Tribal Brownfields
and Response Programs
Respecting Our Land, Revitalizing Our Communities
United States
Environmental Prote
Agency
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Purpose
This report highlights how tribes are using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Program
funding to address contaminated land in Indian country1 and other tribal lands. It also highlights the challenges
tribes face. It provides a 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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Table of Contents
Overview 6
Brownfields Tribal Highlights and Results 7
EPA Region 1 Brownfields Grantees 9
Passamaquoddy Tribe 10
Penobscot Indian Nation 11
EPA Region 2 Brownfields Grantees 12
Seneca Nation 13
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe 14
Currently No Tribal Section 128(a) Grantees in Reg/on 3
EPA Region 4 Brownfields Grantees 15
Seminole Tribe 16
EPA Region 5 Brownfields Grantees 17
Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe 18
Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa 19
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa 20
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians 21
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and Chippewa 22
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe 23
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians 24
Little Traverse Bay Bands (LTBB) of Odawa Indians 25
Lower Sioux Indian Community 26
Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe) 27
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin 28
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe 29
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi 30
Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin 31
Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians 32
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 33
SaultSte. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians 34
St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin 35
White Earth Band of Ojibwa 36
EPA Region 6 Brownfields Grantees 37
Cherokee Nation/lnter-Tribal Environmental Council (ITEC) 38
Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council, Inc. (ENIPC) 39
EPA Region 7 Brownfields Grantees 40
Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas 41
Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation 42
Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska 43
Santee Sioux Nation 44
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska 45
EPA Region 8 Brownfields Grantees 46
Blackfeet Nation 47
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) 48
Chippewa Cree Tribe (Rocky Boys) 49
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes 50
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe 51
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe 52
Fort Belknap Indian Community 53
Fort Peck Tribes 54
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe 55
Northern Cheyenne Tribe 56
Oglala Sioux Tribe 57
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Rosebud Sioux Tribe 58
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe 59
Southern Lite Indian Tribe 60
Spirit Lake Nation 61
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe 62
Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations) 63
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians 64
Lite Indian Tribe 65
Lite Mountain Lite Tribe 66
Wind River - Eastern Shoshone & Northern Arapahoe 67
EPA Region 9 Brownfields Grantees 68
Gila River Indian Community 69
Navajo Nation 70
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe 71
Ramona Band of Cahuilla 72
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community 73
San Carlos Apache Tribe 74
Tohono O'odham Nation 75
White Mountain Apache Tribe 76
Yurok Tribe 77
EPA Region 10 Brownfields Grantees 78
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium 79
Bristol Bay Native Association 80
Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska 81
Chuathbaluk Traditional Council 82
Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians 83
Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation (CTCR) 84
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation 85
Copper River Native Association 86
Craig Tribal Association 87
Douglas Indian Association 88
Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, and Holy Cross (GASH) 89
Hydaburg Cooperative Association 90
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe 91
Kuskokwim River Watershed Council (KRWC) 92
Makah Indian Nation 93
Maniilaq Association 94
Metlakatla Indian Community 95
Native Village of Eklutna 96
Native Village of Eyak 97
Native Village of PortHeiden 98
Native Village of Saint Michael 99
Native Village of Tazlina 100
Native Village of Tununak (Nelson Island Consortium) 101
Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho 102
Organized Village of Kasaan 103
Orutsararmiut Native Council 104
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe 105
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes 106
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community 107
Tanana Chiefs Conference 108
Yakutat Tlingit Tribe 109
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) 110
Appendix Ill
Quick reference matrix of all the tribal programs
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Overview
There are 566 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. The EPA's
Brownfields 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—provides
resources to assist tribes in addressing these issues across Indian country.
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. To address
brownfields and environmental issues in Indian country, many tribes establish their own environmental
protection and natural resource management offices, and 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.
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Despite the challenges, revitalization of contaminated lands is being addressed successfully across Indian country.
With the assistance of grants and other resources available through EPA's Section 128(a) Tribal Response 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.
Brownfields Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program Grants
The EPA Brownfields Program's goal is "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." Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding 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 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.
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
BROWNFIELDS FUNDING AWARDS TO TRIBES
$14
$12
$10
£ $8
o
$6
$4
$2
$0
FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14
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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. 0. Box 343
Perry, ME 04667
http://www.wabanaki.com
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
• EPA Grants: Assessment Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.wabanaki.
com/sed/PROGRAMS/default.htm
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. Accomplishments
achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Maintaining a comprehensive site inventory available for review on the tribal website
• Maintaining a public record available for review on the tribal website
• Developing tribal ordinances
• Conducting Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments (ESA) on various tribal properties
• Entering en rolled properties into EPA's Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES)
• Attending tribal response program workshops
Program Highlights
The Passamaquoddy Tribe used Section 128(a) Response Program
funding to conduct assessment activities on two properties, the
Passamaquoddy Public Works Garage and the Penknife Lake
property. Recently, the tribe conducted Phase I and Phase II ESAs
at the Passamaquoddy Public Works Garage. This property was
historically used as an auto-repair shop and informal landfill for bulky
waste. The property is located immediately upslope of traditional
shell-fishing grounds and is currently used to store and maintain
public works vehicles and the tribe's winter road-salt pile. The results
of the Phase II indicated that concentrations of semi-volatile organic
compounds are present in adjacent freshwater sediments. The
investigation also identified high salinity concentrations in surface
and ground water. As a result of the investigation, the tribe will
consider further evaluation of the adjacent shell-fishing grounds and
determine the feasibility of constructing a fixed structure over the salt pile. Additionally, the Passamaquoddy Tribe conducted
a Phase I at a potentially impacted property on Penknife Lake. Land at the Penknife Lake property will be dedicated to the
development and enrichment of tribal youth through traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and camping.
Phase II test pitting activities conducted at the
Passamaquoddy Public Works Garage Site
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Penobscot Indian Nation
Department of Natural Resources
12 Wabanaki Way
Indian Island, ME 04468
http://www.penobscotnation.org/DNR/DNRl.htm
Contact(s): John Banks, Director of Natural Resources
john.banks@penobscotnation.org
207-817-7330
Program
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
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
The Penobscot Indian Nation Department of Natural Resources (PIN/DNR) provides comprehensive natural resource
management and environmental protection services for the tribe's 130,000 acres of land. Programs administered by the
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. While PIN/DNR is funded by a variety of federal and tribal funding
sources, the addition of the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingexpands the Department's scope of work to
include management and restoration of contaminated site within tribal lands. Utilizing 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding, the PIN/DNR has achieved the following accomplishments:
• Create, maintain, and expand a comprehensive site inventory;
• Maintain a public record available for public review;
• Promote tribal participation through public outreach and education;
• Conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) on various tribal lands;
• Enroll properties into U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Assessment, Cleanup, and Redevelopment
Exchange System (ACRES) and update information as required; and
• Attend tribal response program workshops.
Program Highlights
The PIN/DNR is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding to continue developing an inventory of potential Brownfields
properties and strengthen the Penobscot Nation's capacity to
respond to contaminated sites within tribal lands. Most recently,
the tribe is working to prepare a remediation plan to revitalize a
riverfront property which was historically used as a metal foundry and
machine shop. The tribe would like to develop this property into open
greenspace with water access for fishing and small boats. Additionally,
the tribe has completed two Phase I ESAs on the Penobscot River
with the intention of utilizing the properties for agricultural uses
including organic vegetable production. The properties are primarily
undeveloped but have historically received significant urban fill. Phase
II ESA investigations are currently being prepared to investigate if the
urban fill has the potential to negatively impact human health and the
environment, and vegetables farmed on the property.
Former Foundry Property
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EPA Region 2
Brownfields Grantees
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Seneca Nation
Overview
Seneca Nation Environmental Protection Department
84 Iroquois Drive
Irving, NY 14081
http://sni.org/departments/environmental-protection
Contact(s): Mark Powless
Brownfields Program Manager
mark.powless@sni.org
716-532-2546
Program
• Location: Western New York
• Land Area: 50,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 7,200
enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://sni.org/
departments/environmental-
protection/pages/epd-brownsfield-
reporty
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, Brownfields, Pesticides and a new regulatory permit section. The addition of 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 of properties within the Territory
• Published the inventory on the tribe's website
• Created and maintained a public record
• Reviewed and prioritized tribal ordinances and codes for updating
• Conducted Phase I assessments on properties on the Territory
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties on the Territory
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
• Constructed a bio-cell for treatment of petroleum-impacted soil
Program Highlights
Seneca Nation used Section 128(a) Response Program fundingto conducta Phase II environmental assessment at the
Philadelphia Furniture property located in Salamanca, New York. The warehouse and factory on the property were originally
built in 1911 by the Fancher Furniture Company. Fancher employed 800 workers and shipped products worldwide at its
peak in the early 1970s. The Philadelphia Furniture Company bought the Fancher Company in 1997 and continued to
make furniture until 2008. In 2009, Seneca Nation purchased the vacant property and in 2010, a massive fire destroyed
the building. The environmental assessment conducted by Seneca Nation included sampling and analysis of soil and
groundwater. The assessment revealed metal contamination above Seneca Nation's soil cleanup objectives (SCO) in the soil
and in levels slightly above drinking water standards in the groundwater. Recommendations include capping the site, deed
restrictions, and an Operation and Maintenance program for the cap. At this time, redevelopment plans for the property
continue to be discussed.
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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
Program
Overview
• Location: Mohawk Reservation of
Akwesasne in Northern New York
• Land Area: 15,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 4,500
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.srmtenv.org/
srmtbrownfields/Home.html
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 future generations at Akwesasne. The
addition of 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:
• 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 and codes
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The Regis Mohawk Tribal Response Program is using Section 128(a) Response Program funding to identify strategies for
management of several different projects. Project staff members had the opportunity to network with other brownfields
managers in the state and also on an inter-tribal level. Staff regularly attend Brownfields Roundtable meetings in Albany,
New York to learn about initiatives by other agencies and obtain updates from EPA. Staff also attended the Institute for
Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribal Lands Forum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where they learned about other tribal
brownfields activities and gained insights into managing programs and addressing issues relevant to their situation and
culture. The forum provided an excellent opportunity for staff to network and share information formally in presentations
and informally through one-on-one interaction. The establishment of a community advisory group called the "Akwesasne
Brownfields Committee" (ABC) has been critical in prioritizing the tribe's list of potential brownfields sites. This committee—
as well as successful outreach activities such as a kiosk, staff presence at public events, and the distribution of brochures-
has ensured that the community is informed and aware of the tribe's Brownfields Program and related activities.
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EPA Region 4
Brownfields Grantees
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Seminole Tribe
Overview
Seminole Environmental Resource Management Department
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33024
http://www.semtribe.com/Services/Brownfields/
Contact(s): Brownfields Coordinator
ERMD-info@semtribe.com
954-965-4380
Program
• Location: Central and South
Florida
• Land Area: 90,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 3,500
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Assessment Grant, and Section
128(a) Tribal Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
In October 1987, the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida created the Environmental Resource Management
Department (ERMD), which has offices on the Hollywood, Big Cypress and Brighton Reservations. The ERMD's mission
is to protect and evaluate the tribe's land and water resources and facilitate the conscientious use and conservation of
these resources by other departments. 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. Accomplishments achieved using
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of brownfield properties on reservations
• Updated information on the tribe's website
• Maintain a public record
• Assess properties throughout the reservations
• Conducted cleanup activities
• Maintain a public outreach plan
• Developed tribal ordinances
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Participated in several environmental training courses and offered trainingto staff and tribal members
Program Highlights
ERMD used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto
coordinate and manage environmental assessment activities at
several cattle dip vat sites in an effort to determine subsurface
conditions and establish any future remedial action plans. At one
cattle dip vat site, the Red Barn, ERMD coordinated and managed
soil cleanup activities. Atotal of 3,200 tons of arsenic-and pesticide-
contaminated soil was excavated and properly disposed of at a
permitted landfill. To improve ground water conditions and reduce
future remediation efforts and costs, ERMD designed and installed
a system of trenches within the excavated area allowing the removal
of 31,800 gallons of adversely impacted ground water. The pumped
ground water was properly disposed of at a licensed waste and
recycling facility. Subsequently, the excavated area was backfilled with
clean rock material provided by the tribe's own rock mine. The project
was successful in removing the arsenic and organochlorine pesticide
source and in improving the hydrogeological conditions for future
ground water recovery and remediation.
Excavation and stockpiling activities at the
Red Barn property
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EPA Region 5
Brownfields Grantees
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Bad River Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa Tribe
Tribal Brownfields Response Program
P.O. Box 39
Odanah, Wl 54861
http://www.badriver-nsn.gov/tribal-operations/natural-resources/
environmental-response-program
Contact(s): John Prohaska
brownfields@badriver-nsn.gov
715-682-7123
Overview
Location: Northwestern Wisconsin
Land Area: 124,234 acres
Population: Approximately 7,000
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe strives for resource management that both conserves natural resources for
future generations and provides for the needs of the present. This reflects the importance the Bad River Tribe places on its
right and ability to exercise sovereignty, self-determination and self-regulation in the area of natural resource management
and protection. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding further allows the tribe to manage and
restore contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe will use Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop an
inventory of potential brownfield properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond to contaminated properties
within tribal lands.
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Fond Du Lac Band of
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 Specialist
davidsmithr@fdlrez.com
218-878-7119
Overview
• Location: Northeastern Minnesota
• Land Area: 100,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 3,700
(4,000 enrolled members)
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://mapserv.fdlrez.
com/fdlgis/
Program
The Fond Du Lac Environmental Department developed its Brownfields Program 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 (UST) facilities within the boundaries of the Fond du Lac Reservation. Three of the facilities are
convenience stores with multiple, active USTs (one owned and operated by the Fond du Lac Reservation); an airport with
two active USTs; and one county maintenance garage; together accounting for 11 active USTs on the reservation. There
are also 22 dormant USTs that have been closed. The presence of petroleum USTs on the reservation presents a potential
environmental hazard, 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
passed as Law.
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Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa
and Chippewa
Environmental Response Program
2605 N West Bay Shore Drive
Peshawbestown, Ml 49682
http://www.gtbindians.org/
Contact(s): Melissa Witkowski, Environmental Response Coordinator
melissa.witkowski@gtbindians.com
231-534-7362
Overview
Location: Northern Michigan
Land Area: 2,522 acres
Population: Approximately 4,100
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Grand Traverse Band (GTB) Natural Resources and Environmental Department has a mission to protect, enhance,
and restore the natural resources for past, present, and future generations of Anishinaabek. The goal of this project will
be to address environmental contamination affecting GTB and lands located within reservation boundaries. Long-term
goals include the development and implementation of a Tribal Environmental Response Program that will address the
assessment, inventory, and response to potentially contaminated sites within the reservation. Another long-term goal is to
establish and enhance GTB ordinances and policies to address the specific needs of the tribe. Finally, this project will result
in increased knowledge of the GTB Natural Resources Department regarding contaminated sites, and will enable tribal
citizens to provide meaningful input into response plans and issues related to contaminated sites.
Program Highlights
Since the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians was awarded Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding in Fiscal Year 2011, the Environmental Response Coordinator has been involved in capacity building, attending
technical, training, and networking meetings and groups, developing the Tribal Environmental Response Program,
inventorying contaminated sites located within the delineated reservation area, maintaining the public record, developing
the program website, working to conduct in-house environmental assessments, and researching to enhance GTB ordinances
and policies.
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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://nrd.kbic-nsn.gov/brownfields.html
Contact(s): Katie Kruse,
Environmental Response Program 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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://nrd.
kbic-nsn.gov/PDF/Brownfield/
BrownfieldsPublicRecord.pdf
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 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
brownfields
• Developed a 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) Response Program funding to actively locate and identify brownfields, building its inventory
of potential brownfield sites within L'Anse Reservation boundaries by 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 the beneficial reuse of these properties. Recently, KBIC also completed the
assessment and cleanup of the Sand Point property using a combination of Section 128(a) Response Program funding, EPA
Brownfields Cleanup grant funding, tribal general funds, and Great Lakes Basin program funds. The Sand Point property
consists of shoreline property impacted by copper ore processing wastes, known as stamp sands, which 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 the affected area. Through this effort, KBIC transformed the property into a recreational area for use by tribal members
and the general public. KBIC's long-term plan for the site is to incorporate greenspace and landscape architectural designs,
as well as provide hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and areas for personal reflection.
21
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Overview
• Location: Northern Wisconsin
• Land Area: 87,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 3,500
enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Lac du Flambeau Band of
Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
and Chippewa
Lac du Flambeau Tribal Environmental Response Program
P.O. Box 67
Lac du Flambeau, Wl 54538
http://www.ldftribe.com/departments/21/Natural_Resources/Response_
Program_Brownfields.html
Contact(s): Kristen Hanson, Environmental Response Program Coordinator
khanson@ldftribe.com
715-588-4290
Program
The Tribal Environmental Response Program (TRP) identifies, inventories, and responds to environmental contamination
concerns within the Lac du Flambeau reservation. The TRP provides tribal oversight of assessments and cleanup activities
within reservation boundaries and conducts assessments and cleanups at prioritized brownfield sites. Activities completed
using Section 128(a) TRP funding include:
• Completed, maintained, and updated an inventory of properties with environmental concerns
• Completed tribal oversight of assessments and cleanups within reservation boundaries
• Conducted environmental assessment or cleanup work at eight brownfields
• Developed a tribal spill reporting and cleanup code with soil and ground water cleanup standards
• Offered environmental training to staff and responders
• Created and maintained a public record
• Fostered public participation through community involvement, information requests, and targeted outreach to youth,
elders, and families
• Leveraged assessment and cleanup dollars at several sites
Program Highlights
Nearly half of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation's surface area is
lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands fed by a shallow, sole source
aquifer that also supplies drinking water to the reservation. The
shallow water table makes the reservation more susceptible to
exposure risks that threaten the tribe's subsistence fishery, wild
rice, traditional and cultural uses, and way of life. Through its
Section 128(a) TRP funding, Lacdu Flambeau has built capacity
to better respond to real and perceived contamination risks
within the reservation. Assessments and cleanups are overseen
by the tribe through the TRP. In addition, the tribe developed a
Hazardous Substance Control Code with spill reporting and cleanup
requirements, including soil and ground water cleanup standards. The
Haskell Lake Groundwater Investigation is an example of a groundwater contamination discovered and overseen by the TRP.
