&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
FY 2011 -2015
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 serves Alaska,
Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and 271 federally-recognized tribes.
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INTRODUCTION
The greatest achievements in environmental protection occur when a team works
collaboratively toward a clear set of objectives. We are fortunate to have a visionary
leader in Administrator Lisa Jackson, who has challenged us to focus our work on
Seven Priorities. As the Regional Administrator for Region 10,1 believe each and eveiy
one of us in the Region can help to set a course for our work over the next several years
by aligning our priorities with those of Administrator Jackson. Those priorities are:
Taking Action on Climate Change
Improving Air Quality
Assuring the Safety of Chemicals
Cleaning Up Our Communities
Protecting America's Waters
Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism
and Working for Environmental Justice
Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships
In this document, we have set out objectives and actions to meet each priority. By
organizing our objectives around the Administrator's priorities, we are working
as One EPA toward our collective mission of protecting human health and the
environment. The actions listed in this document are for Fiscal Years (FY) 2011
and 2012. We will continue to develop new actions for the coming years. To
ensure these actions continue to remain relevant and up to date, we will post
public progress reports online each year which reflect these new actions.
As you read through the following objectives and actions, you will find that some
of our proposals start new efforts that embody innovation and change. In other
cases, we propose to continue or enhance existing efforts that have proven to be
effective. We will use the Regional priorities to guide decisions regarding the best
use of resources and to develop and deepen our collaborative partnerships.
In addition to aligning our work with the Administrator's priorities, we have
committed to Three Foundational Principles: Integrating Sustainability;
Maintaining Core Programs (Especially Enforcement); and Strengthening EPA's
Workforce and Capabilities. These principles are described in greater detail below
and are important in describing how we intend to achieve our objectives.
Indeed, there is much more to what we do that may not fit neatly within a
particular priority or principle. Our work and the manner in which we do it remain
critical to our collective success. I expect all of us to make vital contributions
to One EPA through all aspects of our work in Region 10. The high standards
reflected in the guiding statements apply to each of us in equal measure.
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FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES
Integrating Sustainability
Sustainability is a concept that prompts us to consider how the decisions we
make today will impact the environment in the future. Our choices should be
environmentally and economically sound, and support equitable treatment for all
people in society. Those choices can be as small as green purchases of Energy
Star products or as encompassing as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System permit conditions that take into account impacts on subsistence fishers.
It is my expectation that all employees and programs in the Region will conduct
our work in the most sustainable manner possible. Education, coordination and
collaboration with external partners are key to integrating sustainability. We will pay
particular attention to climate change and energy, as these are important components
of sustainability and newer areas of focus. Ultimately, we must focus on coordinating
our sustainability and energy efforts internally as well as with our external partners
and proactively integrating sustainability into our core programs. We will do this by:
• Leveraging our regulatory tools and resources to achieve the biggest impact. By
using our authority, we can address immediate environmental issues while also
building the relationships, commitments and plans to solve them permanently.
• Applying our collaboration and leadership skills to bring together all of
the stakeholders who can contribute to making long-term solutions.
• Expanding our focus beyond end-of-pipe treatment and compliance
in ways that prevent and reduce pollution and/or its toxicity.
• Influencing the values, beliefs and behaviors of others
through our leadership in sustainability.
• Leading by example: we will make EPA and the federal
government a model of sustainable behavior.
• Thinking holistically and long term as we implement programs
to gain co-benefits such as reduced carbon emissions.
• Identifying and maximizing our roles related to clean energy
development, smart grid development, electrification of ports,
goods movement, and key energy facility siting issues.
Maintaining Core Programs (Especially Enforcement)
Assuring compliance with each environmental law and regulation, and taking
enforcement against violators, is critical to implementing EPA's charge to protect
human health and the environment. We are committed to assuring a "level playing
field" and a sense of fairness so that those acting responsibly in the regulated
community are not disadvantaged compared to those who fail to comply with the
law. We will incorporate compliance and enforcement work into each of our Regional
priorities. In addition, we will work to assure strong and effective enforcement
programs in our authorized state and local agencies. We believe that robust core
program implementation combined with vigorous civil and criminal enforcement:
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Reassures the public that we are holding everyone to the same
standard for protection of their health and environment.
• Creates a fair business environment for all companies
subject to environmental regulation.
• Helps motivate the regulated community to think "beyond
compliance" to pollution prevention and sustainability.
• Plays an instrumental role in implementing each
of the Region's strategic priorities.
Strengthening EPA's Workforce And Capabilities
Region 10 is, and should continue to be, a great place to work. To succeed, we
must continuously improve our internal management, encourage innovation and
creativity in all aspects of our work, and ensure an excellent workplace that attracts
and retains a topnotch, diverse workforce. This effort requires the collective effort of
us all. The management team plays a critical role in providing leadership, direction,
resources and support to our dedicated staff. Current areas of our focus include:
• Recruit and retain a diverse and creative workforce.
• Invest in our people, including support for use of web
collaborative tools and workforce mobility.
• Support our supervisors and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrate outstanding resource stewardship to ensure that all Agency
programs operate with fiscal responsibility and management integrity.
• Explore new opportunities to complete administrative
tasks more efficiently and implement them.
• Take steps to make sure we appropriately consider
work/life balance as we do our work.
Thank you Region 10 for your dedication, tremendous efforts and for the high
quality work I see eveiy day. This plan is a vehicle for taking accomplishment of
our mission to a new level through stronger alignment with the Administrator's
Priorities. I see this as a living document and process, and welcome your
continued ideas and support for making our efforts successful.
Dennis J. McLerran
US EPA Region 10 Regional Administrator
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REGION 10 GUIDING STATEMENTS
VISION
A healthy, sustainable environment for all.
MISSION
We will use science to make sound, principled decisions to:
Protect and restore ecosystems. Ensure healthy airsheds and watersheds;
Take action on climate change;
Prevent pollution through source reduction and chemical safety;
Cleanup contaminated sites; and
Enforce federal environmental laws.
We are accountable for achieving our mission. Our success as stewards of the
public trust will be measured by meaningful and lasting environmental results.
VALUES
• Make a difference through people and teamwork. We support each other and
the people we work with by working cooperatively and collaboratively. We
build bridges between organizations within Region 10 and across the Agency.
• Promote transparency, communication and dialogue. We
share information and expertise, listen to our customers,
celebrate our successes and learn from our mistakes.
• Expect excellence. We set and meet high standards of quality, taking
pride in the fact that we are public servants and hold the public trust.
• Be professional and respectful. We treat our colleagues at EPA, representatives
of other governmental entities, stakeholders and the regulated community
with professionalism and respect, addressing conflict constructively.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity. We deal forthrightly with
each other and the public. We meet our commitments.
• Take well-considered risks. We are willing to take risks, while making
environmentally sound decisions, based on science, statutes and regulations.
• Apply principled decision-making. Our decisions will be based on
principles of equity, fairness and applicable laws and regulations.
