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United States Environmental Protection Agency January 2011
Region 9, San Francisco, California
Tribal Program Newsletter
Environmental Tip of the Month
Reasons not to buy bottled water in the United States:
Bottled water isn't a good value and the containers add to landfill. Conserve water wherever possible,
and stay informed on local water issues. For more information go to
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/pdfs/fs_healthseries_bottlewater.pdf or
http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating-recipes/stories/5-reasons-not-to-drink-bottled-water
Consider taking Food and Water Watch's No Bottled Water Pledge.
Meetings, Conferences, Workshops and Webinars
Sponsor: Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals
10ft
^Y^
Jan 12-15
Jan 11-14
^s.-j
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/^i^
Jan 25-27
Indoor Air Quality Tools for
Schools National Symposium
Introduction to Tribal Air Quality
Source Reduction Strategies for
Tribal Solid Waste Programs
Washington,
D.C.
Flagstaff, AZ
San Diego, CA
928-523-1496
Lydia Scheer, 928-523-6887 or
http://www.nau.edu/itep/
Todd Barnell, 928-523-3840
Training catalog for ITEP's American Indian Air Quality Training can be viewed by going to:
http://www4.nau.edu/itep/air/training aq.asp or contact Lydia Scheer listed above.
Sponsor: Princeton Groundwater, Inc.
Feb. 7-11
Mar 14-1 8
Apr11-15
The Groundwater and Pollution
and Hydrology course
The Groundwater and Pollution
and Hydrology course
The Remediation course
Orlando, FL
San Francisco, CA
Las Vegas, NV
81 3-964-0800 email:
info@Princeton-
Groundwater.com
Same as above
Same as above
Sponsor: Environmental Health Support Center
Jan 25-27
Feb16-17
Sustainable Solid Waste
Management Operations
Tribal Utility Asset Management
Rock Hill, SC
Lakeside, CA
Sonya McDonald, 301-443-1046
sonya.mcdonald@ihs.gov
Sonya McDonald, 301-443-1046
sonya.mcdonald@ihs.gov
To register go to the following website:
http://www.ehsc.ihs.gov/index.cfm?module=class&cllD=443&qs=module=classes&startrow=26
Tribal Program Newsletter, January 2011
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Sponsor: Arizona Cooperative Extension's Community Resource Development Program
Jan 23-27
43m Annual Arizona
Economic Development
Course
Tucson, AZ
BobMcNichols@RezBuilders.com
928-753-6110
Sponsor: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Feb. 8-10
Apr 26-28
July 26-28
Oct17-18
Oct 19-21
RTOC Meeting
RTOC Meeting
RTOC Meeting
RTOC Meeting and
EPA/Tribal Conference
Coarsegold, CA
San Francisco, CA
Nevada (location TBD)
Pala, CA
Willard Chin, 415-972-3797 or
chin.willard@epa.gov
Willard Chin, 415-972-3797 or
chin.willard@epa.gov
Willard Chin, 415-972-3797 or
chin.willard@epa.gov
Willard Chin, 415-972-3797 or
chin.willard@epa.gov
Sponsor: Nielsen Environmental Field School
Jan 10-13
2011 North American
Environmental Field Conference
and Exposition
San Diego, CA
www.envirofieldschool.com or
call (575) 532-5535
EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Online Overview Course for Permit
Writers: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/outreach/training/pwtraining.cfm Questions or comments should be
directed to David Hair in EPA's Water Permits Division, 202-564-2287; hair.david@epa.gov
Water Education for Teachers (WET)
The mission of Project WET is to teach children, parents, educators, and communities about water
education. Non-EPA training and assistance are also available to tribes through Project WET. For more
information on Project WET, please contact Kerry Schwartz at (520) 621-9591, extension 22 or Mansel A
Nelson, 928 523 1275, mansel.nelson@nau.edu
EPA National Enforcement Training Institute (NETI)
NETI is a part of EPA's Office of Compliance, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. If
you have questions about NETI, please contact Zena Aldridge at aldridge.zena@epa.gov or 740-773-
4039. For a copy of the monthly update of all the upcoming environmental enforcement courses, go
to www.netionline.com
Drinking Water Training for Tribes and Tribal Operators
The following Web site presents a list of training opportunities that may be of interest to tribes and tribal
operators: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal/training.html. Click on your region to learn about training
opportunities that are available in the upcoming months. For more information, email carey.kyle@epa.gov
Certification and Training for Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) in Indian Country
Because of the specific hazards associated with RUPs, the Federal Insecticide, Rodenticide and
Fungicide Act (FIFRA) requires any person who applies RUPs to demonstrate competency and be
certified for the types of intended pesticide applications. Competency is generally achieved by attending
designated training or completing a specific self study program. Applicators then demonstrate
competency by passing a certification exam. There are currently 3 options for ensuring that applicators in
Indian country are trained and legally certified to apply RUPs (40 CFR Part 171). All certification and
training plans must be approved by EPA. To inform tribes about these existing requirements and possible
changes to EPA's certification regulations, the Region 9 Pesticides Office is making presentations at the
2010 RTOC meetings. For detailed information about the options above and questions on the
Certification and Training Program, contact Katy Wilcoxen at 415-947-4205 or via e-mail at
wilcoxen.katy@epa.qov.
