NEWS The Tribal Newsletter is published free monthly To receive a copy, call: AK: Rose (907)271-1316 ID: Jim (208)378-5691 OR: Don (503)326-5015 WA: Alison (360)753-8185 LETTER Region 10 &EPA Tribal Newsletter United States Environmental Protection Agency Vol. 20 No. 5 May 2011 http://yosemltE.epa.gov/R10/TFaBAL.NSF/NewslettEr/Issues Conferences and Workshops May 12-13 Brownfields Redevelopment Conference, Spokane, WA http://tinyurl.com/68bhv52 24 - 26 Addressing and Managing Illegal Dumping in Indian Country (ITEP), Portland, OR. http://www4.nau.edu/itep/waste/training_wastemgmt.asp June 14-16 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (ITEP), Spokane, WA. http://www4.nau.edu/itep/air/aq_ntf11 .asp August 23 - 25 Tribal Lands and Environment: A National Forum on Solid Waste, Green Bay, Wl. http://www4.nau.edu/itep/waste/twrap_tlf1 "l.asp For a complete list of EPA Tribal trainings, webinars, and grants info, go to http://www.epa.gov/indian/calendar/index.htm Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference to be held in Vancouver in October Set to take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on October 25-27, this event is the largest, most comprehensive scientific research and policy conference in the region. The 2011 conference is co-hosted by Environment Canada and the Puget Sound Partnership. It presents the latest scientific research on the state of the Puget Sound/ Georgia Basin ecosystem. Visit www.salishseaconference.org/sessions.php Save the Date! 2012 Tribal Leaders Summit starts April 30 The date has been set for the 2012 EPA Region 10 Tribal Leaders' Summit, hosted by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The summit will be held at the Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Ronde, Oregon from April 30 - May 4,2012. To be included on the contact list for all communication regarding the Summit, please email brandy.humphreys@grandronde.org ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 Siletz Tribe Awarded EPA Funds to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions EPA announced that 22 communities across the country, including communities in Oregon, Washington and Idaho, will receive $8.3 million in grants to develop local strate- gies to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emis- sions and improve people's health. The grants will help communities increase energy efficiency and save consumers money with new practices involving waste man- agement, energy production, and land use management. The communities of Hailey, Idaho; Corvallis, Oregon; Seattle; and the Siletz Tribe of Oregon will receive over $1.7 million to support the following projects in their communities: The Siletz Tribe received $323,305 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and heat island effects through solar installa- tions and community energy reductions. For more information on these projects, visit www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase The Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program is administered by EPA, provid- ing technical assistance, tools, and guidance to help state, local, and tribal governments implement policies and programs to mitigate climate change. RTOC News The Regional Tribal Operations Commit- tee (RTOC) works diligently to serve the Tribes in Region 10, bringing the voice from our Tribes to the table at meetings with higher management and Administration at the Region 10 EPA. Likewise, we have been focusing on communications to create a flow of information from the EPA to Tribes about policies, programs, funding and other activities that may impact them. Our web site has been up since March of 2010 and it is constantly being updated with new and pressing information for Tribes. Please visit the web site at www.rtocregionlO.org and provide any comments or suggestions for improvements to randi.madison@rtocregionlO.com In February, the RTOC hosted an evening event at the Alaska Forum on the Environ- ment. We were honored to have our Regional Director, Dennis McLerran, give a keynote address, followed by brief addresses from Lisa Garcia, EPA's Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice, and Mathy Stan- islaus, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. By Randi Madison, RTOC Communications Specialist The evening was held in recognition of this year's recipient of the Daniel Ellanak Environmental Excellence Award, Alberta Stephan. Alberta is an elder from the Na- tive Village of Eklutna. She has endlessly given her blessings, traditional knowledge and ancestral wisdom toward environmental gatherings and conferences in Alaska. The Region 10 RTOC welcomes any and all input from Tribes. We cannot carry out our mission of protecting and improving Tribal health and environmental condi- tions without constant updates from Tribes. Please contact your local RTOC or NTOC representative to share what is going on in your area. We meet monthly via conference call and quarterly in person. The next in-person meeting is scheduled for June 28-30 in Seattle at the EPA Region 10 headquarters. Any suggestions for agenda items are due 6 weeks prior to quarterly meetings and may be given by contacting the RTOC Tribal Caucus Co-chair, Violet Yeaton atvyeaton@yahoo.com. All repre- sentative's contact information, agendas and minutes of meetings are posted on our web site. 2- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 Chang EPA Climate Change and Water News EPA has developed its Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative - http://go.usa.gov/bCl/- to assist water and wastewater utilities in becoming "climate ready." CRWU