!¦ NEWS The Tribal Newsletter is published free monthly. To receive a copy, call: AK: Rose (907)271-1316 ID: Jim (208)378-5691 OR: Don (503)326-5015 WA: Alison (360)753-8185 LETTER Region 10 Tribal v>EPA Newsletter Alaska Edition http://yosemlte.epa.gov/R10/TRIBAL.NSF/NewslettEr/Issues United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Vol. 20 No. 4 April 2011 April Conferences & Workshops 12-16 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) A special session on "Tribal Rivers as Confluences of Environmental and Cultural Restoration" in Seattle, WA. For more information, contact Michael Hughes at michael.hughes@klamathtribes.com or (541) 783-2149 26 - 27 Identification & Initial Assessment of Mobile Methamphetamine Labs in Tribal Lands in Oakville, WA. The course is designed to train and educate Tribal staff on the identification of mobile and clandestine meth labs, the hazards involved and the appropriate responses on the discovery of meth labs. For more information, contact: Kami Snowden at (509) 235-6007 or (509) 998-1100. Or visit www.tswan.org May 2-3 Alaska Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan training in Anchorage, AK. For more information, contact Shawna Trumblee at (907) 277-2111 or at strumblee@zendergroup.org. More training information can be found at www. zen de rg ro u p. o rg/sw. html 4-6 Sustainable Solid Waste Management Training in Anchorage, AK. The training will explore several in-depth topics on how to manage a solid waste program. Some training topics will include: developing codes and ordinances; packaging and shipping recyclables, hazardous waste and waste collection, e-waste; landfill equipment, composting, and solid waste funding. To sign up, contact Lynn Zender at (907) 277-2111 or at lzender@zendergroup.org Or, for more information, visit www.zendergroup.org/sswm.html 16-20 The National Association of Remedial Project Managers (NARPM) will provide the 21st Annual Training Conference for Tribal Representatives working on Superfund Cleanup Projects in Kansas City, MO. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for Remedial Project Managers and those who work with them to network, obtain training, and discuss issues of regional and national concern. For Alaska Tribes interested in attending, contact Joanne Moore at (206) 553-0310 or at moore.joanne@epa.gov Or, contact Ravi Sanga at (206) 553-4092 or sanga.ravi@epa.gov. Or visit www.epanarpm.org 24 - 26 Tribal Solid Waste Administration: Identifying Hazards and Developing Solutions in Rural Alaska Training. Provided by Alaska Forum Inc. and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) in Anchorage, AK. This course is specifically designed for community leaders, solid waste managers, and other decision makers in Alaska Native villages who are working with on- going solid waste management programs. For more information, contact Jennifer Williams at (907) 250-3826 or (928) 523-0673. Or, to apply for the training, visit www4.nau.edu/itep/waste/training_wastemgmt.asp ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter - Alaska Edition April 2011 EPA RADNET Monitoring Since the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan, EPA Region 10 has received a number of questions from Alaska Tribes related to radiation from the damaged nuclear reactors. We have provided information here to help answer your questions and provide you resources and contacts if you or people in your communities have further questions. Please feel free to call Catherine Villa at villa.catherine@epa.gov or (907) 271-1270 if you have questions about this material or need additional information. As the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has said, it does not expect to see radiation at harmful levels reaching the U.S. from damaged Japanese nuclear power plants. As of 6:30 p.m. (EDT) March 22,2011 preliminary monitor results in Hawaii detected minuscule levels of an isotope that is consistent with the Japanese nuclear incident. This detection varies from background and historical data in Hawaii. This isotope was detected at our fixed monitor in Hawaii, and it is far below any level of concern for human health. The sampling filter from this monitor is being sent to our national radiation lab for further analysis. EPA's RadNet radiation air monitors across the rest of the U.S. show typical fluctuations in background radiation levels. The levels detected are far below levels of concern. Please check the web site for daily data updates for the most current information. The most up to date information regarding EPA's radiation monitoring efforts can be found at: ^p] www.epa.gov/japan2011 EPA maintains a radiation network (RadNet) that includes 124 air monitors and covers 49 states and U.S. territories and continuously monitors the nation's air and regularly monitors drinking water, milk and precipitation for environmental radiation. RadNet has been functional for more