Tribal Program Newsletter, January 2011
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Grants and Loans
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Pesticide Office
The Region 9 Pesticide Office has developed a solicitation notice for pesticide special project proposals
from eligible tribes and intertribal consortia for FY 2011 funding. Under this program, financial assistance
will be provided to eligible tribal governments, or intertribal consortia to carry out projects that assess or
reduce risk to human health and the environment from pesticide exposure. Examples of projects to be
considered include the collection and disposal of unwanted/obsolete pesticides, the development of a
plan to reduce pesticide use by promoting alternatives to pesticides, and reducing the risk of exposure to
pesticides through education and outreach. The total amount of funding for FY 2011 is expected to be
about $300,000. For questions, contact Allen Demorest at 415-947-4214 or demorest.allen@epa.gov .
The US-Mexico Border Environmental Education, Outreach and Support Program Funding
Opportunity
The Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) has announced a new funding opportunity: the US-Mexico Border
Environmental Education, Outreach and Support Program. The closing date for this funding opportunity is
January 10, 2011. This program supports environmental education activities designed to reach K-12,
undergraduate, and graduate students, and provide training to assist them in pursuing careers in air
quality management. For more information please go to http://www.epa.qov/oar/qrants fundinq.html.
Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants Program - $4 million
The upcoming Request for applications (RFA) will announce the availability of grants for helping eligible
entities deliver environmental workforce development and job training programs focused on hazardous
and solid waste management, assessment, and cleanup activities. EPA anticipates awarding
approximately 13 environmental workforce development and job training cooperative agreements from
this competitive opportunity. Applications are due January 14. Visit the following website for more
information http://www.epa.qov/brownfields/applicat.htm or access the draft grant application guidelines
at: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/proposal quides/fv11 ST final.pdf
Competitive Funding Under Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319
FY2011 CWA Tribal Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Control Program Request for Proposals (RFP) for
competitive funding requests is posted on the following website at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/tribal/. .
The purpose of the NPS Control Program is to assist federally-recognized Indian tribes develop and
implement polluted runoff control programs and watershed-based plans that address critical water quality
concerns and achieve positive environmental results. For information on the FY2011 CWA Section 319
RFP for competitive funding requests including submission instructions and proposal content, go to
http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/tribal/funding11 .html. The due date for submission materials for
competitive funding only is January 7. For more information, contact Tiffany Eastman, 415-972-3404 or
eastman.tiffany@epa.gov, or Audrey L. Johnson at 415-972-3431 orjohnson.audreyl@epa.gov, or your
CWA grants project officer.
Funding Opportunity under CWA Section 106 for FY 2011
The Water Pollution Control Program assists Federally-recognized Indian tribes with achieving
environmental results by developing institutional capacity for administering water quality programs to
protect, improve, and enhance natural resources. The due date for submitting your draft 106 work plan
and budget is February 1. For more information, please contact Danielle Angeles, EPA Region 9 CWA
106 Program Co-Lead at 415-972-3441 or angeles.danielle@epa.gov, or your CWA grants project officer.
Source Water Assessment and Protection Program (SWAP)
EPA Region 9 intends to award over $290,000 through Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative
Agreements (DITCAs) ranging in size from approximately $25,000 to $85,000 for SWAP activities. The
Tribal Program Newsletter, January 2011
-------
purpose of the funding will enable federally recognized tribes and eligible tribal consortia within EPA
Region 9, who operate at least one public water system (PWS), to identify and assess any possible
threats (potential sources of contamination) to their public drinking water supply sources and to develop
protection measures to protect these sources against those threats. Awards will be made in two phases
according to the following proposal submission schedule: Proposals received by March 25 will be
awarded by August 15. Contact: Jamelya Curtis at (415) 972-3529 or curtis.jamelya@epa.gov for hard
copies or more information. http://www.epa.gov/region9/water/tribal/pdf/FY11Guidance.pdf
Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP)
OPP is soliciting applications from eligible parties for an EPA cooperative agreement to build upon the
success of the current clinical component of the National Strategies for Health Care Providers: Pesticide
Initiative (HCI), (http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/healthcare/healthcare.htm) by expanding the reach
of the initiative to additional healthcare practice sites and by continuing to train practicing clinicians and
other stakeholders in the agricultural and medical community on the recognition and management of
pesticide related health conditions. More at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/grants/proposals/2010-opp-
healthcare-rfa-0608.pdf
EPA Region 9 Water Infrastructure Loans Available to Tribes
For more state-specific information about the CWSRF and DWSRF programs, visit the EPA, Region 9
Web site at http://www.epa.gov/region09/water or go to:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_g rants, htm.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Energy Assistance Program
USDA has funding available to help rural residents in remote areas reduce energy costs. The program is
administered by USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service. Recipients use funds to improve
energy generation, transmission or distribution facilities that serve communities where the average
residential cost for home energy exceeds 275 percent of the national average. Grants are available to
individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, states, local governments and federally recognized Indian
tribes. The funding totals more than $12 million. These funds may not be used to pay utility bills,
purchase fuel, or be used for the sole benefit of the applicant. For more information, contact Dane
Henshall, 202-260-0996
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
USDA has launched a Conservation Loan (CL) program that will provide farm owners and farm-related
business operators' access to credit to implement conservation techniques that will conserve natural
resources. For more information on this CL program, visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov. or go to
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/federalNotices?area=home&subiect=lare&topic=frd-ii
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Foundational Programs
USDA requests proposals for the AFRI - Foundational Programs. The Foundational Programs support
research, education, and extension as well integrated programs that address key problems of national,
regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of agriculture, including farm efficiency
and profitability, ranching, renewable energy, forestry (both urban and agroforestry), aquaculture, rural
communities and entrepreneurship, human nutrition, food safety, biotechnology, and conventional
breeding. The RFP is posted at: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/afri_rfa.html.
