Fiscal Year 2006 Accomplishments
EPA-909-R-07-001
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Dear Readers,
I am pleased to share with you our Environmental Results Through Tribal/EPA
Partnerships. This is our fifth report and it provides a valuable overview of
accomplishments in collaboration with tribes in the Pacific Southwest/Region 9.
An important part of EPA's mission is working in partnership with federally
recognized tribes to protect tribal environmental health and resources. To this end,
we are honored to work collaboratively with tribes in one of the most diverse areas of
the country, from Picayune Rancheria in the shadow of Yosemite National Park to
Gila River Reservation near the Casa Grande National Monument, to the Washoe
traditional areas of Lake Tahoe. In undertaking this responsibility, EPA works on a
government-to-government basis with the federally recognized tribes of the Pacific
Southwest to protect more than 27 million acres, approximately 10% of the region's
land base.
Tribes working in collaboration with EPA are able to accomplish the shared goals of
clean air, water, land, and healthy communities. In 2006, EPA and tribes of the
Pacific Southwest achieved many environmental successes, including providing safe
drinking water, closing open dumps, cleaning up leaking underground storage tanks,
inspecting pesticide application operations, and restoring watersheds.
This report not only shares the accomplishments of tribes and the EPA for 2006, it
also inspires us to continue working collaboratively with tribal governments to protect
the future of tribal lands and generations yet to come.
For more information on these and other tribal environmental accomplishments,
please visit our website at: www.epa.gov/region09/indian/success/.
Sincerel
Wayne Nastri
Regional Administrator
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Table of Contents
Tribal Results
Clean Air
Clean & Safe Water
Protecting Tribal Lands
8
•-4 .
Healthy Tribal Communities
13
Compliance and Stewardship
J
18
—rf
Region 9 Tribal Program Office
20
EPA Pacific Southwest/Region 9
21
Caver Photos: Grand Canyon Floor, Arizona by Larry Woods
Trinidad Bay, California by Greg Nesty
1-80 Corridor, Nevada by Amanda Flick
Basket designs courtesy of the Phoebe Hearst Museum, Berkeley, California
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fribal Results
EPA's Pacific Southwest Region includes 146 Indian
tribes and nearly 40% of the tribal land in the United
States. Tribal lands are subject to federal and tribal
environmental laws, but many tribes have lacked the
capacity or funding to carry out environmental pro-
grams. In recent years, a change has been occurring.
Tribes have forged productive partnerships with other
agencies and neighboring communities. In 2006,118
tribes and four coalitions developed environmental
programs and 74 tribes (over half) are monitoring the
environment.
Number of Tribes Developing
Environmental Programs
A \A v\\A\A I/I I/I I/I I/I I/I I/I IX
Tribes and Colalitions Developing Environmental Programs
Environmental conditions on many reservations in the
Pacific Southwest Region are challenging. More than
one third of reservation households are at or below
the poverty level. Nineteen percent of homes lack
complete plumbing. More than 1,000 open dumps
are found on tribal lands. Over a third of the region's
tribes are located in areas that do not meet air quality
standards.
EPA is working in partnership with tribes to face these
challenges head-on. Together, we are achieving
positive results! Working as partners, the tribes and
EPA have made significant progress in protecting tribal
lands, waters, air and other resources.
Ak-Chin Indian Community - Presentation of the Regional
Administrator's Environmental Achievement Award; pictured
are Ak-Chin Tribal Youth (fron left to right) Jane Lopez, Aylissa
Garcia, Doria Garcia, Bradley Miguel, and Kariann Justin;
Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri and Arizona Govenor
Janet Napolitano.
In the Pacific Southwest, many tribes have strong
partnerships with state governments. EPA Regional
Administrator Wayne Nastri presented the Ak-Chin
Indian Community an Environmental Achievement
Award for their many accomplishments, including
solid waste clean ups and protection of water
resources.
Environmental
Capacity
Building
Tribes in Region 9
Environmental Programs
Codes or Policies
Monitoring the Environment
Federal Program
I 1461
f 118U
I 85 D
I 74 1
6
50
75
100
125
150
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Clean Air
Twenty-three tribes received
EPA grant support for air
quality activities and 27 tribes
are operating a total of 54 air
monitors.
Overall Tribal Air Accomplishments
EPA awarded 23 tribal air grants, for a total of
just over $3 million. Five tribes also conducted air
assessments with additional funding in their General
Assistance Program (GAP) grants and four tribes
received radon grants. Twenty-seven tribes are
currently monitoring for either particulate matter or
ozone, three more tribes than last year. In Region 9,
66 tribes had air quality that did not meet national
health standards, while 80 tribes had air quality
that did attain federal health standards.
Particulate Matter National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
After much comment, especially from tribes, EPA
decided to retain the 24-hour PM-10 standard and
continue to enforce it in rural areas. The exemp-
tions for agricultural and mining sources have been
removed from the rule. In addition, EPA strength-
ened the 24-hour standard for fine particles.
