Region 1^ oEPA Tribal lewsletter The Tribal Newsletter is ¦"¦"¦¦»»¦ United States Environmental issued free each month. 1 ¦ i^#® Protect on https://go.usa.gov/xXNnW N< Agency Vol. 29 No. 7 August 2020 % EPA provides some external 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 COVID-19 Surface Disinfectants EPA recognizes the need for information on better ways to reduce potential exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. EPA is working to provide the American public with information about how to safely and effectively kill the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. EPA's list of products that meet the agency's criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, or List N includes more than 420 products. Based on laboratory testing, EPA approved 13 products that are effective against SARS-CoV-2. EPA expects to approve claims for additional List N products in the coming weeks. When using an EPA-registered disinfectant, follow the label directions for safe, effective use. Make sure to follow the contact time, which is the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet. Check out EPA's infographic, Six Steps for Safe & Effective Disinfectant Use for instructions on how to use surface disinfectant products. EPA researchers are also evaluating a number of commercially available products for long-lasting effectiveness and high-efficiency disinfectant application methods against the virus such as ultraviolet light, ozone, and steam for surfaces that are frequently touched by many people - such as in mass transit. EPA will make the results of this research available to help inform decisions. For more information check out EPA's Research on COVID-19 in the Environment and EPA's Coronavirus (COVID-19) websites. New Indoor Air and Coronavirus Website COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. However, some uncertainty remains about the relative importance of different routes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There is growing evidence that the virus can remain airborne for longer times and further distances than originally thought. In addition to close contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces, there is a possibility that spread of COVID-19 may also occur via airborne particles in indoor environments, in some circumstances beyond the 2 m (about 6 ft) range encouraged by social distancing recommendations. However, there are straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce potential airborne transmission of COVID-19. Continued & ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 N E W s & continued New Indoor Air and Coronavirus Website The layout and design of a building, as well as occupancy and type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, can all impact potential airborne spread of the virus. Although improvements to ventilation and air cleaning cannot on their own eliminate the risk of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, EPA recommends precautions to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of the virus. These precautions include increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration as part of a larger strategy that includes social distancing, wearing cloth face coverings or masks, surface cleaning and disinfecting, handwashing, and other precautions. EPA's new website — Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19] is focused on practices to reduce airborne transmission as well as other helpful resources and information. If you have questions about COVID-19 and indoor air, disinfectants, drinking water or other topics, please visit EPA's Coronavirus (CQVID-19) website and Frequent Questions Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Please supplement this information with the latest advice from state, local, tribal and federal agencies. National Tribal Caucus Executive Committee The National Tribal Caucus Executive Committee is a 3-member group that includes the NTC Chair, Vice- Chair, and Secretary. Comprised of tribal leaders and environmental professionals from across the nation, the NTC's principal purpose is to advise EPA on how the agency's tribal programs can be improved. The NTC Executive Committee furthers this goai by taking leadership roles and other extra duties beyond those of regular NTC membership. EPA's American Indian Environmental Office works with the both the NTC and the NTC Executive Committee on a regular basis, fostering partnerships and information sharing across NTC Executlve Committee (from left to right): . _ . Scott Clow, Shawn Howard, and Gerald Wagner. EPAs programs. Currently, the NTC Executive Committee includes Chair Geraid Wagner from the Blackfeet Tribe, Vice-Chair Scott Clow from the Ute Mountain Tribe and Secretary Shawn Howard from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. ( \ We Want Your Feedback About Region 10 Tribal Outreach EPA Region 10 staff strive to provide information, training, and technical assistance to tribes to support successful environmental programs. Efforts include in-person travel, phone and email contact, regional meetings, webinars, sessions at conferences and events, information on the Region 10 Tribal Program website, the Region 10 tribal newsletter, social media, and through email lists, and targeted workgroups. We are continually reviewing our practices and want to hear from you to see if we are meeting your needs - especially during this unprecedented time. If you have feedback, ideas, or suggestions, contact Mahri Lowinger by email at Lowinger.mahri@epa.gov by August 30. v J 2- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 How's My Waterway? EPA's new How's My Waterway provides you with an easily accessible summary of water quality information. You can use it to learn about water, explore data, and find out what's happening to improve the health of our waters. How's My Waterway works on all different screen sizes — from desktop computers and tablets to mobile phones, providing users with a summary of water quality at the community, state, or national level. How's My Waterway? Informing the conversation about your waters. Let's get started! Search by address, zip code, or place... Choose a place to learn about your waters: Community Explore Topics: State Swimming ?