USDA Rural Development:
This grant focuses on landfill assistance as well as helping communities reduce the solid waste stream.
For more information go to: http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/SWMG.htm
Tribal Program Newsletter, January 2011
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Other Available Grants
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fund Program
HDD's Office of Community Planning and Development new Rural Innovation Fund (RIF) will be offering
grants of up to $2 million to support innovative housing and economic development activities. Eligible
applicants include federally-recognized Indian tribes or consortia. Grantees can use grant funding to
support various housing and economic development activities including construction, plan preparation,
land acquisition, demolition, homeownership counseling or financial assistance, To view the RIF Advance
Notice please go to the following website: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa10/grpruralinno.cfm
(This is for informational purposes because applications are not yet being solicited or accepted. HUD will
commence solicitation of applications of this grant when it is posted on the Grants.gov website. For
more information, please contact 202-402-4681 or 1-877-787-2526.)
Reuse/Recycling/Restoration, Green Building, Climate Change & Green Jobs
There is significant competitive federal funding available to support Reuse, Recycling, and Composting
grant and cooperative agreement projects through the Department of Commerce's Global Climate
Change Mitigation Incentive Fund. Green building, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects are
also eligible. - Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund: The following link has detailed
application information. http://www.eda.gov/PDF/FY%202011 %20EDAP%20FFO-FINAL.pdf
We Can Change the World Challenge
The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education and the National Science Teachers Association request
proposals for the "We Can Change the World Challenge", a program designed to educate, empower, and
engage students and teachers across the U.S. to become "Agents of Change" in identifying and solving
environmental problems. Awards vary by grade levels and include savings bonds and school grants.
Responses are due March 15, 2011. For more information, go to: http://www.wecanchange.com/.
Tribal Project Assistance
The Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is offering tribes
financial and technical assistance to explore and implement renewable energy projects. NREL helps
tribes develop and implement sustainable energy strategies with technical expertise and capabilities that
support renewable energy technology deployment. For more information go to:
http://www.nrel.qov/applyinq technologies/tribal.html or http://www.nrel.qov/docs/fy07osti/40509.pdf
K-12 Environmental Literacy
The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requests
proposals for Environmental Literacy Grants for Formal K-12 Education. This RFP will support K-12
education projects that advance inquiry-based Earth System Science learning and stewardship directly
tied to the school curriculum, with a particular interest in increasing climate literacy. $8 million is expected
to be available and up to 10 awards are anticipated. Responses are due January 12, 2011. For more
information, contact Carrie McDougall at oed.grants@noaa.gov or go to:
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppld=56016.
Economic Development Assistance (EDA) - Recovery Act
These programs target areas that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job
loss due to corporate restructuring. $150 million is expected to be available and proposals are accepted
on an ongoing basis. For more info, contact Lindsey Pangretic at grants@eda.doc.gov or go to:
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppld=45786.
Economic Development Assistance
EDA requests proposals for the following programs: Public Works; Planning; Local Technical Assistance;
and Economic Adjustment Assistance. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the Global Climate
Change Mitigation Incentive Fund, which supports projects that foster economic competitiveness while
Tribal Program Newsletter, January 2011
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enhancing environmental quality. Proposals accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information, go to:
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppld=48106.
Children's Health
The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) set aside $100 million
for fiscal years 2009-2013 expressly to help find and enroll eligible uninsured children, including $10
million specifically for Indian health providers. For more information about the outreach and enrollment
grants, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/CHIPRA . Questions about the grants may be directed to the CHIPRA
grants mailboxAIANCHIPRAOUTREACHGRANTS@cms.hhs.gov General information about CHIP can
be found at www.insurekidsnow.gov.
Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program
The Water and Environmental Program (WEP) provides a combination of loans, grants, and loan
guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste, and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and
cities and towns of 10,000 or less. For more information, go to:
http://www.indiancountryworks.org/file/Rural%20Water%20and%20Waste%20Disposal%20Program%20
2-27-09%20FINAL.pdf or call Tedd Buelow, 202-690-1681, tedd.buelow@wdc.usda.gov or Sandi
Boughton, 202, 720-1681 m sandi.boughton@wdc.usda.gov
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
General information and an application package are available on Web site: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov
or by calling 916-341-6316.
Employment Opportunities
Environmental Director, Campo Band of Diegueno Mission Indians
The Director is responsible for managing the agency, developing and coordinating environmental
programs and activities, managing a team of technical staff as well as outside environmental consultants
for on-going natural resource management and permitting of emerging economic development on the
reservation. The candidate must demonstrate the following skills: ability to develop and analyze
technical resource data, research and studies , ability to manage and complete work on several projects
at one time, strong public relations skills, strong interpersonal skills, verbal, listening and negotiation skills
strong analytical, research and writing skills, team building skills, budget management, accounting and
reporting skills analytical and problem solving skills, and decision making, stress and time management
skills strong computer skills, software spreadsheet, word-processing, graphics at a highly proficient level.
Please submit a letter of interest, resume and professional references to: Michelle Cuero, Vice
Chairwoman, 36190 Church Road Suite 1, Campo CA 91906. This position is subject to Indian
preference under applicable law
Fishery Biologist II - Pyramid Lake Fisheries; Closes December 30, 2010.
The incumbent is responsible to the Executive Director for all scientific and ecological functions that
contribute to the operation of the Pyramid Lake Fisheries, and supervision of staff to meet the mission
and goals of the program. He/she will coordinate the scientific management and study of hatcheries, wild
fish populations, and aquatic environment of the Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River and manage a field
crew, laboratory, fish health, creel surveys, and water quality monitoring programs. Salary: $18.00-
$18.54 per hour + COLA. For more information please contact the Pyramid Lake Fisheries at (775) 476-
0500. Applications are to be filed at the Pyramid Lake Fisheries Admin. Office, Sutcliffe, NV by 4pm on
December 30, 2010.
Student internships under DOE's Tribal Energy Program
The Tribal Energy Program is seeking current college upper-classmen and graduate students for summer
2011 internships. Students must be U.S. citizens and Native Americans (defined as a member of a
federally recognized tribe, Alaska Village, or Alaska Corporation) with specific interest in renewable
energy. Applications are due February 18, 2011. Download the application. For more information on the
Tribal Program Newsletter, January 2011
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internship program, comments of past interns, and their papers, see the Tribal Energy Program Web site
or the application form.
Clean Water Field Technician, La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians
The EPA Clean Water Act Sec.106 Water Pollution Control Program at the La Jolla Indian Reservation
has an open position for a Clean Water Field Technician under the EPA CWA-Sec.106 program that will
protect the surface water quality, the environment, and the residents of the La Jolla Indian Reservation
and the San Luis Rey watershed. This is an entry level, part-time position with possibility for advancement
that reports to the CWA 106 Program Manager. All applications are due November 12. Applications are
available at the La Jolla Tribal Office and an application and resume should be submitted to the La Jolla
Personnel Committee or Environmental Director at the following address: La Jolla Band of Indians -
22000 Highway 76, Pauma Valley, CA, 92061 - (760) 742-3790 x407. We require a responsible person
with a professional attitude and a passion for environmental protection.
Environmental Position
The Air Quality Program (AQP) with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency has an opening
for an Associate Environmental Engineer. This position will be opened until filled. For more information,
contact Charlene Nelson at 928-729-4247 or by email at charlenenelson@navajo.org. .
Tribal outreach, review and comment
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
EPA hosted a webinar for tribal stakeholders on TRI in September 2010. The purpose of the webinar
was to increase use and awareness of this publicly available tool that tribes may use to identify sources of
toxic chemical releases in their geographic areas. Currently, there are 49 facilities which report to TRI on
tribal lands and 321 facilities operating within 3 miles of tribal land emitting over 141 million pounds of
toxic chemicals. TRI data can be used as a resource to help assess human health and environmental
concerns on tribal lands. If you missed the webinar, information is posted on
http://chemicalright2know.org/content/webinar/tribes2010 . A good starting point to learn more about TRI
is the ABCs of TRI found at http://www.chemicalright2know.org/files/webinar-09082010/TRI-program-
intro-and-basics.pdf. For more information, please contact Penny Wilson Reddy, 415-972-3108.
Environmental Outreach Program
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is looking for host sites for their 2011 student
summer internship program on Environmental Education Outreach. The program is focused on air quality
but a student may be assigned other tasks as well during the 10 week internship. This is a paid
internship, with housing and travel stipends. The deadline is December 31. For more information or
application details, please visit http://www4.nau.edu/eeop/internships/ssi_host.asp. or contact Mansel
Nelson, 928 523 1275 ormansel.nelson@nau.edu.
