NEWS The Tribal Newsletter is published free monthly To receive a copy, call: AK: Santina ....907-271-3413 ID: Jim 208-378-5691 OR: Don 503-326-5015 WA: Alison 360-753-8185 LETTER ^5 egion 10 Tribal wsletter x>EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Vol. 22 No. 8 August 2013 http://yosemite.epa.gov/RlO/TRIBAL.NSF/Newsletter/Issues A Conferences and Workshops August 7-9 Integrated Solid Waste Management Planning Training, Anchorage, AK. Contact www.zendergroup.org/sw.html or call 907-277-2111 19-22 2013Tribal Lands Resources, Pueblo of Santa Ana's Tamaya Resort, NM. http://www4.nau.edu/itep/conferences/confr_tlf.asp 20-22 7 Generations Training, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK. Applications available online at www.anthc.org/chs/ces/hve/7-generations.cfm Contact Oxcenia O'Domin, 907-729-3492, orodomin@anthc.org or Desirae Roehl, 907-729-3496, droehl@anthc.org 27 - 29 Tribal Green Summit 2013, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. For registration details, contact Cindy Spiry: cindy@snoqualmietribe.us September 10-11 NPETE Tribal Grants Management Training, Lincoln City, OR. http://bit.ly/grantguidetrain 11-13 Sustainable Solid Waste Management Training, Anchorage, AK. www.zendergroup.org/sw.html or call 907-277-2111. 12-13 Oregon Tribal Environmental Forum, Lincoln City, OR. Hosted by the Siletz Tribe. For info, contact Tom Downey at 541-444-8226 or TomD@ctsi.nsn.us 17-19 21st Annual National Native American Law Enforcement Association Training Conference, Bally's Las Vegas, NV.www.nnalea.org 29 - Oct. 3 Eighth Circumpolar Agricultural Conference and the University of the Arctic Inaugural Northern Food Summit, Girdwood, AK. Milan Shipka, 907-474-7429, mpshipka@alaska.edu orwww.uaf.edu/cac <=> Continued Next Page ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Conferences and Workshops October 7-11 Region 10 Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit, Kalispel Tribe of Indians at the Northern Quest Resort arid Casino, Spokane, WA. http://tels.kalispeltribe.com 8-10 2013 Arctic Energy Summit, Akureyri, Iceland https://www.institutenorth.org or call 907-786-6324 21 - 23 30th Annual Elders & Youth Conference, Carlson Center, Fairbanks, AK. www.firstalaskans.org or 907-677-1700 24 - 26 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, Fairbanks, AK. www.nativefederation.org or 907-274-3611 31 - Nov. 2 American Indian Science & Engineering Society National Conference, Denver CO. www.aises.org/nationalconference To list your organization's event, see Got News? on the back page. For more information on EPA Tribal trainings, webinars, grants, and opportunities for Tribal consultation, visit www.epa.gov/indian/calendar/index.htm Gina McCarthy Sworn in as The U.S. Senate has confirmed Gina McCarthy as the new EPA Administrator. She was sworn in July 19. She previously served as Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. In that position, she has been a leading advocate for common-sense strategies to protect public health and the environment. Before her confirmation as Assistant Administrator, McCarthy served as the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. In her 25-year career, she has worked at both the state and local levels on critical environmental issues and helped coordinate policies on economic growth, New EPA Administrator energy, transportation and the environment. McCarthy received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts at Boston and a joint Master of Science in Environmental Health Engineering and Planning and Policy Gina McCarthy from Tufts University. us epa Photo For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/jBJj 2 - ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 2013 Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit The Kalispel Tribe invites Tribal Leaders and environmental staff from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska to attend the Region 10 Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit, to be held October 7-11 in Spokane, Washington. Consultation EPA has initiated a new Tribal Consultation Opportunity regarding the Tribal Grants Streamlining Policy. This draft policy was developed with input from the Tribal Grants Council. It provides a framework for a streamlined, consistent approach to managing grants assistance agreements awarded to tribes. It includes reforms within EPA's statutory and regulatory authority that reduce tribal burden, promote consistency and efficiency in the application of grants management requirements, and further the Government- to-Government relationship underlying EPA's Indian Policy while enhancing the quality of grants and ensuring accountability. The draft policy addresses major aspects of the grant cycle, including: & Kalispel natural resources For a link to the Chairman's invitation letter, along with the latest agenda, visit http:/ / tels.kalispeltribe.com The Kalispel Tribe encourages prospective participants to register and arrange accommodations soon. Opportunity • Bundling of Assurances/Certifications Allocation • Workplan Negotiation • Award Process • Reporting Requirements • Cost Review • Performance Partnership Agreements Consultation opportunities continue until August 31,2013. The proposed effective date is October 1, 2013. Official notification of consultation is being sent to tribal governments potentially af- fected by this action. The direct link to this consultation is http://go.usa.gov/jkcY Find a full list of current EPA tribal consulta- tion opportunities, go to at http://go.usa.gov/jkce EPA Seeks Input on New Clean Air Standards for Solid Waste Landfills EPA is inviting small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives for a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel. This panel will focus on the agencies review of its New Source Performance Standards for municipal solid waste landfills. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review new source performance standards every eight years and revise them if necessary. EPA is under a court-ordered deadline to complete its review and propose how to address the results of that review by Feb. 4, 2014 and to take final action by Dec. 17,2014. For information: http://go.usa.gov/jkPP -3 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Climate Change News Climate Change Report: Weather, Seas, Imperil Nuclear Plants Climate change and extreme weather already are causing disruptions in the U.S. energy supply that are likely to worsen as more intense storms, higher temperatures and more frequent droughts occur, according to a new report from the U S Department of Energy. The report says blackouts and other problems caused by Superstorm Sandy and other extreme weather events are likely to be repeated across the country as an aging energy infrastructure struggles to adapt to rising seas, higher storm surges and increased flooding. A range of energy sources are at risk, from coal-fired power plants to oil wells, hydroelectric dams and nuclear power plants. Climate-related disasters have already cost tens of billions of dollars, and the report says costs could grow exponentially unless a more comprehensive and accelerated response is adopted. For a copy of the Energy Department report, visit http://go.usa.gov/jKV4 Report Presents Impact of Climate Change and Population Growth on National Flood Insurance A recent report prepared for the Federal Emergency Management Agency presents the findings of one of three components of a project entitled "The Impact of Climate Change and Population Growth on the National Flood Insurance Program Through 2100 & Improving Coastal Floodplain Mapping." Initiated in the fall of 2008, the project has significant implications for the protection of life and property nationwide, with three primary objectives: to evaluate the likely impact of climate change and population growth on the National Flood Insurance Program; to evaluate FEMA's Primary Frontal Dune regulations and policies; and, to evaluate a new coastal flood insurance zone. To view the report, visit http://bit.ly/18AA990 New Map Shows Where Nature Protects U.S. Coast Americans looking to buy seaside property would do well to study the first ever nationwide map showing how and where natural habitats like reefs and vegetation best protect coastal residents from rising seas and catastrophic storms like last year's Hurricane Sandy. The coastal-protection map was published July 14 in the journal Nature Climate Change. Visit http://bit.ly/lbcwZcq Links to websites outside of EPA are provided for additional information that may be useful or interesting to our readers. We cannot attest to the accuracy of these third-party sites, nor does EPA endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications. 4 - ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Urban Land Institute Releases Report on Risk and Resilience in Coastal Regions Changing climate and weather patterns introduce new dimensions of uncertainty into a rapidly evolving real estate marketplace. Along with economic, demographic, and societal changes, uncertainty in future climate conditions and the underlying vulnerability of coastal areas require a critical review of coastal development and management practices. In January 2013, the Urban Land Institute convened an interdisciplinary group of market stakeholders to explore the implications of new environmental risks in coastal regions on real estate practices and markets. In addition to individuals representing the diversity of the real estate industry, forum participants included professionals from the insurance industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. Many shared valuable insights derived from their engagement in these issues and signaled that coastal risk is a business issue to be discussed today, not tomorrow. This report summarizes the dialogue from the forum and identifies eight themes for future study. The report is the first step in framing a broader set of activities that likely will engage many coastal communities for some time. To access the report, visit http://bit.ly/136axb9 World Resources Institute The World Resources Institute launched an updated climate data tracking tool July 10 that will allow governments, businesses, academics and others to more effectively explore, understand, and communicate climate change issues. The online portal, named the Climate Analysis Indicator Tool, or CAIT 2.0, offers greenhouse gas emissions data sets and other climate-related indicators that can be downloaded to view, sort, and visualize. CAIT 2.0 builds on WRI's earlier model, which was maintained from December 2003 President's Climate Action Plan Released President Obama on June 25th announced the President's Climate Action Plan stating that "climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our time." For a copy of the Plan, visit http://go.usa.gov/jKpW Launches Climate Tracker through May 2012 and received an average of 5,000 visits per month. Using the tool, users can share links of their findings with others. The data sets offered from all 50 states and 186 countries will make comparing climate data easier, according to a WRI news release. WRI said the data is aggregated from research centers, government agencies, and international bodies, and it is accepted based on completeness and relative accuracy. CAIT 2.0 is available at http://cait2.wri.org/wri# 82 Percent of California Native Fish Threatened by Climate Change Of 121 native fish species in California, re_ searchers at the University of California Da_ vis predict 82 percent are likely to be driven to extinction or very low numbers as climate change speeds the decline of already depleted populations, http://bit.ly/ 14DplWf - 5 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Wildfires May Contribute More to Global Warming Wildfires produce carbon-containing particles. Most climate assessment models treat fire emissions