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REGION 10'S SEVEN PRIORITIES
(1.0) TAKING ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Region 10 will work to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and develop
adaptation strategies to address climate change in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and
Alaska. We will incorporate climate change into core program work through analysis
of projected impacts on program goals and activities, identifying opportunities
for mitigating greenhouse gases without increasing adverse impacts from other
pollutants, and where possible, building ecosystem resilience. We will address energy-
related issues with an emphasis on energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption,
and alternative fuels as part of our strategy to reduce greenhouse gases. We will also
focus on sustainability by identifying and implementing climate change strategies
that achieve multiple environmental benefits and minimize adverse impacts, and
pursuing holistic approaches with a long-term view. This work will be done in
close partnership with other federal agencies, Region 10 states and tribes, local
governments and others involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
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(1.1) Support Climate Change Adaptation
We will provide scientific data on projected climate change impacts to inform
decisions that will help reduce infrastructure vulnerability, build ecosystem
resilience and protect and restore critical ecological functions, as well as identify
opportunities for reducing GHG emissions. By expanding assistance to tribes
for adapting to climate change, we acknowledge its cross-cutting effects and
need for a multi-media array of tools and funding. We will collaborate with other
federal agencies, Region 10 state and tribal governmental organizations and
universities to ensure efficient and widespread use of climate change science
information, projected impacts and strategies for adaptation in the Region.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Develop and deliver program-specific and in-depth presentations for Region
10 offices to inform staff about projected impacts from climate change
in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska that are relevant to their work.
• Launch one general pilot project to identify appropriate climate
change science information that program staff will incorporate into
specific planning, modeling, and/or policy decision work.
• Provide leadership in getting commitment from other federal agencies
to work together, and especially with tribes, to address climate
change in Region 10 with effective and meaningful initiatives.
• Engage in regional climate change adaptation networks, including
attending Climate Change Collaboration ("C3") and the Landscape
Conservation Cooperatives (LCC) meetings, with the objective of
identifying useful science-based and program-specific climate change
information and contacts for collaborative projects to incorporate
general climate change information into Region 10's work.
• Manage the Climate Change Track and related sessions
for the Alaska Forum on the Environment (AFE).
• Work with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) on ways
to better assist rural communities seeking to transition to lower-carbon, less-
expensive fuel sources, or needing to adapt to the effects of climate change.
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(1.2) Promote Sustainable Energy - Energy Efficiency, Alternative
Energy And Energy Infrastructure/West Coast Collaborative
We will reinvigorate the West Coast Collaborative (WCC) with a focus on energy
efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, alternative fuels (including electric) and
GHG emission reduction strategies with transportation and land use decision
makers. By partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Region 10
states and tribes, utilities, and their commissions on sustainable energy system
strategies (transmission, decoupling, smart grid, investment policies, etc.), we
will promote and assist in implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy
programs (i.e., Energy Star, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and similar
programs), and GHG emissions prevention work. Based on a full life cycle analysis
of the GHG emissions and any adverse environmental impacts of renewable
fuels, we will promote their use (as appropriate to Region 10). We will also
work with the Forestry and Agriculture Teams on bio-energy related issues.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Convene a working group of the West Coast Collaborative Steering
Committee to discuss a 3-5 year program plan to broaden the collaborative
work around diesel reductions to include strategies to obtain GHG
reductions through more efficient transportation of people and goods.
• Continue to convene the working group of the West Coast
Collaborative Steering Committee, with transportation and
energy stakeholders, at least quarterly to produce a draft
program plan to present to the full Steering Committee.
• Identify one or more specific projects for collaboration with the
Department of Energy, states and tribes on energy conservation and
efficiency to advance the Region's sustainable energy objectives.
• Focus on renewable fuels by collecting and refining Regionally-specific data
under the Regionally Applied Research Effort (RARE) Cooperative Agreement
"Life Cycle Analysis of PNW Feedstocks for Biofuel Production." This project
will provide data and decision making criteria to ensure unified and consistent
decision making related to biofuels/bioenergy across Region 10 programs.
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(1.3) Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska
We will work with Region 10 states, local governments and Headquarters
(HQ) to implement and enforce rules to reduce GHG emissions.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Implement and assure compliance with the GHG reporting rule by
ensuring accuracy of greenhouse gas inventories, supporting Region
10 states' efforts to establish consistent requirements, and completing
program approvals for state GHG permitting programs.
• Implement and enforce new GHG permitting requirements
where EPA has direct permitting authority.
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(1.4) Lead by Example in Climate Change Issues by "Walking the Talk"
We will ensure compliance with the Federal Executive Orders related to
GHG emissions and incorporate sustainability principles into our daily
operations. Through the Federal Green Challenge (FGC) organization, we
will support other federal agencies in the Region with similar FGC efforts. We
will promote the EPA Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan (FY 2010-
FY 2020), with initial emphasis on "greening" EPA business travel in Region
10, in the most comprehensive and cost-effective manner possible.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Engage eight new FGC agency partners, for a total of 30, by the end of 2011.
• Achieve an FGC partner-wide reduction of 26,000
metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent in 2011.
• At EPA Region 10's Seattle office, achieve 5% reduction goals in the
target areas of energy, transportation and water, and achieve a 10%
reduction in the waste target area. Reduction goals are relative to the FY08
baseline, except for air travel, which is relative to the FY 10 baseline.
• Reduce the Region's most significant source of carbon emission
by reducing the number of air miles traveled by 5%: from 3.8
million miles in 2010 to roughly 3.65 million miles.
• Continue pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Commercial Interiors Platinum designation of EPA Seattle Office remodel
by: (1) planning for reuse of 15% of Region's existing non-modular furniture;
(2) surplusing 100% of the Region's existing modular furniture to another
federal agency for reuse; (3) contracting for all newly purchased furniture
to contain a minimum 40% recycled product content; and (4) implementing
outside air economizer technology in the Regional computer server room
to reduce current server room energy consumption by 25% or greater.
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(2.0) IMPROVING AIR QUALITY
American communities face serious health and environmental challenges from air
pollution. Air toxics risks are known to be elevated in many urban communities,
especially in some environmental justice (EJ) communities. EPA has adopted and
proposed a number of stronger ambient air quality standards which will help millions
of Americans breathe easier and live healthier. Implementation of the new health
standards will be the challenge and responsibility of regional, state, and local agencies.
EPA also directly administers air quality permitting in the Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS) of Alaska. The sale of $5 billion worth of leases is dramatically increasing
the amount of this high-profile work. It is imperative that EPA permits ensure the
protection of the North Slope communities' health. Improved monitoring and a strong
enforcement program will be critical building blocks for improving air quality.
Incorporating sustainability and energy efficiency into the implementation
of air quality programs will have significant co-benefits in reducing energy
usage and GHG emissions. Our efforts to control GHG emissions can result
in significant reductions in air toxics and criteria pollutants. Enforcement is
a key component of our regulatory air programs and plays an important role
in improving air quality and leveling the playing field within the regulated
community. We are committed to seeking long-term sustainable solutions to air
quality problems using our existing regulatory tools, as well as our abilities to lead
and convene our partner agencies, the public and the regulated community.
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(2.1) Support At-Risk Communities In Efforts To Reduce Air
Toxics In Their Communities, Homes And Schools
Region 10 will enforce air toxics rules, including mobile source rules. We
will provide technical support (such as our work with schools and on indoor
air quality) and support increased monitoring in communities when possible.
Our grants will be targeted toward at-risk communities and showcase
achievements (Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA), Community Action for
a Renewed Environment (CARE), and Environmental Justice Showcase).
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Present the workshop, "Sustainable Communities Start with Healthy and
Green Homes" to state and local regulators, builders and urban planners.
• Provide targeted compliance assistance and compliance assurance for
small sources on Indian Reservations that are subject to area sources
National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
• Provide informational meetings in communities where we
have completed school air toxics monitoring.
• Award at least two competitive grants and four state grants under the DERA
program that will reduce air toxics from diesel emissions in communities.
• Reduce air toxics impacts related to goods movement using
awareness and the adoption of SmartWay Supply Chain
model and development of intermodal models.