GAP Online Training Video Available
At the October Conference, Rodges Ankrah from Headquarters led an hour-long training on GAP Online.
A digital video of his presentation is available upon request. Contact your project officer for more
information.
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) Collaborate to Provide Funding Opportunity for Bay-Delta Water Efficiencies
Reclamation and NRCS are working together to leverage federal monies for water delivery agencies and
agricultural producers in California's Bay-Delta region. Reclamation has made available a Funding
Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to invite Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts and other
organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost
sharing with Reclamation on projects that save water, improve water management and create new
Tribal Program Newsletter, January 2011
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supplies for agricultural irrigation. As part of the Reclamation/NRCS partnership each group will provide
up to $5 million for this effort. The FOA is available online at www.grants.gov. If you encounter problems
accessing the FOA online, please call the Reclamation Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 (TTY 916-
978-5608) or e-mail mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov. Applications are due by January 31, 2011, 3:00 PM PST.
U.S. Department of Housing Urban and Development (HUD)
The link below is the press release announcing the awards of HDD's Sustainable Communities Regional
Planning Grant Program.
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/press releases media advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-
233
Protecting Health of Children, the Elderly and Community Members from Environmental Hazards
and Contaminants
Please share the following information with tribal governments on protecting the health of children, the
elderly and community members from environmental hazards including lead-based paint, asbestos,
indoor air pollutants and other contaminants. The following four links provide information regarding
asbestos, asthma, lead and child health.
http://www.epa.gov/region9/tribal/news-features/news10/tribal-asbestos-oct2010.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/region9/tribal/news-features/news10/tribal-asthma-oct2010.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/region9/tribal/news-features/news10/tribal-lead-info-oct2010.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/region9/tribal/news-features/news10/tribal-childhealth-oct2010.pdf
For information on asbestos-in-schools, contact Ron Tsuchiya at 415-947-4168 ortsuchiya.ron@epa.gov
For information on managing asthma, contact Barbara Spark at 415-947-4189 or spark.barbara@epa.gov
For information on preventing childhood lead poisoning, contact David Tomsovic at 415-972-3858 or
tomsovic.david@epa.gov . For information on protecting children's environmental health, contact
Kathleen (Katie) Stewart at 415-947-4119 or stewart.kathleen@epa.gov. We encourage tribes to share
this information with community members, other tribes across the nation with whom you work, tribal
organizations, tribal community groups, and non-tribal partners in protecting health and environmental
quality.
Guidelines for Selecting Safe Locations for New Schools
EPA has released new draft voluntary guidelines to help communities protect the health of students and
staff when selecting new sites for schools. These guidelines are web-based and will be available for
public comment on an EPA contractor web site for 90 days. To review the draft guidelines, click on the
following link or enter it into your browser: http://epaschoolsiting.icfi.com/. Comments will be accepted
until 4 pm EST on February 18, 2011. Instructions for commenting are provided on the web site. To read
the press release visit: http://epa.gov/schools. With questions about EPA's resources for schools,
children's health, or regarding these guidelines, contact Kathleen Stewart, Children's Environmental
Health Coordinator for EPA Region 9 at (415) 947-4119. For environmental health and safety resources
for child care centers and preschools, you can find a range of resources on the children's environmental
health network website (see eco-healthy child care fact sheets) and on the headstart webpage for
environmental health and safety, http://www.cehn.org/ehcc or
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ecdh/Health/Environmental%20Health%20and%20Safety
Native Non-Profit to Focus on Green Collar Careers
For more information contact Cristala Mussato-Allen, 512-462-9056, Native Workplace 4415 Garnett Ave.
Suite #A Austin, TX 78745. info@nativeworkplace.com
Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (SEED) Releases Northwest Tribal
Energy Planning Guidebook
For more information or to obtain a copy of the guide, contact Leslie Moynihan, 206-267-2215 or
leslie@nwseed.org
Tribal Program Newsletter, January 2011
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Toxics Release Inventory
A peer-reviewed analysis of the Toxics Release Inventory and the impact of the EPA's Toxics Release
Inventory Burden Reduction Rule have been published and are available online at:
http://news.duke.edu/2008/06/TRIMiranda.html. Supporting materials for the analysis, including an interactive
Web application which provides access to results by EPA Region and state can be found at:
http://www.env.duke.edu/cehi/about/news/envjustice.htm. For more information, contact Martha H. Keating,
at 919-613-8736 or martha.keating@duke.edu
Improving Public Health and the Environment for Local Communities
This site includes information about the costs to establish and maintain each project, and how local
communities can apply for EPA grants to kick-start their activities. Contact: Cathy Milbourn, 202-564-
4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov or go to: http://www.epa.gov/air/community/
Chemical Spills and Methamphetamine labs
To report a spill, contact 1-800-424-8802 or 1-202-267-2675. NRC is open a 24-hour, 7 days a week,
and 365 days a year. For more information go to http://www.nrc.uscg.mil/index.html
Tribal Compliance Assistance Center - Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance
EPA's web-based Tribal Compliance Assistance Center is now available to provide comprehensive
compliance assistance and pollution prevention information for regulated activities in Indian Country. For
more information, go to the following site: http://www.epa.gov/tribalcompliance. All of EPA's compliance
assistance centers are found at http://www.assistancecenters.net. If you have any questions about the
Tribal Center or the Profile of Tribal Government Operations, contact Jonathan Binder at 202-564-2516,
binder.jonathan@epa.gov, or Catherine Tunis at (202) 564-0476, tunis.catherine@epa.gov or by mail:
EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Mail Code 2224A, Washington, DC 20460.