Tribal Minor New Source Review
(NSR) Rules Proposed
EPA proposed requirements for permitting new and
modified sources of air pollution. These requirements
are important because they close the "regulatory gap"
that has existed for many years for tribes. They would
require air emission permits for new or modified small
industrial facilities, and large industrial facilities on
tribal lands not meeting national clean air standards.
Navajo Nation
EPA delegated the major source permit program to
the Navajo EPA for the two major power plants on the
reservation. The permit fees for these power plants
will now go to the Navajo EPA and will be used to
support their permit program.
Navajo Nation - Power Generating Plant.
Navajo Nation - Four Corners Power Plant.
EPA proposed two Federal Implementation Plans
(FIPs), for the Four Corners Power Plant and the
Navajo Generating Station. These would establish
federally enforceable emission limits for several
pollutants. Many regional stakeholders participated
in the proposal. If the FIPs are finalized, a significant
amount of sulfur dioxide emissions will be reduced.
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EPA proposed a Prevention of Significant Deteri-
oration (PSD) permit for the Desert Rock-power
plant on the Navajo Nation. EPA and Navajo EPA
conducted substantial outreach to tribal members
and the general public on this controversial project.
Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Bishop Community of the Bishop
Colony - A future tribal air quality specialist measuring wind
speed on the Owens Dry Lake, at a field trip sponsored by the
Bishop Tribe's Air Quality Program, Bishop Indian Education
Center and Great Basin United Air Pollution Control District.
Tribal Accomplishments and
Collaboration
Many tribes work closely together, and share infor-
mation. The Yurok Tribe Environmental program
developed a Real-Time Environmental Monitoring
Station, which is now available on the web at
http://exchange.vuroktribe.nsn.us. The Bishop Tribe
continued to work with other nearby tribes and the
local air district to assess the impacts of the Owens
Dry Lake, the largest source of particulate pollution
(PM-10) in the nation. The Tribe also participated with
several others in the Tribal Environmental Exchange
Network, a system that makes air quality and meteor-
ological data available in real time on the web,
facilitating region-wide data analysis.
ribc F nvironmerr
I^M
[ K=dl-Timc Mofiitoring Locations
Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation - Real Time Air Monitoring
Station Web Page http://exchange.yuroktribe.nsn.us.
Pacific Southwest Tribes Located in
Air Quality Non-Attainment Areas:
I Attainment Non-attainment
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Clean & Safe Water
Clean and safe water remains a critical, integral
aspect of EPA's partnership with tribes. In the Pacific
Southwest, tribes face diverse challenges in
producing safe drinking water, sanitation, and
protecting watersheds and fisheries. Many tribes in
the region intertwine water with cultural activities.
Over 25,836 tribal homes have
received safer drinking water
since 1996.
Over 4,126 homes have better
wastewater disposal facilities.
8,114 tribal homes along the
US/Mexico border have up-
graded water infrastructure
since 1999.
64 Tribes are eligible to receive
funding to restore watersheds.
Providing Water Safe to Drink
Tribes and EPA are working in partnership to provide
safe drinking water for tribal community members.
In 2006, under the Drinking Water Tribal Set-Aside
Program, EPA funded approximately $3.8 million for
eight construction projects for ten tribes, and other
projects, including four feasibility studies.
The Fort Independence Reservation successfully
completed a water system improvement project. This
project serves 45 tribal homes and includes chlori-
nation equipment, pump controls, meters and a new
storage tank.
Fort Independence Indian Community ofPaiute Indians Water
Operater, Norm Wilder, in front of new water tank.
On the Navajo Nation, the Counselor Chapter
constructed a new sewage lagoon system using
the EPA Clean Water Act Indian Set-Aside Program
and Indian Health Service funding.
In 2006, under the Wastewater Tribal Set-Aside
Program, EPA funded 19 projects with 5.7 million
dollars. Construction projects will serve approxi-
mately 4,126 tribal homes with better sanitation.
Navajo Nation, new lagoon.
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Protecting Water Quality
In 2006, many tribes were eligible to receive funding
from EPA's Pacific Southwest Regional Office to
monitor rivers, streams, and wetlands under the
Clean Water Act.
The Trinidad Rancheria completed its Water Qual-
ity Assessment using funding from a Clean Water
Act (CWA) Section 106 Water Quality Grant.
50 tribes received non-point source pollution control
program grants to restore and protect watersheds in
FY07.
Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria,
kelp beds.
Using Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319 funds, the
Dry Creek Rancheria removed invasive Himalayan
Blackberry and Vinca (periwinkle), more than 30 tele-
phone poles, and other solid waste from a creek. In
all, 36 tons of waste were removed from 600 feet of
the main stream on the Rancheria.
This project benefits the Russian River Watershed
by keeping sediment, solid waste, and creosote (from
treated telephone poles) from entering the stream,
and restoring habitat for native plants and wildlife.
