appropriate changes to
reduce or eliminate hazards from the
waste streams and follow up on their
progress.
Lower Sioux Reservation:
Wind Energy Demonstration
Project ($90,000)
Coal, oil, and gas-fired power plants
are disproportionately located near
minority, tribal, and less politically
established communities. The devel-
opment of a local wind-powered elec-
trical energy resource will reduce
dependency on pollution-creating
energy production methods. The pro-
ject will allow the Lower Sioux com-
munity to control its source of electri-
cal energy, while reducing the amount
of pollution created. The project has
three components: (1) a wind energy
system demonstration project called
the Lower Sioux Wind Energy;
(2) the Project Generation and
Distribution System Design and
Specification Report; and (3) educa-
tional and community input activities
such as public meetings and informa-
tion dissemination.
Montana State University: Tribal
College EJP2 Scholarship,
Internship and Empowerment
Program ($100,000)
The Montana Pollution Prevention
Program is an educational and non-
regulatory program of the Montana
State University Extension Service
(MSUES). As a land-grant university,
MSUES provides education program-
ming throughout Montana, including
all tribal colleges. Through successful
past experiences with Montana tribes,
the Montana Pollution Prevention
Project will facilitate the creation of
the Tribal College Environmental
Justice/Pollution Prevention Scholarship,
Intern, and Empowerment Program.
This scholarship and internship pro-
gram at MSU will provide pollution
prevention support courses, in addi-
tion to creating experiential learning
opportunities for Native American
faculty and students from Montana's
seven tribal colleges.
Montana Tribal Business
Information Network: Pollution
Prevention Technical Assistance
and Training Project ($85,000)
The Montana Tribal Business
Information Network (TBIN) is
comprised of seven Tribal Business
Information Committees, which form a
Pollution Prevention Tribal Cooperative.
The cooperative serves all seven of the
Native American reservations in
Montana. The grant provides technical
assistance and training to the Tribal
Business Information Committee on
each reservation, enabling them to
identify and use pollution prevention
technologies.
Running Strong for American
Indian Youth: Pollution Prevention
in Agriculture ($30,000)
Running Strong for American Indian
Youth sponsors and operates the Slim
Buttes Community Agricultural
Development Project on the Pine
Ridge Indian Reservation in South
Dakota. Grant assistance is enabling
the Slim Buttes project to undertake
demonstration and training activities
that promote organic gardening and
sustainable community agriculture.
The program will involve workshops,
field demonstra-
tions, new compost-
ing operations, and the
creation and dissemination
of written materials.
Chickaloon Native Village:
Renewable Energy Development for
Alaskan Native Villages ($80,000)
This project establishes an integrated
framework to help Alaska native vil-
lages assess the development potential
of renewable energy resources on vil-
lage land. Developing these resource;;
should help villages lessen their
dependence on fossil fuels and reduce
air pollution. The community will
experience direct and indirect eco-
nomic benefits from the reduced pol-
lution and local production of renew-
able energy.
America Works Partnership:
Pollution Prevention Program in
Construction for Public Housing
Residents and Native Alaskans
($160,138)
The America Works partnership
works with the United Brotherhood of
Carpenters, the International
Brotherhood of Painters and Allied
Trades, public housing authorities,
and the Alaskan Native Council to
recruit and train poor, minority youth
in a pre-apprenticeship program that
creates lifelong careers as skilled
union trades people. This project pro-
vides pollution prevention training for
America Works pre-apprentices in
Chicago, IL; Oakland, CA; and
Alaska. Also included in the project
are pollution prevention education
and assistance for painter and carpen-
ter contractors in these locations, as
well as pollution prevention train-
ing and policy development
for the Oakland and
Chicago Housing
Authorities.
