February 2008
Issue
Cultivating Hispanic Community Involvement
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75202
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The 2006 & 2007
Forums
2
Accomplishments
2
Healthy
Communities
3
Children's Health
3
PACE
4
Scientist for a Day
4
Student Forums
5
Preparing for the
Future
5
Enforcement
Activities
6
EPA 2008
Commitments
7
Work in Progress
7
Why Go B
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), Region 6 office in
Dallas Texas, began the Beyond
Translation effort in 2005 to improve
communications and collaboration
with the Hispanic community. Over
the past several years, the Agency
came to realize that in addition to trans-
lating documents into Spanish to inform
the Hispanic community of EPA's pro-
grams and activities, it was important to
ensure that EPA was addressing the
needs of the community as well as en-
couraging better environmental steward-
ship. Through the Beyond Translation
effort, EPA is proactively seeking new
opportunities to effectively engage this
growing sector of the American popula-
tion, which to date remains
» largely underrepresented in
the Agency's agenda-
setting process.
Who is the target audience?
The effort targets the Hispanic
community, including representa-
tives of non-governmental
organizations (NGOs); local,
State, and federal government;
business; media; and academia.
What do we strive to achieve?
Identify environ-	*
mental and related
public health chal-
lenges in the Hispanic
community and trans-
late them into mutu-
ally-beneficial partner-
ships;
Make environmental *
and related public
health information
culturally-relevant;
Build an education /
recruitment / career
development pipeline
to address the long-
standing under-
representation of
Hispanics in EPA's
workforce; and
Enhance communi-
cation networks be-
tween EPA's pro-
grams and their
Hispanic constituents
so as to ensure that
EPA's agenda reflects
priorities of the
Hispanic community.
Beyond Translation
FOR MORE INFO
contact:
Paula Flores-Gregg
(214) 665-8123
flores.paula@epa.gov
or visit:
www.epa.gov/region6/
beyondtranslatiori

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Page 2
Beyond Translation
Issue 1
The 2006 & 2007 Beyond Translation Forums
Houston, I exas on
October 10-12.
On October 17-18, 2006, EPA Region 6 hosted the first
Beyond Translation Forum in San Antonio, Texas.
The Forum brought together a cross-section of more than 100
Hispanic leaders. Discussions focused on addressing environmental
challenges and opportunities, exploring ideas for improving the
Agency's service to Hispanics, and enhancing partnerships and net-
works. As a result of the Forum, four workgroups were formed to ad-
dress the following issues that were identified as priority concerns in
the Hispanic community.
After working on
the four key
issues for one
year, the workgroups
worked together for
one year and re-
ported on their pro-
gress to an audience
of 100 community
leaders at the sec-
ond Beyond Transla-
tion Forum held in
•	Environmental Careers,
Recruitment, & Development
of Hispanics
•	Economic Development
•	Communications
The topics included:
• Health and the Environment
What Has Been Accomplished?
Oj
Since its inception, EPA's
Beyond Translation initia-
tive has:
~	increased Hispanic appli-
cant pool for environmental
health-related grants.
~	Assisted six communities
in addressing environmental
challenges.
~	Increased distribution of
environmental education
tools.
~	Created collaborative part-
nerships with EPA's multi-
media programs, sister organi-
zations, business organiza-
tions, and academia'
~	Created opportunities for
students to learn about EPA's
mission and career opportuni-
ties in science, technology,
engineering, and math.
~	Shared resources and
tools for greater access to
economic opportunities avail-
able.
~	Created a Beyond Transla-
tion electronic network and
web-page as a tool for sharing
environmental information,
opportunities and resources
available to communities.
The EPA laboratory facility in
Research Triangle Park— North
Carolina held its own Beyond
Translation Forum on October 3,
2007. It's success has led to
more states joining in the
Beyond Translation effort.
I