Dry Creek Rancheria of Porno Indians of California - stream
bank restoration project.
La Jolla Environmental Offic
Contact: Sam Powvall
319 NPS Project Director
La Jolla Band ofLuiseno Mission Indians of the La Jolla Reserva-
tion, tributary stream clean-up.
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Using CWA Section 319 funds, the La Jolla Band
cleaned up an illegal solid waste dump along a
streambed, removing several bins of solid waste and
several oil drums.
La Jolla Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the La Jolla
Reservation, drinking water monitoring equipment; Chris
Devers, Pauma Tribal Chairman, also of the Rural Community
Assistance Corporation (RCAC), providing assistance.
The La Jolla Band also removed invasive tamarisk
and re-planted native vegetation.
La Jolla Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the La Jolla Reserva-
tion, invasive species removal project.
During 2006, EPA's Pacific Southwest Regional
Office approved three tribes to be treated in a
manner similar to a state to administer their Water
Quality Standards (WQS) programs.
The Navajo Nation, the largest tribe in the United
States in both area and population, had "treatment as
a state" (TAS) approved on January 20, 2006, and its
WQS program approved on April 11.
In California, the Bishop Tribe, had their TAS
approved on October 24, 2005, and their WQS
program approved on January 18, 2006.
Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Bishop Community of the Bishop
Colony, Treatment as a State approval: pictured left to right are
Kristin Gullatt, R9 Tribal Water Program Manager; Juliette
Nabahe, Bishop Tribe Water Technician; David Coursen, EPA
Attorney; former Tribal Chairman Gerald Howard; and Laura
Yoshii, EPA Deputy Regional Administrator.
National Accomplishment
During Fiscal Year 2006, EPA approved five tribes to
be treated in a manner similar to a state (TAS) to
administer the WQS program, and approved the initial
WQS for four tribes.
This is the highest number of TAS approvals in one
year since 1996, and the highest number of WQS
approvals since 2001. This brings to 37 the number
of tribes treated as a state for WQS, and to 30 the
number of tribes with EPA-approved water quality
standards.
Pond at Gila River Indian Reservation of the Gila River Indian
Community.
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EPA works collaboratively with tribes in one of the
most diverse areas of the country, from the Monument
Valley at Navajo Nation to the Yurok Tribe at the
mouth of the Klamath River. EPA works on a govern-
ment-to-government basis with the federally
recognized tribes of the Pacific Southwest to protect
more than 27 million acres, approximately 10% of the
region's land base.
Both ordinary trash and hazardous waste threaten
tribal lands. For example, tribal lands across the
Pacific Southwest host over 1,000 open dumps, 175
abandoned or uncontrolled leaking underground
storage tanks, and six major abandoned mine sites.
In 2006, several tribes closed dumps, cleaned up
metal waste, disposed of household hazardous
waste, dealt with abandoned vehicles and developed
recycling programs.
In 2006, tribes along with the EPA
inspected 55 underground storage
tanks, issued 24 field citations,
and conducted 6 UST inspector
trainings with over 76 tribal partici-
pants. To date, 132 underground
storage tanks have been cleaned up
on tribal land.
Tribes closed 79 open dumps this
year with EPA GAP and solid waste
grant assistance. These dumps
range in size from small scatter
sites to larger community dumps.
45 tribes have prepared an inte-
grated solid waste management
plan.
85 tribes have conducted solid
and household hazardous waste
management activities.
Underground Storage Tanks
In 2006, EPA provided underground storage tank
training to tribes through a cooperative agreement
with the Intertribal Council of Arizona (ITCA).
The Gila River Indian Community and EPA began
full scale operation of a soil treatment system at the
Arizona Traders Trading Post leaking underground
storage tank site in Sacaton, Arizona. The new treat-
ment facility includes three wells that extract and treat
hydrocarbon vapors from the soil. EPA estimates
soil cleanup will be completed in three years and
groundwater cleanup could take up to ten years.
Gila River Indian Community of the Gila River Reservation,
and the Arizona Traders Trading Post soil and groundwater
treatment operating system. Left to right: Jennifer Allison-Ray,
Lieutenant Governor of the GRIC; Jeff Scott, Director of EPA s
Waste Management Division; and Chris Prokop of EPA's
Underground Storge Tank Program Office.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe conducted a Leaking
Underground Storage Tank (LUST) site cleanup.
The cleanup crew included tribal members and
contractors.
Closing Open Dumps
The Supai Village, located at the Havasupai
Reservation on the Grand Canyon floor, is acces-
sible only by helicopter, horse, mule, or on foot. Until
now, the Havasupai Tribe had little choice but to
dispose of waste at the community's open dump,
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San Carlos Apache Tribe of the San Carlos Reservation, leaking
under-ground storage tank cleanup crew of tribal members and
contractors.
where waste was burned to reduce volume, creating
air pollution. After more than nine years of working
together to find a sustainable solution, the Havasupai
Tribal Council, tribal staff, EPA, Indian Health Service
(IMS), and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) developed
and agreed upon a new hauling plan. The plan utilizes
existing tribal mule or horse hauling enterprises, which
are owned and operated by tribal members. Hauling
began in summer 2006, and will result in proper
management of approximately 196 tons of waste
each year.