©l Eating Fish » Go # Use My Location National Drinking Water EPA's Disaster Debris Recovery Tool EPA's Disaster Debris Recovery Tool, is an interactive mapping tool of 12 types of recyclers and landfills that manage disaster debris. The tool provides information and locations of over 20,000 facilities capable of managing different materials which may be found in disaster debris. The Disaster Debris Recovery Tool can help agencies find and add recovery, recycling and disposal options into their debris management plans. It also allows emergency planners to assess an area's capacity to manage anticipated debris; and communities identify source reduction and waste minimization options. Disaster Debris Recovery Tool sum 114* CANADA • • A -3 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 ( \ Updated Water Quality Standards Template EPA finalized a revised model Water Quality Standards Template for Waters on Indian Reservations. The template, available on EPA's Water Quality Standards Tools for Tribes is a customizable document that provides model WQS text which can simplify the process of developing tribal WQS consistent with the Clean Water Act and EPA's implementing regulations. Throughout the template there are opportunities for tribes to tailor WQS to reflect tribe-specific circumstances, including a provision to protect cultural and traditional uses. v J RCRA Public Involvement Toolkit EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Public Involvement Toolkit was designed as an online resource to help users identify opportunities and methods for engagement throughout the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act public participation process. RCRA is the public law that creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. The toolkit provides a broad range of tools and activities that community involvement practitioners, permitting agencies, public interest groups, community leaders, and facility owners or operators can use to empower communities to become more actively involved in the permit and cleanup decision-making processes at hazardous waste management facilities. RTOC The Region 10 Regional Tribal Operations Committee is a partnership between EPA and elected tribal representatives 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. Digital Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit September 23-25, 2020 Pre-summit events in August The Region 10 RTOC is moving forward with hosting a virtual Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit on the same dates that were originally scheduled for the in-person event! RTOC hired an amazing team to coordinate this year's event. Meda DeWitt, of Haa Jooni Productions will serve as the overall coordinator, along with her assistant Erin Jackson. Meda has experience as a former facilitator and digital storyteller from the 2017 TELS Summit. She is a recent graduate from Alaska Pacific University with a master's degree in Alaska Native Traditional Healing. The RTOC is honored to welcome them to the team. The RTOC will also be announcing the youth track coordinator on social media soon. Remember to follow social media @regionlOrtoc! The Region 10 RTOC is interested in having vendors and traditional arts and crafts offered during the summit. Please consider registering for no cost, and RTOC staff will work with you to plan the best delivery method for your virtual "booth". Continued 4- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter RTOC News 0 continued Digital Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit There are 2 tracks: • General Session for Tribal Leaders and Environmental Staff — $65 • Youth Track — $35 Register on the Region 10 Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit 2020 website. otGt°N 10 T"'B4, August 2020 Stay Engaged with RTOC Follow us on Facebook for the most up to date news and opportunities. If you wish to attend or add an item to a monthly meeting agenda, 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 RTOC's Administrator, Randi Madison. CONTACT: Randi Madison, RTOC Administrator • randi@regionlOrtoc.net -5 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 Grants ( \ Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water Tribal Grant Program LETTERS OF INTENT DUE: August 31. Authorized by the Water Infrastructure Improvements of the Nation Act, EPA is making funding available to support the Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water Tribal Grant Program. Under this program, tribal consortia, on behalf of tribes, will be eligible applicants for funding to assist local education agencies to test for lead contamination in drinking water at schools and childcare programs. Beneficiaries of the program must be members of a federally recognized tribe. Participation in the program requires use of the EPA's 3Ts for Tribal Schools: Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities guidance or applicable regulations regarding reducing lead in drinking water in schools and child care programs that are not less stringent. Please note that funding for tribes in Alaska is administered as part of the Alaska state program separately and is not included under this announcement. Alaskan tribes interested in the allotted funding for testing lead in school and childcare drinking water should coordinate with the appropriate state agency. Schools administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs are ineligible for assistance under this grant program. EPA is requesting that interested tribal consortia submit a letter to indicate intent to participate that includes the following details. • Point of contact (name, email address and phone number) who will provide oversight administration