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(2.2) Implement New National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Region 10 will work with states, tribes, stakeholders and HQ to develop and
implement air quality strategies to address new and existing NAAQS to protect
public health and ecosystems. We will support nonattainment area designations,
state/local development of State Implementation Plans (SIPs), develop Federal
Implementation Plans (FIPs) as required, and help implement the new NAAQS
monitoring requirements. We will provide a strong enforcement presence for stationary
criteria pollutant sources, focusing on the refinery sector and the New Source Review
(NSR)/Prevention of Serious Deterioration (PSD) national enforcement initiative.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Take regulatory action on Regional Haze SIPs where possible and
design and start implementing a strategy for completing Regional Haze
SIPs for all four states. These Regional Haze plans will provide new
visibility and environmental protection to citizens by implementing
federally-enforceable controls on old power plants and other sources.
• Work with states and act on SIP revisions related to SIP infrastructure
components for the 1997 ozone and Fine Particle (PM2.5) standards
(i.e., formal regulatory updates, such as New Source Review
Rulemakings, required for implementation of the NAAQS),
including interstate transport court-ordered deadlines.
• Work with states on rules that will provide federally-enforceable new
permitting requirements for large stationary sources emitting GHGs.
• Develop Particulate Matter (PM) Implementation Plans and
rules that will provide new federally-enforceable protection for
citizens in Fairbanks, Alaska; Cache Valley, Idaho; Tacoma,
Washington; Oakridge, Oregon; and Klamath Falls, Oregon.
• Provide additional focus on SIP work related to new NAAQS and potential
new nonattainment areas by preparing technical and administrative
support documents for designations of nonattainment areas in all four
states for the new lead (Pb), sulfur dioxide (SO. , nitrogen dioxide
(N().), and ozone NAAQS. Work with states on SIP revisions related
to the SIP infrastructure components for each new NAAQS and, to
the extent possible, ensure that energy efficiency and GPIG emission
reductions are considered in development of air quality plans.
• Work with all four states to revise their permitting requirements
to incorporate changes related to greenhouse gases and the
revised PM2.5 and ozone standards into their SIPs.
• Through coordination across EPA and state/local/tribal jurisdictions,
provide leadership in re foe using the SIP process to develop the most cost
effective controls across pollutants for the Puget Sound Area, particularly
for the Clean Air Performance Commitment process for the Tacoma
Nonattainment Area, and the Puget Sound Multipollutant Air Quality
Management Plan, while complying with regulatory requirements.
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• Incorporate lessons learned from Region 7's Lean processing effort and
develop and implement a training plan for working more effectively
and efficiently on SIPs and other NAAQS related work (i.e., NAAQS
designations, attainment determinations) by drawing on Region 10's SIP
Process Improvement Project and SIP efficiency efforts from other regions.
• Propose regulatory action on Anchorage carbon monoxide SIP
revision, discontinuing the Inspection and Maintenance program in
Anchorage, which was put in place for carbon monoxide (CO) and
is no longer needed under the current level of the standard.
• Provide outreach/consultation to tribes in Puget Sound that are part
of the proposed ozone nonattainment area so they can engage in the
designation process and future development of control strategies.
(2.3) Implement and Enforce the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR)
Region 10 directly administers the Clean Air Act on reservations and is the only region
with air quality rules applicable to Indian Country. Administering and enforcing these
rules effectively will affect 200,000 residents living within reservation boundaries.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Implement all aspects of the FARR including maintenance of the
emissions registry, writing air quality permits, responding to tips/
complaints, calling burn bans and enforcing open burning restrictions.
• Continue to issue FARR permits for non-major
sources of air pollution on reservations.
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(2.4) Implement and Enforce Clean Air Act permitting Rules for Oil and Gas
Sources in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), For sources in Indian Country,
and For Sources in Washington (Where EPA's Permit Rules Still Apply)
Environmentally responsible oil and gas exploration and development are key priorities
for our countiy. It is a necessary step in forging a secure energy future and providing
the time needed for a transition to a clean energy economy Region 10 is at the forefront
in developing permits for oil and gas exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
of Alaska. We have an obligation to engage in a meaningful way with the communities
potentially most impacted by these activities, provide information needed for proper air
quality protection, and write strong and defensible permits that protect air quality. We
can accomplish this objective by ensuring the collection of monitoring data to which the
public has easy access. We will issue air quality permits for oil and gas sources on the
OCS within statutoiy time frames and ensure adequate baseline monitoring to determine
that air quality is properly protected. Furthermore, EPA also has direct implementation
responsibilities for issuing air permits in Indian Countiy. These permits are especially
important for economic development and to ensure air quality protection in these areas.
In addition, the Department of Ecology and the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council
have partial delegation for EPA's PSD rules. EPA must currently co-sign these permits
and therefore needs to participate at an appropriate level in the permitting process.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Issue pending Title V and Prevention of Significant Deterioration
(PSD) OCS permits for exploratory drilling.
• Issue permits in our direct implementation role in Indian Countiy, including
new tribal minor New Source Review requirements, (pending')
• Review, comment on, and resolve issues in Washington PSD permits that
have a significant air quality impact (up to two per year), (pending)
1 Actions marked "pending" indicate that we are anticipating funding
or additional resources to accomplish these actions but that final
decisions have not yet been made at the time of publication.
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(3.0) ASSURING THE SAFETY OF CHEMICALS
Recent events demonstrate a need to continue and enhance our efforts to prevent
and reduce the risk of accidents at chemical and oil facilities throughout the
Region. A key element in assuring the safety of chemicals is proactive pollution
prevention. By encouraging better facility and response planning, and inspecting
and taking enforcement actions at high risk oil and chemical facilities, we can help
to reduce the likelihood of releases and diminish the consequences of accidents.
Enforcement actions under these authorities are often settled with the use of
supplemental environmental projects which can have direct, immediate sustainable
impacts, such as the substitution of non-toxic or less toxic substances in facility
processes or switching to safer pesticide alternatives. By avoiding or reducing the
introduction of chemicals in business processes the risk of exposure is also reduced.
Advances in EPA risk assessment for pesticides are leading to more sustainable
pesticide use through the gradual phase-out of the most toxic products.
Higher risk products that remain on the market also require significantly
more controls. Regional efforts are leading to the use of safer pesticides or
alternative methods of pest control, which is increasing safety for agricultural
workers and the environment. Compliance and enforcement efforts under
Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) are increasing as
these products are removed from the market or directions for use change.
The effects of climate change can lead to different pest pressures on agriculture.
Growers of major Northwest crops, such as corn and potatoes, are likely to
adapt to these pressures with an increased need for pesticide applications.
Similarly, a potential increase in crops grown for clean energy production
(biofuels) warrants watching as it may have effects on the use of pesticides.
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(3.1) Implement Pesticide Regulatory Reforms
We will work closely with our states, the Office of Pesticide Programs, and the
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to improve the transparency and
effectiveness of the pesticide registration Endangered Species Act consultation
process. This work includes improving the development of Biological Opinions by
the NMFS by facilitating the use of the best data and science, and implementation
by EPA and our states of any new product label requirements. We will assist
and oversee Idaho, Oregon and Washington as they implement new complex
requirements for high use of soil fumigants used in growing potatoes and other crops,
Clean Water Act permits for pesticide use on aquatic weeds and nuisance animal
control, mosquito and other insect pest control, and forest canopy pest control.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Assist Region 10 state and tribal pesticide programs with outreach,
compliance assistance and enforcement of new label requirements.
• Support and participate in ESA-Pesticide Regional
Stakeholder Forums to be sponsored by NMFS.