Havasupai Tribe of the Havasupai Reservation, new solid waste
management plan horse team loading and hauling trash bundles.
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in Nevada has made
an aggressive attempt to clean up their reservation.
Three communities on the Pyramid Lake Reservation
had approximately 32 acres of open dumps. The Tribe
closed these sites and developed a post-closure plan.
The Tribe will use post-closure activities and their solid
waste ordinances to prevent future illegal dumping.
Because open areas are magnets for open dumping,
the Tribe will use re-vegetation for range rehabilitation
and dumping prevention.
FORE
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of the Pyramid Lake Reservation,
Nixon Dumpsite.
In southern California, the Torres Martinez Tribe
and EPA brought over25 state, local, tribal, and federal
agencies together to form the Torres Martinez Solid
Waste Collaborative, an innovative partnership to
address widespread dumping on the Torres Martinez
Reservation. In its first year, the collaborative closed
the largest dump on the reservation, cleaned up four
dump sites and reached an agreement on an inter-
agency plan to clean up dumps and prevent access
by installing berms and gates. A billboard was
constructed at the Torres Martinez reservation and
the Tribe partnered with Crime Stoppers to offer a
reward for turning in violators.
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J1LEGAL DUMPING
Keep our Reservation Beautiful
Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians - illegal dump site
and billboard.
Tribal Waste Reduction
In March, 2006, the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians
celebrated the grand opening of a new buy-back
recycling center, paying CRV (California Refund
Value) to community recyclers who bring in their glass,
plastic and aluminum beverage containers. The
name of the new Lalil Daqaw recycling center (see
sign, below) is in the Hopland Pomo dialect and
means "to give back" or "to return." In the first few
months of the center's operation, the Tribe recycled
2,400 pounds of aluminum, 1,300 pounds of plastic,
and 3,000 pounds of glass. The Hopland Tribal EPA
staff has worked closely with the tribe's casino to
establish a "Green Team". The goal of the Green
Team is to implement a recycling program and reduce
solid waste generated by the casino by up to 50%.
LALIL DAQAW
POMO
RECYCLING
CENTER
Hopland Band of Pomo
Indians of the Hopland
Rancheria, sign at the
grand opening of the
new buy-back recycling
center. Recycling center
sign translates "to give
back" in the Hopland
Pomo dialect.
Hopland Band of Pomo Indians of the Hopland Rancheria -
Tribal Environmental Staff.
The Hopi Tribe Environmental Protection Program
successfully completed two Household Hazardous
Waste collection and Electronic Waste collection
events. The events were open to all local communi-
ty members, businesses, local agencies, schools,
and local Navajo communities. The goal was to
provide education to the residents and to help
eliminate illegal dumping of chemical products and
unwanted electronic items on Hopi lands.
Hopi Tribe of Arizona - hazardous and electronic waste collection
event.
Members of the Ak-Chin Indian Community
conducted a "Clean-up Day" on the reservation. As a
result, the Tribe recycled more than 100,000 pounds
of scrap metal and appliances. The clean-up crew
also incorporated education about the importance of
proper solid waste disposal.
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Ak-Chin Indian Community - Community Clean-Up Day.
The community clean-up crew.
Cleaning up Superfund Sites
In past years, mining operations were scattered
across the West. Many tribes have mines on their
land. Several abandoned mines are currently listed
as Superfund sites and are considered environmental
threats mainly due to the pollution of surface and
groundwaterfrom acids and dissolved metals. In the
past year, three tribes conducted removal actions at
mine sites for mercury, copper, and uranium.
In California, the Elem Indian Colony has worked in
collaboration with EPA regarding the Sulphur Bank
Mercury Mine Superfund site, placed on the National
Priorities List in August 1990. Since that time, EPA
conducted numerous removal actions including
stabilizing the Waste Rock Dam (at the mine),
removing contaminated soil in the Elem Indian
Colony, sealing nearby geothermal wells, and
rerouting clean storm water around the mine to
prevent contaminated water overflow.
In June 2006, EPA began another removal action at
the Elem Indian Colony to permanently remove
mercury and arsenic contaminated mine wastes from
the residential area. Before initiating this removal,
EPA consulted with the Tribe since this is a sensitive
cultural resource area. EPA was at first assisted by
a tribal cultural monitor and later by an archaeolo-
gist. As part of this removal action, EPA temporarily
relocated 17 families (approximately 60 people).
Elem Indian Colony of Porno Indians of the Sulfur Bank
Rancheria - mercury and arsenic removal (left) and vehicle
cleaning pad (right).
