Region 1^ SEPA Tribal https://gQ.USa.gov/xXNnW _ - Agency The Tribal Newsletter is T ;h | united states issued free each month. I " DPffi Environmental Protection Newsletter Ik Ik Vol. 27 No. 10 November 2018 £R4 provides some externa! links in this newsletter for informational purposes only. EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of non-EPA information provided by any third-party sites or any other linked site. EPA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies, internet applications or any policies or information expressed therein. # Top News NATIVE 0 AMERICAN f HERITAGE MONTH ' J American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month Each November we recognize the contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the U.S. and commemorate the wisdom we've gained from their partnership. Tribai engagement and strengthening government-to-government relationships is essential to the Agency. EPA Region 10 values tribal collaboration and recognizes Native Heritage Month by hosting internal events and requiring an annua! Working Effectively with Tribal Governments training for staff. Consider sharing information or hosting a Native Heritage Month event in your community. Check out the National Native American Heritage Month website for information about special events and American Indian and Alaska Native contributions to U.S. history. To learn about EPA's relationship with tribes, check out EPA's Environmental Protection in Indian Country website. C \ FY 2020 IGAP Notice of Funding Availability The EPA Region 10 Notice of Funding Availability for FY 2020 Indian Environmental General Assistance Program will be posted soon! IGAP grants help tribes and tribal consortia build capacity for developing and administering environmental protection programs. The NOFA describes everything you need to know to prepare and submit your IGAP grant application. Please read the NOFA carefully before drafting your proposal, as some requirements have changed. EPA Region 10 will host a series of webinars for applicants on the NOFA. The webinar schedule is on page 18 and will be made available on the Region 10 Tribal Programs website. If you have questions about the NOFA, please contact your tribe's IGAP Project Officer. I ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Five-Day Grant Draw Down Spending Requirement After tribal grant recipients draw down funds from EPA, they must spend it within five business days. After five business days, grant recipients may not retain more than five percent of the amount drawn down or $1,000 whichever amount is less. If a grantee draws down funds that are greater than the allowed amount, they must contact EPA's Las Vegas Finance Office for instructions. The five-day draw down spending requirement is outlined in EPA's General Terms and Conditions for new grant awards and for any supplemental or incremental awards as of October 1, 2018. Grant recipients may request an exception if they can demonstrate that compliance with the requirement will impose undue administrative or financial management burdens, or if waiving the requirement is in the public interest. Exception requests must be submitted by email to the National Policy, Training and Compliance Division of EPA's Office of Grants and Debarment at OGDWaivers@epa.gov. The email subject should be titled ASAP Requirements Exception Request or 5 Business Day Disbursement Exception Request. The email message must include the following details: Funding Opportunity Number (if available). Organization name and DUNS/Universal identifier. Organization's contact information. Explanation of the inability to disburse EPA funds within five business days. If the request is granted, the applicant will receive a written response documenting that their waiver is approved. Approved exceptions will be valid for the life of the EPA assis- tance agreement. The grant recipient should maintain a copy of the waiver approval in their grant file. 2017 Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants - Tribal Set Aside Annual Report EPA's Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants - Tribal Set-Aside program helps tribes address the unique challenges in providing reliable access to safe drinking water. Throughout the past 20 years, the Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants program has contributed over $325 million to help tribal communities achieve compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The 2017 annual report highlights the successes of the program. Read the 2017 DWIG-TSA Annual Report online 20 Years of Protecting Public Health on Tribal Lands: EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants. 2- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Idaho, Oregon, Washington News Photo courtesy of the Quinault Indian Nation Quinault Indian Nation to Implement Clean Water Act Programs EPA approved a request by the Quinault Indian Nation to assume responsibilities of the Clean Water Act's Water Quality Standards and Certification programs. The approval will enable the QIN to establish the regulatory and scientific foundation for protecting water quality by setting water quality goals and standards for surface water bodies within the reservation. The tribe applied to the EPA for Treatment as a State for Clean Water Act Section 303(c) and 401 Certification programs. The approval authorizes the tribe to develop water quality standards for all surface waters within the reservation, and to ensure that CWA-permitted discharges will meet the requirements of the water quality standards for reservation waters, after the standards are approved by the EPA. The EPA's approval action does not alter water quality standards outside of the reservation, but does provide the QIN with additional ability to weigh in on certain upstream activities that could have impacts on reservation waters. The QIN was previously granted TAS status for CWA Sections 106 (Water Pollution Protection) and 319 (Nonpoint Source) programs. To be eligible for TAS, a tribe must satisfy certain criteria in the environmental statute that corresponds to the desired environmental program, (i.e. Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, etc.) Details on the Quinault Indian Nation's TAS approval and application, can be found on EPA's Water Quality Standards: Quinault Indian Nation website. For a list of tribes approved to administer water quality standards, check out the EPA Actions on Tribal Water Quality Standards and Contacts website. To learn about TAS, including a list of tribes approved for TAS, check out EPA's Tribes Approved for Treatment as a State (TAS) website. Northwest Tribal Air Program Map EPA Region 10 developed a new map that shows reservations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The GIS map includes tribal air program summaries, air monitoring information, and Title V sources. Users can select different features on the map to search for permitted facilities on reservations and those within a 60-mile radius of a tribe. Check it out on the EPA Region 10 Tribal Air Resources website. ^ WW r ib^il An Prot}i aw Map ~ 1% Mr 9 a ~ 3 * * Ğ*- m 'Ĥ * -- A * * ;JL M A * m ^ * * Ğ Ĥ * j -3 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Receives Environmental Education Grant EPA Region 10 is awarding environmental education grants to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, University of Alaska, Children's Forest of Central Oregon, and Eastern Washington University for local projects to increase environmental awareness and stewardship. The environmental education grant awarded to the Swinomish Tribe's Community Environmental Protection Water Resources Program will develop and implement an environmental education program to teach the community about the environmental and cultural importance of water quality in tribal areas. The program will include a day camp focused on water conservation education, collecting water quality data using traditional canoes, and environmental stewardship projects to improve water quality. For more details about EPA's environmental education grant recipients, read the online news release, and check out the Environmental Education (EE) Grants website to learn about EPA's environmental education grants. Alaska News Region 10 Alaska IGAP Training EPA Region 10's Tribal Trust and Assistance Unit is updating its approach to training tribes in Alaska to ensure that it develops and sustains strong and engaged IGAP funded grant programs. TTAU plans to fulfill this goal by offering an in-person workshop and a webinar series. TTAU will host the in-person IGAP Grant Workshop in Anchorage, January 15-18. The workshop will offer a variety of sessions and TTAU staff are exploring opportunities for participants to earn a mentor or student certificate, including college credits. Registration information will be shared soon. TTAU staff will also conduct a pre-planning session with IGAP grant recipients who plan to attend the Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management in Anchorage the afternoon of November 26. Please check the ATCEM agenda for details regarding this pre- planning session. The webinar series will include several topics that target IGAP grant funded programs. See page 18 for the schedule through February. The schedule will be posted on the Region 10 Tribal Programs website TTAU is partnering with the Region 10 Tribai Operations Committee to provide recordings of the webinars. Past webinar recordings are available on the Region 10 RTQC Tools for Tribes website. If you have Alaska IGAP Workshop questions or comments, please contact Santina Gay by email at gay.santina@epa.gov. 4- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Environmental Justice Grant to Target Challenges of Waste in Rural Alaska In October, EPA announced a total of $1.2 million in Environmental Justice cooperative agreements to 10 organizations across the U.S. One award went to Zender Environmental Health and Research Group a nonprofit organization in Alaska, to support the development of Backhaul Alaska. Once developed, the program will coordinate the transportation of hazardous waste and materials out of remote Alaskan communities. Zender Environmental Health and Research Group and partners, will test the Backhaul Alaska program in 30 communities that are located off the road system. The project builds capacity to develop a statewide backhaul program. To learn more about the statewide backhaul network in development, check out the Backhaul Alaska website. EPA's Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Program supports local organizations in their efforts to develop and implement community-driven solutions that address environmental and public health disparities in minority, low-income, tribal and indigenous populations. Projects selected this year reflect an emphasis on support for rural communities and watershed protection. For descriptions of the 10 grants awarded, check out EPA's Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program website. BACKHAUL^ ASK A A self-sustaining waste removal program for rural Alaska Why Backhaul?* There is no safe disposal place in Alaska for hazardous waste. Infants born near high hazard landfills can be over more likely to have certain birth defects Mercury and lead in unlined landfills j can flow to nearby water bodies. I What is Backhaul Alaska? A program that will coordinate the hauling of hazardous materials out of rural Alaska communities through: Control Tower: coordinates transportation . logistics between haulers and villages and be the single point of contact for backhaul in Alaska. Network of Coordinators: communicates between o ci villages, regions, and statewide to ensure the program A / runs smoothly. Uniform Training Program: ensures that hazardous *"Tr-^5? wastes are packaged in a safe, uniform way that reduces y liability and risks to transporters and end destinations. $$$ Commodity Brokering: ensures that the program obtains the highest revenue for recycled materials to offset backhaul costs. Bulk Supply Purchasing: provides villages with supplies needed for backhaul storage and transportation at reduced prices. Backhauling electronics, light bulbs, and lead-acid batteries keeps the most hazardous materials out of landfills. 1 #* w 1 ELECTRONICS LIGHT BULBS BATTERIES of rural Alaska residents are unemployed. 