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News About Lead
Interagency Meeting on Tribal Lead Issues
In May 1998, an unprecedented meeting took
place in Washington, DC to discuss lead issues
faced by Indian tribes. Present were officials from
EPA, Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
Indian Health Services (IHS), Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Bureau of
Indian Affairs (BIA). Sarah Eagle Horse, the new
tribal contact who recently joined EPA after work-
ing for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe as a tribal
Lead Coordinator, reported on the difficulties tribal
programs face in trying to gather data and get coop-
eration from other agencies. Because the prospect
of all these agencies working together with the
tribes has such great potential, a second meeting
was scheduled for June.
The meeting of Regional Tribal Lead
Coordinators on June 3-4, 1998 was hosted by EPA
Region 8. Three of the four tribes currently holding
Section 404(g) grants and working towards apply-
ing for authorization were able to attend (Chippewa
Cree Tribe, MT; Crow Tribe, MT; and Standing
Rock Sioux Tribe, ND). Dave Combs, leader of the
Lead Team, explained the changes and delay in the
Notice of Funding Available for the coming year's
grants, and discussed the $1.2 million set-aside
grant money. Each tribe presented an update on its
program's status and progress, as well as successes
and problems. Most tribes reported that they were
on track and working towards authorization.
Also discussed at the meeting were the
"Treatment in the same manner as a State" (TAS)
policy, the authorization application process,
revisions to the HUD Chapter 7 guidelines, and
the TSCA Sections 1018, 1012 & 1013 rules.
Arrangements were made for a representative of
HUD to meet with the group. Names of programs
and individuals were provided for possible sources
of funding of lead abatement projects on the reserva-
tions. Other items of interest are noted on the right.
Quick Takes
Child Health Champion:
I The Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky
Boy's Reservation in Montana was select-
ed in May 1998 as one of eleven commu-
nities to receive a Child Health Champion
Pilot Program grant. The program will
focus on the effect on children's health
from pesticide use and run-off.
TAS Checklist:
I A checklist is in the works for the TAS
applications for lead grants and program
authorization applications. The checklist
was adapted from one used for the Water
Quality Standards TAS approval process.
It will be distributed to the tribes and other
Regions.
Lead Abatement Training:
I During the week of June 15th, the Lead
Program Coordinators from the Chippewa
Cree Tribe and the Crow Tribe jointly
sponsored a training course on Lead
Abatement for Supervisors, Contractors,
and Workers. The course was held at the
Montana Environmental Training Center at
Montana State University, Great Falls
Campus. Both tribes sent eight people
from their reservations who are directly
involved in performing or overseeing
remodeling, renovation, and maintenance
work on housing and schools.
National Lead Grantees Conference:
I Representatives from the EPA Regional
Office, the Chippewa Cree Tribe, and the
Crow Tribe attended the National Lead
Grantees Conference held in Phoenix on
June 22-24. The conference was hosted
by the EPA, CDC, HUD, the National
Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, and the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry. A tribal
break-out session with a panel of represen-
tatives from EPA, CDC, and Indian Health
Services offered tribes an opportunity to
voice some of their concerns, opinions,
and questions.
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Questions About Lead?
Call the National Lead Information
Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.
Speak with trained lead information specialists.
Get answers to your questions about:
EPA lead-based paint rules and regulations,
Lead hazards,
Renovation safety,
Blood-lead level testing/results, and
Finding a lead service provider (1-888-LEAD-LIST).
Obtain copies of important lead pamphlets, including:
I "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home,"
I "Lead Poisoning and Your Children,"
I "Lead in Your Home: A Parent's Reference Guide,"
and
I "Reducing Lead Hazards When
Remodeling Your Home."
Learn about new technical studies and reports.
Access EPA's Lead Program at
www.epa.gov/1ead
Get information on all aspects of EPA's and other
federal agency lead poisoning prevention programs.
Access the Lead Listing Internet site
at www.lead1isting.org/
Get information on lead service providers in your area.
(Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development).
PPIS Continued, from page 5
small scale spraying, biocontrol of weeds with insectaries, sur-
vey of weed species, and revegetation of land tracts with native
species of grasses. The objective is the reduction of extensive
pesticide use on tribal land.
For more information on these and other P2 project grants,
contact Christopher Kent, OPPT, at 202-260-3480 or via e-mail
at kent.christopher@epa.gov.