• Support and participate in a Natural Resources
Conservation Service Buffer Workshop.
• Develop a potential pilot project to demonstrate effectiveness of
proposed buffer requirements to protect endangered salmonids.
• Issue new Region 10 fumigant training manuals to be used for state
pesticide applicator Certification and Training programs.
• Ensure state and tribal pesticide inspectors have adequate Personal Protective
Equipment through EPA funding and technical assistance support.
• Continue Strategic Agriculture Initiative program project oversight to
integrate new soil fumigant requirements into Idaho's OnePlan system.
The Geographic Information System (GIS) based tool will allow pesticide
applicators to develop site-specific Fumigant Management Plans that will
improve compliance with the new measures and reduce risks to farm workers,
bystanders and sensitive sites such as homes and schools through calculation
and establishment of protective buffers and other risk-reduction practices.
• Conduct compliance monitoring and enforcement activities for soil fumigants
in Indian Country, Pesticide Producing Establishments and pesticide imports.
• Assist and oversee our states as they implement Clean Water Act
permits for pesticide use on aquatic weeds and nuisance animal control,
mosquito and other insect pest control, and forest canopy pest control.
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(3.2) Protect Individuals and Communities (Including Tribal and
Environmental Justice Communities) from Exposure to Pesticides
We will work with Region 10 tribes to build their pesticide programs, proactively
help growers find safer alternatives, and promote education and outreach to pesticide
workers, other users, and vulnerable populations (e.g., schools) with locally-produced
outreach materials (e.g. multi-lingual DVDs). Through our Strategic Agricultural
Initiative (SAI), we will work directly with growers to find alternatives. We will
investigate emerging issues raised by communities regarding pesticide use and
exposure (e.g. drift of forest pesticides in Oregon), and convene the appropriate
parties to improve our understanding of the potential problems and solutions.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Work with Indian Health Service to implement new 3-year Interagency
Agreement focused on pesticide risk reduction through the following activities:
pesticide education, identification of pesticide uses and risks in Region 10 Indian
Country, development of Pesticide Plans for individual tribes, and development
of new Integrated Pest Management (1PM) programs for tribal schools.
• Assist Yakama Nation to develop and implement new
EPA-funded IPM Tribal School Project.
• Oversee new EPA grant to Oregon State University for
support of Statewide IPM in Schools program.
• Produce 2,000 new, updated copies of EPA publication 910-F-00-008 "Que
Debo Hctcer.....Si He Estado Estado Expuesto a los Pesticides7" pamphlet that
contains information on how a farm worker can file a pesticide complaint.
• Produce an additional 1,000 copies of the pesticide safety video
EPA# 910-C-10-001, titled "Seguridad con Pesticides," for farm
workers who use the Mixteco dialects of Alto and Bajo.
• Participate in three major farm worker health and safety
outreach/training events in Washington State to provide
outreach materials to farm workers and their families.
• Collaborate with the Agency for Toxics Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) on their investigation of alleged pesticide exposures
in the Oregon Coastal Range from forestry practices and work with
communities to address pesticide drift in Oregon Coastal Range.
• Continue to provide information to HQ on forestry pesticide application
practices and potential adverse impacts for use in refining new
pesticide drift policies and use conditions for individual products.
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(3.3) Reduce The Risk Of Accidents At Chemical And Oil Facilities Through
Strategic Inspection Targeting And Effective Enforcement Follow-Up
We will inspect high risk facilities, taking into consideration EJ communities,
tribal resources, priority watersheds, and vulnerable aquatic ecosystems (under
authorities of Section 112r of the Clean Air Act and the Spill Prevention, Control and
Countermeasures (SPCC) regulations under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act). By
using expedited settlements, supplemental environmental projects, clear and timely
press releases highlighting case outcomes, and facility outreach and compliance
assistance we can maximize effectiveness of compliance and enforcement under
112r, Emergency Preparedness and Community Right-to-Know Act, and SPCC.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Reduce the backlog of SPCC and Oil Pollution Act (OPA) cases.
• Respond timely to high priority violations of Spill Prevention Plan (SPCC).
• Utilize our enforcement tools and resources when responding to
spills to mitigate environmental and human health impacts.
• Conduct case development, as necessaiy, for significant violations
at high-risk facilities that are required to do Facility Response
Plans (FRPS). We will be implementing new enforcement response
policies as we inspect them when these facilities test their FRPs.
• Conclude our judicial case regarding a pipeline spill on the North Slope.
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(3.4) Reduce The Potential To Expose individuals To Polychiorinated Biphenyl (Pcbs)
And Reduce The Threat Of Recontamination In Water, Soils, And Sediments
PCBs are ubiquitous in the industrialized areas of Region 10 and can pose a significant
risk to the health of Puget Sound, other ecosystems and the public. We will enhance our
PCB compliance and enforcement work through improvements in our case initiation,
tracking, conclusions and coordination with Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA) enforcement. In addition to traditional cleanup options under RCRA,
the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), we will focus on coordinating
closely with our Region 10 state clean-up and source control programs (water and
waste permitting, for example) to make these efforts more effective and efficient for all
parties. We will continue our focus on the Duwamish River source control, as well as
lay the groundwork for federal/state TSCA coordination in other areas of the Region.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Develop a scope and timeline for PCB coordination work.
• Initiate State Agreements (starting in Washington) to coordinate
state cleanup authorities with TSCA requirements.
• Continue to reduce backlog of PCB enforcement cases.
• Continue assessment and remediation of PCB sources in the
Duwamish River as part of source control by working with
our state partners and Region 10's Superfund office.
• Respond to ongoing public health and risk concerns for indoor
exposure at identified sites (e.g. Rainier Commons).
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(3.5) Improve The Public's Knowledge And Confidence In The
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Data On Chemical Releases
The TRI program is an important tool for the public and regulators to know
what chemicals are being released into the environment through various
pathways. The TRI program is bringing in many new industries, including some
of major interest to Region 10 (e.g. mines). We will bolster the effectiveness
of this small program by increasing staffing, specifically in compliance and
enforcement to complement the existing resources focused on rule development
and technical assistance. We will conduct targeting and enforcement initiatives
to ensure timely, quality data is available to the public and participate
actively in the national enforcement initiative against non-reporters.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Eliminate backlog cases for TRI, with a priority on mineral processing
facilities as well as violations found in inspections in 2009 and 2010.
• Conduct technical assistance to new and existing reporters
under the TRI program as new rules come into effect.
• Use TRI as a tool in targeting inspections and investigations
within Region 10. Conduct training for EPA and other staff on
how TRI can be used to identify potential violation.
• Follow up in a timely manner on violations discovered as part of inspections.
• Continue effective public outreach when annual National
and Regional TRI numbers are released.
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(4.0) CLEANING UP OUR COMMUNITIES
Challenging and complex environmental problems, such as releases of waste and
hazardous chemicals to soil, sediment, and groundwater, persist at many locations.
EPA's Superfund, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective
action, leaking underground storage tank, Brownfields and Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) programs reduce risks to human
health and the environment by assessing and cleaning these sites and making them
available for productive use for current and future generations. Our efforts are
characterized by reliance on sound scientific data and high quality technical analyses,
adherence to legal requirements, and effective engagement with affected communities.
We prevent and reduce exposure to contaminants through collaboration with other
federal, state, local and tribal partners. Much of our work is reliant upon effective
use of enforcement tools to engage those who are responsible for the contamination
and/or the facilities from which releases may occur. More often than not, our work
intersects with the interests of one or more federally-recognized tribe. Environmental
justice (EJ) considerations also factor into a significant number of our sites.