35% Backhaul typica <^1-3 people How does the program work? Backhaul Alaska will backhaul waste cheaper and more efficiently because: Each region has a single point of contact Innovative efforts to reduce local waste for their communities are encouraged Each community is trained in streamlined A "control tower" optimizes material and uniform protocols transport and price brokering Every rural waste generator contributes Transporters and recyclers spend less to the program time and incur less liability risk In time, Backhaul Alaska will operate as a full management service for any entity generating waste in rural Alaska. part time year-round, oAo 6>"u,"3morem temporary workers during the backhaul event. More Alaska News -5 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training Program The Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training program is intended to provide environmental training and employment for unemployed residents in rural communities impacted by environmental health issues. Participants take a total of four weeks of intensive training, obtain 10 certifications, and can earn 11 college credits through the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Participants must commit to attending two sessions of classes. Tentative dates for 2019 sessions include February 23-March 7 and March 21-April 3. Participants must be unemployed or under-employed, working no more than 20 hours per week in a rural community that has a population that is at least 30 percent Alaska Native. Applications are due November 21. For details, check out the Zender Environmental Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training Program (RACEJT) website or contact April Reed-McCoy at 907-717-4754 or areed@zendergroup.org. RTOC News \iPl> The Region 10 Regional Tribal Operations Committee is a partnership between EPA and elected tribal represen- tatives to further tribal environmental objectives at the regional level, serve as a liaison between the EPA and tribes regarding information exchange, and provide assistance to the National Tribal Operations Committee. Upcoming RTOC Meetings > November 15 Conference Call > December 11-13 Quarterly Meeting Seattle, WA Submit Meeting Discussion Topics We're Hiring! RTOC Executive Director The RTOC Executive Director oversees all aspects of RTOC planning, budget development, grant writing, organization, outreach, and management of staff. Duties include coordination with EPA staff, outreach to tribes, and communication regarding the mission and work of the RTOC to tribes within EPA Region 10. Other responsibilities include management and administration, fiscal/grant development and management, communications, RTOC member assistance, RTOC meeting planning and coordination, strategic planning and evaluating effectiveness of operations, hiring Continued 6- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Continued We're Hiring! RTOC Executive Director contractors, and overseeing the Tribal Environmental Leader's Summit Coordinator. Check out the full RTOC Executive Director Job Description! To apply, please email cover letter, resume, and three references to policy.analyst@ regionlOrtoc.net. The subject line should read "RTOC Executive Director Application". 2018 National and Regional Tribal Operations Committee Elections Tribai representatives to the NTOC and RTOC are elected by tribai governments within specific geographic areas. Upcoming 2018 elections include the following positions: 1. NTOC Alaska Position 2. 2. NTOC Idaho, Eastern Washington & Eastern Oregon Position. 3. RTOC Alaska Position 3. 4. RTOC Idaho Position. 5. RTOC Western Washington Position. Tribal governments should expect to receive a ballot from EPA in early November, In December 2018, elections will close and the winners will be announced by EPA. Three-year terms begin in January 2019 through December 2021. Visit the RTOC website to view the list of current members. Nominee biographies will be posted to the website as soon as they become available. 2019 Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit March 6-8, 2019 Portland, OR The 2018 TELS Report is posted on the RTOC Tribal Leaders Summit website and has been shared on the RTOC Facebook page. CONTACT: Carm Bohnee, RTOC TELS Coordinator telscoordinator@regionlOrtoc.net Stay Engaged with Us Follow us on Facebook for the most up to date news and opportunities. If you wish to attend or add an agenda item to a monthly meeting, or if you have questions, comments, or suggestions for how RTOC can better serve your community please contact the RTOC representative for your area or the Interim RTOC Coordinator, Randi Madison. CONTACT: Randi Madison, Interim RTOC Coordinator communications@regionlOrtoc.net ( I \ * \fV Vlk:'; ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Tribal Consultation A full list of consultation opportunities is available in EPA's Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System. Peak Flows Management Rulemaking END DATE: November 6. The Clean Water Act requires municipal treatment plants to comply with certain discharge requirements. Each treatment plant must obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, requiring that the treatment plant's discharge meets the effluent limitations based on secondary treatment as defined by EPA and set forth at 40 CFR Part 133. The permit must also require achieving any more stringent effluent limitations that are necessary to meet applicable water quality standards. EPA is requesting input from tribal governments on potential revisions to the NPDES regulations to provide a permitting framework for evaluating options for managing and treating peak flows during wet weather events at municipal treatment plants with separate sanitary sewer systems that discharge into tribal waters. The rule may also apply to tribal government owned or operated treatment plants with separate sanitary sewer systems. The aim of this effort is to establish a transparent process for permitting peak flows that will ensure continuous, flexible, and cost-effective operation of treatment plants and, protect public health and the environment. Information on current activities related to potential NPDES regulatory revisions are on EPA's Peak Flows at Sewage Treatment Plants website. CONTACT: Jenelle Hill 202-566-1893 peakflowsrule@epa.gov Proposed Revisions to EPA Grant Regulations at 2 CFR Part 1500 and Interim Participant Support Costs Guidance END DATE: November 30. EPA is initiating consultation and coordination with federally recognized tribes on revisions to EPA grant regulations at 2 CFR Part 1500 and Interim Participant Support Costs Guidance. The proposed changes are summarized as follows: 1. Revisions to EPA's regulations at 2 CFR Part 1500, which implements 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Grant Guidance. The proposed changes clarify allowable participant support costs, definition of sub-awards, requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management, program income requirements, clarification on consultant fees, the use of the de-minimis indirect cost rates, and disputes procedures. When final, tribal governments grant recipients will need to comply with the requirements described in EPA's revised Part 1500 regulations. Timely input from tribes is needed to ensure that tribal concerns and suggestions are considered. 