Hot off the Press!
'Lead In Your Home: A Parent's
Reference Guide"
EPA's latest lead hu/ard aware-
ness publication is Lead In Your
Home: A Parent's Reference Guide.
Available tree of charge from the
National Lead Information Center's
hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
the new guide is a comprehensive
and colorful resource for anyone
wanting to learn more about pre-
The publication is equally helpful
for renters, homeowners, parents.
guardians, or just about anyone
looking for more information on
lead. Call now for a free copy!
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Initiatives
DfE and PETE
Join Forces for Change
Question: What do you get when you combine an organiza-
tion with lots of good environmental information with another
group that has entree to hundreds of colleges? Answer: You get
a terrific alliance — in this case, one that brings together EPA's
Design for the Environment (DfE) Program and the non-profit
Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (PETE).
The DfE Program works with small- and medium-size
industries in such sectors as printing, electronics, garment care,
automotive, and industrial laundry, to provide businesses with
the information they need to make environmentally-informed
choices.
PETE provides leadership in environmental education and
training in community, technical, and tribal colleges around the
country. PETE is currently affiliated with over 650 colleges.
The DfE program has a wealth of pollution prevention and
technical information developed for the business community,
while PETE has the capability of transferring this information
to college curricula, training programs, and existing training
networks. In the first year of the DfE-PETE partnership, PETE
developed several important pollution prevention curricular
materials, including a Guide to P2 Internet Resources, a P2
credit course, and a P2 Guide for the Auto Repair Industry.
PETE also sponsored dynamic training programs and networks
for two P2-in-Chemistry courses for chemistry instructors which
promote new approaches in the use and disposal of chemicals in
the classroom and laboratory.
In another area, PETE has held several Tribal College
Workshops, designed to foster communications among partici-
pants. Over 40 faculty and administrators representing 18 tribal
colleges attended the first workshop held in Jackson Hole, WY.
Participants expressed two important needs: (1) faculty
exchanges and mentoring opportunities among non-tribal and
tribal colleges, and (2) the incorporation of tribal/cultural values
and traditions in environmental technology education.
A second workshop was held this past spring in Santa Fe,
NM. PETE is also sponsoring a Tribal Forum this summer with
the goal of adding "tribal perspectives" to environmental curric-
ula. A larger joint workshop for over 300 participants is planned
for next year, sponsored by PETE and Montana State
University. For more information, contact Dave Boon, PETE,
303-404-5259, or Carol Hetfield, EPA, 202-260-1745.
"Act Locally" Ready
for On-Line Access
EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides,
and Toxics (OPPTS) has completed the
first phase of its community-based pro-
jects with "Act Locally," a listing of tools
to help communities learn more about
toxics and pesticides issues, resolve
problems relating to toxics or pesticides,
and find additional resources. "Act
Locally" can be found on the Internet at
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/cbep/
actlocal. A printed version will also be
available at a later date.
"Act Locally" is a catalogue of ana-
lytical tools, hotlines, clearinghouses,
databases, and software programs, guide-
lines and other publications, initiatives,
partnerships, training, funding activities,
and program information. These
resources can teach communities about
potential chemical risks, and help them
develop strategies to mitigate those risks
and improve the local environment.
There is a growing awareness that
many of today's environmental problems,
such as non-point water sources and
sprawl, cannot be solved completely by
traditional regulatory approaches. These
often require local, on-the-ground
approaches with direct community
involvement. OPPTS views its role as
facilitating not only the public's "right to
know" but the public's "right to under-
stand" by making accessible its expertise
in toxics and pesticide issues and its sci-
entific knowledge. "Act Locally" is an
effort to give communities ready access
to this scientific knowledge base and
expertise, and is a further expression of
EPA's promotion of community-based
environmental protection.
