Tribal Brownfields
and Response Programs
Respecting Our Land,
Revitalizing Our Communities
United States
Environmental Protection
iAgency
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Foreword
States and tribal nations bear important responsibilities for the day-to-day
mission of environmental protection, but declining tax revenues and fiscal
challenges are pressuring state agencies and tribal governments to do more
with fewer resources. Strong partnerships and accountability are more
important than ever. EPA must do its part to support state and tribal capacity
and, through strengthened oversight, ensure that programs are consistently
delivered nationwide. Where appropriate, we will use our own expertise and
capacity to bolster state and tribal efforts.
- Excerpt from EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson's Seven Priorities for EPA's Future Memorandum
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
Washington, DC 20460
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Table of Contents
Purpose 1
Overview and History of Brownfields Funding 2
Brownfields Tribal Highlights and Results 5
Region 1 6
Passamaquoddy Tribe 7
Penobscot Nation 8
Region 2 9
Seneca Nation 10
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe 11
Currently No Federally Recognized Tribes in Region 3
Region 4 12
Seminole Tribe 13
Region 5 14
Fond Du Lac Band Lake Superior Chippewa 15
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community 16
Lac Du Flambeau 17
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe 18
Little River Band Ottawa 19
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians 20
Lower Sioux Indian Community 21
Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe) 22
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe 23
Nottawaseppi Huron Band Potawatomi 24
Oneida Nation of Wisconsin 25
Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians 26
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 27
St. Croix Chippewa 28
Region 6 29
Absentee Shawnee Tribes 30
Cherokee Nation/lnter-Tribal Environmental Council (ITRC) 31
Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council 32
Region 7 33
Sac and Fox Nation 34
Santee Sioux Nation 35
Winnegabo Tribe of Nebraska 36
Region 8 37
Blackfeet Tribe 38
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) 39
Chippewa Cree Tribe (Rocky Boys) 40
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes... ...41
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Crow Creek Sioux Tribe 42
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe 43
Fort Peck Tribes 44
Fort Belknap Indian Community 45
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe 46
Northern Cheyenne Tribe 47
Oglala Sioux Tribe 48
Rosebud Sioux Tribe 49
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate 50
Southern Ute Indian Tribe 51
Spirit Lake Tribe 52
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe 53
Three Affiliated Tribes 54
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa 55
Ute Mountain Ute Tribe 56
Wind River (Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe) 57
Region 9 58
Gila River Indian Community 59
Hoopa Valley Tribe 60
Navajo Nation 61
Rincon Luiseno Band of Indians 62
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community 63
Tohono O'odham Nation 64
Yurok Tribe 65
Region 10 66
Bristol Bay Native Association 67
Central Council of Tlingit Tribes of Alaska 68
Colville Confederated Tribes 69
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians 70
Confederated Tribes of Yakama Nation 71
Grayling Anvik, Shageluk, and Holy Cross (GASH) 72
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe 73
Kuskokwim River Watershed Council 74
Makah Indian Nation 75
Maniilaq Association 76
Native Village of Port Heiden 77
Native Village of Saint Michael 78
Native Village of Tunanak (Nelson Island) 79
Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho 80
Organized Village of Kasaan 81
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe 81
Shoshone-Bannok Tribes 83
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community 84
Tangirnaq Native Village (Woody Island) 85
Tetlin Village Council 86
Yakutat Tlingit Tribe 87
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council... ...88
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Purpose
This report highlights how tribes are using U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Brownfields funding to address contaminated land in
Indian country1 and other tribal lands. It also highlights the challenges
tribes face. It provides an historic overview of EPA's Brownfields
Program, as it relates to tribes, and demonstrates EPA's commitment to
the development of tribal capacity to deal effectively with contaminated
lands in Indian country. The report includes examples of tribal successes
to both highlight accomplishments and serve as a resource for ideas,
information and reference.
1 Use of the terms "Indian country," "tribal lands," and "tribal areas" within this document is not intended to provide legal guidance on the scope of any program being described, nor is
their use intended to expand or restrict the scope of any such programs, or have any legal effect.
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Overview
There are 565 federally recognized tribes within the United States. Each tribe is an independent, sovereign
nation, responsible for setting standards, making environmental policy, and managing environmental programs
for its people. While each tribe faces unique challenges, many share similar environmental legacies.
INDIAN COUNTRY WITHIN EPA REGIONS 1 THROUGH 10
Federally Recognized Tribes
Environmental issues in Indian country range from developing basic administrative infrastructure to passing
sweeping new laws; from controlling illegal open dumping to developing wastewater and drinking water
infrastructure; from controlling and removing leaking underground storage tanks to asbestos and lead
abatement and removal; and from air pollution to the cleanup and reuse of contaminated land.
Given each tribe's unique history and culture and the complexity of jurisdictional issues, the ability to address
environmental issues in Indian country calls for new approaches and ways of thinking. The EPA Brownfields
Program provides these approaches, and progress and results are occurring across Indian country.
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Brownfields and Contaminated Land in Indian Country
Brownfields and other contaminated lands are found throughout the United States. Often legacies of an
industrial past or bygone business, they dot the landscape of large and small communities. Brownfields
are defined as "real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the
presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant."2 They come in many
forms and sizes. Brownfields can be the abandoned warehouse or corner gas station, the local mill site or
abandoned mine. In Indian country they are as diverse as the communities in which they are found.
To address environmental issues in Indian country, many tribes establish their own environmental protection
and natural resource management offices. To clean up and reuse contaminated lands, many create
brownfields programs or "Tribal Response Programs." However, tribal communities often lack funding to sustain
environmental program capacity building and continue to need outside technical assistance and expertise.
Additionally, many tribes seeking to address brownfields in their communities face problems that are found in
many small or rural areas in the United States. Rural locations typically do not have the technical resources
that many larger communities have, nor the economic drivers associated with more dense populations that
might spur cleanup and reuse. Tribes may seek to return contaminated land to a non-economic reuse (e.g.,
returning land to a culturally beneficial reuse), which often must be funded by the public sector or tribal
government and which may not attract the interest of those with private cleanup dollars.
Despite the challenges, revitalization of contaminated lands is an environmental issue being addressed
successfully across Indian country. With the assistance of grants and other resources available through EPA's
Brownfields Program, tribes are making great strides in cleaning up and returning contaminated land back to
productive use. By using the grants and tools available, tribes address their fundamental environmental and
revitalization goals and enrich the health and welfare of their communities.
U.S. EPA Brownfields Resources for Revitalization of Contaminated Land in
Indian Country
Since the inception of EPA's Brownfields Program in 1995, the program's goal has been "to empower states,
tribes, communities, and other stakeholders in economic development to work together in a timely manner
to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields." The program provides financial and
technical assistance for brownfields revitalization, including annual competitive grants for environmental
assessment, revolving loan funds (RLF), cleanup, and job training, and non-competitive funding for state
and tribal response programs. In 2002, the passage of the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields
Revitalization Act—referred to as the Brownfields Amendments—codified many of the policies EPA developed.
The Brownfields Amendments authorized, among other things, two main sources of funding that may assist
tribes in revitalizing contaminated land in Indian country:
(1) Section 128(a) State and Tribal Response Program funding
(2) Section 104(k) Competitive Grant Program funding
Tribal Response Program Grants
Tribal Response Program funding—referred
to as "Section 128(a)" funding after the
section of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA) that it falls under—can
be used to create new or to enhance
existing environmental response programs.
Authorized at $50 million per year and shared
among states, tribes and territories, the
funding is awarded on an annual basis.
The primary goal of the funding is to ensure that response
programs include, or are taking reasonable steps to include,
the following four elements in their programs:
1. Timely survey and inventory of brownfield sites.
2. Oversight and enforcement authorities or other mechanisms
and resources to ensure that a response action will protect
human health and the environment.
3. Mechanisms and resources to provide meaningful
opportunities for public participation.
4. Mechanisms for approval of a cleanup plan and verification
and certification that cleanup is complete.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, § 101(39).
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The funding can also be used for limited site assessments or cleanups at brownfield sites; for other activities
that increase the number of response actions conducted or overseen by a state or tribal response program; to
capitalize revolving loan funds for cleanup; to purchase environmental insurance; or to develop other insurance
mechanisms for brownfields cleanup activities.
Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants (ARC Grants)
The 104(k) competitive grants are awarded through an annual competition. Most federally recognized tribes
are eligible to apply for this funding.3 ARC grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum
and hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with
petroleum). Opportunities for funding are as follows: Brownfields Assessment grants (each funded up to
$200,000 over three years); Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants (each funded up to $1,000,000
over five years); and Brownfields Cleanup Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years).
Job Training Grants
Job Training grants—
competitively awarded on
an annual basis—are also
available to most federally
recognized tribes. To help
residents located in areas
affected by brownfields take
advantage of jobs created
by the assessment and
cleanup of these properties,
EPA initiated the Brownfields
Job Training grants.
Among other things, the Job Training grant funds may be used for:
• Training residents in the handling and removal of hazardous substances, including
training for jobs in sampling, analysis and site remediation.
• Training in the management of facilities at which hazardous substances, pollutants,
contaminants or petroleum contamination are located.
• Training for response activities often associated with cleanups such as landscaping,
demolition and ground water extraction.
• Development or refinement of existing training curriculum.
• Training participants in the techniques and methods for cleanup of leaking
underground storage tanks and other sites contaminated by petroleum products,
asbestos abatement, or lead abatement where these topics are a component
of a more comprehensive hazardous waste management training course or
environmental technology training course.
BROWNFIELDS FUNDING AWARDS TO TRIBES
$11,000,000
$10,000,000 -
$9,000,000 -
$8,000,000 -
W $7,000,000 -
§ $6,000,000 -
c $5,000,000 -
O $4,000,000 -
$3,000,000 -
$2,000,000 -
$1,000,000
0
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Years
| ARC and Job Training Grants | Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program Grants
* Passage of Brownfields Amendments to CERCLA
3 In Alaska, only an Alaska Native Regional Corporation and an Alaska Native Village Corporation, as those terms are defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and the
Metlakatla Indian Community are eligible. CERCLA § 104(k)(1).
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Brownfields
Tribal Highlights
and Results
Developing and Enhancing
Programs for Tribal Needs
Tribes use Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding for a variety of activities. Tribal response programs
conduct assessments and provide oversight at properties,
create codes and ordinances, develop inventories of
properties, and educate their communities about the value of
protecting and restoring tribal natural resources and community
health.
This section highlights how Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
and other funding are applied in tribal environments, as well as the obstacles
encountered and lessons learned. These highlights serve as a reference for tribes to
learn from what other tribes have accomplished with EPA's Brownfields Program funding.
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EPA Region 1 Brownfields Grantees
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Passamaquoddy Tribe
Sipayik Environmental Department
Passamaquoddy Tribe - PL PT
P. O. Box 343
Perry, ME 04667
http://www.wabanaki.com/sed/PROGRAMS/default.htm
Contact(s): Dale Mitchell, Brownfields Coordinator
dalem@wabanaki.com
207-853-2600 Ext. 245
Overview
• Location: Eastern Maine
• Land Area: 120,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 3,400
enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Assessment Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Environmental Department is responsible for the health of the natural resources under tribal management. Its
responsibility begins by assessing and mapping these resources and related risks, then developing programs to
ensure that these natural resources are protected. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands.
Some of the accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory and published on the internet
• Created a Public Record
• Developing tribal ordinances
• Conducting Phase I assessments on several properties
• Entering enrolled properties into ACRES
Program Highlights
The Passamaquoddy Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding to inventory contaminated properties on its lands. The
tribe occupies two separate locations in Maine, Perry and Princeton;
they are commonly referred to as the Pleasant Point and Indian
Township Reservations, respectively. In 2005, the Passamaquoddy
Tribe at Pleasant Point received assistance from the Maine Department
of Environmental Protection's Brownfields Program to conduct Phase I
and Phase II assessments at the Sipiyak Corner Store property, which
included a vacant gas station. The investigations found contaminated
soil associated with the former tanks and pump island. An immediate
removal of four underground storage tanks (UST) was conducted
with funding through the state's Groundwater Fund. The cleanup is
complete and the property is ready for redevelopment. The tribe is
also conducting an inventory on properties on the Pleasant Point
Reservation. Through its inventory efforts, the tribe identified—and
is currently working to complete an assessment on—the former Gates building. This former upholstery manufacturing
building has suspected soil contamination resulting from previous manufacturing activities. The tribe is targeting a
privately owned junk yard on tribal land. The tribe plans to conduct an assessment on the property and create an
ordinance that prevents private landowners from operating dumps on the reservation in the future. The tribe conducted
Phase I and Phase II assessments at a former museum; a leaking UST was identified and contaminated soil was
removed and replaced. And, Phase I and Phase II assessments were completed on a private piece of property located
adjacent to the reservation. It is expected that this property will be the future home of a new tribal elementary school.
Tank Removal Activities at the Sipiyak Corner Store Property
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Penobscot Indian Nation
Department of Natural Resources
12 Wabanaki Way
Indian Island, ME 04468
http://www.penobscotnation.org/DNR/DNR1.htm
Contact(s): John Banks, Director
john.banks@penobscotnation.org
207-817-7330
Overview
• Location: Tribal lands in Western,
Eastern, Central, and Northern Maine
• Land Area: 130,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 2,400
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Penobscot Indian Nation Department of Natural Resources (PIN/DNR) provides comprehensive natural resources
management and environmental protection services for the tribe's 130,000 acres of land. Programs administered by
PIN/DNR include Forest Management (i.e., timber sales administration, forest mapping and inventory, and timber stand
improvement), Water Resources Management, Air Quality Protection, Fish and Wildlife Management, Geographic
Information System services, and Conservation Law Enforcement. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding expands PIN/DNR's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within
tribal lands. DNR is funded by a variety of federal and tribal funding sources.
Program Highlights
The Penobscot Indian Nation DNR is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin the process of
developing an inventory of potential brownfields properties, and strengthen Penobscot Nation tribal capacity to respond
to contaminated sites within Penobscot tribal lands.
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EPA Region 2 Brownfields Grantees
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Seneca Nation
Seneca Nation Environmental Protection Department
84 Iroquois Drive
Irving, NY 14081
http://www.sni.org/node/77
Contact(s): Anthony Memmo
anthony.memmo@sni.org
716-532-2546
Overview
Location: Western New York
Land Area: 20,000 acres
Population: Approximately 7,200
enrolled members
EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Seneca Nation Environmental Protection Department was created in 1992 to provide a wide array of services for
the Seneca communities, along with regulating and permitting environmentally sensitive issues within all territories
of the Seneca Nation. The Environmental Protection Office houses the following programs: Water and Air Quality
Standards, Underground/Aboveground Storage Tanks, Solid Waste, National Environmental Policy Act, Brownfields,
Pesticides and a new regulatory permit section. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Conducted a comprehensive property inventory
• Attended brownfields trainings
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
Seneca Nation is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to actively locate and identify brownfields
properties and build an inventory of properties to determine areas of concern within its reservation boundaries. Most of
the property information has come from the community's historical knowledge of the tribal lands. The tribe uses public
meetings and announcements in its bi-monthly newsletter to inform and educate tribal members about brownfields
efforts, and to ask for assistance in identifying former uses of abandoned or underutilized properties on the reservation.
The community identified several properties with past oil spills and provided valuable information regarding an historic
rail yard property. The tribe's Environmental Protection Department worked extensively with the community to determine
the past use and potential risk of contamination associated with the former rail yard property. The tribal environmental
staff also used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to attend brownfields training sessions to broaden its
knowledge regarding brownfields issues and tribal response programs. The tribe plans to prioritize the properties in its
inventory and use Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to assess properties and get them ready for cleanup.
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St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
St. Regis Mohawk Environmental Division
412 State Route 37
Akwesasne, NY 13655
http://www.srmtenv.org
Contact(s): Les Benedict, Assistant Director
les.benedict@srmt-nsn.gov
518-358-5937
Overview
• Location: Northern New York
• Land Area: 15,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 2,700
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The efforts of the St. Regis Mohawk Environment Division are directed toward preventing disease and injury, while at
the same time, promoting lifestyles that respect, protect and enhance the environment for the next seven generations
at Akwesasne. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work
to include management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Some of the accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Conducted a comprehensive property inventory
• Developed tribal ordinances
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Reviews (ER) have become important planning and development
tools for the tribe because of increased development on the reservation. The format and structure for conducting EAs and
ERs parallel that of the National Environmental Policy Act and are tailored to the uniqueness of the St. Regis Mohawk
Tribe and Mohawk Culture. The process was drafted, reviewed, revised, finalized, and adopted by the Environment
Division. The resulting Environmental Review Checklist document provides staff with tools and guidance necessary for
objectively determining impacts from proposed projects. The checklist was also developed into a short form designed
for developers who are considering a project. The structure and format is specific in guidance and the process has been
streamlined allowing for efficient processing of EAs and ERs.