2. EPA's Interim Guidance on Participant Support Costs. EPA issued a Recipient/Applicant Information Notice transmitting interim guidance on participant support costs, RAIN-2018-G05. Continued 8- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Proposed Revisions to EPA Grant Regulations at 2 CFR Part 1500 and Interim Participant Support Costs Guidance <^> Continued 3. The interim guidance covers types of participant support costs such as stipends and travel assistance for trainees or research project participants that are common to all federal agencies as well as EPA specific programs. EPA would appreciate receiving comments from the tribes before finalizing our participant support cost policies. The guidance is available on EPA's RAIN-2018-G05 website. CONTACT: Jessica Durand 202-564-5317 Durand.jessica@epa.gov Review and Anticipated Approval of the 2018 Puget Sound Action Agenda END DATE: December 13. The 2018 Puget Sound Action Agenda Update is intended to serve as the region's shared vision for Puget Sound protection and recovery. The Puget Sound Leadership Council will adopt the entire 2018 Action Agenda before submitting it to EPA for final approval. As required by the Clean Water Act, the EPA must review and approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the plan. CONTACT: Lisa Chang 206-553-0226 chang.lisa@epa.gov Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration END DATE: December 14. This action proposes amendments to the New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Natural Gas source category based on EPA's reconsideration of those standards. On June 3, 2016, EPA published a final rule titled "Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources," at 81 FR 35824. The 2016 rule established standards for emissions of greenhouse gases, in the form of limitations on methane, and volatile organic compounds from the oil and natural gas sector. Following promulgation of the final rule, the Administrator received petitions for reconsideration of several provisions of the 2016 rule. With the Oil and Gas reconsideration rule, EPA is specifically proposing to reduce the monitoring frequency for fugitive emissions (also known as "leaks") at well sites and compressor stations, to revise the requirements for pneumatic pumps at well sites, and requirements that a professional engineer certify when meeting those requirements is technically infeasible, to allow either a professional engineer or an in-house engineer with adequate knowledge to certify the design of closed vent systems, and to provide alternative standards for fugitive emissions requirements based on equivalent state programs. EPA recognizes that numerous oil and gas facilities are located throughout Indian country. The Agency also acknowledges that many tribes were interested and involved in the development of the 2012 and 2016 Oil and Natural Gas Sector NSPS and might have an interest in engaging on these proposed amendments. EPA invites tribal consultation prior to issuing the final rule. If there are questions about the proposed reconsideration of the oil and natural gas sector NSPS, tribes may also request an informal discussion. CONTACT: Toni Colon 919-541-0069 colon.toni@epa.gov -9 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Tribal Consultation Clean Water Act Section 404 Assumption Regulation Update END DATE: December 21. The Clean Water Act affirms the role of tribes and states to manage their water resources, and explicitly provides an option for authorized tribes and states to assume responsibility for the dredged or fill permitting program pursuant to Section 404(g). In the Spring 2018 Regulatory Agenda, the EPA announced its plan for the first comprehensive revision to the existing Clean Water Act Section 404(g) regulations since 1988. The Administration recognizes the need for greater clarity on the requirements for state and tribal assumption of the Section 404 permitting program and identifies this issue as one of its priorities. The Agency intends to modernize these regulations and foster a greater interest in assuming this authority by authorized tribes and states. During the consultation process, the EPA is particularly interested in receiving tribal input on potential impediments to assumption, areas of the existing regulation that could benefit from clarity, and practical implications of assumption. Two informational webinars will be offered for tribes on November 20 and November 29. > For the webinar on November 20 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time, register on EPA's Tribes- only Informational Webinar on 404g Rulemaking - 11/20/18 web conferencing web- site. > For the webinar on November 29 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time, register on EPA's Tribes- only Informational Webinar 404g Rulemaking - 11/29/18 web conferencing website. Additional information on state and tribal assumption of the CWA section 404 permit program and this rulemaking activity can be found on EPA's State or Tribal Assumption of the Section 404 Permit Program website. CONTACT: Lauren Kasparek 202-564-3351 404grulemaking@epa.gov FY 2020-2021 National Program Guidances END DATE: March 18, 2019. The National Program Guidances communicate operational planning priorities, strategies, key activities and measures, and guide grant work planning with tribes, states, and territories. The following eight EPA offices issue National Program Guidances: Office of Water, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Land and Emergency Management, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Office of Environmental Information, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Office of International and Tribal Affairs. The EPA's consultation and coordination process will include several opportunities for meaningful input. As part of early engagement, the EPA's Regional Administrators will convene meetings with tribal, state, and territory leaders as a critical first phase to inform development of the FY 2020-2021 National Program Guidances. National Program Offices will continue to engage with the National Tribal Caucus, tribal partnership groups, and other relevant organizations, and will consider this feedback together with the results of the RAs' early engagement efforts, in developing their National Program Guidances. Continued <^> 10- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Continued FY2020-2021 National Program Guidances The EPA will make available draft National Program Guidances on the National Program Guidance website for a 30-day external review and comment period. The review and comment period is planned for February 