than 50 years and has been used in the past to track radioactive material in the U.S. associated with foreign atmospheric nuclear weapons testing as well as for monitoring foreign nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl. The near-real-time air monitoring data is continually reviewed by computer, and if the results show a significant increase in radiation levels, EPA staff at the National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory is alerted immediately and further reviews the data to ensure accuracy. EPA and its partners have deployed ad- ditional monitors to parts of the western U.S. and U.S. territories including Alaska (Dutch Harbor, Nome, and Juneau), Hawaii and Guam. Like the permanent stations, the deployable monitors send radiation air moni- toring data to EPA's laboratory hourly and the data is posted to EPA's CDX web site. Questions regarding food safety (including the consumption of fish) should be directed to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-888-463-6332. Information can be found on the FDA's web site at ^p] www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/ PublicHealthFocus/ucm247403.htm Questions regarding health impacts from radiation should be directed to the Health Departments in Alaska at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): ^0 www.hhs.gov/response/2011tsunami/ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Karen Larson (for ID, OR, WA), (206)553-6978 Joe Sarcone (for AK), (907) 271-4073 Indian Health Services (IHS) Michael Bradley (for AK), mmjbradley@anthc.org, (907) 729-3653 Alaska Dept of Health: Clyde E. Pearce, Clyde.Pearce@alaska.gov, (907) 334-2107 ^0 www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/bulletins/docs/ b2011_05.pdf ^0 www.epi.alaska.gov/eh/radiation.htm 2 - ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter -Alaska Edition April 2011 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Alaska Operations Office ALASKA NEWS Announcing the EPA GAP Desk Manual The Region 10 Tribal Staff Guide to the GAP Program was created to be used as a reference resource for administrative and programmatic questions on the GAP program to promote capacity building in both areas. It was e-mailed as an attached document to Tribal environmental contacts on March 10,2011. The guide is intended to be an all purpose GAP reference tool as well as to assist when there is staff turnover and new employees need to be trained, especially when there is no one on-site to provide an GAP orientation. The guide was compiled by Sherry Kimmons of the TTAU and will be reviewed, updated, and reissued periodically as changes occur in the GAP program. The Ketchikan Indian Community, has posted the GAP Guide online at the Alaska Environmental Exchange network (www.alaskaee.com). The guide includes an entire section on the Peer Assistance Program and broad administrative and programmatic grants management information. For more information on the GAP Guide, please contact your EPA Tribal Coordinator, or call the main Anchorage EPA office at (907) 271-5083 or visit the EPA Tribal Office link at: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ rlO/ tribal.nsf 2011 Carol Jorgensen Scholarship for Environmental Stewardship This scholarship provides $1,000 to a full time student pursuing an undergraduate degree in an environmental stewardship discipline, including environmental studies, natural resource management, the natural sciences, public administration, public policy, and related disciplines. SAIGE established this award to honor the memory and legacy of Carol Jorgensen whose service to her family, community, country, and Mother Earth was an inspiration for all. Carol was Tlingit from the Yandestake Village in southeast Alaska and was part of the Eagle/Killer Whale Fin House of Klukwan. She served many years in public service, most recently as Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's American Indian Environmental Office. She had a deep connection to our shared Earth and was a passionate advocate for protecting the environment and human health in American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Eligibility Eligible applicants must be affiliated with a federally recognized Tribe and be a full time student pursuing an undergraduate degree in an environmental stewardship discipline (e.g., environmental studies, natural resource management, the natural sciences, public policy/administration with environmental focus, and related disciplines). Tribal enrollment is not required, but tribal affiliation must be verified by a letter of support from a current or former tribal government official or respected member of the tribal community. Continued Next Page -3 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter - Alaska Edition April 2011 2011 Carol Jorgemen Scholarship Continued Application Package Transcript: A copy of your most recent undergraduate transcript (enrolled