While the families were temporarily relocated, EPA
excavated mine waste from 16 residential lots and
demolished five homes. EPA is nearing completion
of the second phase of the residential area cleanup.
This includes demolition of the entire paved roadway
system in the residential area and excavation of
underlying mine wastes. This phase also includes
construction of a new water supply system. To com-
plete the work, EPA will install five new modular
homes to replace the homes that were demolished,
reconstruct the paved roadway system, place clean
topsoil and re-vegetate all of the residential lots.
EPA is spending approximately $7.35 million on this
removal action.
Elem Indian Colony of Porno Indians of the Sulfur Bank
Rancheria - new modular home installation.
In Nevada, the Yerington Mine site is a 3,400 acre
abandoned open-pit copper mine that was operated
by Anaconda Copper from 1958 to 1978. This
abandoned mine is located approximately 70 miles
southeast of Reno and approximately 2-1/2 miles
south of the Yerington Paiute Reservation. The
site has acid mine drainage, along with ground-
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water and soil contaminated with heavy metals and
radionuclides, raising concerns in the nearby
community and the Yerington Paiute Tribe.
While the Yerington Paiute Tribe, EPA, the State of
Nevada, and the Bureau of Land Management
continue the site investigation, EPA has completed
two emergency removal actions in the past year. The
first action removed 120 Polychlorinated Biphenyl
(PCB) transformers and capped approximately 100
acres of potential dust sources on the site. Total cost
was approximately $850,000. The second project
involved building a new 4-acre evaporation pond,
relining a second fluid collection pond, and building
an interceptor trench to capture acid mine drainage.
This work cost $1.5 million.
Yerington Paiute Tribe of the Yerington Colony and Campbell
Ranch - abandoned Anaconda Copper Mine poll/chlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) removal, capping and sealing approximately
100 acres of potential dust sources, including construction of a
four-acre pond.
In Arizona, EPA and the Navajo Nation are almost
finished with a project to identify all known abandoned
uranium mines across the Navajo Nation and estab-
lish a preliminary ranking based on risk. More than
500 of these mines have been mapped. The final report
and database should be complete in July 2007. This
will provide the Navajo Nation with a powerful tool to
prioritize sites. To date, EPA has conducted removal
actions at the Bluewater Uranium Mines as well as
two radioactive hogans. Last year, the Navajo Nation
requested EPA investigate and clean up the Northeast
Church Rock Uranium Mine site, located about 16
miles northeast of Gallup, New Mexico. In September
EPA, with the participation of Navajo Department of
Justice, reached an agreement with the United Nuclear
Corporation requiring the company to investigate soil
contamination related to historic uranium mining and
processing operations at the 125-acre site. Work on
this is expected to begin soon.
Navajo Nation - Church Rock Mine site.
Revitalizing Brownfields
EPA provided Brownfields funding for several projects
on tribal lands, totaling $1.35 million for assessment
and cleanup. EPA's Brownfields Program is also
providing financial assistance to Gila River Indian
Community, Navajo Nation and Tohono O'odham
Nation to establish and enhance their response
programs and develop an inventory of Brownfields
sites. Finally, EPA provides direct technical
assistance through the targeted Brownfields Site
Assessment program. As a result of EPA's assess-
ment of the Environmental Concrete Concepts Inc.
site on the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Tribe has
determined that this site does not require cleanup and
is available for commercial development.
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Healthy Tribal Communities
U.S. Mexico Border
In partnership with the Mexican government and
nonprofit organizations, including the Native Cultures
Institute of Baja California (CUNA), Aqualink, JA JAN
Coalition, and the Baja California Intertribal Council,
the Pala Band of Mission Indians helped provide
safe drinking water to the indigenous communities
San Jose de la Zorra and San Antonio Necua in
Baja California, Mexico. The new wells and water
distribution systems serve 380 people in these
communities. In April 2006, a delegation of U.S. and
Mexico officials visited San Antonio Necua and pro-
vided an additional $150,000 to increase access to
safe drinking water and basic sanitation, and to train
people in the communities to operate and maintain
the new water systems.
communities of S. Komelik, Choulic, Topawa and Cold
Fields to the Topawa Water System to service a total
of 111 homes with a population of 393.
San Antonio Necua - community member tests new well.
The Tohono O'odham Utility Authority received an
EPA Environmental Award for providing safe drinking
water to the O'odham indigenous community of
Quitovac in Sonora, Mexico. The new water system
serves a boarding school for 100 O'odham children
and 18 homes. The Mexican government is now
extending electricity to the community and has com-
mitted to upgrading the homes to provide indoor
plumbing. Before the water system, each home used
hand-dug wells. The Pan American Health Organi-
zation is providing a health clinic.
Also at the Tohono O'odham Nation, the
Baboquivari Inter-tie Project will connect the JL
13
Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona's Baboquivari - Inter-tie
Project.