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EPA Region 4 Brownfields Grantees
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Seminole Tribe
Seminole Environmental Resource
Management Department
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33024
www.seminoletribe.com/culture/brownfields/home.htm
Contact(s): Isidro Duque, Brownfields Coordinator
lsidroDuque@semtribe.com
954-965-4380 Ext. 10626
Overview
• Location: Central and South Florida
• Land Area: 90,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 3,500
enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Assessment Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
In October 1987, the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida created the Environmental Resource Management
Department (ERMD). The ERMD's mission is to protect and evaluate the tribe's land and water resources and facilitate
the wise use and conservation of these resources by other departments. The ERMD has offices on the Hollywood, Big
Cypress and Brighton Reservations. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded
the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Conducted a comprehensive property inventory
• Assessing properties throughout the reservations
• Created a Public Record
• Developing a comprehensive development and community participation plan
• Developing tribal ordinances
Program Highlights
Managed under the ERMD, the Seminole Tribal Response Program assessed many properties; these assessments help
pave the way for redevelopment that improves the lives of tribal members. The Seminole Tribe developed a brownfields
inventory using geographic information system technology to successfully identify and characterize brownfields and help
define the extent of contamination on the tribe's land. Using its inventory to prioritize sites, the Seminole Tribe assessed
over 25 properties throughout its six reservations. The tribe conducted assessment and cleanup activities at the
Snake Road Pond 2 on the Big Cypress Reservation. The tribe is working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Florida
Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration on improvements to Snake Road and one of the
projects included the reconstruction of a bridge on a contaminated portion of the roadway. An environmental assessment
discovered arsenic impacted soils. ERMD working with the tribe's Transportation Department, regulatory agencies and
other stakeholders, evaluated the affected area and soil excavation, removal and proper disposal was conducted in an
effective and efficient manner. The tribe is also in the process of developing a comprehensive tribal development plan
to ensure that once properties are assessed and cleaned up, they are put back into productive reuse. A key component
in this process is community participation and input. Response program staff use the Seminole Water Commission
meetings as a way to provide information to the public about brownfields properties and to gather feedback regarding
community needs and priorities. In addition, the tribe developed an ordinance that provides a code of law focusing on
storage tanks, permitting processes, treatment and transport of substances, and cleanup targets. This comprehensive set
of guidelines allows the program to be more proactive and provide the authority to address brownfields challenges.
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EPA Region 5 Brownfields Grantees
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Fond Du Lac Band
Lake Superior Chippewa
Fond Du Lac Environmental Department
1720 Big Lake Road
Cloquet, MN 55720
http://www.fdlrez.com/newnr/environ/brownfields.htm
Contact(s): David Smith, Brownfields Coordinator
DavidSmith@fdlrez.com
218-878-7119
Overview
• Location: Northeastern Minnesota
• Land Area: 23,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 3,700
(4,000 enrolled members)
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Fond Du Lac Environmental Department developed the Brownfields Section to ensure the health and wellbeing
of America's people and environment. The program enhances collaboration and communication essential to facilitate
brownfields cleanup and reuse, provides financial and technical assistance to bolster the private market, and enhances
the community's long-term quality of life through sustainable reuse. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Assessed properties throughout the reservation
• Created a Public Record
• Developed tribal ordinances
Program Highlights
The Fond Du Lac Environmental Department is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to address five
active Underground Storage Tank (LIST) facilities within the boundaries of the Fond du Lac Reservation. Four of the
facilities are convenience stores with multiple active USTs (one owned and operated by the Fond du Lac Reservation)
and an airport with two active USTs, bringing the total of 11 active USTs on the reservation. There are also 22 USTs
that are not in operation and have been closed. The presence of USTs with petroleum on the reservation presents a
potential hazard to the environment, which in turn can directly affect the health of tribal people on the reservation. Now,
UST owners and operators are required to implement the Technical Standards and Corrective Actions policies that EPA
developed and consequentially passed as Law.
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Keweenaw Bay
Indian Community
Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians
Natural Resources Department
14359 Pequaming Road
L'Anse, Ml 49946
http://www.kbic-nsn.qov/html/NR/ERP/erp.htm
Contact(s): Katie Kruse, Brownfields Coordinator
kkruse@kbic-nsn.gov
906-524-5757
Overview
• Location: Upper Peninsula of
Michigan
• Land Area: 56,698 acres
• Population: Approximately 3,200
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Assessment Grant, Cleanup Grant,
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The L'Anse Indian Reservation, located in Baraga County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, consists of 56,698 acres of
land. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) also retains reservation lands in Ontonagon County and Trust lands
in Marquette County. Due to historical industrial and commercial on-reservation activity and activities such as illegal
dumping, environmental impacts are present or suspected to be present on some of these KBIC lands. Achievements to
date using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed an inventory of potential brownfield sites within and near the L'Anse Reservation
• Developed a formal KBIC process for identifying, assessing, cleaning up, and redeveloping known or potential
brownfield sites
• Developed protocol for responding to community requests for site investigation
• Fostered public participation and education
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
KBIC is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to actively locate and identify brownfields properties,
and build an inventory of potential brownfield sites within the L'Anse Reservation boundaries. It is developing an
inventory by talking to tribal elders, using historical society resources, and talking with tribal members about former
uses of abandoned or under utilized properties on the reservation. KBIC's Natural Resources Department is developing
protocols and cleanup standards that will establish a process for moving properties through the assessment and cleanup
phases and result in beneficial property reuse. KBIC completed the assessment and cleanup of the Sand Point property
using tribal general funds, EPA Brownfield Cleanup funds, Great Lakes Basin program funds, and Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding. The Sand Point property consists of shoreline property impacted by copper ore processing
waste, known as stamp sands. Stamp sands contain low level concentrations of heavy metals. As part of the cleanup, a
soil and vegetation cap was constructed over more than 33 acres of stamp sand area. KBIC transformed the property into
a recreational area for use by tribal members and the general public. KBIC's long-term plan is to incorporate attractive
greenspace and landscape architectural design and provide hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and areas for personal
reflection. KBIC will focus on increasing community awareness regarding contaminant issues in the area, and developing
assessment and cleanup protocols in the coming years. The tribe plans to conduct outreach to develop the vision for the
cleanup and reuse of brownfields properties; it will continue to visit area schools and work with youth in the community to
teach children about the importance of land stewardship.
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Lac du Flambeau
Lac du Flambeau Brownfields Response Program
P.O. Box 67
Lac du Flambeau, Wl 54538
http://www.ldftribe.com/department details.php?departmentlD=21
Contact(s): Kristen Hanson, Brownfields Coordinator
brownfields® ldftribe.com
715-588-4290
Overview
• Location: Northern Wisconsin
• Land Area: 87,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 3,500
enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Tribal Response Program identifies, inventories and responds to environmental contamination concerns within the
reservation. The program oversees assessments and cleanups, and selected assessments and cleanups are conducted
at prioritized brownfield sites. Activities completed using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed comprehensive inventory of properties with environmental concerns
• Developed a tribal spill reporting and cleanup code with soil and ground water cleanup standards
• Conducted environmental assessment or cleanup work at eight brownfield sites
• Oversaw assessments and cleanups from sites that participate in the Tribal Response Program
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
• Offered Hazardous Material Technician Training and Refreshers to a team of 13 responders
• Trained staff to better identify, assess and respond to contamination risks
• Created and continue to maintain a Public Record
• Developed a draft public participation plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Response Program used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to build capacity
to better handle real and perceived contamination risks within the reservation. Training and public participation has
allowed the tribe to better identify and respond to contaminated sites. Assessments and cleanups are overseen by the
tribe through the Tribal Response Program. In addition, a Hazardous Substance Control Code with spill reporting and
cleanup requirements, including soil and ground water cleanup standards, has been developed. Prioritized site-specific
brownfield work allowed for the reuse of two scrapyards and three contaminated wilderness areas. Targeted Brownfields
Assessment assistance from EPA allowed for the redevelopment a brownfield property into a multipurpose judicial and
public safety building. The Tribal Response Program's identification and assessment of a perchlorate contaminated site
followed by the Emergency Response Division's removal, additional Tribal Response Program assessment, and Targeted
Brownfield Assessment helped define this complex site. The result of the inventory, oversight and site-specific work is a
safer environment for reservation residents. Planners and decision makers have better information to make development
and resource use decisions.
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Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Leech Lake Environmental Department
Brownfields Response Program
6530 US Highway 2 NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Contact(s): Diane Thompson, Brownfields Coordinator
dthompson@lldrm.org
218-335-7400
Overview
• Location: North-Central Minnesota
• Land Area: 869,324 acres
• Population: Approximately 9,566
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe received its first Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding in the fall of 2003. The
Band has had a Hazardous Substance Control Act (HSCA) in place since 2000, which establishes cleanup standards
and an enforcement framework for response to spills. The Band used the funding to develop Brownfields Response
Program manuals, with the help of a legal consultant, to assist the Band with oversight work. The Band has oversight
authorities over several sites being addressed within the Leech Lake Reservation. In addition, the Band has developed a
Quality Assurance Project Plan to assure sampling activities produce reliable data. The Brownfields Response Program
staff is actively involved with the Tribal Emergency Response Committee, which is currently updating the Leech Lake
emergency response plan.
Program Highlights
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Brownfields Response Program
is developing its internal capabilities to perform all phases of
assessment work without contractors. The Band conducted
its own field sampling at two brownfields properties. Staff
performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment on the
Onigum Parish Hall that was suspected to have asbestos and
lead paint contamination. The building, owned by the Episcopal
Diocese of Minnesota, is adjacent to a Head Start Center. Soil
sampling around the perimeter of the building confirmed the
soil exceeded the HSCA cleanup standard for lead. In 2010,
the Band required the owners to investigate and address the
release of hazardous substances. The Band approved the
plan submitted by the diocese that included demolition and soil
remediation. The diocese carried out the cleanup in compliance
with Leech Lake laws and the Leech Lake Brownfields
Response Program requirements. The second property is a Leech Lake Brownfieids Technician Collecting Soil Samples
wooded site adjacent to a wetland with wood shavings dumped
by a former wood treating facility on the reservation. Band staff developed the sampling plan with assistance from its
environmental consultant and then conducted the sampling of soil, wood waste and wetlands sediment. The Band is
currently working on the draft assessment report and expects an additional round of sampling.
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Little River Band
Ottawa Indians
Little River Band Natural Resources Department
159 Brick Yard Road
Manistee, Ml 49660
https://www.lrboi-nsn.qov/nrd
Contact(s): Jimmie Mitchell, Director
jmitchell@lrboi.com
231-398-2183
Overview
Location: Western Coast of Michigan
Land Area: 3,000 acres
Population: Approximately 4,100
EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
The mission of the Little River Band Natural Resource Department is to maintain the cultural, spiritual and physical
existence of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians by protecting, preserving, and when necessary, enhancing the
naturally occurring resources within the tribe's 1836 Ceded Territory. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties
within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed an inventory of potential brownfield properties
• Conducted assessments on properties on its reservation
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
In an effort to repurchase parcels of land throughout the reservation, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians obtained
87 acres for a traditional gathering ground that was contaminated by years of agricultural use. The main contamination
concern was arsenic levels above the Michigan Public Act 451 Generic Residential Cleanup Criteria accumulated in
the soil from decades of orchard management and agricultural chemical dumping. The Brownfield Coordinator, funded
through the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program, managed an EPA Brownfields Assessment grant and a Cleanup
grant; these grants funded the Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments, the reuse plan, and cleanup for the
property now known as the Pow Wow Grounds. Little River Band of Ottawa Indians received a letter of "No Further
Response Action Required" from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in October 2009. In addition to the
traditional Pow Wow that will be held annually at the grounds, the tribe will also use the Pow Wow Grounds for camping
and other outdoor tribal activities.
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Little Traverse Bay Band
(LTBB) of Odawa Indians
LTBB Odawa Natural Resources Department
Environmental Services Division
Environmental Response Program
7500 Odawa Circle
Harbor Springs, Ml 49740
http://www.ltbbodawa-nsn.gov
Contact(s): Douglas Craven, Natural Resources Director
dcraven® ltbbodawa-nsn.gov
231-242-1678
Overview
Location: Northern Michigan
Treaty Reservation Area: 215,954
acres
Population: 4,458 Tribal Citizens
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The way of life for the Little Traverse Bay Band (LTBB) relies upon environmental protection for cultural perpetuation. This
is rooted in the traditional reliance on Great Lakes fishing and the many plant species that have cultural, medicinal and
spiritual values for the tribe. The LTBB embrace a mission to respect, honor and care for Mother Earth and her families,
keeping the next seven generations in mind. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians has a great concern
regarding the Little Traverse Bay Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) CKD Removal Site located at Bay Harbor in Emmet County,
Michigan, which is within the tribe's treaty delineated reservation.
The universe of potential brownfield sites within the treaty delineated reservation area is unknown to the LTBB; therefore,
an inventory of these sites is needed. In addition, the tribe lacks ordinances that address emergency response and/
or cleanup standards. The goal of this new program is to address environmental contamination affecting LTBB and
lands located within the LTBB treaty delineated reservation area. Planned accomplishments using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Initiate development of a tribal response program
• Focus on hiring and training staff
• Initiate an inventory of contaminated sites
• Initiate review of LTBB ordinances for gaps in enforcement authority and develop ordinances, regulations and
procedures for response programs
• Review cleanup plans for actions on tribal property and that affect tribal resources
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Lower Sioux
Indian Community
Lower Sioux Office of the Environment
Brownfields Program
39527 Res Highway 1
Morton, MN 56270
http://www.lowersioux.com/d-environment.html
Contact(s): Deb Dirlam, Director of Environmental Programs
deb.dirlam @ lowersioux.com
507-697-8643
Overview
• Location: Southwest Minnesota
• Land Area: 1,700 acres
• Population: Approximately 930
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
Established in 1993, the Lower Sioux Office of the Environment (OE) protects the quality of the tribe's water, land and
air resources. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work
to include management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed an inventory of potential brownfield properties
• Conducted assessments on properties on its reservation
• Created a Public Record with access via website
Program Highlights
The Lower Sioux Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
to initiate the development of a tribal response program to create standards of land
care. These standards will become management tools to correct past land abuses
and secure the future for the Lower Sioux Community's seventh generation of
Dakota. The tribe is focusing its funding on developing an inventory of properties
and a public record, obtaining technical training for the Brownfield Coordinator, and
conducting outreach and education to engage the community in environmental
and brownfields issues. The Brownfields Program recently completed Phase I and
Phase II environmental assessments at an abandoned gravel pit. Soil and ground
water samples were collected at the site to determine contamination and hazards.
The results from this project will determine the course of action that is needed
to clean up the property for future use. The tribe is also conducting educational
outreach activities including the presentation of education materials at the Lower
Sioux Health Fair on the proper disposal of hazardous waste.
Assessment Activities at the Abandoned
Gravel Pit Site
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Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band
of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe)
Environmental Department
P.O. Box 218
Dorr, Ml 49323
http://www.mbpi.orq/Administration/environmental.asp
Contact(s): Douglas Craven, Natural Resources Director
dcraven® ltbbodawa-nsn.gov
231-242-1678
Overview
• Location: Southwestern Michigan
• Land Area: 484 acres (147 in Trust)
• Population: 400
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Environmental Department is funded entirely from outside sources, largely through EPA grants. Currently the tribe
is using an EPA General Assistance Program grant to support the base environmental program. The addition of the
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding in 2011 expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management
and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Planned accomplishments using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Conducting a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Attending brownfields trainings
Program Highlights
The Gun Lake Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to initiate the development of a tribal
response program. The tribe is focusing funding on developing an inventory of properties and a public record,
establishing environmental ordinances, and obtaining technical training for staff members. The tribe is creating outreach
and educational opportunities to engage the community in environmental and brownfields issues.
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Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Brownfield 128(a) Tribal Response Program
43408 Oodena Drive
Onamia, MN 56359
http://www.millelacsband.com/Paqe NaturalResources.aspx
Contact(s): Jammie Thomas-Rasset, Brownfield Coordinator
jammie.thomas@millelacsband.com
320-532-4772
Overview
• Location: East-Central Minnesota
• Land Area: 61,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 4,000
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's Department of Natural Resources and Environment develops and implements fish,
wildlife, wild rice, and forestry improvement activities and regulates hunting, fishing and gathering on the reservation. It
also provides services such as conservation enforcement, environmental protection, natural resource permits, historical
preservation, and Ojibwe cultural programming. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding in
2010 expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal
lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory of properties on the reservation
• Published the inventory on the tribe's website
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Developed tribal ordinances for cleanup standards
• Conducted Phase I and II assessments on properties on the reservation
• Fostered public participation through education and emergency response exercises
• Offered environmental training to staff, tribal members and neighboring emergency response personnel
Program Highlights
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe assessed contamination on the former St. Croix Girls Camp that had been used as a
dump site for many years. Using its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding, the Band cleaned up the property
and returned it to reuse as a school.