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Interview — Sharri Venno
For the past five years, Sharri
Venno has been an Environmental
Planner/Natural Resources
Director with the Houlton Band
of Maliseet Indians in Aroostook
County, Maine. The Houlton
Band comprises 800 acres and
has 600 members. Because of
Ms. Venno's involvement with
the Forum on State and Tribal
Toxics Action (FOSTTA) and
her concern about tribal issues,
she was named chair of the
FOSTTA Tribal Affairs Work
Group at its inception in June
1997. The Tribal Affairs Work
Group deals specifically with
issues of concern to Indians.
Q. What are some of the
work group's accomplishments
so far?
A. Our accomplishments
include: participating in a tribal
session at the June 1998 national
interagency meeting for EPA's
lead program grantees, establish-
ing an interagency tribal lead
task force, and finalizing a mis-
sion statement. We plan to use
the statement as a recruitment
tool to encourage other tribal
representatives to join the work
group.
Q. What progress has the
work group made?
A. We have made progress in
developing interagency coordi-
nation on a variety of toxics
issues that affect tribes. Also,
we're improving communication
to tribes about OPPT programs
and initiatives, and providing
input to OPPT regarding the
form and function of their newly
established tribal program.
Q. How many members are
there in the work group?
A. The number varies, but gen-
erally we have two to five tribal
representatives, two state reps,
two EPA regional reps, and three
EPA headquarters reps.
Q. What does the work group
hope to accomplish in FY 99?
A. We hope to increase tribal
representation to at least eight
members and improve our abili-
ty to address the work group's
mission statement. We also need
to determine what level of orga-
nization the work group will
have — for example, should it
remain at the work group level
which meets for a half day on a
Sunday, or upgrade to the com-
mittee level which meets one
and a half days during the week,
or try some intermediate format
that allows the workgroup mem-
bers to participate in the other
FOSTTA projects.
Q. Do you have a wish list for
the work group?
A. Ideally, we would like tribal
representation on the work group
to be very
broad-based,
including tribes from
every geographic area;
small, medium-sized and
large tribes; and tribes with a
variety of toxics issues.
Q. Are you excited about what
the work group is doing or will
be doing in the future?
A. Absolutely! The legal rela-
tionship between EPA and
American Indian tribes is funda-
mentally different from that
between EPA and states because
of EPA's trust responsibility for
tribes. In addition, whereas the
EPA/state working relationship
is well-established, the working
relationship between EPA and
tribes is still being developed.
The FOSTTA Tribal Affairs
Work Group provides a crucial
opportunity for OPPT and tribes
to discuss how their relationship
should develop in order to be
positive, effective, and appropri-
ate to each unique tribal circum-
stance.
Another positive aspect of
FOSTTA's Tribal Affairs Work
Group is the participation of
states. Toxics contamination
doesn't respect political bound-
aries. Only when federal, state,
and tribal governments work
together can we achieve the
goal of a healthy environ-
ment for everyone.
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Mark Your Calendars!
October 18-23
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI):
55th Annual Session. Myrtle Beach, SC.
Host Hotel: Myrtle Beach Wyndham Resort: 1-800-996-3426.
Landmark Resort Hotel: 1-800-845-0658.
Contact NCAI at 202-446-7767.
October 21-22
EPA Region 8 Tribal Leaders Summit. Denver, CO.
Contact Judy Hervig at 303-3 J2-6290.
October 26-28
65th Annual PNPCA Conference: Our Living Legacy.
Portland, OR. This program will feature over 60 techni-
cal programs on wastewater treatment, watershed
management, public education, competitiveness and
privatization, collection systems, water quality and
modeling, management, and other topics.
Contact the Pacific Northwest Pollution
Control Association (PNPCA) at 503-579-1472.
EPA
www.epa.gov
OPPT
www.epa.gov/opptintr
Pollution
Prevention
www.epa.gov/opptintr/p2home/index
Act Locally
www.epa.gov/opptintr/cbep/actlocal
Enviro?en?e es.epa.gov
Asbestos
Ombudsman
Hotline 1-800-368-5888
EPCRA Hotline 1-800-535-0202
Lead Hotline 1-800-532-3394
United States
Environmental Protection Agency (MC 7408)
Washington, DC 20460
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