During groundwater sampling related to a separate unrelated site, petroleum contamination was discovered. The discovered
contamination is adjacent to a lake, upgradient from private wells, and within a lake-wetlands complex supporting
subsistence and cultural resource use. The TRP was able to leverage funds to complete groundwater assessment work and
sample private wells. The contamination was discovered and sensitive receptors are being evaluated solely because of the
existence of the TRP to monitor on-reservation sampling activities, observe contamination when it is encountered, manage
assessment and cleanup oversight, and leverage outside funding and agency resources when it is critically needed.
A lake and wetlands on the Lac du Flambeau
Reservation
22
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Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Leech Lake Environmental Department
Brownfields Program
6530 Highway 2 NW
Cass Lake, MN, 56633
http://www.llojibwe.org/drm/environmental/brownsfield.html
Contact(s): Diane Thompson, Brownfields Coordinator
diane.thompson@llojibwe.org
218-335-7400
Program
Overview
Location: North Central Minnesota
Land Area: 680,000 acres
Population: Approximately 9,566
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances
that Cover 128(a) Work: Yes;
Hazardous Substance Control Act
enacted in 2000
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.llojibwe.org/
drm/environmental/brownsfield.
html
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe received its first Brownfield grant in the fall of 2003. From that time, the Band:
• Developed three Brownfields Response manuals with the help of legal consultants. The manuals assist with oversight
work on assessment and cleanup activities.
• Developed the Hazardous Substance Control Act (HSCA), which assists the Band with the cleanup of sites, standards,
and enforcement within the program. The Band has oversight authority for several sites within the interior boundaries
of the Leech Lake Reservation.
• Updated the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
• A Tribal Emergency Response Committee (TERC), which is currently updating the emergency response plan (EOP). The
TERC meets once a month to discuss updates.
• Developed its Hazardous Mitigation Plan. The Band is currently working with the State of Minnesota on a planning
grant application.
• The TERC presented a proposal to our Tribal Leaders requesting the hire of a Emergency Response Manager for the
Leech Lake Tribe. The Tribal Council approved the proposal and the Band is in the process of hiring for the first time
an Emergency Response Manager for the Leech Lake Tribe.
Program Highlights
Since 2012, the Band has been working with the Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) on the cleanup of an Old Gun Range/Illegal Dump Site.
This property was originally constructed as a gun range by BIA in the
mid 1980s. The property was used for the first five years as a gun
range to qualify and certify conservation officers. After BIA stopped
using it for that purpose, the property became used by some local
residents for unauthorized target practice and illegal dumping. EPA
conducted a Targeted Brownfields Assessment that identified the need
to clean up lead contamination; the Band conducted further sampling
and obtained funding from BIA for the cleanup that was completed in
the faII of 2013.
Cleanup activities at the former Old Range/Illegal
Dump site.
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Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Little River Band Natural Resources Department
159 Brick Yard Road
Manistee, Ml 49660
https://www.lrboi-nsn.gov/index.php/tribal-brownfield-and-response-program
Contact(s): Rochelle Rollenhagen, Brownfields Coordinator
rrollenhagen@lrboi-nsn.gov
231-398-2182
Program
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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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 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 within the reservation
• Created a public record
Program Highlights
In an attempt to repurchase land throughout the reservation, the
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians obtained a 32-acre property
bordering Manistee Lake. The property was historically contaminated
for over 100 years. Former uses include a lumber company, a
chemical production operation, a heavy equipment manufacturer,
and a fiberglass production company. Based on chemical analysis,
the results of soil samples collected on the property confirmed the
presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-VOCs (SVOCs),
and metals and inorganic constituents above the Michigan cleanup
criteria as accumulated in the soil and ground water. Using Section
128(a) Response Program funding, the Tribal Brownfields Coordinator
managed an EPA Brownfields Assessment grant used to conduct
Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments and develop reuse
and cleanup plans. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) provided oversight on the project. The tribe was awarded an
EPA Cleanup grant to conduct cleanup activities to reduce risk on the property including the excavation of contaminated
source material, soil capping and fencing contaminated wetlands. In October 2011, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
received a letter from the MDEQ stating that the actions conducted on the property have reduced the exposure risk at the
property. Reuse plans for the area include new field offices for the tribe's Natural Resource Department, conference space,
greenhouses for cultivating native plants, and a smokehouse and small retail shop for the sale of fresh fish.
Excavation activities at the Eastlake property
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Little Traverse Bay Bands (LTBB) of
Odawa Indians
LTBB Odawa Natural Resources Department
Environmental Services Program
7500 Odawa Circle
Harbor Springs, Ml 49740
http://www.ltbbodawa-nsn.gov/ENV/index.html
Contact(s): Kevin Hurrell, Environmental Response Specialist
khurrell@ltbbodawa-nsn.gov
231-242-1573
Overview
• Location: Northern Michigan
• Treaty Reservation Area: 216,764
acres
• Population: 4,559 Tribal Citizens
• EPA Grant: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.ltbbodawa-
nsn.gov/ENV/pdf/Public%20
128(a)%20lnventory%202013.pdf
Program
The way of life for the 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 ensure the wise use of the tribe's natural resources and environment to promote, honor,
and respect our traditional, spiritual, and cultural connection with the air, land, and waters for the future benefit of the
tribe's next seven generations.
Program Highlights
The LTBB Environmental Response Program began in late 2010. Since that time, the Environmental Response Specialist
(ERS) worked to develop a brownfields and environmental response program, participate in training and meetings, inventory
sites on or adjacent to the LTBB Reservation, review current legislation, and create a public record. Over the last year, the
ERS has begun working more closely with the LTBB Land and Reservation Committee, for evaluating land purchases and/
or assisting with environmental assessments of potential contamination. This includes working with consultants and gaining
valuable field experience on Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments. The ERS has also worked with the Tribal
Police and Safety & Facilities Departments to assist in environmental response activities. As a result of these discussions
and recognizing the need for additional training, LTBB was fortunate to host an EPA-sponsored Northern Michigan Planning
Meeting in 2013 that addressed issues with petroleum transportation and pipelines. Additionally, the LTBB ERS officially
joined the Charlevoix/Cheboygan/Emmet County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) in 2013 and continues
to address Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Brownfield issues
throughout the ceded territory. The LTBB 128a program also assisted in removing hazardous materials from LTBB properties
and continued coordination with tribal fishermen on spill prevention in the Great Lakes. Furthermore, the ERS continues
to participate and monitor activities at the Little Traverse Bay Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) Removal Site located at Bay Harbor
in Emmet County, Michigan and attends to all properties on the reservation each year to monitor land changes, respond to
migrating contamination and spill issues, and protect the overall integrity of tribal properties.
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Lower Sioux Indian Community
Lower Sioux Office of the Environment
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 308
39527 Res Hwy 1
Morton, MN 56270
http://www.lowersioux.com/d-environment.html
Contact(s): Tara Strey, Brownfields Coordinator
tara.strey@lowersioux.com
507-697-8611
Overview
• Location: Southwest Minnesota
• Land Area: 1,700 acres
• Population: Approximately 930
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.lowersioux.
com/0ffice%20of%20the%20
Environment/Programs/Public%20
Record.html
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 within the reservation
• Created a public record with access via website
Program Highlights
The Lower Sioux Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto initiate 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 Brownfields Coordinator, and
conducting outreach and education to engage the community in environmental and brownfields issues. Currently the tribe
is focusing on creating cleanup standards for the reservation and creating laws and codes that support a tribal response
program. 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.
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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.org/Administration/environmental.asp
Contact(s): Todd Williamson, Brownfields Coordinator
rtwilliamson@mbpi.org
616-681-8830
Overview
• Location: Southwestern Michigan
• Land Area: 484 acres (147 in
Trust)
• Population: 400
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Environmental Department is funded through a combination of EPA grants and tribal funding. Currently the tribe is
operating a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG) combining a General Assistance Program and a Tribal Response Program.
The addition of 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:
• Development of a tribal environmental response plan
• Creating a public record
• Conducting environmental assessments
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 on developingan 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.
27
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Menominee Indian Tribe
of Wisconsin
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 910
Keshena, Wl 54135
http://www.menominee-nsn.gov/
Contact(s): Josh Pyatskowit, PhD., Brownfields Coordinator
jwpyatskowit® m itw. o rg
715-799-3096
Overview
• Location: Central and Mideastern
Wisconsin
• Land Area: 236,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 8,800
Enrolled Members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Environmental Services Department serves the Menominee Nation by defending the environmental integrity of the
land, air and water base that makes up the cultural and earth resources of the Menominee People. The addition of Section
128(a) funding allows the tribe to monitor suspected and known contaminated sites and facilitate cleanup. Some of the
accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) funding include:
• Created and maintain a public record
• Developed tribal codes
• Conducted Phase I and II assessments on tribal properties
• Provided environmental training to staff
Program Highlights
The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is usingSection 128(a) Response Program fundingto complete a Soil Background
Study on the reservation. This study will establish baseline organic and metal content along roadways. Creation of this data
set will provide the tribe with baseline measurements of soil conditions that can be used in the assessment and cleanup of
chemical spills in the future.
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Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Brownfield Tribal Response Program
43408 Oodena Drive
Onamia, MN 56359
http://millelacsband.com/programs-services-home/natural-resources/
brownfield-response-program/
Contact(s): Todd Moilanen, Brownfield Coordinator
todd.moilanen@millelacsband.com
320-515-1903
Overview
• Location: East Central Minnesota
• Land Area: 61,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 4,000
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://
millelacsband.com/programs-
services-home/natural-resources/
brownfield-response-program/
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
2004 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 in the tribal DNR offices for public access
• 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 has responded to three emergency response actions on tribal properties dealingwith
petroleum contamination and releases. All three properties were addressed using the tribe's Cleanup Standards and
were cleaned to previous background levels. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is also in the process of negotiating with the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for implementing reimbursement procedures under the State of Minnesota's
Petrofund Program for properties held in trust, without the tribe releasing any jurisdiction over these properties to the MPCA.
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Nottawaseppi Huron
Band of the Potawatomi
Environmental Department - Brownfields Program
1485 Mno-Bmadzewen Way
Fulton, Ml 49052
http://nhbpi.com/members/environment/
Contact(s): Amy Boetcher, Environmental Specialist
aboetcher@nhbpi.com
269-729-5151
Overview
• Location: South Central Michigan
• Land Area: 600 acres
• Population: Approximately 1,100
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: under construction
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. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed an inventory of potential brownfields properties
• Maintained our public record
• Initiated development of enforcement authorities
• Created draft soil cleanup standards
• Created an interdepartmental waste minimization program
• Created draft hazardous waste management plan
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 help prevent environ mental incidents and appropriately
address properties with pre-existing environmental degradation. The
program includes inventorying of brownfields associated with tribal
lands, and conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments prior
to new land acquisitions. The Tribe is currently finalizingsoil quality
cleanup standards and the prerequisite Quality Assurance Project
Plan (QAPP), in addition to a hazardous waste management plan. The
Tribe continues to operate an interdepartmental waste minimization
project that includes: multi-stream recycling, composting, and
universal waste collection programs, and is working on better waste
minimization outreach and education for the tribal community. All
information relating to public record of the Nottawaseppi Huron
Band of the Potawatomi 128(a) program will be accessible online
soon. The existing Tribal Environmental Response Committee was
aided by 128(a) funds, and continues to be successful in evaluating
environmental risks and developing approaches to manage these
risks.
The Pine Creek Reservation (pictured) is home to
the NHBP Environmental Department. We manage
the Tribe's 128(a) program, continuing to build an
ordinance-based Brownfields infrastructure. We are
currently finalizing our soil quality cleanup standards
and hazardous waste management planning.
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Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin Overview
Oneida Tribe Environmental, Health & Safety Division
N7332 Water Circle Place
Oneida, Wl 54155
http://www.oneidanation.org/Environment/page. aspx?id=4880
Contact(s): Victoria Flowers, Brownfields Coordinator
vflowers@oneidanation.org
920-869-4548
• Location: Northeastern Wisconsin
• Land Area: 103 square miles
• Population: Approximately 21,300
(4,199 enrolled members on the
reservation)
• Enrolled Tribal Membership:
Approximately 16,820 (7,188 in
Northeastern Wisconsin)
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
over 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.oneidanation.
org/uploadedFiles/TERP%20
Public%20Record%202013-2014.
pdf
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 brownfield properties
• Developed an online database application to track potential exposure mechanisms and analyze risks
• Adopted a tribal environmental response law
• Created a public record
Program Highlights
Oneida's Tribal Environmental Response Program (TERP) continues to use Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
to identify, enhance and develop skills for staff that will assist in the development and implementation of the TERP. These
skills include: hazard recognition, ability to recognize suspicious environmental conditions, National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) requirements, awareness of federal environmental regulations, environmental sampling requirements and field
techniques, management of grants, public outreach and communication techniques, and management of data. This staff
development will be leveraged across several other program areas to support implementation of the TERP.
TERP was successful in having its Tribal Environmental Response Law adopted over the last year. This provides the
opportunity to develop standard operating procedures and other guidance necessary to fully implement and apply the law.
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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.org/Brownfields.html
Contact(s): John LeBlanc, Brownfields Coordinator
jleblanc@redlakenation.org
218-679-1626
Overview
• Location: Northern Minnesota
• Land Area: 805,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 7,500
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.redlakednr.
org/PDF/Public%20Record%20
U pdated%2011-18-2013. pdf
Program
The RL ERP'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 three: a Program Director,
an Air Quality Specialist, and a Brownfields Coordinator. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding include:
• Developed tribal codes, program manual, and cleanup standards
• Created and maintained a Public Record
• Developed a comprehensive inventory of properties on the reservation
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
• Conducted Phase I assessments on properties on the reservation
Program Highlights
The RL ERP developed a program manual and accompanying Hazardous Substance Control Act (HSCA) tailored to the needs
of the Red Lake Reservation. The Tribal Council of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians passed the HSCA into Tribal
Law on February 14, 2012. The HSCA was developed by the RL ERP using Section 128(a) Response Program funding.
The Act creates a Voluntary Response Program to clean up contaminated sites, promote proper disposal of waste, and
encourage recycling and reuse. The Act also includes mandatory cleanup, bans on open dumping, bans on burning of solid
and hazardous wastes, and a requirement to report releases of hazardous substances. It also includes cleanup standards
specific to the needs of the Red Lake reservation. The HSCA gives the RL ERP oversight, enforcement, and rulemaking
authority which will help staff protect the tribal community and natural resources.
The RL ERP used Section 128(a) Response Program funding to hire Environmental Troubleshooters, Inc. for development of
a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) as plans for Phase II assessments and other site specific work progress. Section
128(a) Response Program funding has also been utilized for Environmental Troubleshooters, Inc. to develop a customized
Hazard RankingSystem (HRS). This HRS is specific to the Red Lake reservation and is a useful tool for the RL ERP in
prioritizing properties for further assessment and/or cleanup activities.
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Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
Planning Department
Environmental Response Program
7070 E. Broadway
Mt. Pleasant, Ml 48858
http://www.sagchip.org/environment/responseProgram.aspx
Contact(s): Craig Graveratte
cgraveratte@sagchip.org
989-775-4081
Overview
• Location: Central Michigan
• Land Area: 138,240 acres
• Population: Over 3,500 Enrolled
Tribal Members with 1,650 living
on Tribal Lands
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe's Environmental Response Program works to: assist the Tribal Council with
environmental decisions that will impact tribal lands and members; help design and manage projects as part of a team
effort to protect the environment; oversee environmental protection efforts on lands within the tribe's jurisdiction; and
implement the community's vision regarding its future growth and development. The response program will oversee
implementation and enforcement of related codes and ordinances that govern its members on the reservation to help
ensure the health, safety and well-being of the community and the environment. Accomplishments achieved using Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed an inventory of potential brownfield properties
• Created and maintain a public record
• Provided emergency response training for the community
• Conduct emergency exercises and drills within the tribal community
• Offered household hazardous waste collection assistance
• Developing an integrated waste management plan
• Offering continued environmental education to the tribal community
• Eliminating illegal dumps on tribal properties
• Providing underground storage tank (LIST) compliance assistance
Program Highlights
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is currently using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop a cleanup,
demolition and redevelopment plan for the former Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School. The 11-buildingschool
campus was built in 1892 and served as an off-reservation boardingschool and vocational training center for over four
decades. In 1934, the State of Michigan took over the property for the Michigan Department of Mental Health Services. The
state changed the name to the Mount Pleasant Branch of the Michigan Home and Training School and provided room, board
and training to mentally handicapped young men. Since its closure 2008, the buildings have lain empty and abandoned.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe also used its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to assist with household
hazardous waste collection events that have removed thousands of pounds of chemicals, oil, paints, electronic waste and
pesticides from the community.
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Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of
Chippewa Indians
Tribal Brownfields Response Program
206 Greenough
Sault Ste. Marie, Ml 49783
http://saulttribeenvironmentalbrownfields.wordpress.com/
Contact(s): Abraham Mclarahmore, Brownfields Coordinator
amclarahmore@saulttribe.net
906-632-5575
Overview
Location: Northern Michigan
Land Area: 3.8 million acres
Population: Approximately 44,000
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://
saulttribeenvironmentalbrownfields.
wordpress.com/sault-tribe-
properties/
Program
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians protects the health and well-being of its present and future members by
protecting the environment on which those members depend. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding further allows the tribe to restore contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe has used Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding to develop an inventory of potential brownfields
properties and a public record to strengthen the tribe's capacity to
respond to contaminated properties within tribal lands. In addition,
the tribe has developed a website to help engage the community
and educate tribal members about the importance to brownfields
identification, assessment, and cleanup.
A tree-lined field on the Sault Ste. Marie Tribal lands.