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Nottawaseppi Huron
Band of the Potawatomi
Environmental Department - Brownfields Program
2221 1-1/2 Mile Road
Fulton, Ml 49052
http://www.nhbpi.com/departments/environmental.html
Contact(s): John Rodwan, Environmental Director
jrodwan@nhbpi.com
269-729-5151 Ext. 202
Overview
• Location: South-Central Michigan
• Land Area: 530 acres
• Population: Approximately 1,100
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Environmental Department is responsible for environmental
stewardship and management of tribal natural resources. This is accomplished through establishing environmental
ordinances and policies, preparing environmental assessments, managing the Brownfields Environmental Response
Program, ensuring compliance with tribal/federal environmental regulations and participation in various committees and
workgroups. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed an inventory of potential brownfields properties
• Created a Public Record
• Initiated development of enforcement authorities
• Initiated development of soil cleanup standards
Program Highlights
As part of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi's Brownfields Program the tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding to develop an Environmental Response Program that can be applied to the prevention of
environmental incidents and addressing properties with pre-existing environmental degradation. The program includes
a Public Participation Plan that brings the tribe, community and area stakeholders together for inclusive and meaningful
exchange of information and ideas to promote a successful redevelopment of brownfields properties. Following formal
inventory of brownfields properties associated with the Pine Creek Reservation a Stakeholder Committee will be
established to outline ways to successfully redevelop brownfields in the community. This committee will formulate a public
participation model, which describes a process for working toward community consensus and strong communication
during redevelopment of a brownfield. In addition, the tribe developed a Tribal Environmental Response Committee
(TERC), of which the Brownfields Coordinator is the Vice Chair. The TERC was formed through Council Resolution and
has been successful in evaluating environmental risks and developing approaches to manage these potential risks.
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Oneida Tribe of
Indians of Wisconsin
Oneida Tribe Environmental, Health & Safety Division
N7332 Water Circle Place
Oneida, Wl 54155
http://www.oneidanation.orq/environment
Contact(s): Victoria Flowers, Brownfields Coordinator
vf lowers @ oneidanation .org
920-496-5328
Overview
Location: Northeastern Wisconsin
Land Area: 103 square miles
Reservation Population:
Approximately 21,300 (4,199 enrolled
members on the Reservation)
Enrolled Tribal Membership:
Approximately 16,597 (6,912 in
Northeastern Wisconsin)
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The tribe's Environmental, Health & Safety Division provides services
that preserve, restore and enhance the environment, and protect and
educate its people consistent with the culture, vision and priorities of the
Oneida Nation. The Division includes five program areas: Conservation, Eco-Services, Environmental Quality, Health &
Industrial Services, and Community Wells & Septic. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding include:
• Completed an inventory of potential brownfields properties
• Developed an online database application to track potential exposure mechanisms and analyze risks
• Developed tribal ordinances
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
Oneida's Tribal Environmental Response Program (TERP) used
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to host an Oneida
Household Clean Sweep event on September 17, 2010. The
TERP partnered and received additional support from the Oneida
Recycling Program, Brown County, and the Oneida Environmental,
Health and Safety Division staff. The TERP developed a "Handbook
of Household Hazardous Chemicals and Non-Toxic Solutions" that
was provided to all members, and promoted the event through
its education and outreach efforts. Brown County and tribal staff
collected, categorized, and recycled or disposed of the waste
properly. The event attracted approximately 240 enrolled Oneida
Tribal members and collected the following:
Items Collected During the Oneida Household Clean Sweep Event
Scrap Metal/Appliances: 8,300 pounds
Electronics: 17,437 pounds
Household Hazardous Waste: 13,017 pounds
Used Tires: 4,000 pounds
Lamps/PCB Ballasts/CFLs: 345 pieces
Mercury Thermometers: 12 pieces
The numbers from this effort will be used by TERP to gauge the effectiveness of the outreach and education campaign;
by the Healthy Homes Program to increase awareness about and reduce household chemical hazards; by the Recycling
Program to measure recycling rates; and by the Water Quality Program to increase awareness about mercury in the
environment.
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Red Lake Band
of Chippewa Indians
Red Lake Department of Natural Resources
Red Lake Environmental Response Program (RL ERP)
15761 High School Drive
Red Lake, MN 56671
http://www.redlakednr.orq/Brownfields.html
Contact(s): Timothy Neadeau, Brownfields Coordinator
tneadeau@redlakenation.org
218-679-3959
Overview
• Location: Northern Minnesota
• Land Area: 805,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 5,200
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Environmental Program's main responsibility is to assure that Red Lake Nation is in compliance with federal
environmental regulations in order to protect tribal members and resources. The program maintains a permanent staff
of four: a Program Director, an Air Quality Specialist, an Environmental Specialist, and a Brownfields Coordinator.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Developed an outreach program to educate the community about brownfields issues
• Offered environmental training to tribal members
• Created a Public Record
• Developing ordinances dealing with hazardous materials on the reservation
Program Highlights
The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to provide Hazardous
Materials Technician training to approximately 20 tribal responders from June 28 - July 2, 2010. The tribe hosted the
training for environmental, fire, emergency medical services, and police staff from Red Lake and three other EPA Region
5 tribes. Tribes realize that when their reservation is located far from emergency response resources they need more
local staff trained and ready to act in the face of a spill or release incident. The course involved two exercises focused
on stopping leaks and emergency containment. The Center for Labor Education and Research/Workplace Safety
Training Program at Jefferson State Community College delivered the training under a grant from the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences in partnership with the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society.
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Saginaw Chippewa
Indian Tribe
Planning Department
Environmental Response Program
7070 E. Broadway Road
Mt. Pleasant, Ml 48858
http://www.saqchip.orq/planninq/index.htm
Contact(s): Craig Graveratte, Brownfields Coordinator
cqraveratte@saqchip.org
989-775-4081
Overview
• Location: Central Michigan
• Land Area: 138,240 acres
• Population: Approximately 26,000
in Mt. Pleasant (3,576 Enrolled Tribal
Members with 1,650 living on Tribal
Lands)
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The mission of the Planning Department is to assist the Tribal Council in the reacquisition of lands within and around
the Isabella Reservation; diversify the tribal economy; provide decent and affordable housing to members within the
community; help design and manage needed construction projects as part of a team effort (including code compliance
and inspection services as outlined in the tribal building code); maintain and implement an effective transportation
program within the reservation; oversee environmental protection efforts on lands within the tribe's jurisdiction; and
implement the community's vision regarding its future growth and development as defined in the most recently adopted
Strategic and Community Master Plans (including the implementation and enforcement of related codes and ordinance).
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed an inventory of potential brownfield properties
• Created a Public Record
• Developing an Integrated Waste Management Plan
• Eliminating illegal dumps on tribal properties
Program Highlights
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to conduct household
hazardous waste collection that removed over 6,000 pounds of chemicals, oil, paints and pesticides from the community.
It is currently working on holding a full scale/functional emergency exercise with tribal, city and county representatives.
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St. Croix Chippewa
Indians of Wisconsin
St. Croix Environmental Services/Natural Resources
Tribal Brownfields Response Program
24663 Angelina Avenue
Webster, Wl 54893
http://www.stcciw.com/stcroixepa/index.html
Contact(s): Sarah Slayton, Brownfields Coordinator
sarahs@stcroixtribalcenter.com
715-349-2195 Ext. 5240
Overview
• Location: Northwestern Wisconsin
• Land Area: 4,700 acres
• Population: Approximately 2,900
• EPA Grants: Assessment Grant,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
The St. Croix Environmental Services and Natural Resources Department is composed of seven programs: Clean Water,
Indoor Air, Geographic Information, Brownfields, Solid Waste and Recycling, Youth Forest, and Utilities. The addition
of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management
and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory and geographical information online database
• Completed a comprehensive inventory of properties on the reservation
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Conducted Phase I/I I assessments on properties on the reservation
• Published the inventory on the tribal/departmental website
• Developed tribal ordinances
Program Highlights
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program grant funds to develop the St. Croix Tribe
Geographic Information online database that contains geographic and assessment record information for brownfields
properties on their land. The tribe also used funding to complete a property inventory and public record, and developed a
Brownfields Rehabilitation ordinance and Hazardous Material Release Contingency Planning ordinance.
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EPA Region 6 Brownfields Grantees
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Absentee Shawnee Tribes
Office of Environmental Protection
Tribal Brownfields
2025 South Gordon Cooper Drive
Shawnee, OK 74801
http://www.astribe.com/oep/brownsfields.html
Contact(s): TBD, Brownfields Coordinator
405-273-9966
Overview
Location: Central Oklahoma
Land Area: 12,000 acres
Population: Approximately 3,000
enrolled members
EPA Grants: Assessment Grant,
Cleanup Grant, Job Training Grant,
and Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Grant
Program
The Absentee Shawnee Tribes Brownfields Programs are innovative and have brought the tribe to the forefront of
brownfields redevelopment. With the approval of the tribe's Brownfields Code, the program will continue to expand the
Tribal Brownfields Response Program. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding include:
• Completed a property inventory and geographical information online database
• Developed tribal ordinances
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
The Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians has provided job training to more than 124 students to date. EPA Brownfields
Job Training grants awarded in 2006 and 2008 provided the main funding source to initiate and continue this program.
The Absentee-Shawnee job training program, in participation with the Gordon Cooper Technology Center and East
Central University of Oklahoma, is one of the only three accredited asbestos training programs in Oklahoma and the
only program that provides free training. Before graduating, students are trained in asbestos remediation; HAZWOPER;
confined space and rescue training; first aid and CPR; the National Incident Management System; and inspector
contractor supervision. Students have the opportunity to develop skills on actual environmental assessment and cleanup
projects. This coordinated effort gives students real-life experience and supports tribal site specific efforts funded by
EPA's Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program. The tribe's brownfields office and job training classrooms are located on
a 21-acre former brownfields property. Students use nearby brownfields with illegal dumping, asbestos and mold issues
to apply their skills, including how to: conduct site screenings; conduct mold assessment and inspections; use a global
positioning system to mark properties; and use equipment such as underground survey instruments. The tribe's Office
of Environmental Protection hired graduates from the program to work within its brownfields office. For example, one
former student is employed as the asbestos trainer and another graduate has his own company, which has been awarded
contracts from the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians and other tribes for cleanup projects. Other graduates have
obtained employment in the asbestos and solid waste fields, tribal environmental programs, and some work for the United
States Geological Survey and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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Cherokee Nation/lnter-Tribal
Environmental Council (ITEC)
Cherokee Nation Environmental Protection Commission
P. O. Box 948
Tahlequah, OK 74465
http://www.cherokee.orq/Government/EPG/Default.aspx
http://www.itecmembers.org/Proqrams/ITECBrownfieldsResponse
ProqramlBRP.aspx
Contact(s): Bobby Short, Brownfields Coordinator
bshort @ cherokee.org
918-453-5089
Overview
• Location: Northeastern Oklahoma
• Land Area: 14 County Tribal
Jurisdictional Service Areas
• Population: 40 ITEC Member Tribes
in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Cherokee Nation Environmental Commission/Inter-Tribal Environmental Council (ITEC), provides environmental
compliance and capacity building services for the Cherokee Nation, as well as 40 additional member tribes in Oklahoma,
Texas and New Mexico. Some of the accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
include:
• Completed a property inventory and geographical information online database
• Developed tribal ordinances
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
With a staff of 30 full-time employees in its environmental
program, the Cherokee Nation conducts site visits and Phase
I and Phase II environmental site assessments. It focuses
on redeveloping several key properties to increase tourism
in the area. A recent project involved the Saline Courthouse.
The courthouse was built in 1888 as one of nine original
courthouses for the Cherokee Nation and it served as a hub of
commerce and a public gathering space. The tribe estimates
that the restoration of the 14-acre Saline Courthouse National
Park (in which the courthouse is located) will cost approximately
$4.4 million. This involves restoring the courthouse and nearby
springhouse, creating a visitor center and improving the
caretaker's quarters. Remediation of lead-based paint from the
exterior siding of the courthouse is complete. This task was
complex and time consuming, thereby requiring craftsmen to
restore a portion of the siding. Funding from an EPA Brownfields
Cleanup grant was used, and 12 Cherokee citizens were trained
in the proper procedures for lead-based paint remediation.
Employees worked alongside a contractor on the project, and
continue to work with the same firm on other projects. Cherokee
Nation is currently in various stages of redevelopment of other
historical properties such as the Supreme Court building, Territorial Prison, Cherokee Male Seminary, Cort Mall, and the
Cherokee Courthouse.
The Springhouse on the Saline Courthouse National Park
Property During Redevelopment
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Eight Northern Indian
Pueblos Council, Inc. (ENIPC)
ENIPC Environmental Program
Office of Environmental Technical Assistance
P.O. Box 969
Ohkay Owingeh, NM 87566
http://www.enipc.orq/Environment files/Brownfields.htm
Contact(s): Boyd Nystedt, Director
bnystedt @ enipc.org
505-692-7073
Jacquelyn Gutierrez, Project Manager
jgutierrez® enipc.org
Overview
Location: North-Central New Mexico
Land Area/Population: 22 Pueblos
and Tribes in New Mexico and West
Texas
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Office of Environmental Technical Assistance (OETA) was established in 2005 as a priority of the All Indian Pueblos
Council in conjunction with the Mescalero and Jicarilla Apache Nations and the Pueblo of Ysleta Del Sur in Texas
to improve environmental program capacity and provide a regional resource for technical assistance. The addition
of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management
and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Completing a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Provided technical assistance in the development of tribal ordinances
Program Highlights
The Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council (ENIPC) is the newest recipient of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding in Region 6. The ENIPC is establishing a Brownfields Tribal Response Program that will assist 22 pueblos and
tribes in New Mexico and West Texas in promoting the enhancement of environmental resources and environmental
health, and protecting tribal lands from environmental hazards. The ENIPC convenes regularly with the pueblos' and
tribes' environmental project directors and staff to improve and maintain communication, network and identify key
environmental issues of concern. This group, known as the Intertribal Resource Advisory Committee, has identified
brownfields as a priority issue in relation to the health of its people and lands, as well as the importance of understanding
the direct correlation between the need to clean up contaminated properties, protect environmental health, and increase
economic development capabilities.
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EPA Region 7 Brownfields Grantees
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Sac and Fox Nation of
Missouri In Kansas and Nebraska
Sac and Fox Environmental Department
305 N. Main Street
Reserve, KS 66434
http://www.sacfoxfire.orq/index.html
Contact(s): Mathue Fasching, Tribal Response Coordinator
mathue.fasching@sacfoxenviro.org
785-742-4706
Overview
• Location: Kansas and Nebraska
• Land Area: 17,200 acres
• Population: Approximately 250
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The mission of the Sac and Fox Environmental Department is to integrate environmental awareness and responsibility
throughout the community, encourage environmentally sustainable practices, and protect the sanctity of the wildlife native
to the reservation. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of
work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved
using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted environmental assessments on properties on its reservation
• Created a Tribal Response Plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Working on tribal codes and cleanup standards
Program Highlights
The Sac and Fox Tribe used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to help inventory contaminated sites on
its reservation and conduct public outreach. When first receiving Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding, the
tribe drew upon experience from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in nearby EPA Region 8, and relied on technical
expertise from EPA's Region 7 office and Pennsylvania's Land Recycling Program. These partnerships allowed Sac and
Fox to develop its own successful program. Sac and Fox also worked with Kansas State University—which provides
technical assistance to brownfields communities through an EPA Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communities
grant—to develop several outreach fact sheets and a questionnaire. The tribe uses the fact sheets and questionnaire for
direct outreach to community members who play an important role in identifying brownfields. Building partnerships within
the community has encouraged people to share information about potential properties with the tribe's Environmental
Department. These efforts have led to the identification of eight brownfield sites. The majority of sites on tribal land are
undeveloped properties that have become illegal dumping areas. The brownfields inventory lists property characteristics,
geographic information system information, known or suspected contamination, and the status of the investigation. Of
the eight properties currently on the tribe's inventory, five of them revealed no threat of contamination from a Phase
I assessment and the others are in the process of Phase II assessments. In addition, Sac and Fox Nation is working
with surrounding agencies on signing cooperative agreements; one of these agencies is the Kansas Department of
Health and Environment (KDHE). With assistance from KDHE, the tribe received funding to conduct lead and asbestos
testing, two Phase I assessments, and two Phase II assessments. In addition, throughout the last year the Sac and Fox
Environmental Department responded to two fuel spills and a 13-ton fertilizer spill.