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Beyond Translation
Issue 1
Page 3
"Los Tres Amigos"
children's health
video and booklet
reached a iarge
audience as a
result of the
effective networks
created from the
Beyond Translation
forums. The
Spanish language
video / booklet is
designed to
heighten
awareness about
environmental
health concerns
¦ in and around
the home.
Helping Create Healthier Communities
Due in part to the 2006 Beyond Translation forum, low-income residents of
Nueces County, Texas, will receive assistance in addressing longstanding
environmental and related health concerns through an education initiative.
Lionel and Janie Lopez have worked hard with local citizens over the last several
years to help address persistent environmental and health problems that continue to
plague the colonias of Texas, substandard housing settlements located in several
parts of the state that today still lack basic government seivices and infrastructure.
Through their organization, the South Texas Colonia Initiatives (SCTI), the Lopezes
have focused past efforts on assisting the residents of the colonias, a predominantly
Hispanic population, in identifying the environmental problems in their communities
and developing a better understanding of the implications on the health of their chil-
dren and families. In support of SCTI's work, EPA awarded the organization a
$12,000 grant in 2007 to work with local residents to develop an environmental
health training project and a health fair for at least two colonias. These two new ini-
tiatives are intended to bolster SCTI's efforts to enhance the communities' under-
standing of environmental risks and their potential health implications.
Citizens of Lubbock, Texas, helped organize the cleanup of
an important local waterway after learning about EPA's
Beyond Translation initiative.
Early last spring, 60 volunteers joined members of the Guada-
lupe Neighborhood Association in their first effort to clean up
"El Arroyo", a local waterway that has suffered from years of
neglect. With some assistance from EPA's Environmental Jus-
tice program staff, citizens initiated plans to restore the arroyo
to its natural beauty by collecting trash and debris, trimming
trees, and preparing the area for the extraction of concrete slabs
dumped in the waterway in the aftermath of the tornado that hit the area
in 1970. The association plans to continue this effort to create more
green space in the neighborhood bordering the waterway. Long-term
plans include the development of a recreational area for Lubbock's chil-
dren and their families.
Addressing Children's Health
EPA awarded $10,000 from its Chil-
dren's Health funds to the Southwest
Center for Pediatric Environmental
Health to present a workshop, El Terror
Invisible: Preventing Exposure to Agricul-
tural Chemicals for Promotores. The four-
hour interactive workshop will teach His-
panic health promoters how to prevent
accidental exposure to pesticides and
how to share their message with other
families and co-workers in their
communities.
EPA's Asthma Program awarded
$60,000 under a competitive grant
process to the City of Houston for the
BREATHE Project to reach 165 low-
income and minority children with
asthma. The program leverages its re-
sources with other community-based
organizations to enhance residents'
awareness regarding asthma triggers,
lead poisoning prevention, and other
household risks.

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Page 4
Beyond Translation
Issue 1
Creating a Pipeline for Advancement
Pipeline for Advancing Careers
and Education (PACE)
Establishment of the PACE Work
Group was an important outcome
of the first Beyond Translation fo-
rum in San Antonio, Texas, in
2006. Working to meet its charge
to develop a strategy to prepare
and guide middle and high school
students towards a career in the
environmental and health fields,
the work group has sought to ex-
pand its outreach efforts by lever-
aging the goals of the Administra-
tion's STEM initiative, which seeks
to encourage more students to
enter the fields of science, tech-
nology, engineering, and mathe-
matics. In particular, the PACE
effort is a four-prong strategy to:
1.	Enhance middle and high school
students' awareness of careers
in the STEM fields;
2.	Promote college-level student
enrollment in the STEM fields;
3.	Help provide opportunities for
student involvement in environ-
mental and related health pro-
jects through internships at EPA
and other federal agencies; and
4.	Provide development opportu-
nities for federal employees so
that they are prepared to as-
sume decision-making, higher
level management positions in
the federal government.
"Chucho Salva el Dia",
a Spanish language
DVD, was launched at
Brentwood Middle
School to a very
enthusiastic audience.
Students Become Scientists for a Day
Students from Brentwood Middle School in San Antonio, Texas,
received real-world scientific experience on October 17, 2006.
The day began with a presentation on the important role we each play in
protecting our environment, followed by the launching of the Spanish-
language DVD on pollution prevention, "Chucho Salva El Dia", created by
EPA Region 6. The students spoke enthusiastically about the importance of
disposing of trash properly, using fertilizers sparingly, and recycling to pro-
tect the environment. At Woodland Lake Park, the students became scien-
tists for the day through their participation in World Water Monitoring Day.
This fun-filled activity led by the
Texas Watch Volunteer Environ-
mental Monitoring program
gave students first-hand experi-
ence in measuring what is hap-
pening in the environment
around them and enhanced
their understanding of water
quality issues. The students
also had an opportunity to inter-
act with real scientists.