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St. Croix Chippewa Indians
of Wisconsin
St. Croix Environmental Services/Natural Resources
Tribal Brownfields Response Program
24663 Angelina Ave
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: 5,200 acres
• Population: Approximately 1,500
• EPA Grants: Assessment Grant,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.stcciw.com/
stcroixepa/index.html
Program
The St. Croix Environmental Services and Natural Resources Department is composed of several programs: Clean Water,
Indoor Air, Geographic Information, Brownfields, Solid Waste and Recycling, Youth Forest, Invasive Species, Walleye Culture,
Forestry, and Utilities. The addition of 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
• Offered hazardous material training and refreshers to office Brownfields staff
• Trained staff to better identify, assess and respond to contamination risks
• Created and maintained a public record
• Conducted Phase I and II assessments on properties on the reservation
• Published the inventory on the tribal/departmental website
• Encouraged public participation through outreach and education
• Started to draft soil standards by gathering background soil data on reservation properties
• Worked with Property, Community Development, Housing, and Legal department personnel to help ensure that All
Appropriate Inquiry is conducted prior to real estate transactions
• Developed tribal ordinances
Program Highlights
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program grant funds to develop the St. Croix Tribal
Geographic Information online database, which contains geographic and assessment record information for brownfields
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 Planningordinance. Trainingand public participation
through the Brownfields Program has allowed the tribe to better identify and respond to contaminated and suspect sites.
The St. Croix Tribe plans to focus on increasing community awareness, continuing the development of cleanup standards,
and creating a controlled space for hazardous materials to be safely stored before being properly disposed.
35
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White Earth Band of Ojibwa
White Earth Natural Resource Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
216 North Main
P.O. Box 393
Mahnomen, MN 56557
http://www.wh iteearth.com/programs/?page_id=480&program_id=8
Contact(s): Ed Snetsinger, Brownfields Coordinator
edwards@whiteearth.com
218-935-2488
906-632-5575
Overview
• Location: Northwest Minnesota
• Land Area: 829,440 acres
• Population: 9,562
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: In progress
• Public Record Website:
http://www.whiteearth.
com/programs/?page_
id=527&program_id=8
Program
The White Earth Natural Resource Department was established to protect, manage and enhance the resources of the
reservation. The department coordinates activities and projects between state, federal and private agencies within
reservation boundaries. Department programs include: Conservation, Wildlife, Fisheries, Wild Rice, Agriculture/Wetlands/
Prairie Restorations, Land Management, Zoning, Cultural Resources/Archives, Forestry, Pesticide Use, Emergency
Management, Water Quality, and Environmental Affairs on the White Earth Indian Reservation. Others areas addressed by
the department are tourism, trails, parks and recreation. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
expands the department's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands.
White Earth has developed staff to increase its environmental response capabilities.
Program Highlights
The White Earth Band of Ojibwa is using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding develop an inventory of potential
brownfields properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond
to contaminated sites within tribal lands. In addition to the inventory,
staff has begun to develop a Quality Assurance Project Plan.
The White Earth Band provided trainingfor 27 first
responders; the topic covered First Response to
Hazardous Materials Incidents
36
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EPA Region 6
Brownfields Grantees
-------
Cherokee Nation/Inter-Tribal
Environmental Council (ITEC)
Cherokee Nation Environmental Protection Commission
P.O. Box 948
Tahlequah, OK 74465
http://itec.cherokee.org/Programs/Brownfields-Response-Program-IBRP
Contact(s): Sheila Sevenstar, Brownfields Coordinator
Sheila-sevenstar@cherokee.org
918-453-5108
Program
Overview
• Location: Northeastern Oklahoma
• Land Area: ITEC Tribal
Jurisdictional Service Areas in
Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas
• Population: 42 ITEC Member
Tribes in Oklahoma, New Mexico,
and Texas
• EPA Grants: Assessment Pilot,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
The Cherokee Nation Environmental Protection Commission/Inter-Tribal Environmental Council (ITEC) provides
environmental compliance and capacity building services for the Cherokee Nation as well as 42 additional member tribes
in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. 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
• Completed Phase I and II assessments
• Cleanup of sites within funding capabilities
Program Highlights
Most tribes have, within their jurisdiction, properties that qualify as brownfields. The ITEC Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program set out to assist these tribes in providing quality Environmental Site Assessments, and in some cases (providing
funding availability), assistance with cleanup of contaminated sites. Some recent project successes include the
Territorial Prison (completed), Supreme Court building (completed), Cherokee Capitol Building, Cort Mall (currently under
redevelopment), the Dotson Roberts lumberyard (green space located directly behind the Cherokee Capitol Building),
Saline Courthouse (completed, and received the 2011 State Historic Preservation Officer's Citation of Merit), the Markoma
Property, and the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma's Recycling Center and Petroleum underground storage tank (LIST) removal
(completed). During these projects, ITEC maintained several licenses to assure the proper implementation of assessment
and cleanup activities. ITEC continues to maintain a professional lead-based paint risk assessor, a lead-based paint
inspector, an asbestos inspector, a lead-based paint supervisor, underground storage tank inspection and remediation
staff, a mold inspector, and radon and meth testing professionals. This in-house expertise allowed projects like the ones
described above to proceed, creating new jobs and promoting economic renewal.
Since 2005, ITEC has provided technical assistance to ITEC Member Tribes with eligible brownfields. Some of these sites
are currently undergoing redevelopment, and ITEC continues to provide technical assistance with these projects. ITEC staff
plan to take full advantage of outreach opportunities to increase brownfields awareness and to promote ITEC technical
assistance to the tribes.
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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-oeta.org/
Contact(s): Boyd Nystedt, Director
bnystedt@enipc.org
505-692-7073
Julia Geffroy, Environmental Specialist
Julia.geffroy@enipc.org
505-692-8544
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
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.enipc-oeta.org
Margaret Chavez, Senior Environmental Specialist
mchavez@enipc.org
505-692-8774
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 (TRP) funding expanded the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration
of contaminated properties within tribal lands. The TRP objectives are focused on completing the following elements of a
response program:
1. To provide outreach directly related to increasing awareness of Brownfields to communities and its response to help
enhance the skills of program staff and the 22 Pueblo/Tribes; and
2. To provide trainingto staff and Tribal environmental professionals about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) State and Tribal Response Program and its elements.
In addition, the OETA Brownfields program has expanded its capacity by conducting Phase I assessments.
Program Highlights
The Section 128(a) TRP at ENIPC-OETA has been workingwith the
22 pueblos and tribes in New Mexico and West Texas to promote
the enhancement of environmental resources and environmental
health while protecting tribal lands from environmental hazards. The
program has completed a Phase I assessment at the Acoma McCarty
Day School, and is currently working on a Phase I for the Picuris
Gymnasium. The Brownfields program has also been facilitating
and coordinating projects between the tribes and the New Mexico
Environment Department. Current projects include Taos Old Clinic
(Phase I completed), Santa Clara Old Courthouse (Phase I completed),
Laguna Old High School (Phase I in process), and the Acomita Day
School (Phase I in planning phase). In addition, the program has
provided training opportunities for tribes and coordinating efforts with
other agencies to bring the trainingto New Mexico. OETA has provided
training for Lead, Asbestos and Mold Detection, x-ray fluorescence
(XRF) analyzer training, Conflict Resolution (9 tribes, 15 participants), Community Revisioning at Acoma, 8 hr. Hazardous
Materials Awareness (13 tribes, 38 participants) and Meth Awareness (8 tribes, 32 participants).
Asbestos training in Zuni Pueblo, NM
39
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EPA Region 7
Brownfields Grantees
-------
Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas
Environment Protection Department
1107 Goldfinch Road
Morton, KS 66439
http://ktik-nsn.gov/Brownfield.htm
Contact(s): Mike Kelley, Brownfields Coordinator
mike.kelley@ktik-nsn.gov
785-486-2601
Overview
• Location: Northeastern Kansas
• Land Area: 19,200 acres
• Population: Approximately 1,600
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The mission of the Kickapoo Environmental Office (KEO) is to promote the safety, health and welfare of the Kickapoo Tribe
in Kansas and improve the quality of life on the Kickapoo Reservation by safeguarding the natural environment and natural
resources. The overall program goal is to develop a comprehensive environmental protection program for the Kickapoo Tribe
that will protect the natural, cultural and human resources on tribal lands. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding expands the Department's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites
within tribal lands. Currently, the Kickapoo Brownfields Program is:
• Actively working with the Kickapoo Boys and Girls club to educate tribal youth about the importance of healthy soil
• Preparing to undertake an insect bio-diversity survey that will aid in setting cleanup standards
Program Highlights
In 2012, the Kickapoo Tribe received its first Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program grant. The tribe is using its funding
to develop an inventory of brownfield sites. In addition, in 2012, the Kickapoo Tribe entered into an intergovernmental
agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that will aid the tribe in making more efficient
use of grant funds received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
41
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Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
15434 K Road
Mayetta, KS 66509
http://www.pbpindiantribe.com/epa.aspx
Contacts: Virginia LeClere, Environmental Director
valeclere@pbpnation.org
(785) 966-2946
Kyle Miller, Tribal Response and Brownfields Coordinator
kyleM@pbpnation.org
Overview
Location: Northeast Kansas
Land Area: Approximately 77,000
acres
Population: Approximately 1,250
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation provides environmental services and protection of health and wildlife habitats for
the Potawatomi Reservation jurisdiction in a manner that is compatible with the Potawatomi culture. The addition of Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands the Department's scope of work to include management and restoration
of contaminated sites within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin the process of
developing an inventory of potential abandoned hazardous waste properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond
to contaminated properties within tribal lands.
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Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri
in Kansas and Nebraska
Sac and Fox Environmental Protection Agency
Tribal Response Program
305 N Main
Reserve, KS 66434
http://www.sacfoxenviro.0rg/5.html
Contact(s): Mark Junker, Brownfields Coordinator
mark.junker@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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://www.
sacfoxenviro.org/resources/Sac+a
nd+Fox+Nation+BF+Public+Reco
rdl3.pdf
Program
The mission of the Sac and Fox Environmental Protection Agency 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 is conducting a comprehensive inventory of contaminated properties on its reservation and
conducting public outreach to encourage participation in the brownfields process. When first receiving Section 128(a)
Response Program funding, the tribe drew upon experience from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in nearby
Region 8, and relied on technical expertise from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Region 7 office. These
partnerships allowed the Sac and Fox Tribe to develop its own successful program. The Sac and Fox Tribe has also worked
with Kansas State University—which provides technical assistance to EPA Brownfields Program grant communities—to
develop several outreach fact sheets and other materials. The tribe uses the fact sheets and other materials for 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, leading
to the identification of eight brownfields. Many properties on the tribe's lands are undeveloped and have become illegal
dumping areas. The brownfields inventory lists property characteristics, geographic information system information, known
or suspected contamination and the status of investigations. The tribe also signed a cooperative agreement with the Kansas
Department of Health and Environment to enable coordinated brownfields cleanups on its reservation.
43
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Santee Sioux Nation
Santee Sioux Office of Environmental Protection
Tribal Response Program
52948 HWY 12
Niobrara, NE 68760
http://santeeoep.com/Brownfields.html
Contact(s): Tyler Holmes, Brownfields Coordinator
santeebrownfields@gmail.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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Santee Sioux Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) provides comprehensive natural resource 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 and continually update a public record
Program Highlights
The Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska is using the Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to continue 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 usingSection 128(a)
Tribal Response Program funding to address the following areas:
• Completing a priority listing of potential brownfield sites.
• Developing a Preliminary Environmental Site Assessment form to assist with the development of the potential
brownfields site list.
• Conducting Phase I assessments of 16 potential brownfield sites (to date, three Phase I assessments are complete).
• Continuingto develop a communications plan.
• Establishing and updating a system to record public responses.
• Establishing a protocol to communicate risk.
• Establishing institutional control mechanisms.
• Increasing public awareness and public interest about the functions of the Santee Sioux OEP Tribal Response
Program through the development of social media:
• Developing the OEP website atwww.santeeoep.com.
• Creating the Santee Sioux OEP Facebook account. Like us at \Santee Sioux Office of Environmental Protection.
• Developing the Santee Sioux OEP Twitter account. Follow us at Santee Sioux OEP@SanteeSiouxOEP.
44
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Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Winnebago Environmental Protection Department
lOld Mission Road
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, NE 68071
http://www.winnebagotribe.com/epd.html
Contact(s): Molly Feldick, Brownfields Specialist
molly.feldick@winnebagotribe.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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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
Resource 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 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
• 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 Tribe of Nebraska was prepared to conduct Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments on a property
that contained an abandoned house, trailer, shed, and above-ground storage tank (AST). Prior to the start of the project, an
accidental fire burnt all three building structures before it could be put out. Using photos the Tribe's Brownfields Coordinator
had taken during a property evaluation, she restructured the project to address three tasks: the excavation and off-site
disposal of all debris and surface soils suspected of being contaminated with asbestos- and lead-based paint followed
by confirmation soil sampling; the backfill and compaction of clean soil; and the tank contents/underlying soil sampling
and removal of the AST. This was the Brownfield Coordinator's first cleanup project and tasks included writing the request
for environmental contractor bids, evaluating and selecting a contractor, coordinating all aspects of this project, and
communicating its progress and outcome. Concrete pads were poured on the property for several mobile homes recently
acquired by the Tribe. Families moved into the homes in the summer of 2014, resulting in another success story for the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
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EPA Region 8
Brownfields Grantees
-------
Blackfeet Nation
Overview
Blackfeet Environmental Office
Brownfields Program
457 Hospital Road
PO Box 2029
Browning, MT 59417
http://www.blackfeetenvironmental.com/brownfields.html
Contact(s): Shawn Lahr, TRP/Brownfields Coordinator
slahr@3rivers.net
406-338-7421
Program
The Blackfeet Tribal Response Program grant involves identifying potential
brownfield properties on the reservation; establishing oversight and
enforcement authorities; establishing a public record; providing opportunities
for public participation; and developing mechanisms for approval of
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
• Location: Northwestern Montana
• Land Area: 1.5 million acres
• Population: 17,000 enrolled
members, approximately 8,000
living on or near the reservation
• EPA Grants: Assessment, Job
Training, Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes; Solid
Waste Ordinance No. 105
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://www.
blackfeetenvironmental.com/
brownfields/publicrecords.html
Program Highlights
The Blackfeet Tribe's Brownfields Tribal Response Program hired
consultants to complete Phase I and Phase II assessments
and pre-demolition asbestos inspections of 13 commercial
and industrial properties located on the Blackfeet Indian
Reservation. The assessments determined that buildings on
these properties were abandoned, unsecured, structurally
unsound, and unsafe due to a variety of potential hazardous
substances and conditions. The Blackfeet Tribe's Brownfields
Program provided Tribal oversight for demolition of the 13
structures, an effort that began in late summer 2013 and
was completed in September. This action paved the way
for future redevelopment of the now vacant properties, all
located on prime commercial real estate. The Tribe has already
been contacted by interested developers to open a fast food
restaurant on one of the properties, and the Blackfeet Planning
Department is working on redevelopment marketing for the other areas.
Blackfeet Mainstream building is one of 13 designated
brownfield properties on the Blackfeet Reservation
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Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) Overview
CRST Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 590, 2001 Main Street
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
http://www.crstepd.org/BrownfieldsProject.htm
Contact(s): Robert Smith, Brownfields Coordinator
nativeghost22@yahoo.com
605-964-6558
Location: Central South Dakota
Land Area: 3 million acres
Population: Approximately 8,500
living on or near the reservation
EPA Grants: Cleanup, Section
128(a) Tribal Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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
• Brownfields Coordinator conducted two transaction screens site assessments
Program Highlights
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has used Section 128(a) Response Program funding to establish a Tribal Response Program
(TRP) capable of assessing and cleaning up properties on its tribal lands, as evidenced by its successful administration of
a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup grant for the former White Horse Day School project. The
experience gained with this project allowed the TRP to identify best cleanup practices that will be directly transferable to the
Tribe's Swift Bird Community. A 104(k) EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant for the Swift Bird property was awarded to the tribe in
September 2014. The Swift Bird Day School has the same footprint as the White Horse Day School, and a 2012 assessment
confirmed comparable contamination. Lessons learned, as well as the waste volumes known from the previous cleanup,
will help facilitate the Swift Bird Day School cleanup. The TRP also used Section 128(a) Response Program funding in 2012
to assess 17 abandoned structures in the Eagle Butte Community. The assessments revealed high levels of asbestos- and
lead-based paint at these structures, and the TRP is coordinating with EPA Region 8 on potential removal actions for a
number of these abandoned structures. Finally, the TRP continues to build relationships with other tribal offices, including
the housing authority and land management office, to facilitate beneficial and appropriate reuse and redevelopment of
these properties.
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Chippewa Cree Tribe (Rocky Boys) Overview
Tribal Water Resources Department
16 Black Prairie Street
Box Elder, MT 59521
http://www.chippewacree.org/
Contact(s): Wyatt DeCora, Brownfields Coordinator
wyatt_decora@hotmail.com
406-395-4225
Program
Location: North-Central Montana
Land Area: 120,000 acres
Population: Residents: approx.
3,500; Non-Residents:
approximately 1,240
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.twrd.net
The Rocky Boys' Tribal Water Resources Department (TWRD) provides comprehensive drinking water and source water
management and environmental protection services for the tribe's 120,000 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 Phase I and Phase II site assessments of a brownfield property
Program Highlights
Chippewa Cree's Tribal Water Resources Department, a Section
128(a) Response Program grantee, and its Brownfields Coordinator
assisted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's)
Environmental Response Team in responding to a major spill of
unleaded gasoline at the Agency Pastime Gas Station in the summer
2012. After the initial report of the spill on May 21, 2012, it took time
to investigate and discover the source of the spill, which turned out to
be a leak from an above ground storage tank that flowed downward
through the soil to surface in the Sundance Creek drainage. EPA and
the tribe oversaw the rerouting of the creek, the removal of tanks,
dispensers and contaminated soils, and the restoration of the site. The
building was demolished and the contaminated soil was excavated
and removed from the property. Monitoring is ongoing, however, the
property is ready for reuse. The tribe is currently pollingthe public on
ideas for reuse.
Excavation of a fuel contaminated hillside near
Sundance Creek.