The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians completed
construction of a trunk sewer which serves 13 gov-
ernment buildings on the Pechanga Indian Reserva-
tion, and provides sewer access for all homes on
the reservation. With a grant from EPA, the Tribe
co-funded this project and successfully managed the
planning, design and construction.
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pechanga
Reservation - trunk sewer construction.
The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians com-
pleted drinking water system improvements, includ-
ing a new well, water storage tank and distribution
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system, to replace a substandard water system with
inadequate supply. The new water system serves 49
homes, a health clinic and government buildings. The
Tribe received a Tribal Border Infrastructure grant
for this project and oversaw all aspects of the project.
The Cocopah Indian Tribe, which shares 12 miles
of its border with Mexico, restored over 200 acres of
riparian habitat along the Lower Colorado River
limitrophe, leveraging funds from EPA, the Bureau of
Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Land Managment.
With support from EPA's GAP program, the Tribe is
working with the National Wildlife Federation and 23
organizations on both sides of the border to restore
habitat on the Lower Colorado River.
Cocopah Indian Tribe - riparian restoration project.
Reducing Pesticide and
Toxic Exposures
EPA's Pesticides Office provides funding, guidance,
and oversight of pesticide compliance and enforce-
ment programs, assessments of pesticide use and
water quality, and public outreach on pesticides on
tribal lands. Asa result of these efforts, more than 12
million acres of tribal agricultural lands are regulated
under federal and/or tribal pesticide authorities pro-
tecting more than 227,000 tribal members from
unnecessary pesticide exposures. To put these num-
bers in context, there are approximately 26 million
acres of agricultural land in production in California.
Gila River Indian Community - tribal agricultural land.
Based upon an inspection report referred by Navajo
Nation EPA, U.S. EPA's Pesticide Program issued
a penalty action with an $8,320 fine against a
commercial applicator. As part of the settlement, the
company set up a new pesticide safety training course
for its employees.
With support and training from EPA over the last five
years, the Pala Band of Mission Indians has devel-
oped an effective pesticides program. The Tribe is
using its pesticide monitoring capacity to ensure
federal compliance and to assist schools and tribal
members with alternatives to pesticides. In FY07,
the Tribe will fully fund their pesticide program for
the first time. This success demonstrates that build-
ing tribal capacity is an effective tool to assure safe
pesticide use on tribal lands even as federal dollars
are diminishing.
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Left Photo: Hopi Tribe - tribal members at an Integrated Pest
Management Project (IPM); Right Photo: La Jolla Band ofLuiseno
Mission Indians of the La Jolla Reservation - Head Start Program.
In 2006, the Hopi Tribe successfully completed an
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) project that
reduced pesticide exposure for over 1,100 children.
Project activities included IPM workshops, pest
audits, site-specific technical assistance and
capacity building. As a result of this IPM project, five
Head Start Centers and 15 tribal facilities have
reduced pesticide use by adopting IPM practices.
Conducting Environmental
Education & Outreach
Tribes across the Region use the General Assistance
Program to conduct environmental outreach and edu-
cation. Several tribes host Earth Days and sponsor
workshops including inter-tribal youth camps and
native cultural resource gathering days. These
activities are instrumental in educating community
members about environmental threats and hazards
while informing them on how they can become active
participants in environmental protection.
Big Valley Band of Porno Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria
Tule Boat Festival.
Big Valley Band of Porno Indians of the Big Vally Rancheria
Tule Boat Festival.
Cortina Indian Rancheria of Wintun Indians of California
Environmental Youth Campout.
Cortina Indian Rancheria of Wintun Indians of California
Environmental Youth Campout.
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Kaibab Band ofPaiute Indians of the Kaibab Indian Reservation
- Tribal Youth Water Sampling Activities.
Quartz Valley Indian Community of the Quartz Valley
Reservation of California - Salmon Festival.
Quartz Valley Indian Community of the Quartz Valley
Reservation of California - Salmon Festival.
ojraiute maians of me Raioao maian Reservation
Tribal Youth Water Sampling Activities.
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EPA Pacific Southwest Region Tribal 5-Year Trends
Dump Closures on Tribal Lands, EPA Region 9
Number of Air Monitors Used by Tribes in EPA Region 9
100
50
Cumulative Number of Dump Closures
Projected Number of Dump Closures
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Year
54
52
50
•5 48
46
42
2002
z
~l ^KAir Monitors ~\~
2003
2004
Year
2005
2006
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) on Tribal Lands,
EPA R9, 2002-2006
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
2002
2003
2004
2005
Year
2006
23000
21000
19000
17000
15000
13000
1 11000
Z 9000
7000
5000
3000
2002
Homes Receiving Safer Drinking Water on Tribal Lands
in EPA Region 9, 2002-2005
•Homes Receiving Safer Drinking Water to Date
(Cumulative)
2003
Year
2004
2005
Homes with Improved Sanitation on Tribal Lands,
EPA Region 9 2002-2006
16000
14000
12000
E 10000
8000
6000
2003
•Homes with Improved Sanitation
(cumulative)
2004 2005
Year
2006
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Compliance and Stewardship
In 2006, EPA issued federal credentials to seven
tribal inspectors. Three inspectors were certified to
conduct inspections under the Clean Water Act while
four are now certified to conduct inspections for
pesticides.