34
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Santee Sioux Nation
Santee Sioux Office of Environmental Protection
Tribal Brownfields Response Program
52948 Highway 12
Niobrara, NE 68760
http://www.santeedakota.org
Contact(s): Joel Valburg, Brownfields Coordinator
jjvalburq ©yahoo.com
402-857-3347
Overview
• Location: Northeastern Nebraska
• Land Area: 9,500 acres
• Population: Approximately 2,500
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Santee Sioux Office of Environmental Protection provides comprehensive natural resources management and
environmental protection services for the tribe's 9,500 acres of land. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
The Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to initiate the development
of a tribal response program. The tribe focused its funding on developing an inventory of properties and a Public Record,
obtaining technical training for staff members, and conducting outreach and education to engage the community in
environmental and brownfields issues. The Santee Sioux Brownfields Program is also using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding to address the following areas:
• Creating a priority listing of potential brownfield sites
• Conducting Phase I assessments of 16 potential brownfield sites
• Creating a Communications Plan
• Establishing system to record public response
• Establishing protocol to communicate risk
• Establishing institutional control mechanisms
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Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Winnebago Environmental Protection Department
11 Old Mission Road
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, NE 68071
http://www.winnebaqotribe.com/epd.html
Contact(s): Molly Feldick, Brownfields Specialist
bagobrownfields@yahoo.com
402-878-4060 Ext. 1005
Overview
• Location: Northeastern Nebraska
• Land Area: 120,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 2,600
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Winnebago Environmental Protection Department (EPD) provides comprehensive natural resources management
and environmental protection services for the tribe's 120,000 acres of land. Programs administered by EPD include Water
Resources Management, Air Quality Protection, Global Positioning System/Geographic Information System Services,
Pesticide Circuit Grant Program, Solid Waste Management and Brownfields. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding expanded EPD's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites
within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted an environmental assessment on a property on its Reservation
• Conducted cleanup activities on a property on its Reservation
• Created a Public Record
The tribe is also planning to establish an Emergency Response Team that includes all pertinent entities such as fire,
police, emergency medical services, parks and recreation, Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal council.
Program Highlights
The Winnebago EPD developed a newsletter to promote its program, introduce its staff, and inform the public about
environmental issues. The newsletter contains articles about local environmental news, Earth Day, ways to "go green,"
and biographies of the EPD staff. The newsletter also presents a success story about site-specific environmental
activities that were conducted with EPD's Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding. EPD conducted or was
involved in the Phase I and Phase II assessments on two houses behind the Blackhawk Community Center. After the
environmental assessments, EPD demolished the houses due to asbestos and mold in the walls and the structural
instability of the buildings, and disposed of the contaminated debris properly. The cleanup was performed with the safety
of the Winnebago people in mind and followed the cleanup schedule outlined by EPD. The Winnebago EPD newsletter is
located on its website at: http://www.winnebaaotribe.com/epd.html
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EPA Region 8 Brownfields Grantees
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Blackfeet Tribe
Blackfeet Environmental Office
Brownfields Program
457 Hospital Road
P.O. Box 2029
Browning, MT 59417
http://www.blackfeetenvironmental.com
Contact(s): Gerald Wagner, BEO Director
qwaqner@3rivers.net
Shawn Lahr, TRP/Brownfields Manager
slahr@3rivers.net
406-338-7421
Overview
Location: Northwestern Montana
Land Area: 1.5 million acres
Population: 15,560 enrolled
members, approximately 7,000 living
on or near the Reservation
EPA Grants: Assessment Grant, Job
Training Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Tribal Response Program at the Blackfeet Environmental Office (BEO) is responsible for identifying eligible
brownfield sites on the reservation; establishing oversight and enforcement authorities; establishing a public
record; providing opportunities for public participation; and developing mechanisms for approval of a cleanup plan.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted environmental assessments on properties on its reservation
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
The BEO initially had six properties that were assessed through an EPA
Brownfields Assessment grant. The public was included in this process because
community input is a vital part of the BEO and public opinion is highly regarded as
the Blackfeet Tribe's Brownfields Program continues to evolve. The six properties
included: Former Blackfeet Pencil Factory; Old Browning Dump; Cemetery
Lake; St. Michael's Cemetery; Sharp Lake; and No Name Lake. Since those
initial assessments the Blackfeet Tribal Response Program has used Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to assess six additional sites, including:
Former Evans Chevron; Old Heart Butte Clinic; Camp Nine Facility; Kipco
Properties; Former Blackfeet Transit Building; and the Blackfeet Mainstream
Building. Environmental assessment activities involve a historical investigation of
the properties followed by sampling and analysis of areas of concern. The field
sampling activities help determine the type of contaminants, concentration level,
and the spread of contamination. The BEO is continuing to provide Phase I and Phase II assessments under its Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding and encourages the public to participate in the selection process of these
properties as well as public participation in the reporting of potential brownfields properties.
One of 12 Designated Brownfield Properties on the
Blackfeet Reservation
38
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Cheyenne River
Sioux Tribe (CRST)
CRST Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 590
2001 Main Street
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
http://www.sioux.orq/Enqlish/BrownsfieldProqram.php
Contact(s): Robert Smith, Brownfields Coordinator
rsmith@crstepd.org
605-964-6559
Overview
• Location: Central South Dakota
• Land Area: 3 million acres
• Population: Approximately 8,500
living on or near the Reservation
• EPA Grants: Cleanup Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program
The Cheyenne River Sioux Brownfields Program serves all enrolled members of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
(CRST) and those within the jurisdiction of the tribe. The program provides technical assistance to the public regarding
environmental issues and disseminates information to the public regarding property cleanup activities. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducting environmental assessments on properties on its reservation
• Trained staff members to respond to emergency and non-emergency HAZMAT scenarios
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
The Brownfields Program staff has been attending
training seminars for environmental response activities
from asbestos, lead, underground storage tanks, and
Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response
(HAZWOPER). The staff is currently federally certified
and is capable of handling any hazardous activity. In
August 2010 EPA's Emergency Response Unit conducted
a removal action to clean up asbestos released from a
dilapidated administrative building in Eagle Butte, South
Dakota. The Old Prosecutor Building removal was triggered
by continued vandalism and arson attempts, coupled with
the fact that the building is located in close proximity to
several residences. The CRST Department of Environment
and Natural Resources personnel were instrumental in the initial identification of the hazard and worked closely with
EPA's On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) in the planning and execution of the removal. CRST used Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding to provide onsite coordination and support. The close coordination between tribal personnel
and EPA's OSC during the removal action provided valuable insight into the cleanup process and the lessons learned will
be transferable to subsequent brownfields projects conducted by CRST.
Emergency Response Activities at the Old Prosecutor Building
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Chippewa Cree Tribe
(Rocky Boys)
Natural Resources Department
RR1 Box 544
Box Elder, MT 59521
http://www.rockvbov.org
Contact(s): Wyatt Decora, Brownfields Coordinator
wyatt decora@hotmail.com
406-395-4225
Overview
• Location: North-Central Montana
• Land Area: 107,613 acres
• Population: Residents: 1,560; Non-
Residents: approximately 1,240
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Rocky Boys' Natural Resources Department provides comprehensive natural resources management and
environmental protection services for the tribe's 107,000 acres of land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated
properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Trained staff members in ground water sampling
• Conducting a Phase I and Phase II site assessments of a brownfield
Program Highlights
The Rocky Boys Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop a tribal response program.
The tribe has focused its funding on developing an inventory of properties and a Public Record, and on obtaining
technical training for staff members. In addition, the tribe is conducting Phase I and Phase II site assessments on an old
police station property and providing oversight of the cleanup and demolition of the building to provide for reuse of the
property.
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Confederated Salish
and Kootenai Tribes
Division of Environmental Protection
Brownfields Response Program
301 Main Street
Poison, MT 59860
http://www.cskt.org/tr/epa brownfield.htm
Contact(s): Marlene McDanal, Brownfields Coordinator
mmcdanal @ cskt.org
406-675-2700 Ext. 7215
Overview
• Location: Northwestern Montana
• Land Area: 1.317 million acres
• Population: Approximately 7,469
enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Cleanup Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
In 1991, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) formed the Division of Environmental Protection within
the Natural Resources Department. The purpose of the Division is to protect human health and the environment for
all reservation residents. The Division of Environmental Protection has 10 programs including the Tribal Brownfields
Response Program. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted environmental assessments on properties on the reservation
• Conducted environmental cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
Housing is a significant problem on the CSKT Reservation
with an estimated 300 members awaiting home-sites.
Many CSKT members could be housed on properties that
currently sit idle due to contamination. CSKT's Brownfield
Tribal Response Program (TRP) was created in 2003 and
focuses on assessing and cleaning up a portion of its 136
inventoried brownfields and reusing them for housing.
CKST completed several assessments with its Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding and received
its first EPA Brownfields Cleanup grant that assisted in
cleaning up the Elmo Cash Store (brownfield site). CSKT
Brownfield TRP Staff addressed a wide range of the
reservation's contaminated land issues, from dump sites,
to lead issues, to gas stations. They have taken on the
unique challenges associated with meth labs, asbestos and
contamination near waterways. CSKT Brownfield TRP staff
developed their broad expertise through numerous trainings, including courses on Phase I and Phase II assessments,
asbestos, meth labs, lead, underground storage tanks and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act issues. While
CSKT Brownfield TRP staff does utilize consultants, this training enables staff to provide project oversight and analyze
assessment results and confirm cleanups.
CSKT Staff Conducting Cleanup Activities
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Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 380
Fort Thompson, SD 57339
Contact(s): Heather Grey Owl, Brownfields Coordinator
heatheray 05@yahoo.com
605-245-2212
Overview
• Location: Central South Dakota
• Land Area: 225,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 2,800
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe provides comprehensive natural resources management and environmental protection
services for the tribe's land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's
scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Developed a draft Solid Waste Code with plans to receive Tribal Council approval and implementation
• Coordinated the annual Earth Day event with distribution of brownfields and other environmental information
• Distributed outreach educational materials through various media and keeps Tribal Council and other Tribal
Department programs updated on brownfields activities
Program Highlights
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe has used Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding to initiate the development of a Tribal Response
Program. The tribe has focused its funding on developing an inventory
of properties and a Public Record, obtaining technical training for staff
members, conducting outreach and education to engage the community in
environmental and brownfields issues, and assessing and cleaning up old
abandoned buildings. For several years the Tribal Response Program has
worked to address the large illegal dumping issue on the reservation. The
tribe will continue to assess, clean up and find resolutions for this problem.
In addition, the Tribal Response Program plans to assess and clean up an
abandoned service station in 2011.
Abandoned Service Station Property that the Tribal
Response Program will Address in 2011
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Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
Department of Natural Resources
Brownfields Program
403 W. Broad Avenue
Flandreau, SD 57028
http://www.fsst.org/epa/brownsfield proqram.htm
Contact(s): Elizabeth Wakeman, Brownfields Coordinator
fsstitarl @ mchsi.com
605-997-5122
Overview
• Location: Eastern South Dakota
• Land Area: 5,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 800
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's (FSST) Brownfield Program mission is to empower the tribal community and
other stakeholders in environmental protection to work together in a timely manner to educate, prevent, assess, safely
clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. FSST works to provide technical assistance for brownfields by assessing
reported or potential properties. Its goal is to collaborate and communicate essential cleanup and reuse information with
other community entities including our tribal leaders - together creating a cooperative. This in turn will enhance FSST's
community longevity and quality of life. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Developing Tribal Codes
• Created a Public Record
• Conducted several assessments and cleanups
• Conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment prior to tribe purchasing a property
Program Highlights
The FSST Brownfields Program used EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessments to conduct Phase I and Phase II
assessments for several sites and used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to clean up four of the
properties making them available for redevelopment. There are plans to clean up the other sites with future Tribal
Response Program funding. The Brownfields Program Coordinator held meetings and collected information for
the development of an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP). This effort was the result of internal
environmental programs working together, assistance from the University South Dakota to create supporting codes,
and technical support from Indian Health Service (ISH), Circuit Rider and EPA Brownfields Project Manager. The
coordinated process has been expanded to further clarify the tribe's authorities and expand from an ISWMP to develop
Environmental Codes. In addition, a Penalty Matrix and enforcement procedures are being considered, and the tribe is
working to ensure that the Tribal Environmental Codes can be used collaboratively with the City of Flandreau to manage
environmental concerns in the area. Prior to the tribe purchasing a former vehicle dealership, the Brownfields Program
Coordinator worked with the EPA Project Manager, IMS, and Circuit Rider to conduct a Phase I assessment for a former
vehicle dealership in order to satisfy the landowner liability protection provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
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Fort Belknap
Indian Community
Fort Belknap Environmental Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
4656 Agency Main Street
Harlem, MT 59526
http://www.ftbelknap-nsn.gov/brownfields
Contact(s): Sherry Bishop, Brownfields Coordinator
bishopsherry@yahoo.com
406-353-8465
Chris Gardipee, Environmental Technician
c h q 2001@vahoo.com
Overview
Location: North-Central Montana
Land Area: 675,147 acres
Population: Approximately 5,000
(5,426 enrolled members)
EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot, Job
Training Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation is located in remote north central Montana and is quite distant from a "typical"
industrial brownfields property; however, the existing health and safety hazards associated with brownfields can be
found in rural communities as well in large cities. The Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes of the Fort Belknap Indian
Community, recognize the importance of "communities" working together to promote a healthier and safer environment,
while at the same time maintaining honor for the traditional and cultural values of its people. The Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding has allowed the FBIC to:
• Complete and maintain a current survey and inventory list of potential brownfield sites, complete a hazardous
materials survey, and complete an Underground Storage Tank inventory
• Develop and revise environmentally related enforcement codes including revisions to the existing Solid Waste
Management Code and the development of a Junk Vehicle Act
• Increase staff knowledge through various trainings and curriculums such as Hazardous Waste Operations &
Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), Asbestos, and Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor certification, Basic Inspector
training for Compliance/Enforcement, and Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessment Training
• Maintain an updated Public Record of information for all enrolled brownfield sites
Program Highlights
The Fort Belknap Indian Community Brownfields Program has inventoried brownfields properties on its reservation,
developed a public record of response actions, initiated the development of enforceable codes, and trained staff how
to conduct environmental assessments and cleanups. The program, funded by EPA's Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program continues to focus on assessment work at properties with reuse potential. In 2010, the Brownfields Program
collaborated with other tribal programs including the Planning and Transportation Department to address properties with
re-use potential. Two sites now have re-use plans that are moving forward. A new Transit Garage will be constructed at
a former irrigation storage yard that sat idle for years. The Transit Garage will provide shelter for the Transit buses and
office space for Transit employees. Environmental cleanup was completed at another site, the Lodgepole Hall and the
community is looking forward to renovation and reuse of the facility.
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Fort Peck Tribes
Fort Peck Office of Environmental Protection
501 Medicine Bear Road
P.O. Box 1027
Poplar, MT 59255
http://www.fortpeckoep.org
Contact(s): Wilfred Lambert, Brownfields Manager
1wolfman@nemontel.net
406-768-5155
Overview
• Location: North-Eastern Montana
• Land Area: 2 million acres
• Population: 11,800 enrolled
members; approximately 6,000 reside
on or near the Reservation
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Fort Peck Office of Environmental Protection has used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding for the
management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Developed Solid Waste Codes and Environmental Permits
• Established a Tribal Response Enforcement Program
• Adopted meth cleanup standards
• Conducted Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments and brownfields cleanups
• Conducted inspections of oil and gas wells
• Coordinated outreach educational events, including: spring cleanup, Earth Day, paint recycling
• Distributed outreach materials at pow wows, rodeo stampedes, schools and public meetings
• Updated the tribes' brownfields website
Program Highlights
The Fork Peck Tribes have used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding to develop a tribal response program. In addition, the tribes'
Brownfields Coordinator is overseeing a major assessment and cleanup
project for the Old Fort Poplar Airport, located on Tribal Trust Land. Since
1944, crop dusting operations have based from the site. From 1964 to
2010, the tribe leased the property to the city and county for use as an
airport, aircraft maintenance and the base for crop dusting operations.
Contaminants of concern include pesticides, lead paint and petroleum
products. Capitalizing on the site being located adjacent to a regional town
and bordering a state highway, reuse options include tribal housing and
commercial development.
Assessment Activities at the Old Poplar Airport Property
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Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Environmental Protection Office
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
187 Oyate Circle
Lower Brule, SD 57548
http://lbst-epo.org
Contact(s): Mary Jane Gourneau, Brownfields Coordinator
MJGourneau@LBST-EPO.org
605-473-8056
Overview
• Location: Central South Dakota
located by the Missouri River
• Land Area: 225,970 acres
• Population: Approximately 1,362
• EPA Grants: Assessment Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe (LBST) created its Brownfields Program in 2003 to ensure the health of the natural
environment and its people. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Trained staff members on brownfields related issues
• Developed tribal codes and regulations
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
LBST established the Public Record database, which can be located on its website. LBST is surveying and inventorying
its reservation and created a database for the inventory; it updates the databases every six months or as necessary.