14, 2019 through March 18, 2019. A template will be posted on the National Program Guidance website for tribes to use to provide written comments. Two national conference calls for tribes are planned for February 26 and March 7, 2019 to discuss the National Program Guidances. CONTACT: Emily Heller 202-564-3332 heller.emily@epa.gov Grants 1 G R D s Clean Diesel School Bus Rebates APPLICATIONS DUE: November 6. EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing old, dirty diesel school buses with new school buses meeting the cleanest emission standards. EPA anticipates awarding over $9 million in this funding opportunity. Eligible entities include regional, state, or tribal agencies including school districts and municipalities, or private entities that operate school buses under a contract with an entity listed above. Applications are limited to 10 buses. Fleets that own more than 100 buses can submit two applications. The selection process is by lottery, with at least one applicant chosen representative of each state or territory in the applicant pool. Visit the Clean Diesel Rebates website for application materials. Alaska Clean Water Actions Grant 2019-2020 PROPOSALS DUE: November 5. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Water is soliciting grant proposals for projects that will address waterbody specific stewardship and marine beach actions. The Alaska's Clean Water Actions were established by the Governor's office and Alaska's resource agencies to prioritize waterbodies for appropriate stewardship actions and to better coordinate resources and agency efforts to protect and restore these waterbodies. Up to $800,000 may be available for clean water projects for the next two years. The funds are granted to local communities, tribes, and citizens groups for projects that monitor and restore Alaska's high priority water bodies. Projects may be implemented over two years, beginning in 2019 and closing out in early 2021. For details, check out DEC's Division of Water Alaska Clean Water Actions 2019-2020 Grant Application website. CONTACT: Chandra McGee 907-451-2140 chandra.mcgee@alaska.gov -li ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities LETTERS OF INTEREST DUE: November 16. The Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program provides quick, targeted technical assistance to selected communities using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application. EPA delivers the assistance using teams of experts who conduct workshops in selected communities. The program is geared toward communities that are relatively new to environmentally sustainable approaches, but have a basic understanding of smart growth principles and how they apply locally. EPA is offering two tools this year to select communities. Communities with Superfund and/or Brownfield properties are invited to apply for our Strategies for Neighborhood Reinvestment tool. The tool will help them identify and implement policies to increase the redevelopment potential of contaminated properties by creating better conditions for real estate investments. Communities embarking on street infrastructure projects are invited to apply for the Green and Complete Streets tool. The tool will help them capitalize on water infrastructure upgrades to rebuild more pedestrian and bike-friendly streets that better manage on-site stormwater. Eligible applicants include local, county, or tribal governments, or a nonprofit organization that has the support of the local government. To apply, submit a two-page letter of interest signed by a mayor, city manager, elected official, or other community representative. EPA expects to select recipients by the end of November and intends to provide technical assistance by September 2019. Details are available on EPA's Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Website www.epa.gov/smartgrowfh CONTACT: Chip Gurkin 202-564-2778 Gurkin.Charles@epa.gov /" NOAA 2019 Marine Debris Research Grant APPLICATIONS DUE: December 14. This opportunity provides funding for research directly related to marine debris through field, laboratory, and modeling experiments. Successful project proposals will explore the ecological risk associated with marine debris, determine debris exposure levels, examine the fate and transport of marine debris in nearshore coastal environments, and/or quantify habitat impacts resulting from marine debris. Projects may address one or more of these research priorities and should be original, hypothesis-driven projects that have not previously been addressed to scientific standards. Typical awards will range from $150,000 - $250,000. Eligible applicants include state, local, tribal, and territory governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or commercial organizations with expertise in a field related to marine debris. For details about this funding opportunity, check out NOAA's Marine Debris Program website. CONTACT: Peter Murphy 206-526-4661 peter.murphy@noaa.gov Smart Growth BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 12- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 USDA Solid Waste Management Grants APPLICATIONS DUE: December 31. The Solid Waste Management Grant Program is designed to assist communities through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant recipients. Qualified organizations will receive grant funds to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources and improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas. Funds may be used to evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources, provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the maintenance and operation of active landfills, provide technical assistance and/or training to reduce the solid waste stream, and provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills in rural areas which are closed or will be closed in the near future (with the development or implementation of closure plans), future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements. Eligible entities include state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and academic institutions serving rural areas and towns with a population of 10,000 or less. Application details, including a 2019 Solid Waste Management Application Guide is available on USDA's Solid Waste Management Grants website. 2018 Targeted Airshed Grants APPLICATIONS DUE: January 4. The overall goal of the Targeted Airshed Grant Program is to reduce air pollution in the nation's areas with the highest levels of ozone and PM25ambient air concentrations. This program will assist local, state, and/or tribal air pollution control agencies to develop plans and conduct projects to reduce air pollution in nonattainment areas. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $40,000,000. EPA anticipates awarding a total of approximately 8-12 assistance agreements from this announcement. The Request for Applications and other details are available on EPA's 2018 Targeted Airshed Grants website. Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grants Program PROPOSALS DUE: February 4. The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc. (Endowment) published the 2019 Request for Proposals for the Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grant Program. Up to $1.2 million is available in 2019 for projects that accelerate strategic protection of healthy freshwater ecosystems, and their watersheds. Applicants should focus on protection and stewardship of land in the watershed, rather than restoration of degraded habitats, or projects with a strictly water quality improvement outcome. In 2019, priority will be given to proposals that maximize measurable outcomes for watershed protection. The Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grant Program is a partnership that includes the Endowment, the EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. CONTACT: Peter Stangel 404-915-2763 peter@usendowment.org Jeff Lerner 202-236-1883 jalanlerner@gmail.com -13 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Federal Emergency Management Agency FY 2018 Grants APPLICATIONS DUE: January 31. Flood Mitigation Assistance The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program makes federal funds available to state, local, and tribal governments to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA will seek to fund two types of community flood mitigation activities: advance assistance for flood mitigation design and development of community flood mitigation projects, and mitigation projects that address community flood risk for reducing NFIP flood claim payments. The remaining funding, will be used for FMA technical assistance, mitigation planning, and mitigation projects reducing risk to severe repetitive loss and repetitive loss properties. Applicants may submit a maximum of one advanced assistance and one community mitigation project sub-application. Details on this grants notice are on the grants.gov website. Applicants must submit applications via the Mitigation eGrants system on the FEMA Grants Portal website. Pre-Disaster Mitigation The Pre-Disaster Mitigation program makes federal funds available to state, local, and tribal governments to implement and sustain cost-effective measures designed to reduce the risk to individuals and property from natural hazards, while also reducing reliance on federal funding from future disasters. FEMA will provide allocations of $575,000 to states and territories, and a tribal set aside of $15 million for allocations up to $575,000 for tribal governments to support overall mitigation planning and projects. The remaining PDM funds will be awarded on a competitive basis with a focus on multi-state/tribal mitigation initiatives. Applicants may submit a maximum of nine project sub-applications notwithstanding any project(s) submitted for the state/territory allocation or tribal set aside. In addition, any state or tribe willing to serve as the applicant for a multi-state or tribal activity may submit one additional plan or project sub application. Details about this grants notice are on the grants.gov website. Applicants must submit applications via the Mitigation eGrants system on the FEMA Grants Portal website. Tribal Clean Diesel Funding FY 2018 APPLICATIONS DUE: April 3. EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting applications for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets located in areas designated as having poor air quality. Eligible diesel emission reduction solutions include verified emission control technologies such as exhaust controls, cleaner fuels, and engine upgrades, verified idle reduction technologies, verified aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires, certified engine replacements, and/or certified vehicle or equipment replacement. Eligible diesel vehicles, engines and equipment may include buses, class 5 - class 8 heavy-duty highway Continued <^> 14- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 & Continued Tribal Clean Diesel Funding FY 2018 vehicles, marine engines, locomotives and nonroad engines, equipment or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo, agriculture, mining, or energy production. Eligible entities include tribal governments or intertribal consortia that have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. The maximum amount of funding requested is $800,000, EPA anticipates awarding 2-8 cooperative agreements nationally. An informational webinar about the FY 2018 Tribal DERA RFA will be held on February 21 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. To join, click on the link to webinar on the Clean Diesel Tribal Grants website, and call 202-991-0477 with access code 414-9804. For more details, check out EPA's Tribal Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2018 website. Questions about DERA funding may be directed to cleandiesel@epa.gov. Training & Scholarships Training opportunities in this newsletter are either hosted, funded, or sponsored in collaboration with EPA. Any links to websites outside of EPA are provided for additional information that may be useful or interesting to our readers. We cannot attest to the accuracy of these third-party sites, nor does EPA endorse any nongovernment websites, companies or applications Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan Training November 5-7, Anchorage, AK Zender Environmental Health and Research Group's Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan training is designed specifically for communities in rural Alaska. Participants will work on a laptop with an Alaskan ISWMP template. By the end of the training, attendees will have a draft of a solid waste plan specific for their community. The ISWMP training is free. For more information and an application, check out the Zender Environmental Solid Waste Training and Technical Assistance Program website. CONTACT: April Reed-McCoy 907-277-2111 areed@zendergroup.org Developing and Implementing Tribal Solid Waste Codes November 6-8, Denver, CO Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Indian Health Service, and EPA are offering this course for tribes to create, improve, and enforce solid waste codes. Course