Rincon Band of the Luiseno Mission Indians of the Rincon
Reservation - solid waste code drafting meeting.
EPA worked with tribes to provide compliance assis-
tance to 100% of known tribal public water supply
systems. Over 900 site visits were made to the 320
systems in the Pacific Southwest last year.
Perhaps one of the greatest opportunities for EPA
and tribes to partner is in the areas of compliance
and stewardship. The Navajo Nation and EPA pilot-
tested a self-assessment tool for schools. Over the
year, EPA provided compliance assistance to all 89
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools and conducted
6 cross-media inspections of BIA schools.
EPA issued 26 enforcement actions to return facilities
to compliance, and issued penalties totaling over
$80,000 to companies operating on tribal lands.
Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona - Cyprus Tohono Mine
evaporation pond.
For example, in September of 2006, EPA signed an
Administrative Order on Consent with Cyprus Tohono
Corporation to clean up mine waste from their copper
mine two miles southeast of North Komelik. This $18
million cleanup is being carried out by the mining
company under EPA oversight, and is one of the
costliest removal actions ever carried out on tribal
land in Region 9. The cleanup is completely on the
Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians - one form of tribal
compliance assistance.
Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona - copper mine waste
clean-up.
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Tohono O'odham Nation and includes removing
evaporation residues and tailings from five major
facility areas which collectively cover approximately
450 acres.
Healthy Schools
EPA provided compliance assistance to
all 89 BIA schools.
Navajo Nation and EPA pilot-tested a
self-assessment tool for schools.
EPA conducted 6 multi-media inspections
of BIA schools.
EPA sent Compliance Assistance Notebooks to every
tribe in Region 9. The notebooks contain compli-
ance assistance information on air, water, waste
management, and pollution prevention in schools.
This effort was part of EPA's National Tribal Compli-
ance Assistance priority.
EPA reached more than 31,000 people with
information about compliance with open dumping
rules in Indian Country. This outreach included
community presentations, "no-dumping" alerts,
training courses, and inspections.
The Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals
(ITEP) at Northern Arizona University was selected
to provide five workshops to teach tribal inspectors
to conduct compliance monitoring inspections under
tribal law, and help them obtain authorization to
conduct various inspections under federal law.
Coyote Valley Band of Porno Indians of California - Head Start program, harvesting and replanting
tribal garden.
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Region 9 Tribal Program Office
GAP Project Officers
Northern California: Big Lagoon, Cedarville Rancheria, Cortina, Elk Valley, Fort
Bidwell, Pit River, Quartz Valley, Redding, Resighini, Trinidad, Smith River, Blue
Lake, Yurok, Karuk, Bear River, Hoopa, Susanville, Wiyot, Alturas Rancheria
Northern California/Fresno Area: Cloverdale, Cahto (Laytonville), Manchester/Pt.
Arena, Redwood Valley, Sherwood Valley, Big Sandy, Cold Springs, North Fork,
Picayune, Table Mountain, Coyote Valley
Southern California: Chemehuevi, Cocopah, CRIT, Fort Mojave, Los Coyotes,
NAEPC,Quechan
Southern California: Campo, Cuyapaipe, Jamul, LaPosta, Mesa Grande, Santa
Ysabel, Sycuan, Torres Martinez, Agua Caliente, Augustine, Cabazon, Twenty Nine
Palms
Southern California: Cahuilla, La Jolla, Ramona, Rincon, Santa Rosa Reservation,
Santa Ynez, Pala, Soboba, San Manuel, San Pasqual, Inaja, Viejas(Capitan Grande),
Pechanga, Pauma
Southern California: Barona, Manzanita, Morongo
Central California: Auburn, Berry Creek, Buena Vista, Enterprise, Greenville,
Grindstone, Mechoopda (Chico), Middletown, Mooretown, Paskenta, Santa Rosa
Rancheria, Scotts Valley, Shingle Springs, Tule River, CA Valley Miwok (Sheep
Ranch), Chicken Ranch, Cachil Dene Band(Colusa), ITCC, Jackson, Lower Lake,
Round Valley (Covelo), Rumsey
California - Mendocino-Sonoma Area: Big Valley, Guidiville, Hopland, Lytton,
Potter Valley, Robinson, Elem, Upper Lake/Habematolel, Dry Creek, Stewarts Point/