49
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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
406-883-2888
Overview
• Location: Northwestern Montana
• Land Area: 1.317 million acres
• Population: Approximately 7,469
enrolled members
• EPA Grants: Cleanup, Section
128(a) Tribal Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes; CSKT
developed a Solid Waste Ordinance
approved Februarys, 2009
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.cskt.
org/tr/docs/epa_brownfield_
publicrecord2011.pdf
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 Brownfields Tribal Response
Program (TRP). Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) TRP 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
• Developed a solid waste ordinance
Program Highlights
CSKT's Brownfields TRP was created in 2003 and focuses on assessing and cleaning up a portion of its 140 inventoried
brownfields and reusing them for housing and/or greenspace. The TRP completed over 30 assessments with its Section
128(a) TRP funding and received its second U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup grant; the
Cleanup grant is being used to assist in the cleanup of the Former Joseph Allotment (brownfield site). The TRP Coordinator is
overseeing a three-year Brownfields Assessment grant which began in October 2013. The intent is to perform approximately
fifteen Phase I and nine Phase II Assessments by September 2016. CSKT TRP staff have taken on the unique challenges
associated with a wide range of contaminated land issues throughout the reservation - from illegal dumpsites, to meth lab
issues, to asbestos, to contamination near waterways. CSKT Brownfields TRP staff developed their broad expertise through
numerous trainings. Although CSKT TRP utilizes consultants, this training enables staff to provide project oversight and
analyze assessment results and confirm cleanups. In addition, the TRP staff is developing a Junk Vehicle/Mobile Home
Ordinance that will assist in controlling the overwhelming number of junked and abandoned vehicles and mobile homes
throughout the reservation.
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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@ya hoo.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
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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
• Conducted several brownfields assessments and cleanups
• Coordinated the annual Earth Day event and participated in an annual Pow Wow with distribution of brownfields and
environmental information
• Distributed outreach educational materials through various media and kept Tribal Council and other Tribal
Department programs updated on brownfields activities
Program Highlights
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto address the Old Lynn's, Hobo Inn and
Fish & Wildlife Storage properties in Ft. Thompson, South Dakota.
• Priority Properties - The tribe wanted to reuse the abandoned Old Lynn's/Hobo Inn property which is located at a
major intersection and a prime location for redevelopment. The property was used by unauthorized inhabitants as a
shelter, and some onsite structures posed health, environmental and safety hazards.
• Assessment and Cleanup - The tribe hired a certified contractor to conduct Phase I and Phase II assessments
and cleanups. Most contamination included asbestos, lead, containers, and open dumps.
• Coordination - The major stakeholders on these projects included Tribal Council and Administration, Community,
Tribal Construction and Project Management, and TERO.
• Institutional Controls - The tribe submitted a letter to the Tribal Historic Preservation Office and the Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) summarizing the assessment and cleanup and that no reuse restrictions are required.
• Proposed immediate reuse of sites: The reuse plan included a basketball court and picnic area.
• New Project - The tribe will now focus on assessment and cleanup activities at three old structures in the Community
of Big Bend.
Old Lynn's
Hobo Inn
New basketball court
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Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
Department of Natural Resources
Brownfields Program
403 W. Broad Ave.
Flandreau, SD 57028
http://www.santeesioux.com/brownfield_program.htmll
Contact(s): Elizabeth Wakeman, Brownfields Coordinator
fsstbfc@mchsi.com
605-997-5123
Overview
• Location: Eastern South Dakota
• Land Area: 5,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 800
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's (FSST) Brownfields Program works in coordination with stakeholders to
educate, prevent, assess, safely clean up, and reuse brownfield sites. Accomplishments achieved using Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a Public Record and property inventory.
• Conducted several assessments and cleanups.
• Conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment prior to tribe purchasing a property.
• Assisting with development of Tribal Solid Waste Management Plan and Codes.
• Annual participation in Earth Day, Native American Day, and Pow Wow activities.
• Regularly attend Tribal Council, county and city meetings, and provide updates on Brownfields Tribal
Response Program; also provide information through various media to community.
• Under a Hazardous Waste Grant with EPA, purchased oil recycling tanks and placed on two fenced locations.
A Sioux Falls company periodically collects used oil.
Program Highlights
The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Response Program (TRP) cleaned
up four properties. The properties were assessed using EPA Targeted
Brownfields Assessment (TEA) Program funding and the TRP used
Section 128(a) Response Program funds to conduct cleanup activities
with the assistance of a qualified environmental professional. The tribe
worked closely with the South Dakota Historic Preservation Office to
address National Historic Preservation Act 106 requirements because
the properties had structures over 50 years old. One of the structures
had asbestos containingvermiculite that had been used for insulation;
collapsed ceiling boards had released the vermiculite throughout the
building, creating a hazardous environment for people entering the
property. In response, deteriorating asbestos roof shingles and other
asbestos-containing materials were removed and properly disposed of.
The properties are once again suitable for redevelopment—including
residential reuse.
Asbestos Cleanup Activities on the Flandreau Santee
Sioux Reservation
52
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Fort Belknap Indian Community
Fort Belknap Environmental Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
656 Agency Main Street
Harlem, MT 59526
http://www.ftbelknap.org/
Contact(s): Donald Bear, Brownfields Coordinator
dbear@ftbelknap.org
(406)353-8416
Overview
• Location: North-Central Montana
• Land Area: 675,147 acres
• Population: Approximately 5,000
(5,426 enrolled members)
• EPA Grants: Assessment, Job
Training, Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation is located in remote north central Montana and is distinct from a "typical" industrial
brownfield property; however, the existing health and safety hazards associated with brownfields can be found in rural
communities as well as 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. Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC)
accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed and maintain a survey and inventory list of potential brownfield properties, completed a hazardous
materials survey, and completed an underground storage tank inventory
• Developed and revised environmentally related enforcement codes including revisions to the existing Solid Waste
Management Code and the development of a Junk Vehicle Act
• Increased 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 and II Environmental Site Assessment training
• Maintain an updated public record of information for all enrolled brownfield sites
Program Highlights
The Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC) Brownfields Program has inventoried 33 potential brownfields on its reservation,
developed and maintained a public record of response actions, initiated the development of enforceable codes, and trained
staff on the process of conducting 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 applied for an EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TEA) for a former cattle dip vat located on tribally
owned property. Tribal Response Program staff completed a Phase I assessment on the property in September 2010,
and EPA contractors conducted the Phase II assessment in August 2011. The FBIC is planningto clean up the property in
spring/summer 2015. Tribal Response Program staff have recently been collaborating with the Tribal Planning Department
and interested community members on planning for the potential reuse of a historic former church building which would
require a Phase I assessment. The TRP coordinated with EPA's Emergency Response Program to assess drums and waste
containers on three separate sites. Brownfields staff worked with responders to consolidate, stage and dispose of all waste
and containers.
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Fort Peck Tribes
Overview
Fort Peck Office of Environmental Protection
501 Medicine Bear Road
P.O. Box 1027
Poplar, MT 59255
http://www.fortpeckoep.org/brownfields.html
Contact(s): Wilfred Lambert, Brownfields Coordinator
lwolfman@nemontel.net
406-768-2322
Program
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
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.fortpeckoep.
org/brownfields_public_records/
public_records.html
The Fort Peck Office of Environmental Protection has used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto establish a
Tribal Response Program. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory for brownfields
• Conducts inventories of open dumps
• 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 II environmental site assessments and brownfields cleanups
• Conducted inspections of oil and gas wells
• Coordinated outreach educational events, including: spring cleanup, Earth Day, e-wastes
• Distributed outreach materials at Pow Wows, rodeo stampedes, schools and public meetings
• Updated the tribes' brownfields website
Program Highlights
In 2013 and 2014, the tribe increased its property inventory of brownfields properties to 25. The tribes' Brownfields
Program is partnering with public and private entities on solutions for the cleanup of the Kenco Refinery. They completed
environmental cleanup of asbestos and lead at the Spotted Bull Treatment Center. The Tribe received a Brownfields
Cleanup grant to address pesticide and other contamination caused by aerial application that originated at the Old Poplar
Airport site. Also, the Brownfields Program applied for and received a Targeted Brownfields Assessment on the Old Poplar
Landfill. Most recently, the Tribe's Economic Development arm, Planning/Energy Office and the Brownfields Program
are working with the Great Northern Development Corporation and the Make IT Right Foundation on the design and
construction of a "Sustainable Village" on portions of these two Brownfields sites. The Village will eventually incorporate a
hotel, a wellness center, elderly housing, LEED residences, commercial ventures and open space.
Kenco Refinery
Spotted Bull Treatment Center
54
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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/brownfieldsprogram/
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: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://lbst-epo.org/
brownfieldsprogram/
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
• Provided public participation through public meetings, lunch & learns, and education materials
Program Highlights
LBST established the Public Record database, which can be located
on its website, http://lbst-epo.org/brownfieldsprogram/. LBST is
surveying and inventorying its reservation and created a database
for the inventory; the tribe 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 a public meeting four times a year. To provide additional
outreach and education to the community and children, the LBST
Brownfields Program had an informational booth at the tribes' Unity
Day event. To enhance the program's ability to provide technical
and regulatory environmental response, the tribe sends its staff to
training. In addition, LBST is establishing codes, policies, regulations
and enforcement mechanisms. With the training experience and the
establishment of the codes and policies, the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
conducted two Environmental Site Assessment Screens for the Former
Housing Building and the Old Transfer Station.
The LBST Brownfields Program booth at the
Unity Day event.
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Northern Cheyenne Tribe
Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
P.O. Box 128
Lame Deer, MT 59043
http://www.cheyennenation.com/brownfield.html
Contact(s): Shanara Spang-Gion, Brownfields Coordinator
shanara.spanggion@cheyennenation.com
406-477-6506 ext. 103
Charlene Alden, Environmental Director
charlene.alden@cheyennenation.com
406-477-6506 ext. 101
Program
Overview
• Location: Southeastern Montana
• Land Area: 444,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 10,050
enrolled members with
approximately 4,939 residing
within the boundaries of the
Northern Cheyenne Reservation
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.
cheyennenation.com/brownfield.
html
The Northern Cheyenne Environmental Protection Department (EPD) provides regulation and environmental protection
services for the tribe's 444,000 acres of lands. Programs administered by the EPD include Water Quality, Wetland, Air
Quality, Non-Point Source, Underground Storage Tanks, Leaking Underground Storage Tanks, Solid Waste, Energy retro-fit
projects, and Brownfields. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Assisted with the development of a solid waste code and ordinance that provides guidance 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 brownfield properties potentially contaminated with a hazardous
material. Most of the property information was gathered from tribal community member's historical knowledge
of tribal lands. The EPD partnered with other tribal programs to educate tribal community members about the
Brownfields Program and requested information in identifying former uses of abandoned or potentially contaminated
properties. The avenues used to gather information were with health fairs, public meetings, tribal forums, and local
cable television.
• Chief Dull Knife College Library maintains a copy of the public record and a copy is kept at the Tribal Environmental
Department.
• Emergency response and cleanup technical assistance was provided to oil/diesel spills along two major routes of
transportation crossing the reservation.
Program Highlights
The EPD used its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto address a property in the Town of Lame Deer, the
largest community on the reservation. Access to the private property for site eligibility determination purposes was a
major obstacle. The property owner is a non-Indian and the property is located on fee land within the boundaries of the
reservation. Community members are concerned about potential contaminants at this former gas station/convenience
store property because it was destroyed by a fire. The property is located on the main street of Lame Deer and has become
an eyesore to the community. With the assistance of EPA Region 8, the gas station property is prioritized for a Targeted
Brownfields Assessment that will be completed in the coming year.
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Oglala Sioux Tribe
Environmental Protection Program
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 320
West Hwy 18 Behind Tribal Building
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
http://www.oglalalakotanation.org/oln/Home.html
Contact(s): Lana Johnson, Brownfield Coordinator
osteplmj@gwtc.net
605-685-6820
Cherise Mesteth, BTRP Field/Outreach Tech.
cherisem@oglala.org
605-867-5236
Overview
Location: Southwest South Dakota
Land Area: 2.2 million acres
Population: Approximately 29,000
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Oglala Sioux Tribe's 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 with a main focus on abandoned structures and open dumps
• Conducted and provided oversight on assessment and cleanup activities on the reservation
• Developed a generic quality assurance project plan
• Systematically provided outreach information and announcements through various media
• Developed a solid waste management plan and updating solid and hazardous waste codes
• Created a public record
Program Highlights
Abandoned Houses - In coordination with the EPA Region 8 Emergency Response Program, the tribe assessed, mitigated
and removed 86 abandoned houses and trailers throughout the reservation. The structures contained asbestos, lead and
other contaminants. In two of the structures, two young children died of the Hantavirus. The Brownfields Tribal Response
Program gathered background information on each structure; obtained consent forms; arranged for utility disconnects;
organized areas for equipment mobilization and parking areas plus temporary office space; and provided oversight on the
assessments and cleanups.
Open Dumps - The Brownfields Tribal Response Program created an inventory of 120 illegal open dumps on the
reservation. A consultant assisted with the creation of a spreadsheet that contained pertinent information on each property,
which were also ranked and mapped. In addition, the contractor conducted Phase I and II assessments on the top 10
prioritized open dumps.
Cleanup of an abandoned house
Cleanup activities on the reservation
An open dump area on the reservation
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Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Rosebud Sioux Tribe Environmental Office
Brownfields Program
P.O. BOX 658
Rosebud, SD 57570
http://www.rosebudsiouxtribe-nsn.gov/government/tribal-laws/43-
government/programs/brown-fields/
Contact(s): AlexSwalley III, Brownfields Coordinator
alexander.swalleyiii@rst-nsn.gov
605-747-2933
Ivan Crow Eagle, Brownfields Technician
ivan.croweagle@rst-nsn.gov
Overview
Location: South-Central South
Dakota
Land Area: 922,759 acres
Population: Approximately 20,800
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Brownfields Response Program continues to identify potential brownfield properties, establish an
up-to-date inventory, and coordinate cleanup efforts in order to protect its residents, the environment and natural resources
on its reservation. Accomplishments using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Created a public record
• Developed an integrated solid waste management plan passed by Tribal Council Resolution and working on the
development of solid waste codes
• Participated in annual Youth Awareness Week, Earth Day, Native American Day, and Spring Cleanup distributing
information on brownfields issues and program activities
• Conducted assessments and cleanups on several sites
• Regularly attended public outreach meetings and distributed outreach information
Program Highlights
• The Rosebud Sioux Tribal Brownfields Response Program Inventory contains 63 properties including abandoned
structures and open dumps.
• Thirty-two open dumps identified in the inventory were cleaned up with fundingfrom the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA).
• The abandoned Jail and Community Health Representative buildings were assessed under Targeted Brownfields
Assessments and cleaned up with Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding.
• The Tribal Brownfields Response Program coordinated a hazardous material cleanup event for the entire reservation
with drop off locations where residents could bring their waste. The tribe also assisted with collection of chemicals
from a high school science lab.
CHR Building prior to cleanup
Old Jail property prior to cleanup
An open dump on the reservation
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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
SteveJ@swo-nsn.gov
605-698-8249
Dustin Opsal, Brownfields Technician
DustinO@swo-nsn.gov
605-698-8247
Overview
Location: Northeast South Dakota
Land Area: 106,000 acres
Population: Approximately 9,900
EPA Grants: Cleanup, Section
128(a) Tribal Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Office of Environmental Protection currently administers a Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program grant on the Lake Traverse Reservation. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding include:
• Completed a property inventory and working on developing an open dump inventory
• Created a public record and maintains a tip-line
• Participated in several public educational outreach activities
• Conducted assessment and cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created federal, state, tribal, contractual and local partnerships on cleanup projects
• Each year the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Brownfields Tribal Response Program helps coordinate and participate in the
Earth Day and Native American Day events setting up a booth, distributing brownfields outreach information, running
a continuous PowerPoint presentation on current projects, and answering attendee's questions
Program Highlights
The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe used its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to conduct assessments
and provide oversight for cleanup activities on the Tekakwitha Old Orphanage/Boarding School property. The tribe also
received an EPA Cleanup grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to clean up and remove the asbestos
and lead contamination on the property. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs contributed funding towards the cleanup
and the tribe worked with the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources to remove fuel and
heating oil storage tanks at the property. The only structure remaining on the property is the vicarage, which is currently
being cleaned up and disposed of properly. Once cleanup is completed, the property will be brought into the tribal trust.
Redevelopment activities have already begun with initial construction of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Memorial Park.
Tekakwitha Property - before, during cleanup and the redevelopment plan
59
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Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Environmental Programs Division
PO Box 737
71 Mike Frost Way
Ignacio, CO 81137
http://www.southernute-nsn.gov/environmental-programs/environmental-
compliance-brownfields/
Contact(s): Bob Kilian, Brownfields Coordinator
bkilian@southernute-nsn.gov
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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe's Brownfields Response Program works to identify brownfield 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 and summarized Brownfields Projects with pictures on website
Program Highlights
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe used its Section 128(a) Response Program funding to address the Cabezon Ranch; Old Tribal
Council Chambers, Rec Hall and Restrooms at Ute Park; Old Casino; Old Cafeteria; and several abandoned houses on the
Reservation.
• Assessments and Cleanups - The Tribal Brownfields Program conducted a Phase I and II on the Cabezon Ranch
property. EPA conducted Targeted Brownfields Assessments (TBAs) on the other sites. Requests for Proposals were
issued and certified contractors hired to conduct the cleanups.
• Contamination -Typical contamination included asbestos, lead, ballasts, florescent light bulbs, mercury switches,
mold, and animal vectors. After mitigation, the buildings were demolished, recycled, and disposed of in appropriate
landfills. All contamination was mitigated; therefore, no Institutional Controls (reuse restrictions) were required.
• Coordination -The Brownfields Program under the Environmental Programs Division coordinated with Tribal Council,
Office of Construction Project Management, Tribal Housing, Lands Division, and TERO to complete the projects.
Redevelopment has occurred on several of the sites.