freshmen may substitute a high school transcript). Letter Of Support: Applicants must submit a letter of support from a current or former tribal government official or respected member of the tribal community. This letter should attest to the applicant's commitment to community service, leadership, or record of participation in the cultural and spiritual life of the community. Personal Statement: The personal statement is the most important part of the application. It is your opportunity to tell evaluators about yourself and your interest in environmental stewardship. Your essay should be personal, clear, concise, and describe how your undergraduate studies support your com- mitment to environmental stewardship. We recommend that applicants use their personal statements to highlight any past activities that illustrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. Personal statements should not exceed 2 pages in length and should contain the applicants full name, address, phone num- ber, and e-mail address. Optional Material: In addition to the above, applicants may include additional documents (e.g., additional letters of support from community members/educators; a personal resume highlighting work or volunteer activities in environmental, natural resource, and/or community services; writing samples; etc.). Evaluators will take these additional materials into account, but they are not required for a complete application package. Application Process and Deadline A complete application package (transcript, letter of support, and personal statement) must be received by end of business on June 3,2011. All material should be sent via e-mail at mjones.luke@epa.gov, fax (202)564.0298), or regular mail to: SAIGE Carol Jorgensen Memorial Scholarship for Environmental Stewardship C/O Luke Jones, American Indian Environmental Office (269Q-M) US Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460 4 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter -Alaska Edition April 2011 Alaska Native Village Air Quality Fact Sheet Series Road Dust m EPA 910-F-10-005 August 2010 United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 c/EPA What is in road dust? Road dust is earthen material or dirt that becomes airborne, pri- marily by the friction of tires moving on unpaved dirt roads and dust-covered paved roads. It consists mainly of coarse particles, which in some cases may be contaminated with man-made and naturally-occurring pollutants such as asbestos, mining by-prod- ucts, animal and human waste, snow and ice control applications (salts) and engine oil. How does airborne dust affect health? Road dust is made of coarse particles that can aggravate heart or lung-related conditions such as asthma when inhaled through the nose and mouth. Although coarse particles do not go as deep into the lungs as fine particles, they can still have adverse impacts to susceptible individuals. Sensitive individuals or people with respiratory conditions can reduce their health risks by staying indoors or away from dirt roads when there are dry conditions with significant traffic or wind. When berries and drying fish that are exposed to airborne dust, people eat it with the subsistence foods. Food exposed to road dust should be rinsed before it is eaten. Why is road dust a major concern in rural Alaska? In most Alaska Native Villages, there are many dirt roads and even paved roads are often covered with dust. This dust becomes airborne during dry and windy conditions, particularly when the dust is disturbed by vehicles. Homes in rural villages are often built right next to roads without vegetation (lawn, shrubbery or gardens) to buffer the houses from dust made airborne by traffic. What is the most common cause of road dust? All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or "four-wheelers" are the most com- mon cause of road dust in. Their knobby tires tear up and disturb dirt roads and increase the amount of dust that becomes airborne to be inhaled or deposited on subsistence foods. Reducing vehicle speed on dry days will reduce the amount of road dust in the air. Sensitive individuals should remain indoors and limit outdoor activities during periods of airborne dust. Tips for Redudng Road Dust • Reduce driving and vehicle speeds, especially four-wheelers. • Water roads in dry weather. • Grade and gravel roads. • Apply chemical dust suppressants, if safe for community and environment. if*- All terrain vehicles and four- wheelers stir up road dust. Other ANV Air futt Sh Diesel Fuel Use Indoor Air Solid Waste Burning Wood Smoke For these fact sheets and related videos, visit: www.epa.gov/ regionlO/ trib al/ air/alas ka. html - 5 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter - Alaska Edition April 2011 How can communities reduce road dust? Reduced vehicle speeds Villages can enact tribal ordinances to reduce speed limits. Villages can also educate villagers about the health