participants must be employees of federally recognized tribes that have completed integrated solid waste management plans, but lack operable solid waste codes or ordinances. Each tribe that completes the training will receive legal and technical support by phone, email or through web-based meetings, as well as one-on-one assistance in developing and implementing their codes and ordinances (for up to one year following the completion date). Check out ITEP's Waste and Response Trainings Schedule for details. CONTACT: Jennifer Williams 907-250-3826 jennifer.williams@nau.edu -15 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities November 7-9, Sioux City, IA This entry level ITEP course is designed to provide an understanding of common indoor air quality problems in tribal homes and schools. The course is intended for tribes located in the lower 48 states and includes an overview of indoor air pollutants and their health effects, and tips for solving IAQ problems. There will be hands-on practice with a comprehensive assessment tool used to identify IAQ problems. The course includes lectures and a tribal case study, demonstrations, small-group activities, and a building walk-through. Preference will be given to tribes who submit applications from two different departments: environmental, housing, and/or health. Preference will also be given to applicants who have an indoor air quality task in a grant work plan. Check out ITEP's Air Quality Trainings Schedule for details. CONTACT: Patricia Ellsworth 928-523-6721 Patricia.Ellsworth@nau.edu Implementing and Managing Tribal Recycling Programs November 27-29, Albuquerque, NM This ITEP course will feature case studies by tribal professionals who run efficient and effective recycling operations, visits to two tribal recycling and waste collection facilities, and a visit to a material recovery facility that serves the area, a panel discussion with local recycling businesses, and small group activities and discussion. Details are available on ITEP's Waste and Response Training Schedule website. CONTACT: Todd Barnell 928-523-3840* todd.barnell@nau.edu Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management November 27-30, Anchorage, AK The Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management, organized by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, is an annual gathering that brings together tribes, non-profits, and state and federal organizations for a week of environmental conversations. The discussions focus on finding and implementing solutions to address the unique environmental concerns facing Alaskan communities. Register on the ATCEM website. Clean Air Act and Permitting November 27-30, Las Vegas, NV This ITEP course provides an understanding of the Clean Air Act and tribal authority as the foundations for air quality permitting on tribal lands. There will also be a discussion on tribal involvement in permitting off-reservation sources. This course is a foundation for courses dealing with advanced topics related to permitting and air quality management, and requires some background understanding of air quality management. Check out ITEP's Air Quality Trainings Schedule website for additional details. CONTACT: Patricia Ellsworth 928-523-6721 Patricia.Ellsworth@nau.edu cat. fr.n ^ 16- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Food Waste Diversion and Composting Programs on Tribal Lands December 11-13, San Diego, CA During this course participants will hear from tribai professionals who oversee successful food waste diversion programs and will visit a biodigester and a compost operation, Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of tribal professionals that have implemented different strategies for dealing with food waste. The course is limited to 20 participants. Applications are due November 14 and are available on ITEP's Waste and Response Training Schedule website. CONTACT: Julie Jurkowski 928-523-9404 Julie.Jurkowski@nau.edu Air Quality in Alaska December 11-14, Fairbanks, AK This is an entry level ITEP course for environmental staff from Alaska who are interested in air quality issues. The content is basic and assumes the participant has no background in science or air quality management. The course provides an understanding of the importance of clean air (outdoors and indoors) for the protection of human health and the environment. Instructors and participants will explore ways to solve air quality problems, protect human health, and preserve cultural values. There will be hands-on practice with a comprehensive assessment checklist used to identify indoor air quality problems, and a visit to the Cold Climate Housing Research Center. Details are available on ITEP's Air Quality Trainings Schedule website. CONTACT: Patricia Ellsworth 928-523-6721 Patricia.Ellsworth@nau.edu Air Quality Computations January 29-February 1, Phoenix, AZ This ITEP course enhances the skills needed to work with air quality measurements. It is designed for tribal environmental personnel who have limited experience in air quality data computations. Brief lectures will be mixed with activities in which participants practice skills and learn to apply the math to air quality work. Each participant will have access to a calculator and/or computer as needed. Applicants will complete a pre-course assignment and there will be homework each evening. Prior completion of ITEP's Introduction to Tribal Air Quality course (or a basic familiarity with air quality topics) is strongly recommended. Details are available on ITEP's Air Quality Trainings Schedule website. CONTACT: Patricia Ellsworth 928-523-6721 Patricia.Ellsworth@nau.edu -17 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Region 10 IGAP Grant Training Webinars EPA Region 10 is hosting a series of webinars with the goal of improving grant recipient understanding of grant requirements and common environmental topics. Details will be shared when the specific dates and instructions on how to join each webinar are determined. Join the webinars on EPA's Region 10 IGAP Training Adobe Connect website. For audio call 1-866-299-3188 and enter conference code 907-271-5083. NOVEMBER 2018 - IGAP Notice of Funding Availability. This webinar will provide an overview of the FY20 funding announcement for IGAP grants. DECEMBER 2018 - Indirect Costs. This webinar will discuss EPA's new policy on indirect costs and how it affects grant recipients in Region 10. JANUARY 2019 - Grant Application Tips and Forms. This webinar will discuss the required application forms for submitting a FY 2020 IGAP application, and will include tips for preparing final applications. FEBRUARY 2019 - Grants.Gov Workspace. This webinar will feature an online demonstration of Grants.gov application submission procedures. CONTACT: Susan Conbere 206-553-6243 Conbere.susan@epa.gov Department of Energy - Office of Indian Energy Technical Assistance The DOE Office of Indian Energy provides federally recognized tribes (including those located in Alaska), tribal energy resource development organizations, and other organized tribal groups and communities with technical assistance to advance tribal energy projects at no cost. Technical experts from DOE and its national laboratories, along with other partnering organizations, provide support with energy planning, housing and building energy efficiency, project development, policy and regulation, resilience, and village power. For more information, visit the technical assistance description online. 18- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter November 2018 Calendar of Events November 5 Addressing Mold and Moisture in Tribal Communities. Webinar at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time https://bit.ly/2D4dsPp 7 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan Training. Anchorage, AK www.zendergroup.org/index.htm 5-7 3rd Western Symposium Design and Construction Issues at Hazardous Waste Sites. Denver, CO https://www.samedmp.org/dchws-west 6 Cultural Values Based Planning for Integrated Wetland Management on a Watershed or Reservation Scale. Webinar at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time https://bit.ly/2Shd6sT 7-9 Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities (for tribes in lower 48). Sioux City, IA https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air 8 Building Resilience in Partnership with Vulnerable Communities. Webinar at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time https://go.usa.gov/xPPY2 8 Proposed Revisions to EPA Grant Regulations at 2 CFR Part 1500 and Interim Participant Support Costs Guidance Webinar. 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time Call 1-866-299-3188, enter code 202-564-1639 https://epawebconferencing.acms.com/ogdtribalconsultation 15 Water Quality Modeling Webinar: Introduction to CE-QUAL-W2.10:00 a.m. Pacific Time https://bit.ly/2CAeSAd 15 Tribal Superfund Working Group Webinar: Using Bacterial Endophtye Enhanced Poplar Trees to Remediate Groundwater Contaminated with Volatile Organic Compounds. 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7292847715023700994 15 Region 10 RTOC Conference Call. 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time http://regionlOrtoc.net/meetings 20 Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time http://www.leonetwork.org 27 - 29 Implementing and Managing Tribal Recycling Programs. Albuquerque, NM http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_waste 27 - 30 Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management. Anchorage, AK http://www.atcemak.com 27-30 Clean Air Act and Permitting. Las Vegas, NV https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air 29 Popular Material Attributes: How Well Do They Actually Predict Environmental Benefits? Webinar at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time https://bit.ly/2Sm8FNM December 11 -13 Food Waste Diversion and Composting Programs on Tribal Lands. San Diego, CA http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_waste 11 -14 Air Quality in Alaska. Fairbanks, AK https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air 17 Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time http://www.leonetwork.org January 2019 15 -18 Region 10 Alaska IGAP Workshop. Anchorage, AK CONTACT: Santina Gay 907-271-3413 gay.santina@epa.gov 29 - February 1 Air Quality Computations. Phoenix, AZ https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air Links to websites outside of EPA are for additional information that may be useful or interesting to our readers. We cannot attest to the accuracy of these third-party sites, nor does EPA endorse any nongovernment websites, companies or applications. -19 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter Vol. 27 No. 10 - November 2018 &EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Tribal Program 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 155, RAD-122 Seattle, WA 98101-3140 Got News? The Region 10 Tribal Newsletter invites you, our readers, to submit ideas and articles for consideration and to share your successes and challenges. Photographs are also welcome as separate files in jpeg or other graphic format. Please submit articles and pictures to: Don Creek EPA, 805 SW Broadway, Suite 500 Portland, Oregon 97205 0) 503-326-5015 ^ email creek.don@epa.gov Helpful Links R10 Tribal Programs: http://go.usa.gov/xkdMv EPA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPARegionlO Follow us @EPAnorthwest on Twitter! https://twitter.com/EPAnorthwest Tribal Trust and Assistance Unit Staff Stacy Murphy, Unit Manager 206-553-2106 ALASKA Todd Bender, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-0344 Katherine Brown, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-7263 Susan Conbere, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-6243 Michelle Davis, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-3434 Sherry Davis, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-6322 Kristy Fry, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-1085 Santina Gay, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-3413 JR Herbst, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-2116 Mahri Lowinger, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-6334 Michael Ortiz, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-6234 Cathy Villa, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-1270 Neverley Wake, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-3206 WESTERN & CENTRAL OREGON, SOUTHWEST WASH Kristine Carre, Tribal Coordinator 503-326-7024 Don Creek, SEE 503-326-5015 IDAHO, WASHINGTON & EASTERN OREGON Westley Foster, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-1604 Alan Moomaw, Tribal Coordinator 360-753-8071 ( Report Spills and Violations \ In the event of an oil spill, release of hazardous materials, or accident that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, // epa\, please call 911. Then, report it to EPA's National Response Center by calling 1-800-424-8802. Environmental To report a possible environmental violation, submit information online to (violations) \ the EPA at https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations. J ------- |