Old Casino before cleanup activities Old Casino after cleanup
Old Cafeteria property
60
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Spirit Lake Nation
Spirit Lake Tribe Environmental Protection Administration
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 99
FortTotten, ND 58335
http://www.spiritlakenation.com/EPA_brownfields.htm
Contact(s): Joshua Tweeton, Environmental Director
airquality@spiritlakenation.com
701-766-1259
Duane Jackson, Jr., Brownfields Coordinator
djackson@spiritlakenation.com
701-766-1259
Overview
• Location: East-Central South
Dakota
• Land Area: 90,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 6,000
• EPA Grants: Assessment, Cleanup,
Job Training, Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: In Progress
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
Spirit Lake Tribe (SLT) Environmental Protection Administration 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
• Updated the public record
Program Highlights
The SLT Brownfields Tribal Response Program (TRP) has completed the four elements and Public Record requirements of
the TRP in the past year. Recently, using public input, the TRP identified two additional properties, the Old Headstart/Mental
Health Building and the Tokio Food Pantry. The properties were submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Region 8 for site eligibility determination approval and, if approved, the tribe will conduct Transaction Screen Assessment
Method on each property. Other highlights from 2013 include:
• The TRP brownfields inventory was updated using the EPA-recommended Brownfields Inventory Tool as the main
database.
• The TRP has nearly completed the Solid Waste/Environmental Code. The TRP submitted the Final Draft to Tribal
Council and is waiting Tribal Resolution. The Codes were developed using input from local Tribal Programs, Tribal
Attorney, Tribal Consultants, and other tribal partners.
• The Old Crow Hill Church property was the only property that the TRP addressed in 2012. The final Phase I
assessment for the Church property was submitted to EPA Region 8.
• The TRP conducted oversight of the asbestos and lead abatement at the Tribal Police Department.
• Upon community requests, the TRP removed empty fuel tanks from four homes and disposed of the tanks at the tribal
transfer station.
• The SLT Environmental Protection Administration Program attended numerous community meetings throughout the
year, which helped disseminate brownfields and TRP information to the public.
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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/programs/display.asp7program.
id=brownfieldsder&pg=Brownfield
Contact(s): Hans Bradley, Brownfields Coordinator
hbradley@standingrock.org
701-854-3823
Program
Overview
• Location: North Dakota and South
Dakota
• Land Area: 2.28 million acres
• Population: Approximately 8,500
• EPA Grants: Assessment, Cleanup,
Section 128(a) Tribal Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://209.62.246.144/
data/upfiles/programs/files/
Revised%20Brownfields%20
Public%20Record%20and%20
lnventory%202010.pdf
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (SRST) and its Department of Environmental Regulations strive to protect public human health
and the natural environment. Section 128(a) Response Program funding provides an important resource to establish and
enhance its Brownfields Tribal Response Program. Since its inception in 2004, the tribe focused efforts on developing
fundamental skills such as engaging the public to participate in the redevelopment process, evaluating areas for potential
environmental and health concerns, training local workers for environmental jobs, building enforcement methods, and
securing funding for site assessment and cleanup. These skills have led to a mature and highly capable program that has
the capacity, skills and commitment redevelop brownfields properties.
Program Highlights
Some of the major accomplishments of the program are highlighted below.
• The tribe has completed over 20 assessments, mostly funded by EPA's Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TEA)
program and also with Section 128(a) Response Program funding. These assessments have made way for a total of
11 cleanups with additional cleanups scheuduled.
• Section 128(a) Response Program funding was used to complete cleanups at the Old Warrior Motel and the Old
Tribal Office, both in Ft. Yates, North Dakota; at the Old Church House in Porcupine, North Dakota; and, at the St.
Elizabeth Garage in Wakpala, South Dakota.
• SRST has received five cleanup grants and continues to apply for additional funding. To date, cleanups have been
completed at the Selfridge Cheese Plant, in Selfridge, North Dakota; the Old Smee School in Wakpala, South Dakota;
and, at the Old Teachers Quarters and the Old Stockade Building in Ft.Yates, North Dakota. The tribe is still in the
process of cleaningthe Old Smee School Teachers Quarters, Wakpala, South Dakota.
• With assistance from SRST, EPA's Emergency Response program conducted cleanups at the Old Planning Office in Ft.
Yates, and at the former Bullhead Community Center in Bullhead, South Dakota.
• In 2012, Sitting Bull College applied for and received a Brownfields Job Training Grant to train local workers in the
environmental field. Graduates from the program have been put to work at various site cleanups, and they will
continue to be employed as SRST conducts more brownfields cleanups.
• Redevelopment has been completed at two former brownfields properties in Fort Yates. At the Old Planning Building
property, SRST has built new housing for police officers. The cleanup of the Old Teachers Quarters in Fort Yates lead
the way for the construction of new office space for the Tribal Health Program.
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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/
Contact(s): Curtis Seeseequasis, Brownfields Coordinator
cseeseequasis@mhanation.com
701-421-9469
Overview
• Location: North Dakota
• Land Area: 988,000 acres
• Population: Approximately 5,900
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nations (Three Affiliated Tribes) 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
• Adopted solid and hazardous waste regulations
Program Highlights
The MHA Nations are 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 creating a public record, obtaining
technical train ing for staff members, and conducting outreach and education to engage the community in environmental
and brownfields issues. In addition, the tribes used their fundingto conduct assessments and some site cleanups. The
tribes adopted a complete solid and hazardous waste code to include the response program requirements in December
2011. The MHA Nations are in the heart of the North Dakota oil field development boom. Since adoptingthe codes, the
Tribal Response Program has conducted oversight of responses to many spills and dumping incidents of oil field related
wastes to ensure adequate response actions are taken. In many cases enforcement actions were taken and include
assessing fines for improper releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants.
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Turtle Mountain Band of
Chippewa Indians
Turtle Mountain Environmental Protection Agency (TMEPA)
Highway 5 West, P.O. Box 900
Belcourt, ND 58316
http://tmbci.kkbold.com/
Contact(s): Cora Champagne, Environmental Director
corachampagne@hotmail.com
701-477-8328
Overview
Location: Northern North Dakota
Land Area: 140,107 acres
Population: Approximately 14,000
EPA Grants: Assessment, Job
Training, Cleanup, Section 128(a)
Tribal Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Ray Reed, Brownfields Coordinator
reed_627@hotmail.com
701-477-8337
Phillip Lenoir, Compliance Officer
xavierp72@hotmail.com
701-477-8337
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 maintain a public record
• Adopted solid and hazardous waste codes and 1% fee structure for sustainable operations - Compliance Officer
implements enforcement
• Conducted Phase I and II 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
• Manage inert landfills, transfer station and equipment
Program Highlights
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to address the following
properties:
• The Brownfields Program provided oversight on cleanup and disposal of an old school. The program worked with
contractors hired by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and identified recycling options in order to reduce disposal in the
landfill and arranged for proper cleanup and disposal procedures.
• Cleaned up several open dumps utilizing 1 percent fee.
• Attemptingto complete challenging brownfields cleanups for Old San Haven Hospital Facility and Turtleville burnt
houses.
• Coordinated with EPA to conduct a Solid Waste Sustainability Tool that included seven Key Indicators: Planning,
Financial Viability, Management, Staffing, Operations, Coordination, Compliance and Enforcement.
Old school during cleanup
Old school after cleanup
Compliance Officer enforces codes
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Ute Indian Tribe
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
PO BOX 190
Fort Duchesne UT 84026
http://www.utetribe.com/
Contact(s): Amy Cesspooch, Brownfields Coordinator
AmyC@utetribe.com
435-725-4839
Program
Overview
• Location: Northeast Utah
• Land Area: Approximately 4.5
million acres
• Population: Approximately 3,100
members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
The Ute Tribe's brownfields tribal response program continues to work to identify brownfield properties within the
reservation. It is also working to conduct, assess, and clean up hazardous, contaminated sites on the Uintah and Ouray
Reservation.
Program Highlights
The Ute Indian Tribe used its Section 128(a) Response Program fundingto hire a Brownfields Coordinator for the tribe and
inventory properties on the reservation. The Ute Tribe is currently working on a draft Solid Waste Code and Ordinance to
regulate illegal dumping on the reservation. The tribe anticipates having this code completed and adopted by the end of
2014. The Ute Tribe has also hired an Environmental Compliance Officer who is responsible for enforcement of dumping
regulations.
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Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
Environmental Programs Department
Brownfields Program
520 Sunset Blvd.
P. 0. Box 448
Towaoc, CO 81334
http://www.utemountainuteenvironmental.org/index.cfm/brownfields-
program/
Contact(s): Scott Clow, Director
sclow@utemountain.org
970-564-5432
Quinton Jacket, Brownfields Coordinator
qjacket@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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://www.
utemountainuteenvironmental.org
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 reusingand 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
• Conducted Phase I and II 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
Through the Ute Mountain Ute (UMU) Brownfields tribal response program,
the Tribal Brownfields Coordinator inventoried 138 properties consisting of
abandoned homes, Tribal administration buildings, and numerous open dumps
and landfills. One of the properties that the UMU Brownfields program addressed
was an old closed landfill with a compromised cap and exposed garbage. UMU
provided oversight for a Phase I and II environmental assessment at the property.
Subsequent to that, the tribe applied and received an EPA Brownfields Cleanup
Grant to make improvements to the landfill cap with a long term goal of installing
a solar farm on the closed site. UMU Brownfields Program has held numerous
meetings with the Tribal Government, tribal members, and other federal agencies to
plan and organize the closed landfill project. A meeting among U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Indian Health Services (IHS), and the tribe was held
recently to develop a workgroup and identify areas where the federal agencies can help leverage resources to assist with
the solar farm project. IHS is assisting with the remediation design and an EPA/ Department of Energy (DOE) liaison is
assisting with securing DOE funds for solar panels.
GIS map of abandoned homes on the
Ute Mountain Ute Reservation
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Wind River - Eastern Shoshone &
Northern Arapahoe
Wind River Environmental Quality Commission (WREQC)
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
Building 10, Washakie Street
P.O. Box 217
Fort Washakie, WY 82514
http://www.wreqc.com/
Contact(s): Everett McGill, Brownfields Coordinator
windrivereqcbftrp@yahoo.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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes; Solid
Waste Management Regulations
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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
The Wind River Brownfields TRP used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to address the following projects
over the last year.
• Completion of Targeted Brownfields Assessments at an abandoned oil field and the old Bureau of Indian Affairs Roads
Facility on the reservation. WREQC will use the results of these assessments to determine if cleanup is necessary
prior to redevelopment and reuse of the properties.
• Working with the Tribal Solid Waste Program to develop a new Solid Waste Sorting and Recycling Facility for the
reservation. The Brownfields Program is completing Phase I and II assessments and will oversee cleanup of the
property prior to construction of the new facility.
• Overseeing cleanup and redevelopment activities at the Old Government School brownfield property so it can be used
for the expansion of the Ft. Washakie School.
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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.gilariver.org/
Contact(s): Ondrea Barber, Director
ondrea.barber@gric.nsn.us
520-562-2234
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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Department of Environmental Quality's primary responsibility is to protect human health and the environment. The
Department works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that facilities within the Gila River Indian
Community's (GRIC) boundaries comply 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 resources
enabled GRIC to develop a comprehensive inventory of approximately 60 to 70 brownfield properties, assess approximately
20 properties, clean up several priority sites, and develop key partnerships. After the completion of assessments and
remediation activities, the Community redeveloped several of these previously contaminated properties, for uses including
a Diabetes Education and Research Center and a tribally-owned Casino. Currently, the Community is focusing its efforts
to attract light industrial facilities that specialize in the manufacturing of green, sustainable products that may include
photovoltaic solar panels, solar roof tiles, solar windows and other green products. The Community is also researching solar
farm technology as a potential redevelopment option on former brownfield sites.
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Navajo Nation
Overview
Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency
Superfund Program
P.O. Box 2946
Window Rock, AZ 86515
http://www.nnepasuperfund.org/about-the-program/brownfields/
Contact(s): Freida White, Environmental Program Supervisor
freidawhite@navajo-nsn.gov
928-871-6859
Program
• 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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://www.
nnepasuperfund.org/about-the-
program/brownfields/
The Navajo Nation EPA Superfund Program (NNSFP) houses the Navajo Brownfields
Program. The NSP 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 Navajo
Nation Land. Brownfield properties within the Navajo Nation are inventoried, qualified and proposed for cleanup action.
Accomplishments under the NSP include:
• Completed a property inventory
• Conducted assessments toward cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Created a public record
Program Highlights
NNSFP supports the Navajo Contaminated Structures Project (CSP) by conducting preliminary home and yard radiation
screens for Navajo community members. The Navajo Nation used Section 128(a) Response Program fundingto hire a
Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst and update geospatial tools and software to assist the CSP discovery program
that coordinates closely with EPA Region 9 Superfund removal efforts to reduce human health risk on the Navajo Nation.
Uranium mining and miIIing waste was occasionally used as sand for foundation and stucco aggregate incorporated into
the walls and floors of structures, including homes. There are also radiation exposure risks to community members from
the presence of mine or naturally-occurring radioactive materials in dust and soil that is brought into homes on shoes and
clothing. CSP provides pre-screen community outreach, post-screen follow-up with home owners and communities, and a
referral list to EPA Superfund Emergency Response Program for further action, which can include replacingthe structures.
CSP screens include global positioning system (GPS) data collection, photo documentation, and radiometric readings of
structures. CSP completed 92 structure screens in 2013, as well as delivery of radiation screening reports to homes. To
date, nearly 300 structures have been surveyed. Although significant improvements have been made to the mapping and
geospatial data analysis supporting Navajo EPA activities, NNSFP plans to improve the field office workflow by implementing
real time location data collection with radiometric readings, which will require additional equipment and training, but will
improve efficiency and reduce cost.
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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
Environmental Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
PO Box 256
Nixon, NV 89424
http://plpt.nsn.us/environmental/index.htm
Contacts: Bonnie Akaka-Smith, Interim Director
bonsmith@plpt.nsn.us
775-574-0101
Overview
Location: Western Nevada
Land Area: Approximately 475,000
acres
Population: Approximately 2,200
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Environmental Department protects the environment, natural resources, and public health of the
Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands the tribe's
scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The Pyramid Lake Paiute tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin the process of developing
an inventory of potential abandoned hazardous waste properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond to
contaminated properties within tribal lands.
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Ramona Band of Cahuilla
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 391670
56310 Highway 371, Suite B
Anza, CA 92539
http://ramona-nsn.gov/environmental-protection-agency/
Contacts: Nicolette Jonkhoff, EPA Manager
951-763-4105
Program
Overview
Location: Southern California
Land Area: Approximately 560
acres
Population: Approximately 3,000
members
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
The Ramona Band of Cahuilla protects the Native Culture, environment, and sovereignty in a way that supports all Native
Americans and passes this way of life to the children which will strengthen the future of all Native peoples. The addition of
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration
of contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The Ramona Band of Cahuilla is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin the process of developing
an inventory of potential abandoned hazardous waste properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond to
contaminated properties within tribal lands.
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Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community
Community Development Department (CDD)
Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (EPNR)
Brownfields Program
10005 East Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
http://www.srpmic-nsn.gov/government/epnr/brownfields.asp
Contact(s): Lily Bermejo, Brownfields Program Manager
lily.bermejo@srpmic-nsn.gov
480-362-2631
Overview
Location: Central Arizona
Land Area: 52,600 acres
Population: Approximately 9,000
EPA Grants: Assessment Grant,
Cleanup Grant, and Section 128(a)
Tribal Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: In Progress
Public Record Website: http://
www.srpmic-nsn.gov/governmenV
epnr/brownfields.asp
Program
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community's (SRPMIC or Community) CDD/EPNR uses the Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program (TRP) grant to successfully implement its Brownfields Program. The Community's Brownfields Program
staff has been working diligently to evaluate areas for potential environmental and health concerns, inventorying sites,
organizing public outreach, building enforcement methods, and finding funding for site assessment and cleanup.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed and periodically updated potential brownfields site inventory database.
• Updated brownfields information on the CDD/EPNR website on a continuous basis.
• Created public outreach documents to disseminate brownfields information.
• Developed and maintained an online public record information database.
• Offered several environmental trainings to SRPMIC's staff.
• Continue to foster public participation by talking about the Brownfields Program and cleanup activities, and promoting
other environmental awareness messages through the "Enviro-mindz" Newsletter.
• Developed an environmental newsletter for kids called "Enviro-kidz." It contains environmental messages easy to
understand, puzzles and activities to solve.
• Coordinated and conducted community-wide household hazardous waste collection events during SRPMIC's Annual
Earth Day and Fall Overhaul events.
• Developed "SRPMIC's Environmental Journal", a notebook with environmental, sustainable, and health messages
and quotes for every day.
Program Highlights
SRPMIC recently used Section 128(a) TRP funding to complete
a Phase I investigation at an illegal dump site known as the
"Beeline Gravel Pit." CDD/EPNR continues to evaluate areas of
contamination to add to the potential brownfields site inventory
database. Continued funding has also allowed for the increased
involvement of the community, bringing awareness and allowing for
its participation in locatingand identifying sites. The TRP grant also
funded the initial investigations that allowed SRPMIC to conduct
cleanup at the abandoned "Scottsdale Six Drive-in Theater," which
is located in a highly transited area of the reservation. This land will
be ready for reuse in the near future and allows an income benefit
to the landowners. CDD/EPNR will continue to do assessments and
cleanups with the use of Site Specific Funds under the TRP grant.
Scottsdale Six Drive-in Theater Concession
Building During Cleanup.
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San Carlos Apache Tribe
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 1240
San Carlos, Arizona 85550
http://www.sancarlosapache.com/home.htm
Contacts: Loretta Stone, EPA Director
scatepa@scatcom.net
928-475-2218
Overview
Location: Southeast Arizona
Land Area: Approximately 1.8
million acres
Population: Approximately 9,400
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The San Carlos Apache tribe protects the environment to ensure the greatest opportunity to succeed and to become self-
sufficient. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands the tribe's scope of work to include
management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The San Carlos Apache tribe is usingSection 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto begin the process of developing
an inventory of potential abandoned hazardous waste properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond to
contaminated properties within tribal lands.