and communication. • Population and geographic regions intended to serve and support. • Estimated count of facilities intended for service and support. Letters of Intent can be submitted by email to WIINDrinkingWaterGrants@epa.gov. For additional details, check out EPA's Lead Testing in School and Childcare Program Drinking Water Tribal Grant Program website. v J 6- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 Energy Technology Deployment on Tribal Lands APPLICATIONS DUE: August 27. The Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs is soliciting applications to stabilize or reduce energy costs and increase energy security and resiliency for tribes and tribal members. This funding will support tribes, Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations, intertribal organizations, and tribal energy development organizations to install energy generating systems and energy efficiency measures for tribal buildings, deploy community- scale energy generating systems or energy storage on tribal lands, install integrated energy systems for autonomous operation to power a single facility or multiple tribal facilities, or deploy energy infrastructure or integrated energy systems to electrify tribal buildings. See the Funding Opportunity Announcement for all eligibility requirements and how to apply. The Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs Tribal Energy Projects Database website includes a map and summaries of competitively funded projects. WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants APPLICATIONS DUE: September 17. The Bureau of Reclamation provides 50/50 cost share funding to irrigation and water districts, tribes, states, and other entities with water or power delivery authority. Projects conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the production of hydropower, mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict, and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western U.S. This program provides up to $500,000 per agreement for projects that can be completed in two years and up to $2 million per agreement for projects that can be completed in three years. Details are available on the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART website. r \ Supporting Equitable Development and Environmental Justice in Brownfields Communities APPLICATIONS DUE: September 21. This opportunity will provide funding to eligible entities to provide training, research, and technical assistance to facilitate the inventory of brownfield sites, site assessments, remediation of brownfield sites, community involvement, or site preparation. A brownfield site is defined as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, controlled substances, petroleum or petroleum products, or mine-scarred land. EPA anticipates awarding one grant for an estimated $600,000, funded incrementally on an annual basis over three years, at approximately $200,000 per year. Eligible entities include local and state governments, tribes (other than in Alaska - except for Metlakatla Indian Community), land clearance authorities, regional councils, redevelopment agencies, Alaska Native Regional Corporations, Alaska Native Village Corporations, nonprofit organizations, and others. Details are on EPA's FY 2021 Brownfields Training, Research, and Technical Assistance Grant website. V - 7 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 Bureau of Reclamation Technical Assistance to Tribes APPLICATIONS DUE: October 28. The objective of this opportunity is to invite federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations to submit proposals for financial assistance for projects and activities that develop, manage and protect tribal water and related resources. Through this opportunity, Bureau of Reclamation provides funding for projects that increase water reliability, consistent with the 2018 Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West. For details, check out the Bureau of Reclamation's Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program website. Training & Technical Assistance 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. EPA can neither attest to the accuracy of these third-party sites nor endorse any nongovernment websites, companies or applications. The workshop speakers and group leaders are experts in their fields from EPA and other federal agencies, state and local agencies, academia, associations, and the private sector. The technical sessions of the workshop include topics such as disinfectants and disinfection byproducts, contaminants of emerging concern (including PFAS and algal toxins), pathogens and disinfection, source water quality and protection, corrosion and lead, contaminant removal and management, methods and analytics, implementing innovative treatments, and distribution system best practices. The workshop is primarily designed for state primacy agency staff responsible for drinking water regulations compliance and treatment technologies permitting, however, others may also benefit, including territory, tribal, and local primacy staff, water system operators, academics, design engineers, technical assistance providers, and consultants. Details and registration are available on EPA's 17th Annual EPA Drinking Water Workshop: Small Systems Challenges and Solutions website. Drinking Water Workshop: Small System Challenges and Solutions August 31 - September 3, Virtual Workshop EPA's free annual drinking water workshop, held in partnership with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators will provide in-depth information and training on solutions and strategies for handling small drinking water system challenges with a focus on monitoring, distribution, source, and treatment topics. 8- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act Online Training This online training course is designed to help state, local, and tribal agencies know the requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and its implementing regulations. The course supports agencies in fulfilling their responsibilities prescribed in law and is also designed to prepare participants for chemical emergencies and to provide compliance assistance to facilities. Participants will learn facilities' reporting requirements providing information on the storage and releases of hazardous chemicals and how state and local agencies should use that information to prepare and protect the community from chemical emergencies. Each lesson contains text, interactive exercises, and knowledge checks. Register on EPA's web conferencing website. Air Pollution Training Institute EPA's Air Pollution Training Institute helps air professionals plan training tailored for your job, learn from self-instructional and web-based training, track training progress and access transcripts. Some courses are offered periodically in classrooms. There are several online courses available on topics related to Introduction to Air Pollution Control, Air Toxics/Hazardous Air Pollutants, Quality Assurance for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, and more. Online courses include modules, narration, knowledge checks and exams. Courses are available on EPA's Air Pollution Training Institute APTI-Learn website. APTI-Learn helps air pollution professionals: to your job responsibilities from self-Instructional and web-based training TRACK -9 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 I N G Grants Management Online Training This online training course is designed to introduce EPA grant applicants and recipients to key aspects of the entire grant life cycle, from preparation of an application through grant closeout. The course is divided into separate modules that can be completed individually. Each module includes knowledge checks to verify your understanding of key concepts. Upon completion, you will be prompted to generate a downloadable certificate of completion. You can access the online course on EPA's Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients website. ITEP L Learning Online Courses The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is offering courses conducted over the internet and include presentations via videos, assignments, activities, discussion boards, and exams, ITEP offers instructor-led or self-paced online courses. Topics include quality assurance project planning, introduction to rural Alaska landfill planning, HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher, partnerships and community outreach, and other topics. Browse their full catalog of online courses. f*TA,L 10- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2020 Calendar of Events August 6 Cleaning for Health: Proactive Plans to Effectively Clean and Promote Healthy IAQ in Schools. 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time • https://bit.ly/304wHCN 11 Antimicrobials and Microbes Indoors: How to Best Promote Indoor Environmental Quality. 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time • https://bit.ly/30Wp800 13 What Schools Need to Know: Practices and Principles for Healthy IAQ and Reducing the Spread of Viruses. 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time • https://bit.ly/2DeLfXf 17-20 Tribal Lands and Environment Forum Virtual Gathering. https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Conferences/confr_tlef 18 Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time http://www.leonetwork.org 19 National Environmental Justice Public Meeting. 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time https://bit.ly/2XlqeGK 20 National Environmental Justice Public Meeting. 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time https://bit.ly/2XlqeGK 26 Wildfires & Resulting Impacts to Water Bodies Used as Drinking Water Sources. Webinar at 11 a.m. Pacific Time https://www.epa.gov/water-research/water-research-webinar-series September 1-2 Waste Assessment Training for Tribes. Webinar from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Alaska Time. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/667544703316212240 8 ANTHC IGAP Networking Call. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time • https://bit.ly/2GRKy4f 14-17 Virtual National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference. https://sites.google.com/view/2020-nticc-itep/home 22 Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time http://www.leonetwork.org 23-25 Digital Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit. http://regionlOrtoc.net/home October 20 Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time http://www.leonetwork.org 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. -11 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter Vol. 29 No. 7-August 2020 SEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Tribal Program 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 155, Mail Stop 12-D12 Seattle, WA 98101-3140 Got News? Got News? Please send submission ideas to ^ R10TribalNewsletter@epa.gov For Tribal Solid and Hazardous Waste Technical Assistance ALASKA: Jim Penor • 907-500-4963 IDAHO, OREGON, WASHINGTON: Rick McMonagle • 503-326-6363 • Helpful Links R10 Tribal Programs: http://go.usa.gov/xkdMv EPA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPARegionlQ Follow us @EPAnorthwest on Twitter! https://twitter.com/EPAnorthwest Tribal Trust and Assistance Branch Staff Stacy Murphy, 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 Mahri Lowinger, Tribal Coordinator (907) 271-6334 Michael Ortiz, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-6234 Catherine Vila, Grants Coordinator (206) 553-1544 Cathy Villa, Tribal Coordinator (907) 271-1270 WESTERN & CENTRAL OREGON, SOUTHWEST WASH Kristine Carre, Tribal Coordinator (503) 326-7024 IDAHO, WASHINGTON & EASTERN OREGON Kristy Fry, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-1085 Alan Moomaw, Tribal Coordinator (360) 753-8071 r A, 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, /era\ 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. V J ------- |