efforts support drinking water and wastewater utilities in implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, resulting in a more resilient water sector. The National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) established the Climate Ready Water Utilities Working Group to evaluate the concept of "climate ready water utilities." In its report to the Agency, the NDWAC provided 11 findings and 12 recommendations to help develop and support a program that enables utilities to attain a state of climate readiness. The report can be accessed at http://go.usa.gov/bCx Following the recommendations of the NDWAC working group and other parties, EPA is developing additional tools, including GREAT and the CRWU Toolbox, to prepare water utilities for climate change. J Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT) GREAT is an interactive tool designed for water and wastewater utilities to assess the risk of potential climate change impacts on their assets, operations, and missions by guiding users through a flexible, systematic assessment process. CREAT also provides regional climate change information that in- cludes a list of potential impacts to utilities, and directs users to a library of adaptation measures. Users can draw from this library to develop their own adaptation plans which can in- clude their custom-designed adaptation measures as well. CREAT can be down- loaded at http://water.epa.gov/infrastruc- ture/watersecurity/climate/creat.cfm EPA is developing training modules for CREAT 1.0 to be delivered to users. Also, EPA has assembled a workgroup to assist in the development of the second version of CREAT. Updates to the software will include an energy efficiency module and incorporation of utility extreme weather data and supplemented scenario-based planning functionality into the tool. If you want to be involved in these efforts, email CRWUhelp@epa.gov. Utility Climate Change Adaptation Measures Guide The guide is being developed to provide information on existing and suggested adaptation measures. This guide will leverage climate science information in CREAT, as well as provide regional climate information and associated adaptation measures. Opportunity for Involvement: The Adaptation Guide is in development, if you want to be involved in providing feedback and comment on the Guide, email CRWUhelp@epa.gov. -3 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 CRWU Collaboration with Climate Ready Estuaries Climate change poses a significant challenge to the ability of coastal communities to sustainably manage their water resources and related infrastructure. As a result, there is a need to identify regional consequences from climate change and to develop adaptation strategies that are integrated at a watershed scale. Two EPA initiatives, the Climate Ready Water Utilities program and the Climate Ready Estuaries program, are working to address these impacts and provide resources and tools for climate change adaptation planning to their respective stakeholders. Recently, EPA has identified the need for better coordination and collaboration between these two programs given their complimentary objectives. The goal of this proposed partnership is to support and promote activities that strengthen the resiliency of water utilities and their surrounding watersheds, including estuaries, against the effects of climate change. If you work with a National Estuary Program or other coastal programs that may have a connection to this effort, please email CRWUhelp@epa.gov to get involved. Climate Ready Water Utilities Wiki The Climate Ready Water Utilities wiki is available at https://ssoprod.epa.gov/sso/ jsp/wsd-ccWikiLogin.jsp. You will be directed to a log-in page. If you do not have an EPA LAN ID and password, request access to the wiki by clicking the "Self-Register for the Climate Ready Water Utilities Wiki via the EPA Portal" link. After filling out the subsequent form, request "General Portal Access." List John Whitler as your EPA contact at whitler.john@epa.gov; (202) 564-1929. A username will be generated for you, and you will be able to access the wiki (this process usually takes a few days). For more information on EPA's climate change activities, visit http://epa.gov/climatechange For an overview of climate change and water issues, visit www.epa.gov/ow/climatechange Climate Ready Water Utilities Toolbox The CRWU Toolbox is a searchable web-based database that contains climate- related resources that assist utilities at all stages of the planning and decision making process, from raising general awareness to implementing mitigation and adaptation measures. Please see www.epa.gov/safewater/ watersecurity/climate/toolbox.html. The Toolbox is currently in beta version, and EPA is seeking comments on it at CRWUhelp@epa.gov ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 USGS Releases Draft Report to Congress: Strengthening the Scientific Understanding of Climate Change Impacts on Fresh Water Resources The Omnibus Public Lands Act (Section 9506 of Public Law 111-11, Appendix A, which incorporates the SECURE Water Act) calls for a report to Congress that describes the current scientific under- standing of each impact of global climate change on freshwater resources of the United States. This draft report identi- fies key actions to improve the nation's capacity to detect and predict changes in freshwater resources that are likely to re- sult from a changing climate. In addition, a series of next steps for federal agencies is provided. The ultimate goal is to help decision- makers and water resource managers by facilitating improvements in