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Beyond Translation
Issue 1
Page 5
Student Forums
EPA and partners conducted student forums
in Houston, Texas.
On October 10, 2007, EPA partnered with scientists and
other officials from the National Aeronautical and Space Ad-
ministration (NASA), Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
vention (CDC), M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
Health Museum, EPA Houston Lab, City of Houston Health
Department, and Houston Independent
School District to conduct one-day stu-
dent forums at Milby and Stephen F,
Austin High Schools in Houston,
Texas. The effort was designed to
showcase the broad array of careers in
science and engineering and to high-
light the crucial need for a highly-skilled
workforce these organizations are an-
ticipating in the future. The forums also
provided students with a unique oppor-
tunity to participate in a range of hands-
on, interactive scientific activities di-
rectly related to the mission of the organizations.
Preparing for the Future
On September 5, 2007, the National Organiza-
tion for Mexican American Rights (NOMAR),
co-lead organization of the PACE Work
Group, held its first Senior Executive (SES)
forum in San Antonio, Texas. The forum was
conducted to follow up on a recommendation of
the work group to bring together Hispanic SES
managers in the federal service to develop a
strategy for preparing and recruiting students
into federal government careers. One of the key
outcomes of this first meeting was the establish-
ment of a partnership among federal agencies to
1) promote educational and recruitment activities
to increase the pool of Hispanic applicants seek-
ing federal government employment and 2) pre-
pare current federal government employees for
higher level management positions, including the
SES ranks.
On December 3, 2007, a second SES forum
was held in Washington, D.C. to follow up on
discussions initiated in the September meeting
in San Antonio. The second forum was con-
ducted through a partnership between the National
Park Service and NOMAR and expanded outreach
efforts to include other federal agencies. The de-
cision to convene an "SES Summit" in April 2008
was a key outcome of the forum. Participating
agencies agreed that the proposed summit will be
designed to bring together 25 SES managers and
prospective SES candidates from their respective
agencies. The objective of the April meeting,
which will be held at the Department of Commerce
in Washington, D.C., is to provide a
forum through which SES managers
can help mentor and provide guid-
ance to the SES candidates.

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Page 6
Beyond Translation
Issue 1
Enforcement Initiatives Assisting
Hispanic Communities

Partnership with the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
EPA Region 6 partnered with TCEQ to
conduct a survey of ambient air quality
along the Houston Ship Channel, an
area with large Hispanic communities.
EPA Region 6's Geographic
Initiative (RGI) program
funded the use of the Trace
Atmospheric Gas Analyzer
(TAGA) mobile air monitoring
unit to facilitate air sampling.
The TAGA unit is a selfcon-
tained, mobile laboratory ca-
pable of real-time sampling
and analysis of air emis-
sions. A FLIR© ThermaCam
GasFinderlR infrared camera
was also used to identify po-
tential sources of emissions
that were detected by the
TAGA. Targeted areas in-
cluded the Manchester com-
munity, Galena Park, Battle-
ground Park, and Bayport. Results of the
sampling effort can be viewed at the final
report at: http://www.epa.gov/
earth1r6/6en/a/taga-unit-results.htm
> EPA Collaboration with City of
Houston
On November 8, 2007, Houston
Mayor Bill White, met with Granta
Nakayama, EPA's Assistant Adminis-
trator for the Office of Enforcement
and Compliance Assurance, to
discuss air toxics emissions in the
Houston area. As a result of the
meeting, EPA and the City of Houston
are developing a collaborative strat-
egy to help address the concern of
high levels of benzene emissions in
the Houston area. The strategy will
include surveillance and enforcement
activities and a mechanism to identify
benzene emissions that are unac-
counted for from specific sources.
EPA will continue its close coopera-
tion, coordination, and collaboration
with state and local officials to ad-
dress air quality issues in the Hous-
ton/Galveston area, a major urban
area with a significant Hispanic
population.
Environmental Results Through
Economic Development
The Economic Development Work Group presented two
Economic Development Workshops in San Antonio and
Houston, Texas. The group concentrated on identifying the
needs or weaknesses of smaller organizations seeking resources from
local, state or federal government. Presentations highlighted the EPA
Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grant; US-Mexico
Border 2012 Grant Program; supplemental environmental projects; as
well as assistance under the Environmental Justice program for dispute
resolutions. The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) which
assists nonprofits and minority businesses in seeking funding opportuni-
ties, provided information on local resources.