LBST created a computer work station in the Environmental Protection Office and the public is invited to come in during
working hours to access the public record on the internet. LBST also hosts public meeting four times a year and notifies
the public through its website. To enhance the program's ability to provide technical and regulatory environmental
response, the tribe sends its staff to trainings. In addition, LBST is establishing codes, policies, regulations and
enforcement mechanisms. With the training experience and the establishment of the codes and policies, the tribe
conducted Phase I and Phase II assessments on three properties: the Durkin Dump, Rodeo Dump and Kids Pond. The
tribe is now in the process of putting in test wells on these properties to determine contaminant levels and close out these
properties or take further action.
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Northern Cheyenne Tribe
Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
P.O. Box 128
Lame Deer, MT 59043
http://www.chevennenation.com
Contact(s): Jolisa Bahr-White Face, Brownfields Coordinator
jolisa.whiteface@gmail.com
406-477-6506 Ext. 102
Overview
Location: Southeastern Montana
Land Area: 444,000 acres
Population: Approximately 9,496
enrolled members with about 4,100
residing on the Reservation
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Northern Cheyenne Environmental Protection Department (EPD) provides comprehensive natural resources
management and environmental protection services for the tribe's 444,000 acres of lands. Programs administered by
the EPD include Water Resources Management, Air Quality Protection, Non-Point Source, Geographic Information
System services, Underground Storage Tanks/Leaking Underground Storage Tanks, and Brownfields. Some of the
accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Developed a Solid Waste Code and Ordinance that provides guidance focusing on proper disposal and handling of
solid waste. The code was formally adopted by the tribe, which will allow the EPD to be more proactive and provide
the authority to address brownfields and solid waste challenges.
• Developed an extensive inventory and identified 125 brownfields properties potentially contaminated with a hazardous
material. Most of the property information came from the community's historical knowledge of tribal lands. The EPD
used health fairs, public meetings, local cable and the Chief Dull Knife College Library to educate tribal community
members about the Brownfields Program and to ask for assistance in identifying former uses of abandoned or
potentially contaminated properties.
• Created and maintains a Public Record
• Emergency response and cleanup oversight to oil/diesel spills along US Highway 212, a major route of transportation
crossing the reservation
Program Highlights
In 2010, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe used Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding to conduct a Phase I site assessment on the Tongue River
Lumber Company Facility, an abandoned lumber mill located in Ashland,
Montana. The Phase I assessment revealed the following recognized
environmental conditions: improperly stored chemicals in containers
and drums, petroleum soil staining at various locations, the potential for
underground diesel fuel lines associated with a 10,000-gallon aboveground
storage tank, and abandoned vehicles and equipment. Using Tribal Land
Authority funding, the tribe successfully inventoried, tested and properly
disposed of all 55 containers and drums. The tribe anticipates working with
EPA to perform a facility-wide Phase II assessment of the property. The
property is owned by the tribe and is located outside the boundaries of the
reservation within 1,000 feet of the Tongue River. The permitting and cleanup
efforts require working with various agencies ranging from the Tribal Land
Authority, Tribal Council, Rosebud County Officials, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and EPA.
Assessment and Cleanup Activities at the Tongue River
Lumber Company Facility
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Oglala Sioux Tribe
Environmental Protection Program
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 320
West Highway 18 Behind Tribal Building
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
Contact(s): Lana Johnson, Brownfield Coordinator
osteplmj@qwtc.net
605-685-6820
Overview
• Location: Southwest South Dakota
• Land Area: 2.2 million acres
• Population: Approximately 29,000
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Oglala Sioux Tribe's Environmental Protection Program provides guidance and technical assistance in the protection,
conservation, management, and preservation of the tribal land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties
within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessment and cleanup activities on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
The Oglala Sioux Tribe, located on the Pine Ridge Reservation has
a land base of 2.2 million acres. The tribe's Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program staff recently completed the environmental
cleanup and demolition of the Porcupine CAP Building in Porcupine,
South Dakota. A longtime brownfield site, the 128(a)-funded Phase
I and II environmental assessments were conducted in 2005-2006.
Before assessment, the CAP building had been partially condemned
due to structural failure, which resulted in the exposure of friable
asbestos. The Oglala Sioux Tribal Response Program managed
a contractor to conduct and certify the environmental cleanup
activities during the winter of 2008. The tribe is currently considering
redeveloping the site to build a community activity center for the
tribal community.
The Porcupine CAP Building Property after
Environmental Cleanup Activities
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Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Rosebud Sioux Tribe Environmental Office
Brownfields Program
P.O. BOX 658
Rosebud, SD 57570
http://sicanqu.com/Brownfields.html
Contact(s): Alex Swalley III, Brownfields Program Technician
swalleyalex@yahoo.com
605-747-2933
Overview
• Location: South-Central South
Dakota
• Land Area: 922,759 acres
• Population: Approximately 20,800
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Brownfields Program is continuing to identify potential brownfields properties, establish an
up-to-date inventory, and coordinate cleanup efforts in order to protect the environment and natural resources on its
reservation. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Conducted household hazardous waste collection
• Developed tribal ordinances and codes
• Held public outreach meetings
Program Highlights
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe leveraged additional grants to supplement its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
and completed several brownfields projects. The tribe developed a brownfields inventory of 63 properties with Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding and cleaned up 32 of those properties with an Open Dump grant from the
Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe continues to locate additional illegal open dumps and is working with the Indian Health
Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota to complete site survey forms. The tribe is also working on plans to clean up and
demolish three abandoned buildings that contain hazardous substances. In addition, the Brownfields Program received
an EPA Household Hazardous Waste grant. The tribe used the funding to host a hazardous material cleanup event
for the entire reservation. The tribe stationed drop off locations throughout the community where residents could bring
their hazardous materials such as used oil, old batteries, lead based paint, pesticides, and herbicides. The tribe also
assisted with the disposal of the local high school's hazardous materials from its science department. EPA Region 8 and
circuit riders assisted with the event and assistance from other reservations including Standing Rock, Lower Brule and
Pine Ridge. The tribe provided training by conducting a 24-hour Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response
(HAZWOPER) training and an 8-hour refresher course. In coordination with IHS Circuit Riders, the tribe developed an
Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan and a final draft Solid Waste Code which is ready for internal tribal review.
The Tribal Brownfields Program developed an educational outreach package and delivered presentations to schools and
reservation districts. In coordination with EPA Region 8, the Tribal Brownfields Program tested older homes and other
structures for lead paint where young children were present. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Brownfields Program continues to
make every effort available with the funding that it receives to make a positive impact on the surrounding environment.
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Sisseton Wahpeton
Oyate Sioux Tribe
Office of Environmental Protection
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 509
Agency Village, SD 57262
http://www.swo-oep.com
Contact(s): Stephen Jackson, Sr., Brownfields Site Coordinator
sjackson sr@sbtc.net
605-698-4998
Overview
• Location: Northeast South Dakota
• Land Area: 106,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 9,900
• EPA Grants: Cleanup Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Office of Environmental Protection currently administers an Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program grant on the Lake Traverse Reservation. The Office of Environmental Protection works with
the community in a timely manner to prevent, assess and safely clean up contaminated properties for reuse.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessment and cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
• Created federal, state, tribal, contractual, and local partnerships on cleanup projects
Program Highlights
The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe located in northeastern South Dakota is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding for coordination and oversight of cleanup activities on the Tekakwitha Old Orphanage/Boarding School
property. In addition to Tribal Response Program funding, the tribe is using an EPA Cleanup grant through the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to clean up and remove the asbestos and lead contamination on the property. In
developing the ARRA grant application, environmental staff increased their capacity, and will continue to build expertise
through the actual cleanup process.
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Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Environmental Programs Division
P.O. Box 737
356 Ouray Drive
Ignacio, CO 81137
http://www.southern-ute.nsn.us/environmental-proqrams/tribal-response
-program
Contact(s): Bob Kilian, Brownfields Coordinator
bkilian@southern-ute.nsn.us
970-563-0135 Ext. 2248
Overview
• Location: Southwest Colorado
• Land Area: 681,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 11,160 on
the Reservation with 1,150 residents
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe's Brownfields Response Program works to identify brownfields properties within the
reservation and conducts cleanups to safely remove dangerous facilities. Accomplishments achieved using Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessment and cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is using its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to clean up brownfields
properties. From experience on the Ute Park cleanup project, the Tribal Brownfields Program learned lessons that will
help make the cleanup process more effective in the future. For example, a key challenge during the Ute Park cleanup
was identifying and understanding processes for obtaining tribal approval of the contract with the cleanup contractor.
The Tribal Brownfields Program now has a better understanding of the approval process and can apply language
similar to the Ute Park contract for future brownfields cleanup activities. The Ute Park cleanup project included three
buildings—tribal chambers, recreation hall and restroom buildings—all of which contained asbestos and lead-based paint
contamination. Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding was used to assess the property, conduct asbestos
abatement, and demolish and properly dispose of the building debris. Cleanup was completed and the property is now
home to a chapel and multi-facility community center. The tribe also conducted assessment and cleanup activities on
the Cabezon Ranch property, which included several buildings. Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments
were completed in summer 2009 using contractual support from an EPA Region 8 Targeted Brownfields Assessment.
The ranch house and bunk house contained lead and asbestos contamination and had structural instability issues, while
some of the other buildings had old oil and pesticide containers. The property was cleaned up and revegetated. It is now
a grazing area for livestock and hay production, and has a recreation area for hunting or snowmobiling.
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Spirit Lake Nation
Spirit Lake Nation Environmental Protection Administration
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 99
Fort Totten, ND 58335
http://www.spiritlakenation.com/EPA brownfields.htm
Contact(s): Sean Gourd, Brownfields Coordinator
sqourd@spiritlakenation.com
701-766-1286
Overview
Location: East-Central North Dakota
Land Area: 90,000 acres
Population: Approximately 6,000
EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Cleanup Grant, Job Training Pilot, and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
Spirit Lake is investigating and cleaning up brownfields—many of which are abandoned properties that pose an
immediate threat to the local community—to allow development to take place without fear of environmental legal liability.
This benefits the Spirit Lake Nation and surrounding communities by bringing jobs to the area, making abandoned
property functional, and possibly preserving properties that might have historical significance to the community.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessment and cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Drafted tribal ordinances
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
Spirit Lake Nation received its first EPA Brownfields Assessment grant in 1999, and since that time it has completed
numerous assessments and cleanups utilizing a variety of EPA funding sources. The Old Fort Totten Hospital project
effectively leveraged numerous resources including an initial environmental assessment conducted using the tribe
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding, while a structural engineering assessment was provided through
a Targeted Brownfields Assessment. The EPA Superfund Emergency Response Program conducted an asbestos
abatement and Brownfields Cleanup grant funding was used to remediate lead-based paint and mold. Today, the tribe is
pursuing additional funding options to rehabilitate the building into apartments. Spirit Lake Nation conducted more than
18 assessments and several cleanups for properties such as the Old Fort Totten Community Center, St. Michael's Indian
Mission School, and 32 homes at Rolling Hills and Ross Acres. Graduates from its Brownfields Job Training program
were employed on all brownfields cleanup projects; they remediated lead-based paint, asbestos and mold. Spirit Lake
Environmental Program Administration staff also used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop an
Environmental/Solid Waste Ordinance (in final approval stages) that includes requirements for solid and hazardous waste
management, Lead Codes and other environmental requirements; enforcement roles of the Tribal Response Program
and other Tribal Programs; and a civil compliance and enforcement program to address illegal activities such as littering,
illegal dumping and other environmental issues. The Solid Waste Ordinance will help Spirit Lake Nation continue to
assess and clean up the more than 80 properties in its inventory, while requiring that releases of hazardous substances
are properly addressed and remediated to prevent future brownfields. The tribe is also coordinating with the North Dakota
Health Department and State Historical Society as the state conducts an assessment (mostly for lead and asbestos) for
the historic Fort Totten Calvary Square complex, which is located on the Spirit Lake Reservation and is considered the
best preserved fort west of the Mississippi River.
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Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Department of Environmental Regulation
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 516
Fort Yates, ND 58538
http://209.62.246.144/proqrams/display.asp7proqram id=brownfieldsder&
pq=Brownfield
Contact(s): Hans Bradley, Brownfields Coordinator
hbradley@standinqrock.org
701-854-3823 Ext. 3808
Overview
• Location: North Dakota and South
Dakota
• Land Area: 2.28 million acres
• Population: Approximately 8,500
• EPA Grants: Assessment Grant,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Department of Environmental Regulation has seven programs under this department:
General Assistance Program, Clean Water Act -106 Water Pollution Program, Pesticides Enforcement Program,
Underground Storage Tank Program / Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program, Brownfields / Tribal Response
Program, Lead Program, and Environmental Quality Support Services. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated
properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessment and cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe successfully completed the environmental cleanup at the Old Smee School in Wakapala,
South Dakota. Prior to cleanup, the abandoned and partially collapsed building contained friable asbestos and posed a
significant threat to public health and the environment. Standing Rock received a Cleanup grant from EPA's Brownfields
Program and used its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program to manage the project. Hans Bradley, Acting Brownfields
Coordinator of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, stated, "We are very grateful for the grant money. Without these funds it
would have been very difficult to address the asbestos in the building." The former Smee School will be transformed into
a community park.
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Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan,
Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations)
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
404 Frontage Road
New Town, ND, 58763
http://www.mhanation.com/main/main.html
Contact(s): Lyle Gwin, Brownfields Coordinator
lgwin@mhanation.com
701-627-4569
Overview
• Location: North Dakota
• Land Area: 988,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 5,900
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations (MHA Nation) provide comprehensive natural resources management and
environmental protection services for the tribes' land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding expanded the tribes' scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal
lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Assessed contaminated sites
• Conducted oversight of site cleanups
• Assisted with tribal emergency response planning and activities
• Worked with EPA on brownfield site cleanups
• Drafted solid and hazardous waste regulations
Program Highlights
The MHA Nation is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to initiate the development of a tribal response
program. The tribes focused their funding on developing an inventory of properties and a Public Record, obtaining
technical training for staff members, and conducting outreach and education to engage the community in environmental
and brownfields issues. In addition, the tribes have used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to conduct
assessments and some site cleanups. The tribes drafted a complete solid and hazardous waste code to include the
response program requirements.
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Turtle Mountain Band
of Chippewa
Turtle Mountain Environmental
Protection Agency (TMEPA)
Highway 5 West
P.O. Box 900
Belcourt, ND 58316
http://tmbci.net/wordpress
Contact(s): Ray Reed, Brownfields Coordinator
reed 627@hotmail.com
701-278-5977
Overview
Location: Northern North Dakota
Land Area: 140,107 acres
Population: Approximately 14,000
EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot and
Grant, Job Training Pilot, and Section
128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa provides comprehensive natural resources management and environmental
protection services for the tribe's land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the
tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory of properties on the reservation
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Developed tribal ordinances and codes
• Conducted Phase I/I I assessments on properties on the reservation
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
Program Highlights
In 2010, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa used Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to conduct oversight
on a piece of fee land located in the center of the reservation
that was listed on its brownfields inventory. A non-tribal
member acquired a piece of fee land that was an old lumber
company. Through cooperation with the state and other
agencies the Tribal Response Program provided compliance
assistance and oversight to the new owner on proper disposal
and cleanup of the site. The cooperative efforts resulted in
the new owner conducting a Phase I assessment along with
cleanup of the property. The Turtle Mountain Environmental
Protection Agency (TMEPA) conducted visual inspections and
verification of the cleanup. The site is being redeveloped into
a large-scale grocery center that will not only serve the tribal
members but other communities surrounding the reservation. Without all the cooperation from the state, the new owner,
TMEPA and other agencies this site would still be an eyesore and a potential environmental issue for the Turtle Mountain
people. The Tribal Response Program continues to conduct oversight and compliance assistance of the new project and
redevelopment of the site.
'
Redevelopment of the Former Lumber Company Property
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Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
Environmental Programs Department
Brownfields Program
520 Sunset Boulevard
P. O. Box 448
Towaoc, CO 81334
http://www.utemountainuteenvironmental.org
Contact(s): Scott Clow, Director
sclow® utemountain.org
970-564-5432
Overview
Location: Southwestern Colorado,
Northwestern New Mexico, and
Southeastern Utah
Land Area: 597,000 acres
Population: Approximately 2,200
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Tomoe Natori, Environmental Programs Director (Brownfields Public Outreach)
tnatori @ utemountain.org
970-564-5431
Program
In 2003, the Ute Mountain Environmental Department used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to initiate
its new Brownfields Program. This program focuses on reusing and revitalizing tribal property contaminated by past
activities where no responsible polluting party could be identified or no party could be identified to mitigate a potential
contamination issue. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory of properties on the reservation
• Created and maintain a Public Record
• Developed tribal ordinances and codes (ready for Tribal Council approval in 2011)
• Conducted Phase I/I I assessments on properties on the reservation
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
• Assisted tribal and federal regulators in reclamation specifications for oil and gas facilities
• Oversaw compliance with oil and gas field regulations
• Responded to oil spills, gas leaks and other hazardous materials emergency response issues
• Developed an "All Hazards Plan" with the Tribal Public Safety Department
• Assisted home owners with asbestos, mold and lead paint assessment and abatement
Program Highlights
The Ute Mountain Ute Brownfields Program used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to assess and clean
up the "Old Dining Hall' property. The namesake building was originally a Bureau of Indian Affairs School and later
used for decades for annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Community dinners before falling into a state of disrepair. In
addition, "Old Dining Hall" also contained asbestos and lead paint. Funding for the construction of a new facility was
procured through a grant and tribal government funding. The Brownfields Program performed Phase I and Phase II
assessments and asbestos abatement activities and disposed of the materials in an EPA-certified landfill. Today the new
facility functions as a Towaoc Community Center with a meeting room facility and a commercial kitchen. The center has
moveable partition walls to accommodate multiple types of functions and also houses the offices of the tribe's newspaper,
radio and cable media outreach programs.