An important capability of EPA is the ability to respond to major
natural and human-caused incidents. In addition to preparing our own
workforce for this role, a key to responding effectively is maintaining
readiness through joint planning and exercises with our partners.
In support of increased sustainability of our communities, our investments
in partnerships related to more sustainable materials management play
an increasing role in preventing waste, conserving energy and reducing
emissions of toxics as well as greenhouse gases. Waste management can
be especially challenging in remote tribal communities in Alaska.
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(4.1) Maintain Emergency Response Readiness
To improve and maintain preparedness for responding to major incidents, our
efforts include: exercises and joint planning with local, state, tribal and federal
partners; Incident Command System training for Response Support Corps;
maintaining a leadership role on Regional Response Teams; and ensuring
field capability of our On Scene Coordinators. We foster strong partnerships
through continued geographic assignments for On Scene Coordinators.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Conduct Incident Command System for Executives training and a table
top exercise for the Region 10 Executive Team. Deliver Senior Official
training for Operations Office Directors and others, as appropriate.
• Prepare an estimate of resources necessary to execute Prevention and
Preparedness responsibilities on the Trans Alaska Pipeline, consistent with
Congressional and Office of Inspector General findings and comments.
• Develop Level-A plan (highest personal protective equipment level) for
how Region 10 will train, staff and deploy a Level-A field ready team to an
emergency response incident and host a Level-A drill as described in the plan.
• Conduct two integrated federal/state operational training sessions to share
information about the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act (CERCLA)/Oil Pollution Act (OPA) cleanup process.
• Develop and begin to implement a framework for Endangered
Species Act consultation for the Alaska Unified Plan
(regarding use of chemical dispersants, burning, etc.).
• Conduct outreach with all stakeholders interested in participation on the
Alaska Regional Response Team (RRT) to garner support for implementing
improvements in the RRT's structure and how it conducts business.
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(4.2) Develop Mining-Related Cleanup Approaches And Tools
Improving our capacity to provide for cleanup at historic, current and prospective
mines is important given the large number of mines in the Region and the human
populations and valuable ecosystems affected by them. Working with federal
land management agencies toward developing a more coherent, systematic
approach for addressing abandoned mines as well as the permitting of new
and expanding mines on federal lands is to be a key element of this work.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Initiate at least one CERCLA site assessment at
an operating mine within Region 10.
• Continue engagement with HQ, other regions, states and other
stakeholders, as appropriate, to ensure a quality CERCLA 108(b)
Financial Assurance proposed rule for the mining sector.
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(4.3) Focus on Core Cleanup Work under Superfund, the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Brownfields, Underground
Storage Tank, and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Programs
We will advance CERCLA National Priorities List sites and high priority
RCRA corrective action sites toward cleanup completions (including timely
enforcement), work with Region 10 state partners to continue progress in
addressing leaking underground storage tanks, engage with locals, states
and tribes in prioritizing potential Superfund removal projects, and continue
development and application of cross-program approaches to enhance cleanup,
especially at sediment sites. We will also support Brownfields grantees'
efforts to prepare properties for beneficial reuse and redevelopment.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Issue an Upper Basin Coeur d'Alene Record of Decision (ROD) Amendment.
• Complete the draft feasibility study for in-water
contamination at the Portland Harbor Site.
• Complete the final cleanup plan for Boeing Plant
#2 sediments in the Lower Duwamish.
• Advance other key early action work in the lower Duwamish: finalize
approach for stormwater treatment at North Boeing Field; commence
sediment cleanup at Slip 4; and issue order for sediment and uplands
(industrial facility plus nearby yards) cleanup at Terminal 117.
• In collaboration with counterparts from the Washington Department
of Ecology (Ecology), will develop a strategy for more effective
integration of cleanup and water quality goals, tools and strategies
to address toxics in the Duwamish River Watershed.
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EPA Region 10
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(4.4) Improve Tribal Waste Management Programs
Cleaning up, closing and helping prevent creation of new open dumps on
or near tribal lands remains a high priority. We will assist with solid waste
issues in rural Alaskan villages through promotion of sustainable materials
management and partnerships for waste collection and hauling.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Increase by three the number of tribes covered by integrated waste
management plans. Currently, 48 tribes in Region 10 are covered.
• Close, clean up or upgrade 12 open dumps in Indian Country.
• Work with Alaska rural communities to inventoiy dumpsites that are
threatened by erosion, flooding and permafrost melting due in whole or part
to climate change, and help develop appropriate responses to these threats.
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(4.5) Build Upon Our Community Focus
We continually assess our community engagement approaches as part of our
efforts in ongoing cleanup projects. At a number of projects across the Region,
including some of our larger and more complex sites, we will intensify our efforts
and pursue innovative approaches for providing community members and other
interested parties opportunities for meaningful participation in decision-making
processes. We will target assessment (Brownfields, Super fund Removal and
Superfund Remedial) resources on at-risk communities (including environmental
justice and tribal communities), priority watersheds, and vulnerable aquatic
ecosystems, and align assessment efforts with the Housing and Urban Development
/EPA/Department of Transportation Sustainable Communities Initiative.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Provide leadership for the Sustainable Communities Partnership.
Identify and begin implementation of pilot projects.
• Initiate and complete facilitation of dialogue between the Army Corps of
Engineers and the Native Villages of Savoonga and Gambell (St. Lawrence
Island, Alaska) regarding their concerns about the Corps of Engineer's remedial
cleanup actions (including retention of third-party facilitation services).
• Identify sites in the middle Columbia River for further CERCLA site
assessment screenings, and by the end of FY 11 complete at least 5
CERCLA site screenings in the lower Columbia River Basin.
• Complete Targeted Brownfields Assessments at 3 tribal communities.
• Prepare a review of the enhanced Community Engagement at the Coeur d'Alene
Basin Superfund Site, highlighting 'lessons learned' and complete a follow
up by identifying actions that are applicable to other sites in the Region.
• Offer community courses on the fundamentals of RCRA
and Superfund to one new or existing community dealing
with cleanup activities to help them understand the process,
terminology and role of the community in cleanup actions.
• Meet a goal of providing Technical Assistance to
three additional communities in 2011.
• Meet with members of the Northwest Toxic Communities Coalition and
other community members surrounding cleanup activities and explain
the advantages of EPA-sponsored Technical Assistance, and hold
quarterly meetings to find better solutions for community issues.
• Promote and enable community groups to better understand
the advantages of using Technical Assistance Services
for Communities (TASC) Contractor support.
• Update all Community Involvement (CI) Plans older than five years and
integrate the best strategies from around the countiy in building better CI Plans.
• Create three online video productions explaining cleanup options, current
cleanup activities and community roles in the cleanup process.
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EPA Region 10
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(4.6) Promote More Sustainable Practices In Materials
Management And In Our Own Cleanup Work
In order to support more sustainable communities, we intend to enhance our
efforts to eliminate or reduce the use of toxic chemicals, generation of waste,
GHG emissions, and encourage reuse or reduction of use, recycling and
composting of materials. We will advocate sustainable materials management to
reduce emissions and conserve energy based on lifecycle materials management
approaches. Where waste cannot be avoided, we will require proper handling
and disposal. We will hold ourselves accountable for reducing the broader
environmental footprint of the cleanup actions we conduct and oversee.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Continue work with Region 9 on our West Coast Climate
and Materials Management Forum that helps state and local
governments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by
incorporating materials into their climate action plans.
• Provide leadership to our federal partners through the Federal Green
Challenge program, helping them to reduce their greenhouse gas
emissions through work on energy, transportation, waste and water.