observational, data acquisition, and modeling capabilities. For more information, visit http://acwi.gov/Rpt.Congress3.18.ll.pdf National Research Council Releases Booklet, Warming World: Impacts by Degree This booklet is based on the National Research Council report, Climate Stabilization Targets: Emissions, Concentrations, and Impacts Over Decades to Millennia (2011). It outlines the scientific information that makes it clear that emission reductions today matter in determining impacts that will be experienced over the next few decades and into the coming centuries and millennia. The booklet explains how policy choices can be informed by recent advances in climate science that show the relationships among increasing carbon dioxide, global warming, related physical changes, and resulting impacts. For more information, visit ^ http://dels.nas.edu/Materials/Booklets/ warming-world Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Instructions for Climate Change On March 4,2011, CEQjssued a set of and programs, as recommended by the implementing instructions for Federal Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Agency Adaptation Planning. The Task Force in its October 2010 Progress Instructions will inform agencies on how Report to the President. For information, to integrate climate change adaptation visit www.whitehouse.gov/administration/ into their planning, operations, policies, eop/ceq/initiatives/adaptation -5 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 Energy on Potentially Contaminated Land and Mine Sites EPA is soliciting applications from states, tribes, regional governments, and communi- ties that want to evaluate the potential devel- opment of renewable energy on potentially or formerly contaminated properties. This evaluation will be in the form of a feasibility study conducted by the Depart- ment of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that will determine the best renewable energy technology for the site, the optimal location for placement of the renewable energy technology, potential energy generating capacity, the return on the investment, and the economic feasibility of the renewable energy projects. The purpose of the technical assistance is to reuse sites, improve communities, create jobs, develop partnerships, decrease the use of green space for siting renewable energy, and increase the amount of renewable energy generated. Proposals are due to EPA on May 20 and may be submitted to matthews.lura@epa.gov. More informa- tion on the RE-Powering initiative and the request for applications can be found at www.epa.gov/renewableenergyland Department of Energy (DOE) Up to $10 million will be available this year through DOE's Tribal Energy Program to support the evaluation, development and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on tribal lands that will help save energy and money, expand the use of renewable energy resources, and promote economic development for tribal communities. Indian Tribes, Tribal Energy Resource Development Organizations and Tribal Consortia on whose lands the projects will be located are eligible to apply for the available funding. The funds will support three project areas: first steps and capacity building, energy efficiency development and deployment, and renewable energy development and deployment. The full Funding Opportunity Announcements are available online at www.FedConnect.Net or accessible through DOE's Tribal Energy Program web site at http://go.usa.gov/bxG • This funding is subject to continuing congressional appropriations. http://appsl.eere.energy.gov/ tribalenergy/government_grants.cfm EPA Budget Cut by $1.6 Billion for FY 2011 The spending agreement between congressional leaders and the White House for the rest of fiscal year 2011 would reduce the EPA's budget by 16 percent to $8.7 billion and the Department of Energy's energy efficiency and renewable energy program by 18 percent to $1.83 billion. J Improving Public Health and the Environment for Local Communities EPA has a web site to provide ideas on what communities can do to improve local air quality, and to share information on how to apply for EPA grants to kick-start their activities. Contact Cathy Milbourn, (202) 564-4355, milbourn.cathy@epa.gov or go to www.epa.gov/air/community 6- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 Reuse/Recycling/Restoration, Green Building, Climate Change & Green Jobs Competitive federal funding is 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. The following link has detailed application information. http://go.usa.gov/bcN Training on Compliance with Water Requirements Want to learn how to find and fix illicit discharges and connections? How to develop an effective municipal stormwater program for construction sites? What you need to know about the industrial stormwater general permit? Find self-paced training and archived webinars on these topics and a variety of other topics related to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) at EPA's NPDES training site at www.lgean.org/news.cfm#6413 HUD Healthy Homes The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has given a grant to Montana State University to provide free Healthy Homes and RRP training to tribes across the nation. Montana State is an accredited However, in order to receive the free RRP course, students must also attend the Healthy Homes training. If you are interested in bringing this training to your Region, contact Barbara Allen, project coordinator at: blallen@montana.edu. training provider, so upon successful completion of the RRP course, the tribal staff For more info, go to are