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Wind River - Eastern
Shoshone & Northern Arapahoe
Wind River Environmental Quality Commission
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
Building 10, Washakie Street
P.O. Box 217
Fort Washakie, WY 82514
http://www.wreqc.com/brownfields/Defaults.html
Contact(s): Everett McGill, Brownfields Coordinator
emc2 h2o@hotmail.com
307-332-3164
Overview
• Location: Central Wyoming
• Land Area: 2.2 million acres
• Population: Approximately 4,200
Eastern Shoshone and 7,400 Northern
Arapaho enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Brownfields Tribal Response Program (TRP) for the Wind River Indian Reservation is vital for the tribes and the
Wind River Environmental Quality Commission (WREQC) due to the old economic development, mining, oil fields
and other business ventures. Many of these places were abandoned and left for the future generations to clean up.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted environmental assessments on properties on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
• Responded to oil and chemical spills and other hazardous materials emergency response issues
• Oversaw a Hazardous Material Cleanup day for household and agriculture waste collection
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
Program Highlights
Over the last three years, the WREQC used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop an Integrated
Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP) and a Solid Waste Management Regulation (SWMR). WREQC worked with
tribal environmental programs to create supporting regulations and with tribal councils (Eastern Shoshone and Northern
Arapaho Tribes) to receive approval. The Midwest Assistance Program provided technical assistance and support for the
development of the technical documents. In addition, a Penalty Matrix and enforcement procedures are being considered
and the tribe is working to ensure that the Tribal ISWMP and SWMR can be used collaboratively within the reservation
boundaries to manage waste concerns.
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EPA Region 9 Brownfields Grantees
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Gila River
Indian Community
Department of Environmental Quality
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 97
Sacaton, AZ 85147
http://www.qilariver.org
Contact(s): Margaret Cook, Director
marqaret.cook@qric.nsn.us
520-562-2245
Overview
• Location: Central Arizona
• Land Area: 372,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 16,000
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot and
Grant, Cleanup Grant, and Section
128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Department of Environmental Quality's primary responsibility is to protect human health and the environment. The
Department works with EPA to ensure that facilities within the Gila River Indian Community's (GRIC) boundaries are
in compliance with environmental laws and ordinances. The long-term goals of the Department are to reduce injuries,
illnesses or fatalities due to pollution. The Department is committed to protecting the environment and quality of life at the
GRIC. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include
management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessment and cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
• Developed tribal ordinances and codes
Program Highlights
Since 1995, the GRIC utilized a range of EPA funding sources to develop a successful brownfields program. These EPA
funding sources include: Superfund Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection (PA/SI) funding; Targeted Brownfields
Assessment (TEA) funding; a Brownfields Showcase Community grant; two Brownfields Assessment grants; a
Brownfields Cleanup grant; and Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding. Each resource enabled GRIC to
leverage additional funding. For example, an inventory conducted with PA/SI funding helped GRIC leverage TEA funds
by identifying specific environmental assessment needs. Through its TEA experience, GRIC exhibited that it had built the
capacity to manage a brownfields grant, thereby increasing its competitiveness for the Brownfields Showcase Community
grant. These resources enabled GRIC to develop a comprehensive inventory of approximately 60 to 70 brownfields
properties, assess approximately 20 properties, clean up several priority properties, and develop key partnerships. All
of these activities directly impact tribal members. The Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program grant and Brownfields
Cleanup grant allowed GRIC to assess and clean up petroleum contamination from leaking underground storage tanks
on the St. John Mission property. The property was redeveloped into a Diabetes Education and Resource Center, which
is widely used by the GRIC community members for treatment and research.
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Hoopa Valley Tribe
Hoopa Tribal Environmental Protection Agency
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 1348
Hoopa, CA 95546
http://www.hoopa-nsn.qov/departments/tepa/brownfield.htm
Contact(s): Louisa McCovey, Brownfields Coordinator
louisamcc@hoopa-nsn.gov
530-625-5515
Overview
• Location: Northwestern California
• Land Area: 89,600 acres
• Population: Approximately 2,600
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Hoopa Valley Tribe provides comprehensive natural resources management and environmental protection services
for the tribe's land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of
work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessments and cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
The Masonite Mill Creek property previously contained two underground storage tanks (UST), which leaked roughly
10,000 gallons of diesel fuel into the soil. The soil was also contaminated with pentachlorophenol from wood preservative
activities conducted on the property. The USTs were removed and approximately 1,700 cubic yards of diesel/
pentachlorophenol contaminated soil was removed and stockpiled adjacent to the excavation. The contaminated soil
was conditioned through exposure to the sun and by adding organic material. This process called "in-situ land farming,"
reduced the contamination levels in the soil so that it is no longer a threat to human health or the environment. After the
soil was treated, vegetation was planted to add nutrients to the soil. The goal of this project is to create a tribal agricultural
lot of 25 acres that will provide alfalfa or related crops to the tribal agricultural interests in the Valley. Use of the Mill
Creek property as an agricultural lot was chosen because of the dwindling agricultural lands on the reservation that are
available to tribal members. Since the property is located in a floodplain, it is not appropriate for housing use.
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Navajo Nation
Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency
P.O. Box 2946
Window Rock, AZ 86515
http://www.epa.navaio.org
Contact(s): Freida White, Environmental Program Supervisor
freidasw@juno.com
928-871-7820
Overview
• Location: Arizona, New Mexico and
Utah
• Land Area: 27,000 square miles
• Population: Approximately 250,000
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Navajo Nation EPA (NNEPA) assesses potential and actual hazardous substance releases to ensure that adequate
action, including public participation, is undertaken, and to protect the public health, the welfare, and the environment
on the Navajo Nation Land. Brownfields properties exist within the Navajo Nation and are inventoried, qualified and
proposed for cleanup action. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessment toward cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created a Public Record
Program Highlights
After ten years of development, the Navajo Nation Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (NNCERCLA Law) was passed by the Navajo Nation in March 2008; it is the first tribal law of its kind. The law
resembles the federal Superfund law with similarities such as a Hazardous Substance Fund (HSF), which was abolished
under the federal Superfund law. The NN HSF is for projects where funding is not available. It also has key differences,
such as covering petroleum and natural gas as "hazardous" substances and imposes liability for damages to cultural
resources as well as to natural resources. The Navajo Nation used a portion of its Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding to enhance its program through development of the NNCERCLA Law. Following the NNCERCLA, the
NNCERCLA Release Reporting Regulations, the Release Reporting Form, the Gap-Filling Policy, a Memorandum of
Agreement in response to continued negotiations with stakeholders (representatives of Oil and Gas Industries who have
challenged the NNCERCLA), and a Fund Management Plan were developed. The implementation process is expected
to take at least another three years as the program documents are finalized and NNEPA continues its dialogue with
non-tribal stakeholders. NNEPA is also outlining specific rates for tariffs, which will require a public comment process;
it is establishing a Uranium Commission to lay the foundation toward a comprehensive authority, policy making body
to address complex issues presented by Uranium. In addition to enhancing its program with the NNCERCLA Law,
NNEPA remains focused on identifying and assessing potential brownfields. NNEPA identified approximately ten
potential brownfield sites by holding public outreach meetings at Navajo Nation Chapters. After NNEPA staff provide
an overview of the Brownfields Program, Chapter staff give a tour of potential brownfields based on their knowledge of
previous site use. Before these sites are prioritized for environmental assessments, additional research is conducted to
determine if the sites are likely to have contamination, and to ensure another Navajo Nation department is not already
working on them. The Pinion McGee former trading post has been assessed through the Region 9 Targeted Brownfields
Assessment, and the Sawmill site is next.
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Rincon Luiseno
Band of Indians
Rincon Environmental Department
1 West Tribal Road Building D
Valley Center, CA 92082
http://rinconmembers.net/epa
Contact(s): Tiffany Wolfe, Manager
twolfe@rincontribe.org
760-297-2632 Ext. 402
Overview
• Location: Southern California
• Land Area: 4,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 1,500
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Rincon Environmental Department provides comprehensive natural resources management and environmental
protection services for the tribe's land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the
tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Complete a property inventory
• Create a Public Record
The Rincon Environmental Department also oversees the General Assistance Program grant which is used for
infrastructure development and provides funding for two cleanups on the reservation. Through this grant the department
uses geographic information systems to build maps to locate areas that need to be inventoried. In addition, the
Environmental Department oversees the Pollution Prevention Clean Water Act 106 grant. This grant assists the tribe
in surface water sampling and database creation for water quality standards. The Environmental Department provides
outreach and education to tribal members, the community, and local schools through funding from all three grants.
Program Highlights
The Rincon Luiseno Band of Indians is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to initiate the development
of a tribal response program. The tribe is focusing its funding on developing an inventory of properties and a Public
Record, obtaining technical training for staff members, and conducting outreach and education to engage the community
in environmental and brownfields issues.
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Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community
Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (EPNR)
Brownfields Program
10005 East Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
http://www.srpmic-nsn.qov/qovernment/epnr/brownfields.asp
Contact(s): Lily Bermejo, Brownfields Program Coordinator
lily.bermejo@srpmic-nsn.gov
480-362-2631
Overview
• Location: Central Arizona
• Land Area: 52,600 acres
• Population: Approximately 8,700
• EPA Grants: Assessment Grant,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community's (SRPMIC
or Community) Environmental Protection and Natural
Resources (EPNR) Division has been taking full advantage of
the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program (TRP) grant in
order to successfully implement its Brownfields Program. The
Community's Brownfields Program has been working diligently
by evaluating areas for potential environmental and health
concerns, inventorying sites, organizing public outreach, building
enforcement methods, and finding funding for assessments and
cleanup of sites. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed potential brownfields site inventory
• Identified and are redrafting existing Community ordinances
and policies to support the goals of the Tribal Response
Program, by taking preventative measures
• Coordinated and conducted Community-wide Household
Hazardous Waste Collection Events in conjunction with the EPNR Hazardous Substances Program
• Created a brownfields information page on the EPNR website
• Created a public outreach document accessible online to request brownfields information and property assessments
• Developed and maintain a Public Record information database online
• Fostered public participation by announcing the Brownfields Program on SRPMIC's "Au-Authm Action News"
newspaper
• Offered several environmental trainings to SRPMIC's staff
I
Cleanup Activities at the Feedlot Property
Program Highlights
SRPMIC has used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to evaluate areas of contamination to add to the
brownfields inventory. Funding has also allowed for the increased involvement of the Community, bringing awareness
and allowing for its participation in locating and identifying sites. The SRPMIC was also awarded an EPA Brownfields
Assessment grant which allowed for the assessment of the abandoned Feedlot on the Community. SRPMIC is now using
an EPA Brownfields Cleanup grant to conducting cleanup activities at the Feedlot.
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Tohono O'odham Nation
Department of Public Safety
Environmental Protection Office
P.O. Box 837
Sells, AZ 85634
http://www.tonation-nsn.gov
Contact(s): Lorinda Sam, Program Manager
lorinda.sam@tonation-nsn.gov
520-383-8681
Laurie Suter, Environmental Specialist
laurie.suter@tonation-nsn.gov
520-383-8681
Overview
• Location: South-Central Arizona
• Land Area: 2.8 million acres
• Population: Approximately 28,000
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Tohono O'odham Nation Environmental Protection Office (TONEPO) was created to protect the Nation's human
health and environment. Through the use of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding, resources have been used
to identify, assess and provide cleanup monitoring on contaminated or perceived contaminated Tohono O'odham tribal
lands from hazardous chemicals, pesticides, explosives, petroleum products, mining and mining by-products, as well as
contributing to the development of environmental regulatory and compliance standards for the Nation. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Updated the property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Participated in outreach activity events
• Dedicated full time staff member to the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
• Constructing a brownfields page on the Tohono O'odham Nation website (currently "under construction")
Program Highlights
The Tohono O'odham Nation is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop an inventory of
properties and a public record, obtain technical training for staff members, and conduct outreach and education to
engage the community in environmental and brownfields issues. An integral part of the Tohono O'odham Tribal Response
Program is the participation and collaboration of many diverse individuals from a variety of tribal, state and federal
agencies; therefore, acting as a liaison between tribal community members and outside entities. The Nation's Brownfields
program participates in numerous outreach events each year, educating thousands of tribal members on the subject of
environmental issues. The Nation's program monitoring history includes environmental issue identification, resolution,
institutional controls, and reuse planning.
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Yurok Tribe
Yurok Tribe's Environmental Program
15900 Hwy 101 N.
Klamath, CA 95548
www.vuroktribe.orq/departments/vtep/vtep.htm
Contact(s): Kathleen Sloan, Program Director
ksloan@yuroktribe.nsn.us
707-482-1822 Ext. 1009
Overview
• Location: Northwestern California
• Land Area: 63,035 acres
• Population: Approximately 5,000
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
Yurok Tribe's Environmental Program (YTEP) consists of three Divisions: Water, Pollution Prevention, and Community
and Ecosystems. YTEP is 100 percent grant funded, receiving the majority of its funding from the EPA Tribal Programs
Office under the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The addition of
the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management
and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory and published online
• Created a Public Record
• Developed tribal ordinances
• Trained staff members to respond to emergency and non-emergency HAZMAT scenarios
• Conducted Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) on the reservation with YTEP staff
Program Highlights
YTEP is creating capacity to perform Phase I environmental
assessments using tribal staff. Prior to 2010, YTEP lacked
the capacity to conduct and write assessment reports for its
own lands, and relied on outside environmental contractors to
perform assessments. YTEP used the inventory to prioritize
and select properties for the four Phase I ESAs. The four Phase
I ESAs were contracted to an environmental professional;
the properties include: a former mill, gold mine, gas station
and illegal dumpsite. The contractor and YTEP staff held a
community meeting near the four properties and solicited
information from community members and tribal elders. As
part of that contract, YTEP received training and professional
expertise on how to conduct Phase I assessments using
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
YTEP used Section 128(a) Response Program grant funding
to attend and complete the ASTM International training class:
Phase I and II ESAs for Commercial Real Estate. Under fiscal
year 2010 funding, YTEP has completed two Phase I ESAs on
the reservation without contractor assistance.
Historic Picture of A. Brizard General Store, One of the Properties
Where the Tribe Conduced a Phase I
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EPA Region 10 Brownfields Grantees
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Bristol Bay Native Association
Natural Resources
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 310
Dillingham, AK 99576
http://www.bbna.com/website/Natural%20Brownsfield.html
Contact(s): Aria Johnson, Brownfields Program Manager
ajohnson @ bbna.com
800-478-5257 Ext. 328
Overview
Location: Southwest Alaska
Population: Tribal Consortium, made
up of 31 Tribes
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Bristol Bay Native Association Natural Resources (NR) department provides comprehensive natural resources
management and environmental protection services to a Tribal Consortium of 31 tribes. The addition of the Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded NR's scope of work to include management and restoration of
contaminated properties. Some of the accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory of properties
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The Tribal Brownfields and Environmental staff flew to New
Stuyahok and Manokotak to hold brownfields public meetings
and provide assistance with applying for an environmental
assessment. The Tribal Environmental staff encouraged
the Elders and other community members to come to the
meetings to bring their knowledge of the past to contribute in
locating contaminated properties in the respective villages. The
meetings were successful in identify brownfields properties
at both villages with the help of the Elders and community
members.
m
Brownfield Property in Pilot Point
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Central Council of Tlingit &
Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
Native Lands & Resources Department
9097 Glacier Highway
Juneau, AK 99801
http://www.ccthita.org
Contact(s): Desiree Duncan, Program Manager
dduncan@ccthita.org
907-463-7183
Overview
• Location: Southeast Alaska
• Land Area: 35,138 square miles
• Population: 72,954
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska's (CCTHITA) Brownfields Response Program is developing
capacity and understanding of tribal responsibilities as they relate to the health and environmental conditions on lands
with tribal interests. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding has allowed the tribe to identify
sites and establish various collaborative efforts that make Alaska brownfields work unique and dependent to situational
and geographical area. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Developed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Developed awareness of brownfields
• Established a foundation for youth involvement in brownfields work
Program Highlights
CCTHITA is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to initiate the development of a tribal response
program. The tribe is focusing its funding on developing an inventory of properties and a Public Record, obtaining
technical training for staff members, and conducting outreach and education to engage the community in environmental
and brownfields awareness and issues. The tribe created and developed an Environmental Youth Leadership Team with
a focus on gathering traditional, historical knowledge, and western science.