• Continue to help external partners reduce their overall waste
generation through our Waste Wise and Reyclemania programs.
• Work with the auto, building materials and food industries to help them
reduce their materials footprint across the lifecycle of their products.
National Priorities With a Local Focus 07
EPA Region 10 ^ "
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(5.0) PROTECTING AMERICA'S WATERS
The Clean Water Act (CWA) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) set a vision for
all the waters of the U.S. to be fishable and swimmable and safe to drink. Region
10 is especially rich in water resources and natural ecosystems that depend on clean
and safe water. Large gains have been made in cleaning up our waters by controlling
traditional point sources through our water permitting program, however significant
sources of pollution have increased and are more varied than ever. The National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and drinking water permitting
programs have grown over the years and expanded the scope of their coverage to
capture new sectors and sources of pollution. Today, however, for both surface water
and groundwater, the sources of pollution most difficult to control and address are
from non-point sources such as agricultural runoff, municipal and industrial storm
water runoff, habitat alteration, and hydrological and landscape modifications from
urban and rural development. To accomplish our objectives now and into the future we
must continue maintaining the gains in clean water through permitting, compliance,
updating water quality standards, developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs),
assessing and identifying waters that are impaired, managing grant dollars effectively,
and finding effective ways to address and reduce the impacts from non-point sources.
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(5.1) Effectively Address The Emerging Issue Of Environmental
Degradation Due To Nutrient Impairments in Surface Water
Across the Nation and in Region 10, watershed assessment data indicates that
many of our fresh and marine water bodies are experiencing nuisance algal
blooms and depressed dissolved oxygen levels. These unacceptable water
quality conditions are due to excessive nutrients entering our water bodies.
KEY FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Increase our regulatory presence on concentrated animal feeding
operations through permitting and compliance monitoring.
• Issue and implement the final Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)
General Permit in Idaho, which requires EPA to review and approve nutrient
management plans for every facility that seeks coverage under the permit. We
anticipate that 100 facilities will seek coverage under this new general permit.
• Complete work in the Yakima Valley (Washington)
to address nitrates in groundwater.
• Take appropriate enforcement and other programmatic actions based on
investigation results. Utilize experience and 'lessons learned' from Yakima.
• Fund Ecology for activities to prevent, reduce and control the sources of
nutrients, with an emphasis on Hood Canal (lowest dissolved oxygen),
Budd Inlet (low dissolved oxygen), Whidbey Basin (large agricultural
sources of nitrogen), or other areas with known problems.
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(5.2) Control Non-Point Source Pollution And Toxics In The Pacific
Northwest By Working With State Partners To Develop And Implement
New Strategies That Protect Human Health And Fish
Non-point source pollution such as runoff from agricultural activities, hydrologic
modification and stormwater is the major cause of impairment of our waters.
Non-point sources are not regulated under the Clean Water Act in the same
direct manner as point sources. Furthermore, levels of toxics in surface waters
frequently exceed water quality standards. Actions will be taken (i.e., issuing
permits, TMDLs, non-point measures) to address these exceeded levels. The
challenge for EPA to achieve water quality improvements is to use all available
tools and find strategies and effective ways to control non-point source pollution.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Fund "implementation ready" TMDL development and implementation
in support of Washington and Oregon efforts to further control non-
point sources, a priority in the 319 grant program strategy.
• Provide technical support to Idaho to revise the mid-Snake
TMDL (non-point and point source), a large component of
which involves modeling complex water flows.
• Provide Puget Sound funds to the Washington Department of Health to
implement comprehensive and sustainable local Pollution Identification
and Correction (PIC) programs, which have proven to be successful in
controlling non-point source pollution at the local watershed scale.
• Continue to implement strategies and actions identified in the
Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Strategy.
• Complete work to incorporate new fish consumption rate
in Oregon and help them maintain the current schedule to
adopt new fish consumption rate and toxics criteria.
• Continue to work with Oregon as they complete their variance
guidance, including establishing what constitutes widespread
economic harm for municipalities, which will be a central tool to help
implement the new fish consumption rate and toxics criteria.
• Resume work on stalled TMDLs (e.g., Lower Clearwater (Nez
Perce) and Lower Blackfoot (Shoshone-Bannock)), (pending)
• Implement the agreement in settlement of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization
Amendment litigation to assess Oregon's mid-coast basin TMDL
implementation measures, including expanded implementation plans consistent
with Oregon's new "Water Quality Implementation Plan Guidance." (pending)
• Work with Oregon to improve their listing process and
begin development of TMDLs for toxics with a finer
assessment of non-point source loading, (pending)
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EPA Region 10
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(5.3) Address Urban Storm Water Pollution
Addressing urban storm water pollution, which is a major threat to water
quality, warrants more Regional attention. Data indicates that urban storm
water delivers the majority of the loading of pollutants to surface waters
in and near urban areas. We will utilize our authority to write and oversee
storm water permits to reduce this major loading of pollutants.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Continue to work with Ecology and the Puget Sound Partnership to align
and maximize the use of CWA tools to address storm water, including
comment and oversight of Ecology's storm water permits, coordinating
Endangered Species issues with federal national-resource agencies and
Ecology, and writing and issuing storm water permits for federal facilities.
• Continue collaboration between the CERCLA and NPDES
programs in Washington State to control storm water discharges
and prevent recontamination in Puget Sound Basin.
• Identify how Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), CERCLA
and CWA can be better aligned to address recontamination and
reach agreement on a joint agency/cross-program strategy.
• As the permitting authority, continue and expand issuance of leading
edge NPDES permits for municipal, industrial and construction storm
water that includes performance requirements to limit runoff volume
at federal facilities, Indian Reservations and in Idaho, {pending)
• Issue a draft storm water permit for Joint Base Ft. Lewis/McChord. (pending)
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(5.4) Implement the Regulatory Point Source Permitting Program and
Maintain Gains Achieved through Drinking Water Program
The NPDES permits program is the regulatory tool under the Clean Water
Act which EPA and the states use to curb pollution from point sources such
as municipal treatment plants and industrial facilities. EPA has been sued by
environmental groups to expand this tool beyond the traditional point sources
to cover a wider spectrum of sources, including construction activities, logging
roads, etc. We will continue working to effectively implement the NPDES
program to protect water quality. Likewise, we aim to maintain gains achieved
through drinking water program to protect drinking water sources.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Effectively respond to expanded responsibilities under the NPDES
program to achieve better environmental results (i.e., nutrient management
planning as part of CAFO permit in Idaho, controlling pollution
from storm water, pesticides, mining and logging roads, etc.).
• Work with ADEC to ensure their program is aligned with the Clean Water
Act, produces high quality permits and issues permits on schedule.
• Implement the Clean Water Action Plan for Region 10 states.
• Work with Washington to bring their CAFO program
in compliance with new federal regulations.
• Focus efforts on developing innovative opportunities to
address nonpoint sources by leveraging point sources.
• Pursue a potential pollutant trading project (Dixie Drain Project)
on the Lower Boise River that will provide water quality treatment
of a major agricultural drain in exchange for a higher phosphorous
discharge limit for the City's waste water treatment facility.
• Complete drinking water compliance strategy on Region 10 tribal lands
that incorporates the full use of compliance tools and reflects the new
Enforcement Response Policy and begin implementing strategy.