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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): Corn Antone, TONEPO Supervisor
Cornelius.Antone@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: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.tonepa.org
Program
The Tohono O'odham Nation (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 and monitoring on contaminated or perceived contaminated Tohono O'odham
tribal lands from hazardous chemicals, pesticides, explosives, petroleum products, mining, and mining byproducts; and
the funding will be used to help develop environmental regulatory compliance standards. Accomplishments achieved using
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Created a public record website that is up and running (www.tonepa.org)
• Update the property inventory and public record lists which are posted to the website
• Participate in numerous tribal outreach activities and community trash cleanup events
• Provide environmental classroom presentations to K-12 students
• Maintain one dedicated full-time staff member, including training and certifications
• Provide Phase l/ll Environmental Site Assessments for suspect properties
• Monitor and conduct cleanup activities on the Tohono O'odham Nation
• Work towards developingtribal environmental quality management standards
Program Highlights
The Tohono O'odham Nation continues to use Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program fundingto update an inventory of properties and
participate in public outreach and community cleanup activities,
and has developed a public record website: www.tonepa.org. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 Targeted Brownfields
Assessment (TEA) assistance has been approved for 2014 including
a gravel pit site with potentially buried drums containing unknowns
and an old school building to determine contamination levels and
alternatives for cleanup. Additionally, the Brownfields program
helped fund removal of an underground storage tank (UST) while
monitoring a second tank's removal in one district, and, is in the
process of demolition of two condemned abandoned asbestos and
lead containing buildings. Our annual Earth Day activities included a
gardening challenge that involved hundreds of tribal members. The
Nation's Brownfields program activities are contributing to a better
educated people and a cleaner, healthier environment.
UST excavation and closure, March 2014
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White Mountain Apache Tribe
Environmental Protection Office
P.O. Box 816
Fort Apache AZ, 85926
http://www.wmat.nsn.us/EPO/epo_home.html
Contact(s): Brenda Begay, Environmental Manager
bbegay@wmat.us
928-338-2474
Overview
• Location: Eastern Arizona
• Land Area: 1.66 million acres
• Population: Approximately 12,500
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Environmental Protection Office (EPO) was established to enhance the quality of life within the Fort Apache Indian
Reservation by protecting and preserving the land, ecosystems, and natural resources of the White Mountain Apache
Tribe. EPO administers environmental regulatory programs, addresses environmental issues, and provides environmental
outreach to the tribal community. EPO staff monitors development throughout the reservation through the Tribal Plan and
Project Review (TPPR) process, performs site inspections, and enforces environmental regulations. The addition of Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands the department's scope of work to include management and restoration
of contaminated sites within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The White Mountain Apache Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin developing an inventory
of potential brownfield properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond to contaminated sites within the Fort
Apache Indian Reservation.
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Yurok Tribe
Yurok Tribe's Environmental Program
P.O. Box 1027
Klamath, CA 95548
http://www.yuroktribe.org/departments/ytep/ytep.htm
Contact(s): Kathleen Sloan, Director
ksloan@yuroktribe.nsn.us
707-482-1822 ext. 1009
Overview
• Location: Northwestern California
• Land Area: 63,035 acres
• Population: Approximately 5,700
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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. Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program funding allowed the tribe to focus on the management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal
lands. YTEP began an inventory of over 22,000 acres of newly acquired tribal lands in 2012. Accomplishments achieved
using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Maintained a comprehensive inventory and public record, which was published online
• Developed the DRAFT Hazardous Substance Control Act with the assistance of a legal consultant
• Reviewed existing tribal environmental ordinances with the Tribal Attorney Office to identify additional needs and
recommend revisions where needed
• Trained staff members to respond to emergency and non-emergency HAZMAT scenarios
• Conducted four Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) on the reservation with YTEP staff
• Conducted two Phase II ESAs with qualified consultants
• Developing Draft Tribal Cleanup Standards with assistance from a legal consultant
• Developed Emergency Response capacity within the Tribe through training and support of Yurok Emergency Operation
Services personnel in Hazardous Materials Response
• Provided assistance to Yurok Public Safety for environmental enforcement efforts on the Yurok Reservation and
participated in environmental investigations for reported violations
Program Highlights
YTEP has created the capacity to perform Phase I environmental assessments usingtribal 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 staff 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.
In FY12, YTEP completed two Phase I ESAs, with two additional Phase I ESAs currently in progress. YTEP also retained a
qualified contractor to conduct two Phase II ESAs. In addition, YTEP staff worked with a legal consultant to complete the
DRAFT Hazardous Control Substance Act for review and comment by the Yurok Office of Tribal Attorney (OTA). The Act will
be submitted to Tribal Council once the Yurok OTA and Executive Office approve it to move forward through the Tribe's
Ordinance Process. In FY12, YTEP also began work with a legal consultant to develop draft Tribal Cleanup Standards for all
brownfields properties on the Yurok Reservation. This effort is ongoing and is being informed by the risk assessment and
tribal member exposure study being conducted by YTEP's environmental specialist.
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EPA Region 10
Brownfields Grantees
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Alaska Native Tribal
Health Consortium
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 1027
3900 Ambassador Drive, 301
Anchorage, AK 99508
http://www.anthc.org/cs/dehe/envhlth/
Contact(s): Josh Liles, Brownfields Coordinator
jdliles@anthc.org
907-729-3596
Overview
Location: Central Alaska
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.anthc.org/cs/
dehe/envhlth/ehc/index.cfm
Program
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) TRP provides environmental health services for Alaska Native
communities, advanced technical support and training for Alaska's regional tribal environmental health programs, and
conducts environmental public health research of importance to Alaska Natives. ANTHC builds tribal capacity to identify
and respond to brownfields through outreach and community education. The ANTHC tribal health partners have shown
remarkable innovation, providing relevant outreach and program support with very limited resources.
Program Highlights
The ANTHC TRP uses Section 128(a) TRP fundingto foster public
participation through outreach and education in tribal communities.
ANTHC collaborates with communities to facilitate community meetings
that focus on identifying, assessing and prioritizing potentially
contaminated sites. One of these meetings was the catalyst that
led to the Critical Removal Action at the Old Copper Valley School in
October 2013. The 160-acre clean-up coordination was conducted in
partnership with several agencies and organizations: The Native Village
of Tazlina, Copper River Native Association, EPA, Alaska Department
of Environmental Conservation and the Archdiocese of Anchorage.
Future plans for the site include outdoor environmental education and
subsistence activities.
The Old Copper Valley School property after the
completion of cleanup activities
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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): CaSandera Johnson, Brownfields Program Manager
cjohnson@bbna.com
907-842-6248
Overview
Location: Southwest Alaska
Population: Tribal Consortium,
made up of 31 tribes
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Bristol Bay Native Association (BBNA) Natural Resources (NR) department provides comprehensive natural resources
management and environmental protection services to a Tribal Consortium of 31 tribes. The addition of 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
One of the BBNA's current projects is assisting the Village of Pilot Point
as they transition from completing a Targeted Brownfields Assessment
(TEA) that will further identify contamination issues to their application
for an EPA Brownfields Cleanup grant. Brownfields staff flew to Pilot
Point before the busy commercial fishing season to meet with tribal
members. BBNA gave a presentation on the success of tri-councils in
Bristol Bay that resulted in Pilot Point entities, Pilot Point Traditional
Council, the City of Pilot Point, and Pilot Point Native Corporation entering
into a Memorandum of Understanding to create their own tri-council.
Tri-councils in Bristol Bay villages allow tribes to accomplish brownfields
projects more efficiently and in much shorter times. In addition, Pilot
Point tribal members completed a 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations
and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training course and a 40-hour
Asbestos Abatement class.
Tri-Council meeting 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/services/community/environmental/index.html
Contact(s): Desiree Duncan, Program Manager
dduncan@ccthita.org
907-463-7183
Ray Paddock, Environmental Coordinator
rpaddock@ccthita.org
907-463-7141
Overview
Location: Southeast Alaska
Land Area: 35,138 square miles
Population: 72,954
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska's (CCTHITA) Tribal 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 are necessary when undertaking brownfields work in Alaska's unique
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 its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop a tribal response program. The tribe is
focusing its funding on developing an inventory of properties and a public record, obtainingtechnical trainingfor 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 that focuses on gathering traditional
customs, historical knowledge, and western science.
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Chuathbaluk Traditional Council
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
1 Teen Center Road
Chuathbaluk, AK 99557
Contacts: Robert Hairell, Brownfields Coordinator
ctc.roberthairell@gmail.com
907-467-4313
Overview
Location: Western Alaska
Population: Approximately 145
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Chuathbaluk Traditional Council protects the environment, natural resources, and public health of the tribal land. The
addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands the tribe's scope of work to include management and
restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The Chuathbaluk Traditional Council is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin the process of
developing an inventory of potential abandoned hazardous waste properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond
to contaminated properties within tribal lands.
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Confederated Tribes of the Coos,
Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
Department of Natural Resources - Environmental Division
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
1245 Fulton Ave.
Coos Bay, OR 97420
http://ctclusi.org/natural-resources/tribal-response-program
Contact(s): Margaret Corvi, Director
Department of Natural Resources
mcorvi@ctclusi.org
541-888-7511
Overview
Location: Western Oregon
Land Area: 405 acres
Population: Approximately 900
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: In Progress
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://ctclusi.org/natural-
resources/tribal-response-program
Program
The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians are a federally recognized Indian Tribe on the
central and south-central Oregon coast, with the tribal government headquarters located in Coos Bay. The Confederated
Tribes' Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto develop an
inventory of known and suspected contaminated properties that are located on or near 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. 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 materials on the Tribal Response Program
• Participated in inter-governmental meetings to discuss tribal land cleanup efforts
• Drafted tribal ordinances to protect tribal lands
Program Highlights
Since re-acquiringthe former Naval Facility Coos Head in 2005, the Confederated
Tribes have been working with the Air National Guard, Army Corps of Engineers,
Navy, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to
investigate areas of known or suspected contamination and to remediate areas of
concern. A presumptive remedy was implemented for munitions constituent sites,
and an interim remedial action was completed for a transformer spill site. A Record
of Decision is pending for the munitions constituent sites, a No Further Action
determination is pending for the transformer spill site, and a Record of Decision is
pending for four further action Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act (CERCLA) sites and nine no further action CERCLA sites. Remedial
action at the property was completed in 2013 and 2014.
Interim Remedial Action at AOC D
(Transformer Spill Site)
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Confederated Tribes of Colville
Reservation (CTCR)
Natural Resources Department
Office of Environmental Trust
PO Box 150
Nespelem, WA 99155
http://www.colvilletribes.com/
Contact(s): Don Hurst, Tribal Response Program Manager
don.hurst@colvilletribes.com
509-634-2421
Overview
Location: North Central
Washington
Land Area: 1.4 million acres
Population: Approximately 9,000
EPA Grants: 128(a) Tribal
Response
Grant, Area-Wide Planning Project
Assessment Grant, 104(k) Cleanup
Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation (CTCR) 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 an inventory of properties on the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation (CTCR)
• Created a public record and property inventory which were published to the tribal website
• Developed and enforce provisions of the CTCR Hazardous Substances Control Act
• Established and maintain the public record of site-specific environmental conditions
• 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 that considers potential environmental effects on natural resources
• Collaborate with federal agencies on enforcement activities
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The Office of Environmental Trust is a subdivision of the CTCR's Natural Resources Department that exercises authority
promulgated under the Tribal Code to investigate and clean up hazardous substances released to land, water and air. The
tribes utilize Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program grants, Section 104(k) Cleanup grants, Area-Wide Planning grants and
other funding sources to expand and enhance its response program as new properties enter the public record and existing
properties become the focus of progressive response actions and remediation. In addition to environmental responsibilities
pertaining to the Colville Indian Reservation as well as ceded and allotted lands, a significant strength of the Natural
Resources Department staff is its capacity in cross-disciplinary regional and international matters of substantive interest
to CTCR. Examples include technical review and consultation concerning the CTCR/Upper Columbia River CERCLAsite;
CCT and EPA are co-agencies with mutual agendas in several legacy cleanup and redevelopment projects on the Colville
Reservation that are either ongoing or in the planning stages; planning and implementation of improvements to the tribes'
reservation-wide solid waste system; participation on CTCR and county solid waste advisory committees; assessments of
brownfields on the reservation acquired through CTCR's proactive land reacquisition program; and advisory committee
involvement in developing Washington State freshwater sediment cleanup regulations.
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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, WA98948
http://yakamafish-nsn.gov/restore/projects/yakama-nation-brownfields-
p reject
Contact(s): McClure Tosch, Brownfields Coordinator
tosm@yakamafish-nsn.gov
509-865-5121
Overview
• Location: South Central
Washington
• reservation: 1.2 million acres
• Population: 10,268 enrolled
members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://
yakamafish-nsn.gov/restore/
projects/yakama-nation-
brownfields-project
Program
The Yakama Nation has reserved lands and rights covering over 1.2 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.
Through the Tribal Response Program (TRP), 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 TRP focused on evaluating and
ranking hazardous waste sites impacting aquatic resources. The initial inventory of sites was developed during 2010 and
2011. Sites are prioritized based on screening criteria developed in 2010. Prioritization of sites in the Lower Columbia River
from Bonneville Dam to the mouth is almost complete. Current activities within the TRP are prioritizing sites in the middle
and upper Columbia River; determining involvement at high priority sites; providing education and outreach; and assessing
brownfields for priority restoration or habitat enhancement projects. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Completed a site inventory
• Created a public record
• Prioritized Lower Columbia River sites
• 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 for Columbia River Restoration
Program Highlights
Since starting the TRP, the Yakama Nation has become involved in the oversight of cleanup activities at several sites
along the Columbia River. These sites include but are not limited to the Astoria Marine Construction Company, Goldendale
Aluminum, Former Reynolds Aluminum, ALCOA Vancouver, and Canyon Creek Dump. In order to achieve Yakama Nation's
goal of a clean, productive Columbia River, the Yakama Nation will continue to address sites identified as high priority
for restoring the Columbia River. Yakama Nation TRP staff members have been involved in multiple state and federal
environmental issues that are of importance to the Yakama Nation including Fish Consumption Rates, Coal Export, Oil Spills
on the Columbia, and many others.
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Copper River Native Association
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
Mile 104 Richardson Hwy
Drawer H Copper Center, AK 99573
http://crnative.org/departments/support-services/tribal-response/
Contact(s): Ava GreyBear, Tribal Response Program Coordinator
trpcoordinator@crnative.org
907-882-5241
Overview
Location: Central Alaska
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://crnative.org/
departments/support-services/
tribal-response/trp-public-record/
Program
The Copper River Native Association (CRNA) provides accessible environmental health services for Alaska Native
communities, while enhancing cultural awareness through educational opportunities. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding expands the tribe's scope of work to include addressing brownfields in Native Alaska.
Program Highlights
The CRNA Tribal Response Program (TRP) highlights include the following:
• The TRP provided a 24-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) course to tribal
environmental workers from each of the villages within Copper River Valley. This training opportunity provided
the environmental workers with knowledge that they will need to work safely with TRP over the next two seasons
inventorying potential brownfield properties.
• The TRP worked with CRNA's Information Technology (IT) staff on the development of its Public Record. The TRP's
Public Record is now housed on the CRNA website.
• The TRP Coordinator completed 40-hour HAZWOPER training. The training allows TRP staff to safely perform site
investigation work in the Native Villages.
• The TRP worked to create public awareness and provide the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about
brownfield properties within CRNA's service villages. The TRP helped to provide a Brownfields 101 training and a
Vision to Action Planning workshop in the Copper River Valley. The program also held workshops in all five villages and
at the Annual Youth Environmental Summit (Y.E.S.).
• The TRP participated in a 24-hour Oil Spill Response Training. This training was held in Cordova, Alaska and hosted by
the Native Village of Eyak's Tribal Response Program. Training and certification was provided by Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC), Environmental Protection Agency, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
and private contractors.
• CRNA took part in the oil spill contingency plan for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Service (T.A.P.S.). This review takes place
every five years and is approved by the State of Alaska DEC. CRNA's TRP believes it is crucial for the Copper River
people to have a voice in the spill contingency planning. The Trans-Alaska pipeline stretches the length of the region
and is potentially the most dangerous environmental threat to the Copper River watershed.
• The TRP Coordinator visited an active Formerly Utilized Defense (FUD) site in the Native Village of Gulkana. This
project is being managed at the Tribal level and being funded in part by the Native American Lands Environmental
Mitigation Program (NALEMP). The TRP Coordinator continues to work directly with Tribal Environmental staff and the
Wrangell St. Elias National Park Service to monitor the Superfund cleanup of old miningtailings.
• The Native Village of Tazlina's Copper Valley School site project has been a focal point of CRNA's Environmental
Department efforts and will continue to be over the next year.
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Craig Tribal Association
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
1330 Craig-Klawock Highway
PO Box 828
Craig Alaska, 99921
http://www.craigtribe.org/Brownfields.php
Contact(s): Buck Grasser, Brownfields Coordinator
brownfields@craigtribe.org
907-826-5125
Overview
Location: Prince Wales Island
Population: Approx. 1,400
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No (not yet
developed)
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.craigtribe.
org/Brownfields.php
Program
The Craig Tribal Association Brownfields Program was established to identify and clean up potentially contaminated sites
within the tribe's traditional territory. Fiscal Year 2011 was the first year of the program. Accomplishments usingSection
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Identified brownfield properties and developed a comprehensive inventory of properties in tribe's traditional territory
• Created and maintained a public record
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Offered environmental training to staff
Program Highlights
The Craig Tribal Association has used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin the process of developing
an inventory of potential brownfield properties, and strengthen ing the tribe's capacity to respond to contaminated sites
within tribal lands. Part of the inventory development included the creation of a public survey to educate the community
about brownfields and to solicit information about potential brownfields properties in the community.
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Douglas Indian Association
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
811 West 12th Street
Juneau, AK 99801
Contact(s): Kamal Lindoff, Brownfields Coordinator
klindoff@gci.net
907-364-3567
Overview
Location: Central Alaska
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
Douglas lies within the City and Borough of Juneau, on the northeast coast of Douglas Island. Douglas Indian Association
represents the Tlingits that have historically occupied the area. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program
funding allows the tribe to address brownfields issues in Native Alaska.
Program Highlights
The Douglas Indian Association is using a portion of its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to incorporate
brownfields into its inventory of hazardous waste properties impacting the Douglas Indian Association's aquatic resources.