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Beyond Translation
Issue 1
Page 7
EPA Beyond Translation
Commitments for 2008
Implement a Pesticide Awareness
Initiative targeting agriculture workers
and their families
Conduct a Student Forum for 200 students
Conduct an Economic Development
Workshop
Improve recruitment efforts of Hispanic
applicants & Senior Executive Service
candidate pool
o

Enhance communica-
tion networks at the
national level, includ-
ing via the web
Host the 3rd Beyond
Translation Forum
Starter Pack
Work in Progress
Plans to conduct three student forums in
schools along the US-Mexico border area are
currently underway.
Locations & Dates:
1.	Ojinaga, Chihuahua,
Mexico (includes students
from Presidio, Texas)
Date: April 22, 2008
2.	Palomas, Chihuahua,
Mexico (includes students
from Columbus, New
Mexico)
Projected Date: Early
Summer 2008
3.	El Paso, Texas
Projected Date: Fall 2008
Work in Progress
Pesticide Collaborative Workgroup of El
Paso area
EPA staff, Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality, Texas Department of Health, New Mexico
Environmental Health Department, Texas Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Pan American Health Organi-
zation, the Migrant Farm Workers Coalition, and
other organizations are working together on a pes-
ticide initiative for the El Paso area. The work-
group has been working together over the past
several months developing a research project to
evaluate migrant workers' exposure to organo-
phosphates. In addition, the group is working to
improve binational communication on acute pesti-
cide exposure, and to develop a communication
strategy for agriculture workers.
P
Work in Progress
Members of EPA's Beyond Translation team are
supporting the Texas Commission on Environ-
mental Quality (TCEQ) to get the word out on
the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) by
encouraging Hispanics to apply for TERP funds.
EPA's efforts include outreach to Hispanic busi-
ness leaders, media and trade organizations,
and also assisting with translation into Spanish.
TERP grants are available to individuals, busi-
nesses, nonprofits,
school districts, and
government agencies
that own and operate
heavy duty vehicles or
equipment in the eligi-
ble counties. New and
upgraded equipment
pollutes less and improves the air quality in
Texas. Applications will be accepted through
April 1, 2008. For more information, please visit
www.terpgrants.org or call
1-800-919-TERP (8377).
TEXAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION PLAN
A PROGRAM OF THE TCEQ

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BEYOND TRANSLATION TEAM
EPA Team Members
CuLtU/ativiOj tft&pavdc CokM.m.u.n.ttij iiAA/oU/ew.ei/vt
tiA/ Biwirov^mtiA±al Protection
Miguel I. Flores
Director, Water Quality
Protection Division
Paula Flores-Gregg
Program Coordinator
Amadee Madril
Debra Tellez
Debora Bradford
Carlos Rincon
Elizabeth Reyes
Esteban Herrera
Gina Weber
Jack Arias
Janie Acevedo
John Stadelman
Julia Alderete
Lina Younes
Maria Pimentel
Maria Sisneros
Minerva Rojo
Nelda Perez
Nellie Roblez
Olivia Balandran
Paula Selzer
Reiniero Rivera
Rudy Molina
Tex Gomez
Tony Robledo
Verne McFarland
Yolanda Nixon
Community Team Members
Houston Department of Health and Human Services
Minority Business Development Agency
Mothers for Clean Air
National Organization for Mexican American Rights (NOMAR)
Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (TEJAS)
U.S. Department of Human & Health Services—Region VI
U.S. EPA HQ/OARM/Human Capital Planning Branch/Office of Human
Resources
U.S. EPA Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
U.S. EPA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
U.S. EPA Region 6, Management Division - Hispanic Outreach
Initiative
U.S. EPA Region 6, Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division
U.S. EPA Region 6, Pesticides, Toxics, & Underground Storage Tanks
Branch
U.S. EPA Region 6, Regional Geographic Initiative
U.S. EPA Region 6, US-Mexico Border Program
Arturo Blanco - Houston Department of Health and Human Services
Brenda Reyes - Houston Department of Health and Human Services
Daniel Solis - National Organization for Mexican American Rights
Gina Posada - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Henry Delgado - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Juan Parras - Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services
Noeiia Garza - Houston Independent School District
Patrick Young - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Raquel Suniga - Minority Business Development Agency
Rosalia Guerrero-Luera - Mothers for Clean Air
2006-2007 Partners
We are on the web!
www.epa.gov/region6/beyondtranslation

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