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(5.5) Administer and Leverage Drinking Water and Wastewater Funding
Programs to Promote Sustainable Technology and Practices
The Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act provide millions
of dollars to drinking water and wastewater facilities for infrastructure
maintenance and improvements to ensure that drinking water and wastewater
is of high quality and protects human health and the environment. We
aim to ensure these dollars are spent on projects that yield long-term,
sustainable and durable results, technologies, and practices.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Work with states to align use of State Revolving Fund Programs
to promote and fund sustainable infrastructure development.
• Continue to pilot efforts to provide technical assistance
to small and mid-sized communities.
• Work with communities to maintain sustainable fish and other
ecosystem resources in the Alaska Bristol Bay watershed.
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(6.0) EXPANDING THE CONVERSATION ON ENVIRONMENTALISM
AND WORKING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
To achieve our Regional vision of a sustainable environment for all, we must
engage the public with special emphasis on disadvantaged communities and
vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. To meet all three elements
of sustainability (environment, economy and equity), ensure healthy communities
and support sustainable community ecosystems, we will work to engage and
empower communities and partners that have been historically under-represented
and disproportionately impacted. Across Region 10, communities face economic,
cultural, linguistic and racial barriers that prevent full participation in important
environmental issues threatening their health and the sustainability of their way of life.
Many tribes rely on the sustainability of subsistence resources. Resource
extraction and climate change threaten their natural food sources and disrupt
the ecosystems they rely upon daily. For many communities in Alaska,
sustainability of their physical infrastructure depends on their ability to
adapt to climate change. Low income and minority communities likewise
are threatened by development, industrial sitings and climate change.
We are supporting three national strategies that will drive much our work in Region 10
regarding environmentalism and environmental justice, including the Environmental
justice Plan 2014 and two Cross-Cutting Strategies: (1) Expanding the Conversation on
Environmentalism, and (2) Working for Environmental Justice and Children's Health.
We are developing an EJ Strategic Plan to integrate Environmental Justice
Principles into our program work. The four goals of our Regional plan are:
1. Eliminate, reduce or mitigate the burden of pollution and disproportionate,
adverse public health and environmental impacts on low-income and minority
communities and vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly.
2. Systematically facilitate the integration of environmental
justice - principles, practices, guidance, tools and methods -
into the programs, policies and actions of Region 10.
3. Engage communities in empowerment processes to identify
existing and emerging environmental justice issues and
collaboratively assist them in addressing those issues.
4. Enhance and support the capacity and capabilities of states, tribal governments,
industry, federal agencies and other non-community stakeholders to identify
and proactively and collaboratively address environmental justice issues.
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(6.1) Focus Compliance and Enforcement Activities on Addressing
Impacts on Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Populations
Low income and minority communities generally bear a greater burden of pollution than
other communities. We will address these inequities through identification of heavily-
burdened areas, targeted inspections and enforcement, and where appropriate, provision
of compliance assistance to polluters to help them meet regulatory requirements.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Increase inspections and compliance assistance
activities in underserved communities.
• Take appropriate enforcement actions and track those
actions in underserved communities.
• Integrate EJ into compliance assistance work through advanced training for
inspectors, staff and management and on-going EJ assessment of communities.
• Continue efforts to incorporate EJ and Children's Environmental
Health into inspection targeting by supporting and participating in
the national development of tools and methods for EJ assessment and
analysis and develop tools that are regionally specific or adaptable and
utilize quantitative and qualitative data and local information.
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(6.2) Reach out to And Engage Underserved Communities and All People
in the Region and Support Project-Specific Initiatives that Address Critical
Issues Affecting Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Populations
Meaningful collaboration with communities and tribes is essential to good
decision-making and successful environmental project outcomes. We will
increase our outreach to underserved communities, especially in relation to
environmental education and community-focused funding opportunities.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Facilitate greater public awareness of environmental education
opportunities such as grants, youth awards and availability of environmental
education resources, tools and programs, leading to an increase in
competitive funding applications from underserved communities.
• Increase grant outreach, access and effective service to schools and programs
serving EJ communities through the Environmental Education (EE) and
Community Action for a Restored Environment (CARE) grant programs.
• Use the Region 10 Science Steering Council and other internal
organizational and communication tools and external collaborations
to aid in communicating the concept of environmentalism.
• Hold monthly EJ stakeholder calls regarding the development
and implementation of a communication strategy, and
maintain EJ webpages and public portals.
• Implement the North Slope Communication Protocol to ensure
community engagement for Alaska North Slope oil and permitting.
• Work with Native Villages in Alaska on climate and alternative energy through
the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (IGAP) program,
other grant opportunities and by facilitating interagency collaboration.
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National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(6.3) Build the Capability to Assess the Degree of Regional Progress in
Integrating EJ Across All Program Actions, Activities, Policies and Practices
Integrating environmental justice into agency policies, programs, and activities
is consistent with existing law and Executive Order 1994. We will continue
developing tools and guidance to assist our programs in the identification of EJ
concerns and issues and in the determination of how to address those issues.
The Executive Team on EJ (ETEJ) provides a focal point for accountability and
evaluating our progress in implementing environmental justice objectives.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Design a Region 10-specific model for EJ integration that defines and measures
the degree of integration in specific projects and lists specific program activities.
The plan will include milestones, benchmarks and performance measures.
• Create and implement guidance on how to evaluate potential EJ
concerns for a given program and develop protocols for considering
EJ during the development of that program's actions.
• Support and participate in the national development of tools and methods for
EJ assessment and analyze and develop tools that are regionally-specific or
adaptable and utilize quantitative and qualitative data and local information.
• Continue internal EJ training to reach objective of 100%
participation by both staff and management.
National Priorities With a Local Focus *3~7
EPA Region 10
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(6.4) Partner with State Agencies and Tribes to Provide EJ Training Experiences
Environmental Justice issues are complex and often require the
collaboration of governments and various agencies, utilizing varied tools
and training opportunities at different levels of government and multiple
sector partnerships. We have a responsibility and interest in facilitating
collaboration with and building the capacity of our partners.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Coordinate, plan and implement EJ workshops for
Region 10 state agencies and tribes.
• Continue to coordinate and meet with Region 10 state EJ Coordinators and
provide ongoing support for the development of Region 10 state EJ efforts.
• Continue to provide EJ technical assistance to Alaska
Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) in
support of the State EJ Cooperative Agreement.
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National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(6.5) Create a Broader Approach to Protecting Children's Environmental Health
We are committed to reducing and preventing harmful exposures and health
risks to children. We will continue to partner with appropriate tribal, federal,
Region 10 state and local agencies and stakeholder organizations and
support community efforts to build healthy communities for children.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Coordinate and expand multi-media outreach and technical assistance to
schools and childcare centers in underserved communities and tribes.
• Expand outreach and access to children's environmental health education,
training and resources to health care providers, school and child care
providers, the public and other stakeholders through collaborating with
federal, Region 10 states and tribes, and local partners on a variety
of specific initiatives and campaigns, including one community-
based, inter-agency children's environmental health project in at least
one Alaska Native Village and in other parts of Indian Country.
• Participate in workgroup to provide guidance and develop training for Regional
staff on how to integrate children's health considerations into EPA actions.
• Implement Regional staff training on how to integrate
children's health considerations into EPA actions.
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(7.0) BUILDING STRONG STATE AND TRIBAL PARTNERSHIPS
Our strong relationships with our state and tribal partners are key in addressing
unprecedented global challenges such as climate change. Furthermore, our partnerships
also transcend international boundaries, making collaboration with our international
partners more important than ever before. Region 10 will work closely with state
and tribal governments to assure that delegated programs meet federal standards.