Tribal Compliance Assistance Notebook
EPA's Tribal Schools Compliance Assistance Notebook provides quick access to many programs and
resources available to help Tribal school districts and Tribal schools prevent and resolve environmental
issues in schools. The Notebook is available at
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/tribal.nsf/programs/tribal+schools. The Tribal Schools Compliance
Assistance Notebook is part of EPA's National Tribal Compliance Assurance Priority
(http://www.epa.gov/compliance/data/planning/priorities/tribal.html).
Professional Resources for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program Staff
California Hazardous Materials Information Exchange list serve is used mainly by HHW professionals in
California, but may be useful for those working outside of California as well. The list serve is also
searchable by topic and date: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hhwie/
Native American Construction Training Management, Inc (NACTM)
This nationwide training provider has teamed up with the United Association of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and
HVAC Techs and UA Local 669 Sprinkler Fitters, to give yet another advantage to Native American's
preparing to enter into the construction arena. Though Local Union 669's willingness to address historical
barriers to career opportunities for Native Americans, they have agreed to allow residential requirements
for entry level apprenticeship opportunities for Native American/Indian candidates who wish to participate.
For more information, go to: http://www.nactm.com/
$250,000 from the Women's Self Worth Foundation
The Women's Self Worth Foundation has pledged $250,000 to the American Indian College Fund over
the period of four years for 14 scholarships to benefit American Indian women attending college. The
grant will be used to fund seven scholarships at the amount of $4,000 per year for a period of two years
for Native women pursuing an associate's degree at a tribal college; four scholarships for $6,000 per year
for four years for Native women students pursuing a bachelor's degree at a tribal college; and three
scholarships for $8,000 per year for four years for Native women pursuing a bachelor's degree at a
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mainstream college or university. For more information about American Indian College Fund, please visit
www.collegefund.org
New Native American Job Site
This site will provide an online job data bank available to Native American job seekers, Native American
tribes, tribal organizations and tribally-owned or controlled casinos. For more information go to:
http://nnlm.gov/mcr/bhic/
Children's Environmental Health
Tips to Protect Children from Environmental Health Threats:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/tips.htm
Tribal Air Section of the Region 9 Web site
EPA, Region 9 now has a section with information and resources on tribal air issues. Please check out
this link: http://www.epa.gov/region09/air/tribal/index.html, if you wish to provide feedback, contact Sara
Bartholomew in the Air Division at 415-947-4100 or by email at bartholomew.sara@epa.gov
EPA Encourages States to Use Portal for Reporting Ecological Incidents:
EPA announces the availability of the Ecological Pesticide Incident Reporting Portal at
www.npic.orst.edu/eco . Launched in October 2009, this online application was developed to facilitate the
reporting of ecological incidents from States, Federal Government organizations, tribes, academia,
wildlife rehabilitation centers, conservation societies, beekeepers and other organizations involved with
the investigation and documentation of ecological incidents. Information related to ecological incidents
submitted via the portal will be imported into a database for use by risk assessors and risk managers in
EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs and considered the next time risks are assessed for the pesticide(s)
involved in the incident report. More complete data on ecological incidents will allow the Agency to make
better informed regulatory decisions, write better label statements, and impose better risk mitigation
measures. Additionally, incident data serve as early warning information and can assist the Agency in
discovering trends, which if left unnoticed, could create problems.
Handbook for Developing and Managing Tribal Nonpoint Source Pollution Programs
This updated handbook provides guidance and practical templates for tribes interested in obtaining
federal funds to manage nonpoint source pollution under section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.
Specifically, it describes the 319 (h) grant processes, as well as how to develop a nonpoint source
assessment report and management program. This version includes new tribal examples, and also a
section focused on the watershed-based planning approach. The final section includes additional
resources for tribes related to the nonpoint source pollution program goals. For more information, click
below: Handbook for Developing and Managing Tribal Nonpoint Source Pollution Programs (PDF)
Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule and training opportunities.
The following Web site has information on the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule and training
opportunities: http://weatherization.org/rrp.html
How to Report a Possible Violation of Environmental Law
If you have seen what appears to be a violation of environmental laws and regulations, visit
http://www.epa.gov/tips. This Web page provides a tool to report possible environmental violations.