Kashia Band, Pinoleville
California - Owens Valley and Eastern Nevada: Big Pine, Bishop, Duckwater, Ely,
Graton, Fort Independence, lone, Lone Pine, OVTWC, Timbisha, Tuolumne,
Bridgeport, Goshute, Benton/UtuUtu Gwaitu
Arizona: Hopi, Navajo, Tohono O'odham, Pascua Yaqui, San Juan So. Paiute
Arizona & Las Vegas: Ak-Chin, Fort McDowell, Gila River, Havasupai, Kaibab, Las
Vegas, Moapa, San Carlos, White Mountain, Yavapai Apache, Yavapai Prescott,
ITCA, Salt River, Hualapai, Tonto Apache
Nevada: Battle Mountain, Duck Valley, Elko, Fallon, Fort McDermitt, Pyramid Lake,
Reno Sparks, South Fork, Summit Lake, Washoe, Walker River, Wells, Yerington,
Yomba, ITCN, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Te-Moak
Manager, Tribal Program Office
Office Manager, Tribal Program Office
Tribal Liaison, Tribal Program Office
Tribal Liaison, Tribal Program Office
Tribal Program Office
Fax Number:
Project Officer Phone
TimWilhite
(Placed - based
in Yreka)
530-841-4577
Fax Number:
530-841-4571
Dianne Albright 415-972-3830
Hillary Hecht
Willard Chin
Tina Williams
Morena Villanueva
(Part-time)
Gilbert Pasqua
415-972-3790
415-972-3797
415-972-3784
415-947-4239
415-972-3788
Veronica Swann
Erica Yelensky
Pam Overman
Tim Grant
Greg Phillips
(Placed- based
in Carson City)
Jean Gamache
Kimberli Smith
Lilia Dignan
Maria Castain
415-972-3699
415-972-3021
415-972-3781
415-972-3783
775-885-6085
Fax Number:
775-885-6147
415-972-3554
415-972-3778
415-972-3779
415-972-3264
415-947-3562
20
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EPA Pacific Southwest/Region 9
Environmental Information Center
Web: www.epa.gov/region09
Email: r9.info@epa.gov
Phones: 866.EPA.WEST (toll-free)
415.947.8000
Office of the Regional Administrator
Wayne Nastri, Regional Administrator
Laura Yoshii, Deputy RA
Bridget Coyle, Civil Rights Office
Lynn Kuo, Chief of Staff
Office of Public Affairs
Sally Seymour, Director
RTOC Representative:
Kate Nooney
415.947.4266
Office of Regional Counsel
Nancy Marvel, Regional Counsel
RTOC Representative:
Danita Yocom
415.972.3885
Legal Counsel
Civil and Criminal Enforcement
Air Division
Deborah Jordan, Director
RTOC Representatives:
Sara Bartholomew
415.947.4100
Colleen McKaughan
520.498.0118
Stephanie Valentine
415.972.3014
Planning Permits, Rulemaking
Enforcement, Technical Support
Radiation & Compliance Assurance
Grants & Program Integration
Superfund Division
Keith Takata, Director
RTOC Representatives:
Betsy Curnow
415.972.3093
Matthew Jefferson
415.972-3272
Site Cleanup, Brownfields, Oil Pollution
Federal Facilities and Base Closures
Emergency Response & Planning
Community Involvement, Site Assessment
Waste Management Division
Jeff Scott, Director
RTOC Representatives:
Rich Vaille
415.972.3378
Heather White
415.972.3384
Pollution Prevention, Solid Waste
RCRA Permits/Corrective Action
RCRA Inspections & Enforcement
RCRA State Program Development
Underground Storage Tank Program
Water Division
Alexis Strauss, Director
RTOC Representatives:
Kristin Gullatt
415.972.3432
Loretta Vanegas
415.972.3433
Linda Reeves
415.972.3445
Clean Water Act
Safe Drinking Water
Marine Sanctuaries Act
Communities and Ecosystems Division
Enrique Manzanilla, Director
Clancy Tenley, Associate Director for Tribal Programs
RTOC Representatives:
Lilia Dignan
415.972.3779
Hillary Hecht
415.972.3790
Pam Cooper
415.947.4217
Jean Gamache
415.972.3554
Agriculture Program, Environmental Justice
Pesticides, Toxics, Toxics Release Inventory
Environmental Review/NEPA
Tribal Program
U.S.-Mexico Border Program
Stewardship/Performance Track
Management and Technical Services Division
Jane Diamond, Assistant Regional Administrator
RTOC Representatives:
Elizabeth Stahl
415.972.3662
Eugenia McNaughton
415.972.3411
Budget, Finance/Grants/Contracts
Strategic Planning, Science Policy
Laboratory & QA/QC, Facilities
Information Resource Management
Southern California Field Office (Los Angeles)
213.244.1800
San Diego Border Office (San Diego)
619.235.4765
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INDIAN LANDS
REGION 9
Reservations, Rancherias, Colonies
MEXICO
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
U.S. EPA Region 9 Tribal Program Office
http://www.epa.gov/region09/cross_pr/indian/success/index.html
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