Performance Partnership Agreements (PPAs) are a key instrument to set
the groundwork with all four states in the Region. PPAs describe how EPA
and the respective state will implement environmental programs that are
either delegated or have both a state and federal role. With a PPA in place,
each program within EPA Region 10 has a sound basis to begin partnering
and finding workable solutions to local and Region-wide challenges.
Region 10 includes 271 federally-recognized tribes and more than 45 million
acres of tribal lands. We place a high priority on tribal environmental and human
health issues. EPA will work with tribes on a government-to-govemment basis to
protect human health and the environment, including tribal lands and resources.
The Puget Sound-Georgia Basin Statement of Cooperation describes how EPA
will work with Environment Canada, Coast Salish Tribes and First Nations
on pollution prevention, habitat protection and restoration. We also work
with Environment Canada and other agencies on spill response planning,
environmental reviews, Superfiind cleanups and the West Coast Collaborative
(WCC) to reduce emissions and promote sustainable goods movement.
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National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(7.1) Work with State Partners to Implement National Environmental Initiatives
We will implement the new State Program Evaluation Process. The new process
is comprehensive and designed to improve performance of state programs
to provide more consistent implementation of delegated programs.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Continue to develop PPAs and Performance Partnership Grants (PPGs)
with each Region 10 state consistent with the latest National Environmental
Performance Partnership (NEPPs) guidance, including the incorporation
of enforcement activities. The schedule for development is based on
each Region 10 state's budget cycle and varies from state to state.
• Actively engage with HQ, other regions and our states to develop the
new State Program Evaluation Process (which is more comprehensive
than the current State Review Framework (SRF)), including
implementation of the National Clean Water Action Plan. In FY 12,
implement the new framework in Washington, (pending)
• Follow up on performance issues for all states from past reviews, {pending)
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
41
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(7.2) Improve Upon our Communication, Consultation,
and Education with Tribal Partners
We will work with tribes on a government-to-government basis to improve
human health and the environment in Indian Country. We will carry
out our tribal trust responsibility by committing to open, effective two-
way communication, consultation and education with tribes.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Consult on, finalize and implement updated Region
10 Tribal Consultation Procedures.
• Utilize Tribal Leaders Summits and other forums to incorporate
traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into inter-Agency
climate change and sustainability discussions.
(7.3) Build Capacity with Tribal Governments
We are committed to continually improving the Indian Environmental
General Assistance Program (IGAP) implementation and accountability. A
goal of the IGAP program is to develop an environmental presence in every
federally-recognized tribe; it is beneficial to EPA to help our tribal partners
develop the capacity to work with us in protecting the environment.
FY 11/12 ACTIONS
• Update Region 10's Tribal Resources Guide in
cooperation with Program Offices.
• Fully implement IGAP online including negotiating with tribes to
conduct IGAP business, such as submittal of quarterly reports, via IGAP
online, and implementing new deadlines and clear requirements.
• Provide training to tribes that will include development of
peer-to-peer support networks, as well as encouraging tribal
environmental staff to work more closely with their Councils.
42
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
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(7.4) Address US/Canada Transboundary Pollution Efforts
Region 10 will work with Canada on a range of transboundary issues
including the restoration and protection of Puget Sound, existing
environmental cleanups, environmental response, air shed protection,
and regulation of existing and proposed mining activities.
FY11/12 ACTIONS
• Adopt a three year Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Statement of Cooperation
(SOC) Action Plan that includes goals and activities such as supporting
the annual Coast Salish gatherings and biannual Salish Sea Ecosystem
conferences, and developing transboundary ecosystem indicators. Region
10 will continue to co-chair, with Environment Canada, a multi-agency
transboundary workgroup to ensure progress under the Action Plan.
National Priorities With a Local Focus
EPA Region 10
43
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INDEX
INTRODUCTION,
1
Foundational Principles 2
Integrating Sustainability 2
Maintaining Core Programs (Especially Enforcement) 2
Strengthening EPA's Workforce and Capabilities 3
REGION 10 GUIDING STATEMENTS 4
Vision 4
Mission 4
Values 4
REGION 10'S SEVEN PRIORITIES 5
(1.0) Taking Action on Climate Change 5
(1.1) Support climate change adaptation 5
(1.2) Promote Sustainable Energy - Energy Efficiency, Alternative Energy and Energy Infrastructure/West
Coast Collaborative 7
(1.3) Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska 8
(1.4) Lead by Example in Climate Change Issues by "Walking the Talk" 9
(2.0) Improving Air Quality 10
(2.1) Support at-risk communities in efforts to reduce air toxics in their communities, homes and schoolsll
(2.2) Implement New National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 12
(2.3) Implement and Enforce the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) 13
(2.4) Implement and Enforce Clean Air Act permitting Rules for Oil and Gas Sources in the Outer
Continental Shelf (OCS), For sources in Indian Country, and For Sources in Washington (Where EPA's
Permit Rules Still Apply) 14
(3.0) Assuring the Safety of Chemicals 15
(3.1) Implement Pesticide Regulatory Reforms 16
(3.2) Protect Individuals and Communitites (Including Tribal and Environmental Justice Communities)
from Exposure to Pesticides 17
(3.3) Reduce the risk of accidents at chemical and oil facilities through strategic inspection targeting and
effective enforcement follow-up 18
(3.4) Reduce the potential to expose individuals to PCBs and reduce the threat of recontamination in water,
soils, and sediments 19
(3.5) Improve The Public's Knowledge and Confidence in the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data on
chemical releases 20
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(4.0) Cleaning Up Our Communities 21
(4.1) Maintain Emergency Response Readiness 22
(4.2) Develop Mining-related Cleanup Approaches and Tools 23
(4.3) Focus on Core Cleanup Work under Superfund, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA), Brownfields, Underground Storage Tank, and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Programs24
(4.4) Improve Tribal Waste Management Programs 25
(4.5) Build Upon our Community Focus 26
(4.6) Promote More Sustainable Practices in Materials Management and in our Own Cleanup Work 27
(5.0) Protecting America's Waters 28
(5.1) Effectively Address the Emerging Issue of Environmental Degradation due to Nutrient Impairments
in Surface Water 29
(5.2) Control Non-Point Source Pollution and Toxics in the Pacific Northwest by Working With State
Partners to Develop and Implement New Strategies that Protect Human Health and Fish 30
(5.3) Address Urban Storm Water Pollution 31
(5.4) Implement the Regulatory Point Source Permitting Program and Maintain Gains Achieved through
Drinking Water Program 32
(5.5) Administer and Leverage Drinking Water and Wastewater Funding Programs to Promote Sustainable
Technology and Practices 33
(6.0) Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism and Working for Environmental Justice 34
(6.1) Focus Compliance and Enforcement Activities on Addressing Impacts on Disadvantaged and
Vulnerable Populations 35
(6.2) Reach out to And Engage Underserved Communities and All People in the Region and Support
Project-Specific Initiatives that Address Critical Issues Affecting Disadvantaged and Vulnerable
Populations 36
(6.3) Build the Capability to Assess the Degree of Regional Progress in Integrating EJ Across All Program
Actions, Activities, Policies and Practices 37
(6.4) Partner with State Agencies and Tribes to Provide EJ Training Experiences 38
(6.5) Create a Broader Approach to Protecting Children's Environmental Health 39
(7.0) Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships 40
(7.1) Work with State Partners to Implement National Environmental Initiatives 41
(7.2) Improve Upon our Communication, Consultation, and Education with Tribal Partners 42
(7.3) Build Capacity with Tribal Governments 42
(7.4) Address US/Canada Transboundary Pollution Efforts 43
INDEX 44
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SEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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