Because different activities fall under different jurisdictions, the page gives examples of situations and
who to call. The Web page also helps you tell the difference between environmental violations and
emergencies.
EPA Seeks Information on Lead-Based Paint activities in Region IX Indian Country 1999-2010
In coordination with RTOC, EPA Region IX is gathering information on all lead-based paint activities
conducted at Region IX tribes for the past 10+ years. EPA also seeks information from BIA, HUD and
HIS. Information which EPA is seeking includes activities already completed, underway, or approved but
not started. EPA specifically seeks the following information to prepare a "baseline inventory" of all lead-
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based paint activities conducted in Region IX Indian Country from 1999 to 2010: (1) outreach efforts on
lead-based paint and lead's hazards; (2) childhood blood lead screening efforts; (3) evaluating lead-based
paint conditions at tribal housing, child-occupied facilities or tribal buildings including dust sampling and
soil sampling; and (4) remediating lead-based paint hazards at tribal housing, child-occupied facilities or
tribal buildings including lead in soil remediation. EPA seeks information on all efforts (completed;
underway; or approved) in Region IX Indian Country whether financed by grants/funding agreements with
EPA, BIA, HUD, IMS or other federal departments; funded by tribal governments ortribally-owned entities;
or funded by sources such as foundations or nonprofit groups. Please note that EPA is not seeking
information related to any specific person's blood lead testing or lead hazard testing involving any specific
person's individual housing. If you have information, regarding this baseline inventory for 1999-2010,
please contact David Tomsovic, EPA Region IX Toxics Office, 415-972-3858 or email
tomsovic.david@epa.gov.
EPA Releases First-Ever Baseline Study of U.S. Lakes
This draft study, which rated the condition of 56 percent of the lakes in the United States as good and the
remainder as fair or poor, marked the first time EPA and its partners used a nationally consistent
approach to survey the ecological and water quality of lakes. A total of 1,028 lakes were randomly
sampled during 2007 by states, tribes and EPA. The survey included a comparison to a subset of lakes
with wastewater impacts that were sampled in the 1970s. It finds that 75 percent show either
improvements or no change in phosphorus levels. This suggests that the nation's investments in
wastewater treatment and other pollution control activities are working despite population increases
across the country. To view this study, go to: http://www.epa.gov/lakessurvey
Pesticide Endangered Species Bulletins for California:
In January 2010, the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) completed DRAFT Endangered Species
Bulletins for 40 California counties. The bulletins were developed for the protection of Salmon and
Steelhead in the states of California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington and describe Court-ordered use
limitations for pesticide products containing chlorpyrifos, diazinon or malathion. Once pesticide products
with generic-endangered species label statements are used, the use limitations will be enforceable.
About 55 tribes in California may be affected if any one of these three active ingredients is used on their
lands. Information is available on EPA's websites http://www.epa.gov/espp/litstatus/wtc/maps.htm and
http://www.epa.gov/espp/litstatus/wtc/qs-as.htm . The Region 9 Pesticides Office will provide updates as
available and will assist tribes in effected counties as needed. For more information, contact Allen
Demorest at 415-947-4214 e-mail at demorest.allen@epa.gov.
Community Renewable Energy Project Guide Available
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has completed the Guide to Developing a
Community Renewable Energy Project in North America. This guide is meant to assist community and
indigenous communities groups in the development of their own small-scale renewable energy projects.
The Guide covers Canada, Mexico and the United States. The Guide is available on the CEC Web site
at: http://www.cec.org/files/pdf/ECONOMY/QA0608_Guide_Community_RE_en.pdf.
Treatment and removal of abandoned vehicles
EPA Region 9 has published a 15-page booklet on the treatment and removal of abandoned vehicles,
with emphasis on the problem faced by tribal nations. Here is the URL
http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/tribal/resources.html. In addition to the internet, paper copies are
available by request to Michelle Baker at baker.michelle@epa.gov or 415-972-3206.
Targeted Brownfields Assessments (TBA)
A TBA is an environmental investigation designed to document environmental conditions at a property
under consideration for redevelopment. EPA can provide communities and nonprofit organizations with
environmental assessment services at brownfield properties with redevelopment potential. TBAs are
noncompetitive and are available all year. To see the brochure, click on the following link:
www.epa.gov/region09/brownfields/pdf/Brochure-idea-final-05-07-07.pdf.
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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
EPA has set up a hotline and a website to answer questions about this issue - concerned parties can call
(888) 835-5372 or visit http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/ for additional information.
National Congress for American Indians (NCAI) Opportunities
NCAI has posted a list of opportunities for Tribes resulting from the Recovery Act. There are also links to
related news updates and webinars. See: http://www.indiancountryworks.org/.
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
NPIC offers a toll-free number staffed by knowledgeable specialists seven days/week from 6:30 am to
4:30 pm PST. NPIC has real-time access to current, in depth information for a national audience. NPIC
addresses questions in multiple languages such as Navajo, Cherokee, Ojibway and many more. For any
question regarding pesticides, please call toll free 800-858-7378 or visit www.npic.orst.edu.