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Colville Confederated
Tribes (CCT)
Natural Resources Department
P.O. Box 150
Nespelem, WA 99155
http://nrd.colvilletribes.com/index.htm
Contact(s): Don Hurst, Brownfields Coordinator
don.hurst@colvilletribes.com
509-634-2421
Overview
• Location: North-Central Washington
• Land Area: 1.4 million acres
• Population: Approximately 9,000
• EPA Grants: Area-wide Planning
Project, Assessment Grant, Job
Training, and Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Colville Confederated Tribes' (CCT) Environmental Trust Department manages programs to enhance and protect
the environment and health of the population within the Colville reservation. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding allows the tribe to address the management and restoration of contaminated properties
within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Enforce provisions of the CCT Hazardous Substances Control Act
• Assess the environmental condition of sites in Public Record
• Oversee cleanup efforts and verify their completeness
• Publish the Public Record annually
• Increase the capacity of staff through training and professional registration
• Make applicable technical expertise available to other tribal departments
• Participate in regional planning with potential environmental affects on natural resources
• Collaborate with federal agencies on enforcement activities
Program Highlights
The Environmental Trust Department is a subdivision of CCT's Natural Resources Department that has the authority
to investigate and clean up hazardous substances that have been released into the environment. This authority was
established by Tribal Code. The tribe continues to use Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to expand
and enhance its response program as new properties enter the Public Record and existing properties are the focus of
progressive response actions and remediation. In addition to environmental responsibilities within the Colville Indian
Reservation, a significant strength of the Natural Resources Department staff is capacity in cross-disciplinary, regional
and international matters of substantive interest to CCT. Examples include participation in planning and implementation
of improvements to the tribes' reservation-wide solid waste system, active participation on state and county advisory
committees for solid waste management, assessments of brownfield sites on the reservation, participation on a statewide
workgroup concerned with the development of freshwater sediment cleanup regulations and providing limited support to
the tribe through technical review and consultation of work concerning the Upper Columbia River.
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Confederated Tribes of the Coos,
Lower Umpqua, & Siuslaw Indians
Department of Natural Resources - Environmental Division
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
http://www.ctclusi.org/ctclusinew/NaturalResources/Environmental
Division/TribalResponseProqram/tabid/307/Default.aspx
Contact(s): Howard Crombie, Director of the Department of
Natural Resources
hcrombie@ctclusi.org
541-888-7511
Overview
• Location: Western Oregon
• Land Area: 405 acres
• Population: Approximately 900
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians are a federally recognized Tribal Government
on the South/Central Oregon Coast with Tribal Administration Offices in Coos Bay, Oregon. The tribes' Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop an inventory of known
and suspected contaminated properties that are located on and off tribal lands. DNR staff maintains and updates the
inventory regularly and it serves as a list of properties from which assessments or cleanups can be selected as part of
the tribes' site-specific activities. Some of the accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding include:
• Completed a survey and inventory of known or suspected contaminated properties
• Updated and maintained data, assessments, and reports conducted on tribal lands
• Created and established a Public Record
• Developed outreach material on Tribal Response Program
• Participated in inter-governmental meetings to discuss tribal land cleanup efforts
• Drafted tribal ordinances that protect tribal lands
Program Highlights
The tribes reacquired a 43.10-acre tract known as Coos Head, located
near Charleston, Oregon in late 2005. Coos Head had a long history of
military use beginning in 1875 - first by the U.S. Army, then the U.S. Navy,
and then by the Oregon Air National Guard. Throughout the 130 years
of military occupation, areas on the property were contaminated. Until
these contaminated areas are cleaned up, the tribes' ability to reoccupy
and redevelop Coos Head remains severely restricted. Currently, there
are three active cleanup programs which are working on the Coos Head
Assessment and Remediation Project. The Underground Storage Tank
Program cleans up soil and ground water contaminated with gasoline
and diesel which have leaked from buried fuel tanks or which is the
legacy of soil stockpiles or soil farming. The Military Munitions Response
Program cleans up lead slugs, lead shot, and skeet fragments from firing
ranges. The Installation Restoration Program cleans up general chemical Aerial View of Coos Head Property
contamination including solvents used to clean auto parts, PCBs leaked
from transformers, etc. Partners working on the Coos Head cleanup project include the Air National Guard, U.S. Army
Corp of Engineers, U.S. Navy, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
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The Confederated Tribes and
Bands of the Yakama Nation
Tribal Response Program
Fisheries Resource Management Program
Yakama Nation Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 151
Toppenish, WA 98948
http://host119.vakama.com/Habitat/Remres/TRP/brownfields.html
Contact(s): Paul Ward, Director
ward ©yakama.com
509-865-5121 Ext. 6363
McClure Tosch, Brownfields Coordinator
mcclure@yakama.com
509-865-5121 Ext. 6413
Overview
• Location: South-Central Washington
• Reservation: 1.2 million acres
• Population: 10,268 enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Yakama Nation has reserved lands and rights covering over 20 million acres throughout what are now the states
of Washington and Oregon. The sacred relationship between the People, the Salmon and the Columbia River is the
foundation of time-honored laws of the Yakama People: the laws that protect life and the cycles of nature and provide
for human well being; the laws that govern longhouse traditions; and the laws that support tribal practices, which
have sustained the Yakama people since time immemorial. The Yakama Nation is expanding its capacity to engage
in oversight related activities of contaminated sites throughout the Pacific Northwest. The initial priority of the Tribal
Response Program (TRP) is to evaluate and rank hazardous waste sites impacting Yakama Nation's aquatic resources.
The initial inventory of sites has been developed and consists of sites from EPA, Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality, and Washington State Department of Ecology databases along the Columbia River and its tributaries. Current
activities within the TRP are the prioritization of sites; determination of involvement at high priority sites; education
and outreach; assessing brownfield sites for priority restoration or habitat enhancement projects; and establishing a
coordinated effort among various Yakama Programs to establish Yakama specific cleanup standards. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a site inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Redesigned and expanded website
• Created public outreach materials
• Developed a vision statement for Yakama Nation's TRP
• Hosted a workshop focused on developing a strategy to Columbia River Restoration
Program Highlights
The Yakama Nation hosted a Columbia River Restoration Workshop on October 12, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The
workshop included Yakama Nation Staff, Tribal Council Members, and invited guests. The goal of the workshop was
to develop a strategy for cleaning up and restoring the Columbia River. From this workshop they developed a vision
statement, public outreach plan, and several different public outreach materials that will be used extensively in various
forums including public events, tribal council, and on the tribe's website.
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Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk,
and Holy Cross (GASH)
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 8
Anvik, AK 99558
http://www.anviktribalcouncil.com/brownfields.html
Contact(s): Kate Chaussee Nicholai, Brownfields Coordinator
info® ruralalaskaempowered.com
907-748-1658
Overview
• Location: Western Alaska
• Land Area: 11.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 600 within
the GASH region
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
Formerly the Anvik Tribal Brownfields Program, the project now encompasses three neighboring communities: Grayling,
Shageluk and Holy Cross. The Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, and Holy Cross (GASH) Brownfields Program provides
natural resources management and environmental protection services for the tribe's 11.9 square miles of land. These
villages face similar brownfields issues including tank farms, abandoned dump sites and contaminated properties.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Complete a property inventory
• Create a Public Record
• Conduct Phase I/I I assessments on properties
• Develop a public outreach plan
• Foster public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The GASH Brownfields Response Program used Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding to work with the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Wastershed Council
to conduct a Phase II assessment at the old Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
tank farm and former generator building. Potential contaminates at the abandoned
property included diesel fuel, PCBs, lead, and solvents. The Community of Anvik
plans to clean up the property and develop it into a multi-use facility and boat
storage.
View of the Abandoned A VEC Property
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Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe
Natural Resources Department
Brownfields Tribal Property Response Program
1033 Old Blyn Highway
Sequim, WA 98382
http://www.iamestowntribe.orq/proqrams/nrs/nrs browns.htm
Contact(s): Pam Edens, Brownfields Coordinator
pedens@jamestowntribe.org
360-681-4658
Overview
• Location: Northwest Washington
• Land Area: 100 acres
• Population: Approximately 600
• EPA Grants: Cleanup Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Natural Resources Department protects treaty rights of the natural resources of the Point No Point Treaty area for
the benefit of Jamestown S'Klallam Tribal members and future descendants. In this capacity, the Department is charged
with ensuring the orderly harvest of fish, shellfish and wildlife resources, providing opportunities for tribal members to
derive subsistence and/or livelihood from the harvest of these resources, increasing opportunity through restoration,
enhancement and scientific study, and reversing the decline of these resources resulting from environmental degradation.
The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include
management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Conducted Phase I/I I assessments on properties on tribal lands
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties on tribal lands
Program Highlights
With funding awarded from EPA's Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program, the Natural Resources Department assessed
tribal properties for potential environmental hazards to determine if cleanup is needed before they can be developed.
A public record of these property assessments was established and is available to the tribal community and members
of the public in the tribe's library on the South Campus. This public record remains in the library and the records of all
future property assessments and cleanups will be added. In addition, the Natural Resources Department developed an
inventory of all tribal property holdings and is reviewing each parcel for possible environmental hazards. To keep tribal
citizens informed of the work being done through the EPA Brownfields Program, articles are published in the tribe's
newsletter, information about recent brownfields activity is posted on the tribe's website and exhibits are displayed at the
All Tribal meeting each September. The tribe also addressed the environmental hazard at a former gas station which
facilitated transferring it into Trust status allowing redevelopment into the Longhouse Market and Deli. When the tribe
purchased the Dungeness Golf Course in 2006, Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding was used to conduct
Phase I and II assessments that identified a waste oil spill and pesticide contamination in a wash pit. The tribe worked
with Washington State Department of Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program to clean up these contaminants.
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Kuskokwim River Watershed
Council (KRWC)
Brownfields Tribal Response Program Main Office
P.O. Box 334
Aniak, AK 99557
http://www.kuskokwimcouncil.org/index.php?option=com content&view
=article&id=60<emid=70
Contact(s): Joey Billy, Brownfields Coordinator
krwc.brownfield@kuskokwimcouncil.org
Office Location:
460 Ridgecrest Drive, BNC Complex, Suite 119
P.O. Box 2986
Bethel, AK 99559-2986
907-545-3980
Overview
• Location: Western Alaska
• Land Area: 37,120 acres
• Population: Approximately 15,000
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The focus of the Kuskokwim River Watershed Council's (KRWC) Brownfields Program is to collaborate with communities
in the Kuskokwim River watershed to: inventory potential brownfield sites; foster public participation in cleanup and reuse
of contaminated sites; provide relevant training; maintain a watershed-wide record of contaminated sites for the public to
access; and assist with an environmental assessment of sites. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Conducted Phase I/I I assessments on properties on tribal lands
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
Program Highlights
On her visit to Alaska in July 2010, EPA Administrator Lisa
Jackson spent time with Joey Billy, the Brownfields Coordinator
for KRWC Tribal Response Program (TRP). KWRC is one
of the 14 current TRPs in Alaska. Although KRWC is a new
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program grantee, it is in the
planning stages for both Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation Brownfields Assessments and EPA's Targeted
Brownfield Assessments for the Kuskokwim River Watershed
villages. Mr. Billy and Administrator Jackson discussed the
hardship that Alaska TRPs face in trying to clean up brownfields
properties without eligibility for the competitive brownfields grants.
The Alaska TRPs are networking and researching other available
funding sources to help them address brownfields properties.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Joey Billy,
the KRWC Brownfields Coordinator
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Makah Indian Nation
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 115
Neah Bay, WA 98357
http ://www. makah .com
Contact(s): Chad Bowechop, Brownfields Coordinator
bowechop.chad@centurytel.net
360-645-3015
Overview
• Location: Northwest Olympic
Peninsula, Washington
• Land Area: Approximately 47 square
miles
• Population: Approximately 1,400
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Makah Indian Nation environmental programs provide comprehensive natural resources management and
environmental protection services for the tribe's 47 square miles of land and treaty protected marine and ocean areas.
The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include
management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory of properties on the reservation
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
Program Highlights
Located in the northwestern most point of the continental United States, the Makah Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding to help craft federal and state oil pollution legislation, rulemaking and policies to provide
response capacity for oil spills in tribal treaty waters. On the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a 95-mile stretch of water linking
Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean, the Makah Tribal treaty area accommodates the third busiest waterway for commercial
shipping traffic, threatening the environmental and ecological health of Makah's rich sea and land culture. The tribe is
striving to build response capacity within its fishing fleet and throughout the community. In 2007, the U.S. Coast Guard
13th District, Marine Spill Response Corporation (an independent, nonprofit Oil Spill Response Organization dedicated to
national response), ExxonMobil and other members of the response community began conducting a coordinated annual
HAZWOPER training to boost response preparedness on the Outer Washington Coast. The tribe is also working with
Navy Region NW and the Navy Supervisor of Salvage to station spill response equipment at Neah Bay. Support and
coordination provided by Makah Tribe has made this training program very successful in the Neah Bay community. The
tribe also used its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop a contaminated site inventory to identify
contaminated properties for cleanup. Because of the tribe's cultural connection to the sea and land, it is making efforts to
clean up contamination and preserve the natural resources from which tribal members have subsisted for centuries.
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Maniilaq Association
Tribal Environmental Program
Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 256
Kotzebue, AK 99752
http://www.maniilaq.orq/environmental.html
Contact(s): Stanley Tomaszewski, Brownfield Coordinator/
Backhaul-Recycling Tech.
stanley.tomaszewski@maniilaq.org
907-442-7639
Overview
• Location: Northwest Alaska
• Service Area: 39,000 square miles
• Population: Approximately 8,500
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Maniilaq Association, a nonprofit organization and consortium of 12 federally recognized tribes, headquartered in
Kotzebue, Alaska provides health, social, elder, and tribal government services for approximately 8,500 residents within
its Northwest Alaska service area. The association established its Tribal Environmental Protection (TEP) program in 1997
with funding from EPA. The program provides tribal governments and municipalities with technical assistance to identify,
assess and monitor environmental issues. TEP also works extensively to educate and promote ownership, responsibility
and prevention to community members; foster environmental stewardship practices; and has developed regional training
sessions in the villages. The Maniilaq Association committed the TEP to establish comprehensive backhaul-recycling,
Climate Change Adaptation, and Tribal Response Brownfield Restoration/Prevention programs in the region benefiting
the health and the environment of current and future generations of inhabitants of the northwest arctic. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Establish a public record of response actions
• Complete an inventory of potentially contaminated sites in seven communities
• Assist four sites in two communities get selected for Alaska DEC Brownfield Assessment (DBA) assistance
Program Highlights
The Maniilaq is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to enhance and build capacity to the established
Tribal Response Program within Maniilaq TEP. The Tribal Response Program's directive is to provide technical assistance
to the 11 Native villages that Maniilaq Association serves and to provide education to the general public about the
number and type of brownfield sites within this area. The Maniilaq TEP vision is also to develop partnerships with local
governments to reduce the risk of exposure of contaminants found in the brownfield sites to the public, and to assist in
fully reclaiming sites for the public's use such as community development, subsistence harvesting, habitat restoration,
and community gardening.
The TEP has implemented a recycling program as well as a regional backhaul program to assist communities within
the service area with staging and transporting recyclable materials via Kotzebue to Anchorage and/or Seattle. The
project is a partnership between Maniilaq Association and its member tribes, the City of Kotzebue, Northwest Arctic
Borough/Municipalities, and regional transportation providers. Two years since inception, the program has backhauled
for recycling over 70,000 pounds of electronic waste, two tons of fluorescent lights, 16 tons lead-acid batteries, and over
three tons of 'white goods' (i.e., washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers). The Maniilaq Association Back Haul Recycling
Program demonstrated the ability to divert substantial amounts undesirable materials from entering the solid waste
stream and the environment; however the full measure of accomplishment will be the stoppage of accumulation certain
refuse items by establishing permanent outlets that systematically prevent future backlog.
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Native Village of Port Heiden
Tribal Environmental Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 49007
Port Heiden, AK 99549
Contact(s): Marty Waters, Brownfields Coordinator
pthenviro@qmail.com
907-837-2441
Overview
• Location: Western Alaska
• Population: Approximately 105
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Native Village of Port Heiden's Tribal Environmental Department provides comprehensive natural resources
management and environmental protection services for the tribe. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Complete a property inventory
• Create a Public Record
Program Highlights
The Native Village of Port Heiden used Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding to initiate the development of a tribal
response program. They focused their funding on developing an
inventory of proper ties and a Public Record, obtaining technical
training for staff members, and conducting outreach and education to
engage the community in environmental and brownfields issues.