Currently, the inventory focuses on mining- impacted properties; however, the Douglas Indian Association will add
brownfields in addition to National Priorities List (NPL) sites, federal facility sites, and Alaska Cleanup sites along the
Douglas Harbor, and the Taku River and Inlet. Once brownfields are identified and evaluated, they will be proposed for future
assessment and cleanup. The tribe identified ten properties during the initial phase of the brownfields inventory.
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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): Carolynn Campbell-Burkett, Brownfields Coordinator
ccampbellburkett@yahoo.com
907-476-7258
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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://anviktribalcouncil.
com/brownfields.html
Program
Formerly the Anvik Tribal Brownfields Program, the project now encompasses three neighboring communities as well:
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 includingtank farms, abandoned dump sites and contaminated properties.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completing a property inventory
• Creating a public record
• Conducting Phase I and II assessments on properties
• Developing a public outreach plan
• Fostering public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The GASH Brownfields Response Program used Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop a Public
Involvement Plan to build upon the cooperative relationship between tribal councils, local corporations, and the local
government to plan and organize community meetings focused on land reuse and development. The plan also focuses on
educating the public about brownfields and encouraging community participation. GASH also used funding to complete a
Phase I Assessment at a former Grayling Native Store former tank farm. The data collected will be used to document the
extent of contamination at the site. The GASH Brownfields Program also worked with the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed
to update its Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) to conduct additional sampling at properties in each community.
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Hydaburg Cooperative Association Overview
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 349
Hydaburg, AK 99922
http://www.hcabrownfields.com/index.html
Contact(s): Dorinda Sanderson, Brownfields Coordinator
dorinda.s@hotmail.com
907-285-3666
Location: Southeastern Alaska
Land Area: 189 acres
Population: Approximately 350
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://www.
hcabrownfields.com/blank.html
Program
The Hydaburg Cooperative Association's (HCA) mission is to honor, strengthen and preserve the Haida culture and language
by fostering healthy children and families who have pride and dignity in the community and culture; and by creating
economic development opportunities for all of its people. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
expands the Association's scope of work to include addressing brownfields in Native Alaska.
Program Highlights
HCA is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto identify, inventory and clean up potential brownfield
properties. In addition, HCA is committed to maintaining an accurate inventory list and public record of these properties in
order to educate and notify the community of its efforts in regaining use of tribal lands.
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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.jamestowntribe.org/programs/nrs/nrs_browns.htm
Contact(s): Pam Edens, Brownfields Coordinator
pedens@jamestowntribe.org
360-681-4658
Overview
• Location: Northwest Washington
• Land Area: 280 acres
• Population: Approximately 600
• EPA Grants: Cleanup Grant and
Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Grant
• Environmental Ordinances
that Cover 128(a) Work: Tribal
Environmental Pol icy Act, July 2009
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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 ensuringthe 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; reversing the decline of these resources resulting from environmental degradation; and
management and restoration of contaminated brownfields within tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section
128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completing an inventory of all Jamestown S'Klallam Tribal property
• Creating and updating a public record of all Response Program actions
• Conducting Phase I and II assessments on properties on tribal lands
• Conducting cleanup activities on properties on tribal lands
Program Highlights
The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe used Section 128(a) Tribal Response
Program (TRP) funding to develop a Brownfields Inventory that is
edited and updated at least twice a year. Currently there are 47
properties on the Tribe's Brownfields Inventory. Since establishing
the Tribe's Response Program in 2006, the Tribe has completed 20
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, six Phase II Environmental
Site Assessments, eight cleanups, and a two-year monitoring plan
on the Tribe's golf course wells. The Tribe works with the Washington
Department of Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program to insure that
properties are cleaned up to Washington State's Model Toxic Control
Act (MTCA) standards.
Onsite land farming treatment of heavy oil/SVOC
contaminated soil.
In FY2013, TRP staff performed preliminary site inspections on eight
Tribal properties and recommended lead and asbestos testing of
older buildings on two of those properties. When the results came
back positive for asbestos, institutional controls were put into place on one of the buildings and the other building was
demolished and hauled to a facility that accepts asbestos. These two properties will be re-developed for Tribal housing.
During one of the preliminary site inspections, an empty 500-gallon above-ground storage tank (AST) was discovered. The
Tribe hired an environmental contractor to perform a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. When the soil in the area of
the AST was sampled, high levels of heavy oil and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), which exceeded MTCA Method
A and Method B cleanup levels, were found. The area was sampled for the lateral and vertical extend of the contamination.
Approximately 20 cubic yards of contaminated soil was removed from the subsurface and placed in two berms and treated
onsite for three months using land farmingtechniques. When the soil was re-tested it was found to be free of contamination.
The property on which this cleanup was performed is slated to be re-developed as the site of the Tribe's Membrane
Bioreactor plant.
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Kuskokwim River Watershed Council
(KRWC)
Brownfields Tribal Response Program Main Office
Office Location: 460 Ridgecrest Dr., BNC Complex, Suite 119
P.O. Box 2986 | Bethel, AK 99559-2986
Office: 907-543-1426 | Fax: 907-543.1427
Toll Free: 1-855-543-1427
http://www.kuskokwimcouncil.org/brownfield.html
http://www.facebook.com/kuskokwimcouncil
Contact(s): Adrian Boelens, Executive Director
director@kuskokwimcouncil.org
907-543-1426
Lucille Kalistook, Brownfields Coordinator
brownfields@kuskokwimcouncil.org
907-543-1426
Overview
Location: Western Alaska
Watershed: 48,000 square miles
(124,319 km2)
Population: Approximately 15,000;
39 Member/ Tribal Organizations
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Hub
Community
Demonstration Efforts Underway
Public Record Website: http://
www.kuskokwimcouncil.org/
brownfield.html
Comprehensive GIS Database:
Under Development
Program
The focus of the Kuskokwim River Watershed Council's (KRWC) Brownfields Program is to collaborate and support
the environmental efforts of the 39 'member' village communities throughout the Kuskokwim River Watershed.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding include:
• Completed property inventories
• Created a public record and developed a geographic information system (GIS) database
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
Program Highlights
KRWC Brownfields Tribal Response Program (TRP) assisted
with the coordination of the Watershed's first Oil Spill Response
Training for Kuskokwim River villages. The 24-Hour Oil Spill
Response Training took place in the mid-river village of Kalskag,
June 25-27, 2012, where 17 24-hour Oil Spill Response
certificates, 12 16-hour Awareness certificates, and 14 of 32
participants also received their 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher
certification. The successful trainingwas supported through the
efforts of the KRWC TRP; the Institute for Tribal Environmental
Professionals (ITEP) at Northern Arizona University; the Native
Village of Kalskag; Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation; EPA; Ecology and Environment, Inc.; and the
Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association.
Left to right: Back Row: Eric Lindeman, Mark Sielaff,
George Morgan, Father Nick Isaac, Julie Ratliff, Nick Alexie,
Johnathon Gregory, Kenny Morgan, Paul Evan, Andrew Maud,
Henry Aloysius, Annie Lou Williams, Gina Mckindy.
Middle Row: Cathy Wasuli, Billy Jean Stewart, Sharay Alexie,
Vivian Changsak, Rose Alexie, Nicholai Napoka, Lucy Evan
Jordan, Michael Alexie, Seraphim Evan. Front Row: Nick
Wise, Middy Peter, Nicholai Alexie, Carlton Evan, Eric Alexie,
Margaret Andrew, Bob Whittier, Carl Overpeck
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Makah Indian Nation
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
PO Box 115
Neah Bay, WA 98357
http://www.makah.com/
Contact(s): Chad Bowechop, Brownfields Coordinator
bowechop.chad@centurytel.net
360-645-3015
Program
Overview
• Location: Northwest Olympic
Peninsula, Washington
• Land Area: Approximately 47
square
miles
• Population: Approximately 1,400
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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
The Strait of Juan de Fuca accommodates one of the busiest waterways in the United States and is the primary shipping
lane for commercial vessels bound to port facilities in Washington State and British Columbia. Because of the Tribe's
risk of exposure to oil spills, the Makah Tribal Council (MTC) has been involved in oil spill policy and response program
capacity development since the early 1970s. Alongthose lines, MTC recognized that it needed to define a formal working
relationship with the federal agencies that maintain oversight and authority over oil spill pollution. Over the past few years,
the Tribe has made significant strides in working towards oil spill mitigation and prevention, supported in large part through
Section 128(a) Response Program funding. The Makah Nation has served as a voting member on the Executive Committee
of the Northwest Regional Response Team and was the first tribe to serve in this role nationally. They also worked closely
with the U.S. Coast Guard to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance consultation, leverage resources, and
improve oil spill response coordination. On April 12, 2013, an MOA was entered into between the Tribe and the U.S. Coast
Guard. To commemorate this partnership in protecting the waters of the Puget Sound off the coast of Washington State,
the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard District 13 invited the MTC to name a conference room in the Seattle Federal
Building. This event was attended by the Governor of Washington State, Jay Inslee, and by representatives from Senator
Maria Cantwell's office.
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Maniilaq Association
Tribal Response Program
Tribal Government Services
Maniilaq Association
P.O. Box 256
Kotzebue, AK 99752
http://www.maniilaq.org/environmental.html
Contact(s): Stanley Tomaszewski, Recycling Tech/Brownfield Coordinator
stanley.tomaszewski@maniilaq.org
907-442-7639
Overview
• Location: Northwest Alaska
• Service Area: 39,000 sq. mi.
• Population: Approximately 8,500
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://www.
maniilaq.org/environmental.html
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 12-member tribes include the Native Villages of: Ambler, Buckland, Deering, Kiana,
Kivalina, Kobuk, Kotzebue, Noatak, Noorvik, Selawik, Shungnak, and Point Hope. The Association established its Tribal
Environmental Protection (TEP) program in 1997 with fundingfrom 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 develop 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:
• Established a public record of response actions
• Created and maintain a Brownfields Response Program website to inform the communities
• Completed an inventory of potentially contaminated sites in eight communities
• Guided four sites in two communities in applying 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 of the established
Tribal Response Program within Maniilaq TEP. The Tribal Response Program's directive is to provide technical assistance
to the 12 Native villages that Maniilaq Association serves and to educate the general public about the number and type of
brownfield sites within this area. The Maniilaq TEP's vision is also to develop partnerships with local governments to reduce
the risk of exposure to contaminants found in the brownfield sites to the public; and to assist in fully reclaimingsitesfor
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 the program's inception, the program has backhauled
for recycling over 70,000 pounds of electronic waste, two tons of fluorescent lights, 16 tons of lead-acid batteries, and over
three tons of 'white goods' (e.g., washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers). The Maniilaq Association Back Haul Recycling
Program demonstrated the ability to divert substantial amounts of undesirable materials from entering the solid waste
stream and the environment; however, the full measure of accomplishment will be preventingthe accumulation of certain
refuse items by establishing permanent outlets that systematically prevent future backlog.
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Metlakatla Indian Community
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
Metlakatla, AK 99926
http://www.metlakatla.com/
Contact(s): Jeff Benson, Brownfields Coordinator
PO Box 8
Metlakatla, Alaska 99926
907-886-4200
Wendy Ridley, Assistant Brownfields Coordinator
907-886-4200
Overview
Location: Southeastern Alaska
Land Area: 132,332 acres
Population: Approximately 1,499
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Metlakatla Indian Community (MIC) is a natural resource dependent community seeking to diversify its economy
through brownfields redevelopment. MIC's goal is to promote sustainable economic development through remediation and
redevelopment of brownfields on the Metlakatla Peninsula for industrial, commercial, recreational and cultural uses. MIC
also seeks to restore and protect the community's natural resources that have traditionally sustained the Metlakatla people.
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 and II assessments on properties on the reservation
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and tribal members
Program Highlights
The MIC's Brownfields Program enables the community to leverage a wide range of services and funding from other sources
to address multiple environmental concerns that face the community. As a federal participant in the MIC Brownfields
Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) worked with MIC to develop the study plan and
collect species for the Annette Islands Seafood Study. Using community outreach, MIC presented the Annette Islands
Seafood Study results to the community through fact sheets and public meetings. To date, most of the properties on the
Metlakatla Peninsula have been investigated, and potential hazards and sources of contamination have been identified.
Many of these properties have been cleaned up, and sources of contamination have been removed at several properties.
Through these efforts, the Brownfields Program has strengthened the tribe's capacity to respond to contaminated sites
within tribal lands.
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Native Village of Eklutna
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
26339 Eklutna Village Road
Chugiak, Alaska 99567
http://www.eklutna-nsn.gov/LandEnviron.htm
Contacts: Marc Lamoreaux, Brownfields Coordinator
nve.ledirector@cklutna-nsn.gov
907-688-6020
Overview
Location: Southern Alaska
Land Area: 1,819 acres
Population: Approximately 75
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Native Village of Eklutna protects and manages the traditional lands and environment for the benefit of Eklutna people
and the way of life of the village. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands the tribe's scope
of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
The Native Village of Eklutna is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin the process of developing
an inventory of potential abandoned hazardous waste properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond to
contaminated properties within tribal lands.
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Native Village of Eyak
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 1388
HONicholoffWay
Cordova, AK 99574
http://nveyak.com/environmental-and-natural-resources/strp-state-tribal-
response-plan/
Contact(s): Ivy Patton, Brownfields Coordinator
ivy@eyak-nsn.gov
907-424-7738
Overview
Location: South Central Alaska
Land Area: Approximately 48,640
acres
Population: Approximately 2,240
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Native Village of Eyak's (NVE) Brownfields Tribal Response Program (TRP) was created to identify harmful, contaminated
sites and to promote sustainable land use practices throughout the greater Cordova region. The tribe's goal is to increase
tribal capacity for oil spill response by having a trained and prepared response team. NVE offers trainingand is a local
resource to report and address hazardous spills. The TRP has completed the following activities:
• Published a brownfields inventory on the tribe's website (the inventory is also available in the Brownfields
Coordinator's office)
• Created and maintained a public record
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff, tribal, and community members
Program Highlights
NVE is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding
to continue the process of developing an inventory of potential
brownfields, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to identify and
respond to contaminated sites within tribal lands. To date, the
TRP identified over 20 potentially contaminated properties for its
inventory and continues to solicit more properties. To increase its
capacity for oil spill response, NVE held a 24-hour Spill Response
course and a 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency
Response (HAZWOPER) refresher course in October 2011 and will
hold another in October 2014. In addition, NVE strives to reduce
spills in our environment. In May 2012, NVE held a Home Heating
Oil Tank Safety training event to increase its capacity to prevent spills
and offers home heating tank inspections.
Sunset over Old Harbor in the Native Village of Eyak
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Native Village of Port Heiden
Tribal Environmental Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. Box 49007
Port Heiden, AK 99549
http://www.nativevillageofportheiden.com/brownfields.html
Contact(s): Jaclyn Christensen, Brownfields Coordinator
jaclync@portheidenalaska.com
907-837-2296
Overview
Location: Western Alaska
Population: Approximately 105
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public
Record Website: http://www.
nativevillageofportheiden.com/
public-record.html
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:
• Completing a property inventory
• Creating a public record
\l
Program Highlights
Over the last several years, the Native Village of Port Heiden used
Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program (TRP) funding to initiate
the development of a tribal response program. They focused their
funding on developingan 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 Village of Port Heiden TRP attended
the Alaska Forum on the Environment in Anchorage. The forum
provided an opportunity for state, local, military, private, and Native
leaders and professionals to come together and discuss the latest
projects, processes, and issues that affect Alaska. In addition, the
TRP attended the Alaska State and Tribal Response Program (STRP)
Workshop in Fairbanks. This workshop helped the TRP map its
priority list and network with other tribes and native villages. The TRP
also investigated the project proposed to work on cleaning up a few
buildings in the old village of Meshik. Based on a previous Brownfield
assessment Phase I and II reports on the Old Meshik Town Project these two properties needed further investigation.
Although the TRP conducted additional investigations, the projects were halted because several storms caused massive
erosion to the coastlines and the buildings on the properties collapsed onto the beach. The Village of Port Heiden removed
the two buildings that were destroyed.
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, Alaska 99659
http://www.kawerak.org/communities/stmichael.html
Contact(s): Jeff Long, Brownfields Coordinator
jlong5096@yahoo.com
907-923-2304
Overview
• Location: Western Alaska
• Land Area: 13,952 acres
• Population: Approximately 400
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
Program
The Native Village of Saint Michael (NVSM) provides comprehensive natural resource management and environmental
protection services for the tribe's 13,952 acres of land. The addition of 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
• Coordinated with the Department of Defense to conduct Phase I assessments
Program Highlights
NVSM is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to enhance the development of a tribal response program.
The tribe continues to focus its funding on developing an inventory of properties and maintaining a public record, and
conducting outreach to engage the community in environmental and brownfields issues. In addition, the tribe conducted
site-specific sampling at a subsistence area potentially impacted by tar residues.
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Native Village of Tazlina
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
Mile 110.5 Richardson Hwy
Glennallen, AK 99588
http://www.tazlina.org/tribal-response-program.html
Contact(s): Tana Mae Pete, TRP Coordinator
trp.tazlina@cvinternet.net
907-822-4375
Overview
Location: Eastern Alaska
Land Area: 300,000 acres (ANSCA)
Population: Approximately 300
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.tazlina.org/
tribal-response-program.html
Program
The Native Village of Tazlina protects and preserves the land, ecosystems and traditional natural resources to ensure
the health of the village for generations to come. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program (TRP) funding
expands the tribe's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated sites within tribal lands.
Program Highlights
Below is a list of program highlights the Native Village of Tazlina's TRP conducted since 2012:
• Targeted brownfield assessment (TEA) completed on the Copper Valley School site.
• Completion of a seven-week cleanup of the Copper Valley School property.
• Collaborating with Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP) to clean up the Dry Creek
Military Dump site.
• NALEMP conducted an assessment at the Dry Creek site.
• Developed the Native Village of Tazlina website atwww.tazlina.org.
• Developed a Public Record of properties and posted it on the Native Village of Tazlina's website.
• Collaborated with EPA's Unmet Needs grant to strategize a plan to put all of Dry Creek sites on the inventory.