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC)
For more information, call Eugenia McNaughton, 415-972-3411 or Joe Eidelberg at 415-972-3809orgo to
http://www.itrcweb.org/membership.asp
Rapid Deployment Energy Efficiency (RDEE) Toolkit Help Line
Call 866-602-7333 or email RDEE@icfi.com to receive a response to your inquiry within one business
day. Visit or post to your browser: http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/index.html. All
questions related to funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act should be
directed to DOE: www.eere.energy.gov/recovery or 1-877-337-3463.
Procedures for Accessing EPA Resources for Emergency Responses to Hazards Materials
Incidents on Tribal or Federal Lands in AZ
Call 9-1-1 first. Then notify the National Response Center at 1 800-424-8802. A tribe can also notify
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) at 602-390-7894 or 602-771-2330. If it is a
transportation-related spill, call 602-223-2212 at the Arizona Department of Public Safety. In addition,
local jurisdictions need to be notified of the incident. If ADEQ is unable to respond to a hazardous
materials incident on tribal and federal lands, contact the National Response Center at 800-424-8802,
and ask for the EPA Region 9 Duty Officer. EPA has On-Scene Coordinators placed in San Francisco,
and Los Angeles, CA, Carson City, NV and Phoenix, AZ who can provide timely response to a hazardous
materials incident.
Web sites for tribal programs and federal programs
The American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) has added a new webpage, "Consultation", to its
intranet site. Under this tab you will find all current information about the consultation policy effort. In
addition the site also contains a searchable database of comments received on the draft policy from tribal
governments and organizations, http://intranet.epa.gov/aieo/index.htm;
http://intranet.epa.gov/aieo/consultation-comments.htm
California State and Regional Water Board E-mail Subscription Web Page Links
The State and Regional Water Boards have several electronic mailing lists available for you to subscribe
to their respective internet web sites. Subscribing to a regional board's mailing list will allow you to
receive announcements/information on TMDL's, water quality standards, and other issues of interest to
your tribe. Use the following link to subscribe:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/email_subscriptions/
Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearing House (TEEIC)
This site http://teeic.anl.gov provides information about the environmental effects of energy development
on tribal lands. The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the development of the TEEIC through the
Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development. For more
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information visit the TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at
teeicwebmaster@anl.gov
Web sites for EPA's compliance assistance newsletter:
http://www.epa.gov/region09/water/tribal-CWA-workshop/
More EPA Websites:
Energy Efficiency, Green Site Cleanups, Renewable Energy, Smart Growth, Transportation, Sustainable
Water Infrastructure and Waste Management: http://www.epa.gov/region09/climatechange/tribes.html
http://www.epa.gov/indian/ (Headquarters)
http://www.epa.gov/aieo/ (Headquarters)
http://www.epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/water/tribaltraining/training.html
http://www.epa.gov/region9/indian/pdf/gap-water-activities-factsheet.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/water/tribaltraining/resources/general.html
http://www.epa.gov/water/tribaltraining/index.html
http://www.epa.gov/region9/tribal/grants/pdf/gap-funds2010-invite-to-apply.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/region09/toxic/tri/
http://yosemite.epa.gOv/opa/admpress.nsf/0/F7C43BF20985D562852576B100764FB1
http://www.epa.gov/indian/index.html; http://www.epa.gov/smokefree
http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html;
http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/ust/leaking-tanks-indian/
http://www.epa.gov/tribalportal/
http://www.epa.gov/oswer/tribal.
http://www.epa.gov/region09/funding/index.html
http://www.epa.gov/region09/indian/res.html
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/newsletters/assistance/index.html
http://iaspub.epa.gov/GAP_Online/
National Indian Justice Center
http://www.nijc.org/pdfs/AIR.PDF ; http://www.nijc.org/pdfs/SOLIDWAS.PDF
http://www.nijc.org/pdfs/WATER.PDF ; http://www.nijc.org/pdfs/DRWATER.PDF
Other Web Sites of Interest
http://www.communityhealthstudies.com
http://www.wihresourcegroup.com/; http://www.doi.gov/bia
http://www.narf.org/nill/triballaw/index.htm; http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp
http://www.conservatree.com/index.shtml; http://soils.usda.gov/survey
http://www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/projects.cfm
www.energysavers.gov
http://www.gaia-gis.it/spatialite/
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/ih/codetalk/onap/swonap/
http://www.epa.gov/indian/calendar/othertraining.htm
http://earth911 .com/hazardous/rechargeable-batteries/
This monthly newsletter contains information on meetings, conferences, trainings, available grants, employment opportunities
and other items of interest. Comments and feedback are appreciated. Contact Maria Castain 415-972-3264; email
castain.maria@epa.gov or go to: http://www.epa.gov/region9/tribal/newslet.html. Also, if you want to be removed from this
mailing list, contact Maria.
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