Aerial View of the Native Village of Port Heiden
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Native Village of Saint Michael
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 59050
St. Michael, AK 99659
http://www.kawerak.orq/tribalHomePaqes/stMichael/index.html
Contact(s): Jeff Long, Brownfields Coordinator
jlong5096@yahoo.com
907-923-2304
Robert Lockwood, Assistant Brownfields Coordinator
907-923-2305
Overview
• Location: Western Alaska
• Land Area: 13,952 acres
• Population: Approximately 400
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Native Village of Saint Michael (NVSM) provides comprehensive natural resources management and environmental
protection services for the tribe's 13,952 acres of land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal
lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Complete a property inventory
• Create a Public Record
• Coordinated with the Department of Defense to conduct Phase I assessments
Program Highlights
NVSM is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to initiate the development of a tribal response program.
The tribe is focusing its funding on developing an inventory of properties and a Public Record, and conducting outreach
and education to engage the community in environmental and brownfields issues. In addition, the Yukon River Inter-Tribal
Watershed Council coordinated training and inventory activities with NVSM on the development of its backhaul program.
NVSM's backhaul program removed debris from several sites and delivered the waste to certified waste handling
locations.
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Native Village of Tununak
(Nelson Island Consortium)
Brownfield Response Program
P.O. Box 77
Tununak, AK 99681
http://www.nelsonislandconsortium.org
Contact(s): Anastasia Evan, Brownfields Coordinator
nvtbrownfield@aol.com
907-652-6537
Overview
• Location: Western Alaska
• Land Area: 60.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 365
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Native Village of Tununak initiated its Brownfield Program in the fall of 2006. The program provides comprehensive
natural resources management and environmental protection services for its six member tribes: Chefornak, Kipnuk,
Newtek, Nightmute, Toksook, and Umkumiut. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding has
allowed the tribe to address the management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Published the inventory on the tribe's website
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Developed tribal ordinances and codes
• Conducted Phase I and II assessments on properties in the native villages of the Nelson Island Consortium
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties in the native villages of the Nelson Island Consortium
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
Program Highlights
The Native Village of Tununak is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to continue the development of
its tribal response program. The tribe focuses its funding on developing an inventory of properties and a Public Record,
obtaining technical training for staff members, and conducting outreach and education to the public. In addition, the tribe
is conducting Phase I and II assessments on properties from the brownfields inventory and developing a public outreach
plan to engage the community in environmental and brownfields issues.
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Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho
Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Division - Groundwater Program
P.O. Box 365
Lapwai, ID 83540
http://www.nezperce.orq/Official/waterresources/index.htm
Contact(s): Kevin Brackney, Brownfields Coordinator
kevinb® nezperce.org
208-843-7368
Overview
• Location: North-Central Idaho
• Land Area: 770,470 acres
• Population: 9,554 persons including
1,998 enrolled tribal members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant and Assessment
Grants.
Program
The Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) is beginning its seventh year managing Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
to sustain, clean up and restore communities and ecological systems. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Leveraged additional funding including: EPA Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Prevention, LUST
Assessment, Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Grant, and NPT-funded Hazardous Emergency Response
Team
• Completed an inventory that identified 17 priority properties on the reservation
• Developed a database consisting of 208 "properties of concern" with a relative contaminant ranking system—Project
files are maintained and updated on each property for future use
• Completed Quality Management and Quality Assurance Project Plans
• Conducted Phase I and II assessments on the reservation with trained staff
• Provides an important service to reservation communities in processing environmental complaints regarding potential
or actual contamination of soil and ground water
Program Highlights
The Nez Perce Tribe used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding to provide oversight and enforcement for two Targeted Brownfields
Assessments: the Richardson Sawmill in Orofino, Idaho and the
American Legion Trap Range in Craigmont, Idaho. At the Richardson
Sawmill property, the tribe used funding from the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act to conduct a Phase I assessment. The assessment
identified residual polychlorinated biphenyl and creosote contaminated
soil, a gasoline underground storage tank, lead contamination from a
former trap range, buried "demolition debris," and unexploded fireworks.
The Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises have been interested in redeveloping
the mill for many years; however, the perceived contamination has stifled
most initiatives. The property has potential to generate jobs and income for
the tribe due to its prime location and proposed recreational reuse along
the beautiful Clearwater River. At the Craigmont Trap Range property,
the American Legion and Craigmont Lions Club are interested in building
a community baseball field. The Legion requested assistance from the NPT Response Program to develop an onsite
lead-contaminated soil repository. The Legion has already developed and engineered an excavation plan to bury the
contaminated soil and develop institutional controls to protect the repository for perpetuity.
Richardson Sawmill/Tribal Unit 45, Orofino, Idaho, 1973
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Organized Village of Kasaan
Department of Natural Resources
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 26
Kasaan, Ketchikan, AK 99950-0340
http://www.kasaan.org/brownfields home.html
Contact(s): Neli Nelson, Brownfields Coordinator
neli@kasaan.org
907-617-9953
Overview
Location: Southeast Alaska - Prince
of Wales Island
Population: Approximately 50
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Organized Village of Kasaan's Brownfields Program was established to identify and clean up potentially
contaminated sites in the Kasaan Bay Watershed. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
Located on the third largest island in North America, Prince of Wales
Island, the Organized Village of Kasaan is using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding to inventory sites within its traditional
territory. This land is of mixed ownership, including the U.S. Forest
Service, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Sealaska Corporation,
Kavilco Incorporated, and several different private land owners. For
years, hard rock mineral mining was an important activity on the island.
Past mining activity left the natural lands the Haida people use for
subsistence littered with contaminated mining sites that pollute the
natural ecosystem. To date, the tribe has inventoried 35 sites, and is
leveraging partnerships to clean up and restore former mine sites to
their natural environment and allow the tribe to maintain its way of life.
The Salt Chuck Mine site, a former palladium mine, was inventoried
by the tribe and identified for further evaluation. Visual surveys
revealed the presence of mine tailings in the water; this was causing
contamination to nearby clam populations. In 2009, the U.S. Forest
Service received $1.4 million in federal stimulus funding to begin
cleanup activity on the upland areas of the Salt Chuck mine site. The cleanup will include removing contaminated soil and
dilapidated structures on the U.S. Forest Service-owned portion of the site.
Dilapidated Structures at the Salt Chuck Mine Site as Seen from
Across Ellen Creek
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Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Natural Resource Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
31912 Little Boston Road NE
Kingston, WA 98346
http://www.pqst.ekosvstem.us
Contact(s): Jessica Coyle, Brownfields Coordinator
jcoyle@pqst.nsn.us
360-297-6271
Overview
• Location: Northwest Washington
• Land Area: 1,301 acres
• Population: Approximately 600
• EPA Grants: Assessment Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe's Natural Resources Administration oversees environmental protection and manages
various programs designed to protect and enhance the natural treaty resources available to tribal members, and to
promote self-governance, self-determination and self-sufficiency. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties
within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Conducted Phase I/I I assessments on properties on the reservation
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The first goal of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe's Brownfields Program was to create a list of potential brownfields
properties though research and interviewing both technical professionals and community members. An EPA Assessment
grant is being used to investigate the most concerning properties. The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe is interested
in cleaning up properties and focusing the reuse on returning land back to culturally beneficial uses, like shellfish
harvesting. In addition, the tribe developed a Public Record that is accessible to the community and contains a list of
potential brownfields properties and related information, along with additional documents and reports on cleanup related
activities in the area.
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Shoshone-Bannok Tribes
Environmental Waste Management Program (EWMP)
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
Building #52
P.O. Box 306
Fort Hall, ID 83203
http://www.sbtribes-ewmp.com
Contact(s): Kelly Wright, Program Manager
kwriqht@shoshonebannocktribes.com
208-478-3903
Overview
• Location: Southeast Idaho
• Land Area: 520,960 acres
• Population: Approximately 5,762
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes' Tribal Brownfields Response Program provides identification, assessment, cleanup,
oversight, and monitoring of properties within the reservation that contain contaminants, pollutants or other materials with
the potential to adversely affect human health and the environment. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory of properties on the reservation
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Developed tribal ordinances and codes
• Conducted Phase I/I I assessments on properties on the reservation
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
Over the last year the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes' Environmental Waste Program Manager used Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding to hold "Brownfields' Days" in each district of the 815-square mile reservation in southeast
Idaho. The program created presentations, newsletters and brochures to provide outreach and address a legacy of
pesticide, lead and asbestos contamination from agriculture, industry, mining, and illegal dumping. The most visible
project that was an outcome of "Brownfields' Days" is a former railroad station where the cleanup of lead and asbestos
contamination in the building made it ready for re-use as a tribal veterans center. In addition, the tribe is partnering with
Idaho State University on plans to transform an old hospital into an environmental education center. Some brownfields
properties on the reservation have also undergone ecological restoration, and three properties are being studied as
possible locations for a wind farm or a waste-to-energy plant.
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Swinomish Indian
Tribal Community
Environmental Management Coordinator
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
11430 Moorage Way
LaConner, WA 98257
http://www.swinomish-nsn.qov/Resources/Environment/Compliance-
Manaqement.aspx
Contact(s): Jon Boe, Environmental Specialist
jboe@swinomish.nsn.us
360-466-2631
Overview
Location: Northwestern Washington
Land Area: 7,450 acres of uplands
and 2,900 acres of tidelands
Population: Approximately 900
enrolled tribal members
EPA Grants: Assessment Grant,
Cleanup Grant, Targeted Brownfields
Assessment Grant, and Section
128(a) Tribal Response Grant
Program
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community's Environmental Management Coordinator protects the environment and
human health on the Swinomish Reservation through management and regulation of uses and activities. Programs
include: protection of air quality, management and cleanup of solid and hazardous waste, planning for hazardous
incident response, control of invasive species, regulation of impacts on shorelines, sensitive areas and natural resources,
environmental ordinance and policy development, and environmental review. Accomplishments achieved using Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed and annually updated a brownfields property inventory of the reservation
• Created a Public Record
• Administered an Assessment grant and coordinated the completion of a Targeted Brownfields Assessment
• Coordinated the cleanup or partial cleanup of three properties
• Provided coordination and proposal development and oversight for the cleanup of a property under a Cleanup grant
• Participated in oil spill response exercises with local pipeline companies and refineries
• Provided environmental training to staff
• Conducted public outreach
Program Highlights
The Swinomish Reservation is located in northern Puget Sound, on a peninsula surrounded almost completely by
ecologically rich and diverse tidelands, estuaries and marine waters. These areas provide a valuable subsistence and
commercial fishing resource for the Swinomish people, as well as important economic development opportunities for the
tribe. Much of the historic development on the reservation was on or near the shoreline. Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding, along with additional Brownfields grants, is allowing the tribe to inventory and assess potential
brownfields properties on these lands, and develop cleanup strategies to put previously contaminated and neglected
areas into productive use. The Swinomish Lime Storage Site, for which the tribe recently received a Cleanup grant, is
located in an ecologically important area on the Swinomish Channel and within the tribe's primary economic development
zone. The site was assessed with an EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessment and found to be contaminated with metals
and dioxins, likely the result of several decades of operation, on leased tribal land, as a processing and storage site for
fertilizer and other agricultural amendments. The cleanup of this property will protect the public and the surrounding
marine environment from contaminants on or leaving the property, and will facilitate the tribe's economic development of
a valuable and strategic property.
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Tangirnaq Native Village
(Woody Island)
Environment and Natural Resources
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
3248 Mill Bay Road
Kodiak, AK 99615
http://kodiakbrownfields.wordpress.com/brownfields-response
Contact(s): Emily Jean Capjohn, Brownfields Coordinator
emily@woodyisland.com
907-486-2821
Overview
• Location: Southwest Alaska
• Land Area: 5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 387
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Woody Island Environmental and Natural Resources programs provide comprehensive natural resources
management and environmental protection services for the tribe's land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding has allowed Woody Island to address the management and restoration of contaminated sites
within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a Public Record
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The Woody Island Brownfields is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to gather information about
contaminated properties, conduct public outreach, inventory and survey potential properties, and assist with possible
assessment. The Brownfields Program coordinated with several other local government agencies to conduct a series of
outreach presentations to the six remote villages on Kodiak Island. The Ouzinkie Village was the pilot in April 2010 and
the success of the presentation led to two other visits to Ouzinkie over the summer of 2010. The Woody Island Tribal
Council continues to develop partnerships with other villages on the island.
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Tetlin Village Council
Tetlin Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 797
Tok, AK 99780
Contact(s): Patricia Young, Environmental Director
pyoungak@gmail.com
907-883-1268
Andrew Baker, Brownfields Coordinator
andrewbuzbaker@gmail.com
907-324-2307
Overview
• Location: Eastern Interior Alaska
• Land Area: 743,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 140
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Tetlin Village Council provides environmental management services for the tribe's land. The addition of the Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of
contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
include:
• Complete a property inventory
• Create a Public Record
• Provide opportunities for meaningful public participation
• Began documentation of historical information regarding sites - including conducting elder interviews
• Organize and host community outreaches to all ages; especially youth as they are at risk when playing in or around
sites in a small community
• Establish a Tetlin Tribal Response Team
• Host trainings in the village for Tribal Members and residents of the Native Village of Tetlin
Program Highlights
The Tetlin Village Council is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to initiate the development of a
tribal response program. The tribe is focusing its funding on developing an inventory of properties and a Public Record,
obtaining technical training for staff members, and conducting outreach and education to engage the community in
environmental and brownfields issues. The Tetlin Village Council continues to research funding opportunities to address
and clean up potential brownfield sites within the community, as federally recognized tribes are eligible for almost all of
the available brownfields funding, especially competitive grants.
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Yakutat Tlingit Tribe
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
716 Ocean Cape Road
Yakutat, AK 99689
Contact(s): Alexander James, Brownfields Coordinator
ajames@ytttribe.org
907-784-3238
Overview
• Location: Southern Alaska
• Land Area: 9,460 square miles
• Population: Approximately 650
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Yakutat Tlingit Tribe provides comprehensive natural resources management and environmental protection services
for the tribe's land. The addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding has allowed the tribe to address
the management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Complete a property inventory
• Create a Public Record
• Conduct an investigation of dioxin contamination in the Anchou Saltchucks, an area used for subsistence fishing
• Review investigations and cleanup work conducted by others
Program Highlights
The Yakutat Tlingit Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to continue the development of its
tribal response program. The tribe's initial focus for its funding was developing an inventory of properties. Formerly
Utilized Defense Sites make a large portion of this inventory. The tribe also focuses on developing a Public Record,
obtaining technical training for staff, and conducting outreach and education to engage the community in environmental
and brownfields issues. Now that the four program elements were established, the tribe is focusing on developing tools
to support efforts to protect its people and natural resources. In 2010, the tribe conducted sampling of shellfish tissue for
dioxins.
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Yukon River Inter-Tribal
Wastershed Council (YRITWC)
Sustainable Lands Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
323 Second Street, Unit A
Fairbanks, AK 99701
http://www.yritwc.org/Departments/SustainableLands/tabid/
61/Default.aspx
Contact(s): Caleb Aronson, Brownfields Coordinator
caronson@yritwc.org
907-451-2530
Overview
Location: Central Alaska and
Northwestern Canada
Land Area: 1.1 million acres
Population: Consists of 70 First
Nations and Tribes
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Program
The Sustainable Lands Department was created in 2007. The vision of the department is to promote sustainable land use
practices throughout the Watershed by building local capacity and addressing contaminated site issues. The department
has worked with 40 tribes and has identified over 230 contaminated sites. The Sustainable Lands Department focuses
on three major areas: Brownfields Tribal Response Program, community emergency response and planning, and data
warehouse and mapping. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a comprehensive inventory of properties
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Conducted Phase I/I I assessments on properties
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
Program Highlights
With Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding, Yukon
River Inter-Tribal Wastershed Council (YRITWC) conducted
Phase I environmental assessments in two communities. The first
assessment, at Hooper Bay, focused on nine plywood sewage
disposal containers and the second, at Pilot Station, focused on
a well pump station to determine whether a release had occurred.
In addition, YRITWC worked with the Anvik Brownfields Program
to conduct a Phase II assessment at the old Alaska Village
Electric Cooperative tank farm and former generator building.
The Community of Anvik plans to clean up the property and
develop it into a multi-use facility and boat storage. The YRITWC
Brownfields Team submitted the environmental assessment
findings to EPA, Alaska Department of Environmental Control,
and each of the three villages with recommended action plans.
The environmental assessments helped characterize the extent
of contamination and outlined clear cleanup plans that will lead to
reuse and redevelopment.
YRITWC Staff Conducting a Phase II Assessment at theAVEC Property
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response
EPA-560-F-11-0:
April 2011
www.eoa.aov/brownfields
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