certified. www.tribalhealthyhomes.org PETE Grants Webinars for Tribes available The National Partnership for Environmental registration is required. Webinars will be Technology Education (PETE) will offer the recorded and made available at entire Administrative and Financial Guidance www.petetribal.org for U.S. EPA Assistance Agreements training via For more information inciuding how to Webmar in May and June 2011. The training ^^ pleage gQ tQ. is targeted towards Tribes, U.S. Territories, and Insular Areas. Please note that free http://tinvurl.com/tribaltrainingwebinar2011 Tribal Lands and Environment: A National Forum on Solid Waste The National Forum on Solid Waste, Emergency Response, Contaminated Sites, and USTs is an annual national gathering of tribal professionals and their colleagues from various federal agencies. Topics covered will be waste management, Brownfields, Superfund sites, underground storage tanks, land remediation, and emergency response. The forum will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, August 23-25. Please visit their website at www4.nau.edu/itep/waste/twrap_tlfll.asp -7 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 PSAs Aid Community Water Quality Efforts The National Environmental Services Center (NESC) has three video public service announcements (PSAs) about the importance of septic system maintenance for community water quality. The PSAs reflect NESC's ongoing commitment to effective wastewater treatment and source water protection, and are available for communities and watershed groups to use for free. Presented in a humorous light, each video drives home the message that homeowners are responsible for safe guarding our drinking water through proper septic tank operation and maintenance. NESC encourages communities to use these brief PSAs as part of a public awareness campaign to protect source water. View and download the videos by visiting: www.nesc.wvu.edu/subpages/psa.cfm Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Names New Executive Director Northern Arizona University and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) are pleased to announce ITEP's new Executive Director, Ann Marie Chischilly, Esq. Ms. Chischilly brings leadership and substantial knowledge to ITEP as a longtime water and environmental attorney. Ms. Chischilly is responsible for coordinating ITEP's work with NAU, state and federal agencies, tribes and Alaska Native villages. ITEP is a national tribal training and technical support institute based on the campus of NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona. Since 1992, the Institute has assisted tribal environmental professionals with support on a variety of environmental challenges including air quality, climate impacts, environmental compliance, and solid waste. ITEP also provides K-16 education and outreach resources to the next generation of tribal environmental professionals. Ms. Chischilly is a member of the Navaho Nation (Dine). She is from Shonto/Kayenta, Arizona, and is Red Streak into the Water Clan. Her maternal grandparent clan is One Who Walks Around, and her paternal grandparent clan is Coyote Pass People. EPA Monitoring Continues to Confirm That No Radiation Levels of Concern Have Reached the United States During detailed filter analyses from 12 RadNet air monitor locations across the nation, the EPA identified trace amounts of radioactive isotopes consistent with the Japanese nuclear incident. Some of the filter results show levels slightly higher than those found by EPA monitors last week and a Department of Energy monitor the week before. These types of findings are to be expected in the coming days and are still far below levels of public health concern. EPA's samples were captured by monitors in Alaska, Alabama, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands and Washington state and sent to EPA scientists for detailed laboratory analysis. Detailed information on the latest round of filter results can be found at http://go.usa.gov/bY8 8- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 New Group to Increase Tribes' Role in Chemical Management and Pollution Prevention EPA is establishing a National Tribal paint, expanding pollution prevention and Toxics Committee (NTTC) that will give safer chemical initiatives in Indian country, tribes a forum for providing advice on the and better evaluating unique chemical development of EPA's chemical management exposures on tribal lands. and pollution prevention programs that affect tribes. Given the uniqueness of tribal cultures, communities and environmental problems, the forum will help EPA tailor and more efficiently address a variety of issues, including preventing poisoning from lead A charter for the new NTTC is being developed and the membership of the council will be formed over the next several months. The first meeting of the NTTC will be held in the spring of 2011. For more information, www.epa.gov/oppt/tribal or www.epa.gov/indian Adaptive Response Framework Guide In order to help drinking water and wastewater utilities use the Adaptive Response Framework as described in the NDWAC Climate Ready Water Utilities report, EPA will begin development of the Adaptive Response Framework Guide. The goal of this guide is to provide additional descriptions of potential climate change activities that will support climate resilience at a utility and identify specific resources to support each activity. EPA will begin work on this guide in the spring of 2011. will seek stakeholder input during the Df this product. Please email CRWUhelp@epa.gov to get involved. EPA Updates Emissions and Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) eGRID is a comprehensive database of emissions from almost all electric power generated in the United States. The data are widely used to show the impacts of electricity generation as well as the benefits from reduced electricity demand. eGRID contains emissions information for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) which contribute to unhealthy air quality and acid rain in many parts of the country. eGRID also contains emissions information for carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. eGRID now includes data from 2007, an update from 2005. For additional information, visit www.fedcenter.gov/ Announcements/index.cfm?id=17413 -9 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 EPA Solicits Public Comment on Permit to Reduce Stormwater Discharges EPA is releasing for public comment a draft permit that will help improve our nation's waterways by regulating the discharge of Stormwater from construction sites. Stormwater discharges during construction activities can contain sediment and pollutants that harm aquatic ecosystems, increase drinking water treatment costs and pollute waters that people use for fishing, swimming and other recreational activities. The proposed Construction General Permit (CGP) includes a number of enhanced protections, including enhanced provisions to protect impaired and sensitive waters. Some of the significant proposed permit modifications include new requirements for: • Eligibility for emergency-related construction • Required use of the electronic notice of intent process • Sediment and erosion controls • Natural buffers or alternative controls • Soil stabilization • Pollution prevention • Site inspections • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans • Permit termination. The permit will be effective in areas where EPA is the permitting authority, including four states (Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Mexico); Washington, D.C.; most territories; and most Indian country lands. The public will have 60 days to comment on the draft permit. EPA anticipates that it will issue the final construction general permit by January 31, 2012. For more information on the proposed construction general permit, visit http://go.usa.gov/bgp EPA Updates Energy Star Label Standards for Lighting Fixtures The EPA is announcing updated standards for light fixtures to qualify for the Energy Star label - an efficiency program that has saved consumers money on their energy bills while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people's health since 1992. Effective October 1,2011, to qualify for the Energy Star label light fixtures will need to increase efficiency 30 percent above currently qualified fluorescent- based fixtures. In 2013, performance requirements will increase further, providing 40 percent higher efficiency compared to currently qualified models. ENERGY STAR Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercia and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $18 billion on their energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 33 million vehicles. More information on light fixtures is at www.energystar.gov/luniinaires 10- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 EPA Seeks Comments on Protecting Healthy Watersheds The EPA is seeking comments on a recently released draft technical document titled "Identifying and Protecting Healthy Watersheds: Concepts, Assessments, and Management Approaches." This draft technical document provides the basis for implementing the Agency's Healthy Watersheds Initiative, which, in partnership with states, tribes, local governments, nongovernmental organizations and others, is intended to protect the nation's remaining healthy watersheds, prevent them from becoming impaired, and accelerate restoration successes. The Healthy Watersheds approach, as part of the initiative, is based on a holistic, integrated, systems view of aquatic ecosystems that acknowledges their dynamics and interconnectivity in the landscape. EPA is seeking comments on this draft document until June 3, 2011. For more information and the draft document please visit www.epa.gov/healthywatersheds Tribal Energy Information gets new section A new section on hydrokinetic energy devel- mental impacts associated with hydrokinetic opment has been added to the Tribal Energy energy development, mitigation measures to and Environmental Information Clearing- avoid or reduce hydrokinetic energy develop- house (TEEIC) Web Site at ment impacts, and information about appli- http://teeic.anl.gov/er/hydrokinetic cable federal laws and regulations. The TEEIC provides information about the The primary hydrokinetic energy resources environmental effects of energy development presented in the new section are ocean wave on tribal lands. The new section includes energy tidal energy, and river in-stream discussion of hydrokinetic energy, environ- energy and ocean current energy. US DA Energy Assistance Program The US Department of Agriculture 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. The funding totals more than $12 million. Recipients use funds to improve energy These funds may not be used to pay utility generation, transmission or distribution bills, purchase fuel, or be used for the sole facilities that serve communities where the benefit of the applicant. Grants are available to individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, states, local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes. average residential cost for home energy exceeds 275 percent of the national average. For more information, contact Dane Henshall