effects of road dust and post signs warning drivers to drive slowly during the dry season. Either or both methods are very low cost remedies and can be quite effective if drivers un- derstand why it helps protect the health of children and elders to limit speeds and obey the ordinances or speed warnings. Communities can take action to discourage the use of ATVs or to reduce their speed during the driest days of the summer season. High winds can also generate dust from dirt roads, airstrips, or other disturbed terrain. Graded roads with gravel or water Gravel can effectively reduce dust emissions from dirt roads if applied to a properly prepared road on an annual basis. This option can be moderately expensive because of the costs of road preparation and obtaining and placing the gravel with heavy equipment. It is important to know the content of the gravel applied to prevent contamination with naturally occurring pollutants, such as asbestos. Road watering can also be effective in reducing road dust as long as the watering is carried out frequently during the dry season. This option is moderately expensive and would include the cost of maintenance and operation of a water applica- tor. Common applicators are either a truck or a trailer sprayer that can be pulled by a four-wheeler or truck. Chemical Dust Suppressants Commercial dust suppressors, such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, are substances de- signed to bind to road dust and reduce the amount of dust that becomes airborne. These suppressants would have to be applied any- where from a couple times per year to once every 2-3 years to be effective. This option would likely be the most expensive and would include the cost of the chemical, its transport to the community Region 70 Contacts: Mary Manous, (206) 553-1059 Manous.Mary@epa.gov EPA Region 10 main number: (800) 424-4372 and the cost of operating the equipment needed to apply the chemicals on the dirt roads. Some chemical suppressants have corrosive or other undesirable impacts on equipment or the en- vironment. Communities should investigate these impacts prior to purchase and use. ANVs can take action to reduce road dust. How can an ANV take action? • Recruit partners and stakeholders (Tribal council, village elders, schools, regional and village corporations, transportation departments, environmental staff, borough managers, clinics, businesses, etc.) to develop a strategy for controlling road dust. Stakeholders can also help provide education about road dust pollution and mitigation to their constituents. • Learn from other Alaskan Native Villages, or state/local agencies such as the Alaska Depart- ment of Transportation and universities, about what they have done to control road dust. Find out what methods were most successful in ad- dressing the problem. Make recommendation to appropriate community leaders and get nec- essary approvals to seek financial or technical support, if necessary. Identify possible sources of funding to help implement the road dust control strategies, such as the Bureau of India Affairs Indian Reservations Roads (BIA IRR) Program. Learn more on the web EPA Road Dust Control: www.epa.gov/ owow/NPS/ gravelroads/sec4.pdf Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation: www.dec.alaska.gov/ air/anpms/pm/dust.htm BIA Indian Reservations Roads Program: www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/BIA/OIS/Transportation/IRR/index.htm 6- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter -Alaska Edition April 2011 Tribal Staff United States Environmental Protection Agency Alaska Operations Office 222 West 7th Avenue, #19 Anchorage, Alaska 99513-7588 Toil-Free: (800) 781-0983 Phone: (907)271-5083 Fax (907) 271-3424 Jennifer Brown, Tribal Coordinator 271-6323 Katherine Brown, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-7263 Michelle Davis, Tribal Coordinator 271-3434 Tami Fordham, Tribal Coordinator 271-1484 Westley Foster, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-1604 Santina Gay, Tribal Coordinator .............271-3413 Sherry Kimmons, Tribal Coordinator 271-6322 Mahri Lowinger, Tribal Coordinator 271-6334 Rose Richardson, Tribal Liaison 271-1316 Cathy Villa, Tribal Coordinator 271-1270 Adrienne Fleek, Tribal Coordinator 271-6558. JTh CClll United States Region 10 Tribal Newsletter Environmenta| Protection Alaska Edition Agency April 2011 Printed on 100% recycled paper - 7 ------- United States Environmental Protection ^'^1 #m Agency Region 10Tribal Program 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101-1128 Region 10 Tribal Newsletter April 2011 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Alaska Operations Office ALASKA NEWS To Report Spills and Accidents Note these emergency numbers to call in the event of hazardous material spills or accidents. Alaska 800-478-9300 Washington 800-258-5990 Idaho 800-632-8000 National (EPA) 800-424-8802 Oregon 800-452-0311 ------- |