• Developed a procedure manual for the TRP that details all of the tasks under the program that changes each year.
• Attended 40-hour HAZWOP, 8-hour Refresher, and Oil Spill Response Training.
• Held a 40-hour HAZWOP training for village members.
• Tribal Administrator and TRP Coordinator attended ASTM Phase l/ll Environmental Assessment training.
• Tribal Administrator and TRP Coordinator attended the State Tribal Response Program workshop.
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Native Village of Tununak
(Nelson Island Consortium)
Brownfields Response Program
P.O. Box 77
Tununak, AK 99681
http://www.nelsonislandconsortium.org
Contact(s): Peter Pitka, Brownfields Coordinator
tnkbrp@nelsonislandconsortium.org
907-652-6537
Overview
• Location: Western Alaska
• Land Area: 60.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 385
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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 allowed
the tribes 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 tribes' 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 tribes focus their 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 tribes
are 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 - Ground water Program
P.O. Box 365
Lapwai, Idaho 83540
http://www.nptwaterresources.org
Contact(s): Kevin Brackney, Brownfields Coordinator
kevinb@nezperce.org
208-843-7368
Program
Overview
• Location: North Central Idaho
• Land Area: 770,470 acres
• Population: 9,554 including 1,998
enrolled tribal members
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
Ordinances
have been drafted, but not yet
approved by Council.
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.
nptwaterresources.org
The Nez Perce Tribe vision is "to manage, protect, develop, and restore the Nez
Perce Tribe's surface and ground water resources and watershed environments in
the treaty-reserved homelands for the benefit, health, culture, and welfare of the
tribal public." Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program contributions towards this vision include:
• Participated in HAZMAT Response and subsequent cleanup oversight of three petroleum spills affecting the Wild and
Scenic Clearwater River.
• Developed a new website for the Tribal Water Resources Division.
• Leveraged additional funding including: EPA Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Prevention, LUST Assessment,
Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Grant, and tribal funded Hazardous Emergency Response Team.
• Continued developing and enhancing a Geo Database titled "Inventory of Regulated Properties," which contains
diverse records on 388 reservation properties, with each given a relevant contaminant ranking from 1 (unlikely
contamination) to 5 (known contamination). Project files are maintained and updated on each property for future
use, but are not published to maintain owner confidentiality. Individual records are available on request for interested
parties.
• Assisted EPA in conducting on-reservation inspections under the Underground Injection Control program.
• Provides an important service to reservation communities in processing environmental complaints regarding potential
or actual contamination of soil and ground water.
• Under the direction of a Registered Professional Geologist, the Groundwater Program Conducts Phase I and II
Environmental Site Assessments including writing Quality Assurance Documents. Investigation techniques include
soil vapor sampling, geophysics, Tubex Air Rotary and Sonic monitor well drilling, soil, groundwater, and surface water
sampling.
Program Highlights
The Nez Perce Tribe Water Resources Division responds to tanker
truck accidents along U.S. Highway 12, which parallels the Wild and
Scenic Lochsa/Clearwater River over the Bitterroot Mountains from
Missoula, MT to Lewiston, ID. Response Program funding is used to
train emergency responders, but not for emergency response. The
Hazardous Emergency Response Team (HERT) Response actions
are complementary to other responsibilities of the Groundwater
Program, including LUST Prevention, LUST Assessment and Cleanup,
and Brownfield Tribal Response Program. Under the program, the
Nez Perce Tribe Water Resources Division is actively participating in
four Phase II environmental site assessments, includingthe McCoy
LUST site where the soil caught fire during road construction; Hunt
Oil Seep where gasoline contaminated groundwater from an above Groundwater Program installing soil vapor sampler.
ground storage tank that intermittently discharged gasoline into the
Clearwater River; Lapwai School District UIC well which contaminated soil and shallow groundwater with chlorinated solvents
approximately 100 ft from a municipal well; and a 37-acre brownfield site at Tribal Unit-45.
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Organized Village of Kasaan
Department of Natural Resources
Brownfields Program
P.O. Box 26
Kasaan, Ketchikan, AK 99950-0340
http://vwwv.kasaan.org/brownfields Jiome.html
Contact(s): Fred Olsen, Jr., Brownfields Coordinator
fred@kasaan.org
907-542-2230
Overview
• Location: Southeast Alaska -
Prince
of Wales Island
• Population: Approximately 50
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.kasaan.org/
brownfields.html
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 fundingto 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 landowners. 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 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 that were contaminating nearby clam populations. In 2011, the Forest Service
conducted cleanup activity at the Salt Chuck Mine property, including the removal of 8,400 tons of contaminated soil
and debris. The rail carts, a grader, and mine materials including engines were left on the property to preserve the site's
mining history. In addition, EPA initiated a Remedial Investigation to investigate how much contamination remains in the
upland portion of the property and the extent of the contamination in the tideland portion. Still in progress, the Remedial
Investigation will include sampling water, plants, soil, and bivalves to determine the extent of contamination.
In April 2013, the Village held its annual POW Island-wide MiningSymposium. The event included representatives from the
offices of Governor Parnell, Senator Mark Begich, Senator Lisa Murkowski, the Niblack Project, Ucore Rare Metals, Inc.,
SEALASKA Corporation, U.S. Department of Agriculture-U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Power and Telephone, State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources, and several tribes discuss mines on POW. The event updated residents on activities and
concerns with mining occurring on the island, garnished local support, promoted the development of a local workforce, and
served as a forum for natural resource education.
Dilapidated structures at the Salt Chuck Mine site
as seen from across Ellen Creek
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Orutsararmiut Native Council
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
P.O. BOX 927
Bethel, Alaska 99559
http://nativecouncil.org/natrec/brownsfield-program
Contact(s): Curtis Mann, Brownfields Coordinator
cmann@nativecouncil.org
907-543-2608
Overview
Location: Western Alaska
Land Area: 48,900 acres
Population: Approximately 6,080
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://nativecouncil.org/
natrec/brownfields-inventory/
Program
The mission of the Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC) is "to promote the general welfare, enhance independence,
encourage self-sufficiency/self-motivation, enhance quality of life, and preserve cultural and traditional values of the Tribe
and to exercise Tribal authority over resources through education/economic and social development opportunities." The
addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands ONC's scope of work to include management and
restoration of contaminated properties within ONC's tribal lands. Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Program funding include:
• Created and maintained a public record on contaminated sites
• Developed and published an inventory on ONC's website
• Developed outreach and education to the public
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
Program Highlights
The Orutsararmiut Native Council is using its Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to develop an inventory of
properties and a Public Record and will be conducting outreach and education to involve the community in environmental
and brownfields issues. One of the highlights of ONC's Tribal Response Program was a visit from EPA Region 10's
Alaska Brownfields Project Manager, Mary Goolie, and Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation's, Reuse &
Redevelopment Program, Sonja Benson, for a three-day workshop. The workshop also included the Kuskokwim River
Watershed Council (KRWC) and the Native Village of Tununak-Nelson Island Consortium (NIC). KRWC and ONC are based in
Bethel and the NIC program is based in Tununak on Nelson Island. All three programs overlap within the communities; they
are working together to strengthen a partnership to better serve the tribes within our region.
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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.pgst.nsn.us/tribal-government/natural-resources/brownfields-
tribal-response-program
Contact(s): Roma Call, Brownfields Coordinator
romac@pgst.nsn.us
360-297-6293
Overview
• Location: Kingston, Washington
• Land Area: 1,800 acres
• Population: Approximately 1,192
• EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.pgst.nsn.
us/tribal-government/natural-
resources/brownfields-tribal-
response-program
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 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 new public record
• Conducted Phase I and II assessments on properties on the reservation
• Completed analysis of cleanup alternatives for the Point Julia site
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
Program Highlights
The first goal of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe's Brownfields Program was to create a list of potential brownfields
properties through research and interviewing both technical professionals and community members. Two EPA Assessment
grants were used to investigate properties of the greatest concern. The Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe is interested in cleaning
up properties and returningthem 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 and related information, along
with additional documents and reports on cleanup related activities in the area. Recently, supplemental shellfish tissue
sampling was conducted on Point Julia after the initial Phase II assessment found contaminants in the soil. A report on the
sampling results has been completed and shows that ingestion of shellfish has been identified as an exposure pathway for
Port Gamble Bay. This data is being used to support an intergovernmental public health consultation requested by the Tribe
that will be conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Washington Department
of Health (WDOH). The Tribe is coordinating closely with these agencies to ensure that the health consultation adequately
addressed their needs.
It is the Tribe's hope that other top sites listed in the public record will be assessed with EPA funding, to allow the Tribe to
purchase these properties.
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Shoshone-Bannock 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
kwright@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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.sbtribes-
ewmp.com/
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 and II assessments on properties on the reservation
• Conducted cleanup activities on properties on the reservation
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
Program Highlights
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes announced a favorable decision in the Tribal Court of Appeals on April 15, 2014. The Court
ruled that the Tribes have civil jurisdiction over the Food Machinery and Chemical (FMC) Corporation for waste that remains
within the Fort Hall Reservation. The waste stored on the FMC property includes millions of tons of phosphorous slag,
at least 16,000 tons of elemental reactive and ignitable elemental phosphorus, almost a million tons of contaminated
soil, and many other hazardous wastes (http://sbtribes-ewmp.com/). The Tribes' Environmental Waste Management
Program (EWMP) has used Section 128(a) Response Program funding since 2005 to establish and enhance their statutes,
regulations, and environmental response resources. In addition to building an effective Brownfields outreach and site
assessment program, the EWMP developed the Tribes' hazardous waste management and cleanup laws that help them to
exercise jurisdiction to protect for Tribal Lands in and around the Fort Hall Reservation. The Tribal Courts affirmed the rights
of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to protect the land and people from the environmental threats from the FMC property due
to the many years of work that went into enhancing the EWMP and preparing the legal groundwork.
106
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Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Overview
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
Environmental Compliance Manager
11430 Moorage Way
La Conner, WA 98257
http://www.swinomish-nsn.gov/Resources/environmental-protection/
environmental-management/brownfields.aspx
Contact(s): Scott Andrews, Environmental
Management Specialist
sandrews@swinomish.nsn.us
360-466-2631
Program
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community's Environmental Compliance Manager
protects the environment and human health on the Swinomish Reservation.
Accomplishments achieved using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program (TRP)
funding include:
• 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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Developed but
not yet approved by Tribal Senate
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.swinomish.
org/resources/environmental-
protection/environmental-
management/brownfields.aspx
Created and annually update a brownfields property inventory of the
reservation
Created and maintain a public record
Administered an Assessment grant and coordinated the completion of a Targeted Brownfields Assessment
Coordinated the cleanup or partial cleanup of four properties
Provided coordination and proposal development and oversight for the cleanup of a property under a EPA Cleanup grant
Participated in oil spill response exercises with local pipeline companies and refineries
Developed an Oil Spill Preparedness Program, recruiting and training local volunteers
Provided environmental training to staff
Conducted public outreach
Program Highlights
The Swinomish Reservation is located in northern Puget Sound, on
a peninsula surrounded 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. Section 128(a) TRP funding, along with additional
Brownfields grants, are allowing the Tribe to inventory and assess
potential brownfields on these lands, and to develop cleanup
strategies to return contaminated and neglected areas into productive
use. The Swinomish Lime Storage Site is located on the Swinomish
Channel within the Tribe's primary economic development zone. The
site was assessed using a Brownfields Assessment grant and found
to be contaminated with heavy metals, dioxins, and creosote treated
wood debris. The upland cleanup of this site is now complete, and
the intertidal areas are to be completed within the next year. Oil
Spill Preparedness has been receiving increasing attention from the
Tribe, primarily due to two major petroleum refineries that are located adjacent to the Swinomish Reservation. Reservation
waters are vulnerable to spills of crude oil transported by oil tankers, by railroad and by pipeline, as well as fuel spilled by
commercial and recreational vessels operating in local waters. Capacity building within the TRP has allowed participation
in local oil spill response exercises and facilitated the development of a volunteer- based oil spill preparedness program.
In this program, volunteers are organized and trained to respond to oil spills and mitigate or prevent contamination of
Swinomish natural resources.
Oil Spill Response Training
107
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Tanana Chiefs Conference
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
122 1st Avenue
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
http://www.tananachiefs.org/
Contacts: Katie Bante, Brownfields Coordinator
katie.bante@tananachiefs.org
800-770-8241 ext.3432
Program
Overview
Location: Central Alaska
Land Area: 1 million acres
Population: Traditional Tribal
Consortium of 42 Village of Interior
Alaska
EPA Grants: Section 128(a) Tribal
Response Grant
Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
The Tanana Chiefs Conference advances Tribal self-determination and enhancing regional Native unity through proper
management, leadership, and cooperation. The addition of Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding expands the
organization's scope of work to include management and restoration of contaminated properties.
Program Highlights
The Tanana Chiefs Conference is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding to begin the process of developing
an inventory of potential abandoned hazardous waste properties, and strengthen the tribe's capacity to respond to
contaminated properties within tribal lands.
108
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Yakutat Tlingit Tribe
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
716 Ocean Cape Road
Yakutat, AK 99689
http://www.yakutattlingittribe.com/
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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: No
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: No
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:
• Developing a site inventory
• Updating the public record
• Conducting an investigation of dioxin contamination in the Ankau Saltchucks, an area used for subsistence fishing
• Reviewing investigations and cleanup work conducted by others
• Developing environmental regulation policy
Program Highlights
The Yakutat Tlingit Tribe is using Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program fundingto expand and enhance its tribal response
program. The tribe's initial focus for its funding was developing an inventory of properties. Information gathered for the
site inventory is used to identify priority sites and determine Department of Defense Formerly Utilized Defense Sites where
impacts are still of concern to the tribe. The tribe also focuses on obtainingtechnical training for staff and keeping its Public
Record up to date. Conducting outreach and education to engage the community in environmental and brownfields issues
is a top priority for the program. Discussions with tribal members helped to identify six properties that will be added to the
inventory.
109
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Yukon River Inter-Tribal
Watershed Council (YRITWC)
Sustainable Lands Department
Brownfields Tribal Response Program
323 Second Street, Unit A
Fairbanks, AK 99701
http://www.yritwc.org/Departments/Sustainable-Lands.aspx
Contact(s): Dan Goodman, Director
dgoodman@yritwc.org
907-227-8202
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
• Environmental Ordinances that
Cover 128(a) Work: Yes
• IC/EC Tracking and Public Record
Website: http://www.yritwc.org/
Departments/Sustainable_Lands.
aspx
Program
The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) 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 250 contaminated
sites. The Sustainable Lands Department focuses on three major areas: the Brownfields Tribal Response Program,
community emergency response and planning, and data warehousing 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 and II assessments on properties
• Developed a public outreach plan
• Fostered public participation through outreach and education
• Offered environmental training to staff and/or tribal members
• Currently conducting first cleanup project in a Yukon River Watershed community
Program Highlights
With Section 128(a) Tribal Response Program funding, 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 (AVEC)
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, the 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.
110
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Appendix
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Region
1
2
4
5
6
Tribe
Passamaquoddy Tribe
Penobscot Indian Nation
Seneca Nation
St. Regis Mo hawk Tribe
Seminole Tribe
Bad River Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa Tribe
Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and
Chippewa
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Lake
Superior Band of Chippewa Indians
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa Indians and Chippewa
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Little Traverse Bay Bands (LTBB) of Odawa
Indians
Lower Sioux Indian Community
Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of
Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe)
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the
Potawatomi
Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin
Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
SaultSte. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
White Earth Band of Ojibwa
Cherokee Nation/lnter-Tribal
Environmental Council (ITEC)
Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council, Inc.
(ENIPC)
Brownfields
Program
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
^
Public
Record
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
Environmental
Ordinances that
Cover Section
128(a) Work
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
IC/EC
Tracking and
Public Record
Website
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
112
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Region
7
8
Tribe
Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas
Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation
Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas
and Nebraska
Santee Sioux Nation
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Blackfeet Nation
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST)
Chippewa Cree Tribe (Rocky Boys)
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
Fort Belknap Indian Community
Fort Peck Tribes
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Northern Cheyenne Tribe
Oglala Sioux Tribe
Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe
Southern Lite Indian Tribe
Spirit Lake Nation
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa,
and Arikara Nations)
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
Lite Indian Tribe
Lite Mountain Lite Tribe
Wind River - Eastern Shoshone
& Northern Arapahoe
Yankton Sioux
Brownfields
Program
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
^
^
^
Public
Record
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
Environmental
Ordinances that
Cover Section
128(a) Work
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
IC/EC
Tracking and
Public Record
Website
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
113
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Region
9
10
Tribe
Gila River Indian Community
Hoopa Valley Tribe
Navajo Nation
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
Ramona Band of Cahuilla
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
San Carlos Apache Tribe
Tohono O'odham Nation
White Mountain Apache Tribe
Yurok Tribe
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Bristol Bay Native Association
Central Council of Tlingit& Haida Indian
Tribes of Alaska
Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower
Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
Confederated Tribes of Colville
Reservation (CTCR)
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of
the Yakama Nation
Copper River Native Association
Craig Tribal Association
Douglas Indian Association
Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, and Holy Cross
(GASH)
Hydaburg Cooperative Association
Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe
Kuskokwim River Watershed Council (KRWC)
Makah Indian Nation
Maniilaq Association
Metlakatla Indian Community
Brownfields
Program
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
^
^
Public
Record
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
Environmental
Ordinances that
Cover Section
128(a) Work
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
IC/EC
Tracking and
Public Record
Website
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
114
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Region
10
Tribe
Native Village of Eyak
Native Village of Port Heiden
Native Village of Saint Michael
Native Village of Tazlina
Native Village of Tununak
Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho
Organized Village of Kasaan
Orutsararmiut Native Council
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
Shoshone-Bannok Tribes
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
YakutatTlingit Tribe
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council
(YRITWC)
Brownfields
Program
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
Public
Record
S
S
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
Environmental
Ordinances that
Cover Section
128(a) Work
^
^
^
IC/EC
Tracking and
Public Record
Website
^
^
^
^
^
^
115
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-------
United States
Environmental Protection
k Agency
Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response
560F14218
December 2014
www.epa.gov/brownfields
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