at (202) 260-0996 - 11 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 Contests & News State of the Environment Photo Project Contest Now in progress and over the coming year to Earth Day 2012, EPA is inviting photographers to submit photos on the state of the environment as they experience it, to add to the Documerica project. Read more about the history of Documerica and how to enter your photos. www.flickr.com/groups/1667216@N23 v y Synopsis of the 2010 White House Tribal Nations Conference A synopsis is available online of the 2010 White House Tribal Nations Conference December 16,2010, "Working with Tribal Nations to Build a Brighter Future. "Visit http://go.usa.gov/ba8 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Cleanup Guidance EPA has updated its guidance on how to properly clean up a broken compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and also developed a new consumer brochure with CFL recycling and cleanup tips. For the full text, visit www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html EPA Rap for Kids — Share it with Friends! "Click it, flip it, turn the handle to the right, turn off the water, twist the handle real tight." So begins a song about climate change, available for downloading from the EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/climateforaction/learn Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Contest The U.S. EPA, Generations United, the Dance Exchange, National Center for Creative Aging, and the Rachel Carson Council, Inc., announce a poetry, essay, photo and dance contest. Entries must be from a team of two or more persons, a young person and an older person. The creative work should express the "Sense of Wonder" that your team feels for the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful to your eyes. Submissions are due June 10,2011. The finalists will be selected by a panel of judges. Then the public will be asked to vote for their favorites in each category: photography, essay, poetry and dance. For more info, go to www.epa.gov/aging/resources/ thesenseofwonder/2011_flyercarson.pdf ' NPDES Pesticide General Permit (PGP) Extension EPA has been granted an extension to the implementation date for the PGP. NPDES PGP permits are not required until October 31,2011. EPA plans to publish its final PGP by July 31, 2011 prior to the October 31,2011 deadline. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Mold policy unchanged EPA has not changed its policy on sampling for mold — we do not recommend routine sampling for mold. Addressing the cause of the mold growth, that is the source of the moisture, is the most important action that can be taken. Sampling or testing for mold is discussed in more detail in our guidance at http://go.usa.gov/bgi 12- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 Climate Change Vulnerability This EPA report presents a series of case studies describing the approaches currently being taken by four water utilities in the United States to as- sess their vulnerability to climate change. The case studies illustrate different approaches that reflect specific local needs and conditions, existing vulnerabilities, local partnerships, and available information about climate change. Assessments Information from these case studies will be useful to water utilities and other members of the water resources community to inform the development of strategies for understanding and responding to climate change. The report is available at http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/global/recordis- play.cfm?deid=233808 Tabletop Exercise Tool for Water Systems: Emergency Preparedness, Response, & Climate Resiliency (TTX Tool) TTX Tool assists users in planning, customiz- ing, and conducting water sector-specific table- top exercises on five climate change scenarios. Background technical information included in the tool provides a brief introduction to climate science and how climate impacts may affect utility operations. Download the tool at http://yosemite.epa.gov/ ow/SReg.nsf/description/TTX_Tool EPA will be updating the TTX Tool during the spring and summer of 2011 and will seek stakeholder involvement during this process. Please email ttxtool@epa.gov to get involved. United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Tribal Program 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900, ETPA-085 Seattle, WA 98101-3140 Toll-Free: (800) 424-4372 Phone: (206) 553-0542 Fax (206)553-0151 Tribal Staff IDAHO and EASTERN WASHINGTON Jim Zokan, Tribal Coordinator. (208) 378-5691 OREGON Kris Carre, Tribal Coordinator (503) 326-7024 WASHINGTON Alan Moomaw, Tribal Coordinator... (360) 753-8071 Diana Boquist, Tribal Coordinator... (206) 553-1586 United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 -13 ------- SEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Tribal Program 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101-1128 Region 10 Tribal Newsletter May 2011 Got E-mail? Make the choice to receive this newsletter electronically. Send your e-mail address to Don Creek at Creek.Don@epa.gov Got News? The Region 10 Tribal Newsletter invites you, our readers, to submit ideas and articles for consideration and to share your successes and challenges. Photo- graphs are also welcome. Please submit articles to: Don Creek, EPA, 805 SW Broadway, Suite 500, Portland Oregon, 97205 or e-mail creek.don@epa.gov. To Report Spills and Accidents Note these emergency numbers to call in the event of hazardous material spills or accidents. Alaska Idaho Oregon 800-478-9300 800-632-8000 800-452-0311 Washington National (EPA) 800-258-5990 800-424-8802 ------- |