as a mixture of pure soot and organic carbon aerosols that offset the respective warming and cooling effects of one another on climate. But, according to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, measurements taken during the 2011 Las Conchas fire, near the laboratory, show that tar balls exceed soot by a factor of 10 and the soot gets coated by organics in fire emissions, each resulting in more of a warming effect than is currently assumed. Climate Change is Already Affecting the Amazon Tribal groups in Earth's largest rainforest are already being affected by shifts wrought by climate change, reports a paper published last week in the British journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B (Biological Sciences). The paper, which is based on a collection of interviews conducted with indigenous leaders in the Brazilian Amazon, says that native populations are reporting shifts in precipitation patterns, humidity, river levels, temperature, and fire and agricultural cycles. These shifts, measured against celestial timing used by indigenous groups, are affecting traditional ways of life that date back thousands of years. "Indigenous people are telling us rainfall and river levels have changed; the fires they're dealing with are different now; and the climate systems they used to depend on for growing crops have become unpredictable," said Steve Schwartzman, lead author of the study and director of tropical forest policy at Environmental Defense Fund. For more information, visit www.enn.com/ top_stories/ article/45921 Climate Change Threatens Forest Survival A report from Oregon State University suggests predicted increases in temperature and drought in the coming century may make it more difficult for conifers such as ponderosa pine to regenerate after major forest fires on dry, low-elevation sites, in some cases leading to conversion of forests to grass or shrub lands. Visit http://bit.ly/13273eq Storing Carbon Dioxide Underground Carbon capture and storage has been heralded as a new technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In an effort to help slow climate change, human-produced carbon dioxide (C02) is captured at point-source emitters like power stations and sequestered in underground rocks. In porous rocks like sandstone, the C02 is trapped in tiny spaces or pores, which act like a sponge and soak up the injected fluid. To implement carbon capture and storage successfully, each underground repository will need careful appraisal based on its unique history and setting, according to a new study. For more information, visit www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2013/9571.html 6- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Thwaites Glacier Water System In a development that will help predict sea level rise, scientists have used an innovation in radar analysis to accurately image the vast subglacial water system under West Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, detecting a swamp-like canal system several times as large as Florida's Everglades. The new observations suggest dynamics of the subglacial water system may be as important as ocean influences in predicting the fate of Thwaites, which holds substantial potential for triggering sea-level rise. Visit www.jsg.utexas.edu/ news/?p=4487 Species at Risk from Climate Change Most species at greatest risk from climate change are not currently conservation priorities, according to a new study at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa, that has introduced a pioneering method to assess the vulnerability of species to climate change. Researchers hadn't expected that so many species and areas that were not previously considered to be of concern would emerge as highly vulnerable to climate change. Findings show that if we simply carry on with conservation as usual, without taking climate change into account, we'll fail to help many of the species and areas that need it most. http:/ /bit.ly/ 164W5Tz FUNDING National Science Foundation-Water Sustainability and Climate Grant One of the most urgent challenges facing the world today is to ensure an adequate supply and quality of water in light of both growing human needs and increasing climate variability and change. Despite the importance of water to life on Earth, there are major gaps in our basic un- derstanding of water availability, quality and dynamics, and the impact of both human activity and a changing and variable climate on the water system. The goal of the Water Sustainability and Climate solicitation is to enhance the understanding and predict the interactions between the water system and land use changes (including agriculture, managed forest and rangeland systems), the built environment, ecosystem function and services and climate change/variability through place-based research and integrative models. Proposals are due September 10. Visit http://go.usa.gov/bfVJ HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants total $109 Million Department of Housing and Urban Development Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant applications are due Sept. 10,2013. Eligible entities include public housing authorities, local governments, 1 nonprofits, tribal entities, and for-profit developers that apply jointly with a public entity For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/jKS5 - 7 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity EDA provides strategic investments that foster job creation and attract private investment to support development in economically distressed areas of the US. The next funding cycle deadline is September 13,2013. For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/jKliP Department of Energy Funding Available for Tribal Energy Projects Through these Funding Opportunity Announcements, the US Department of Energy continues its efforts to promote tribal energy sufficiency and to spur increased renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment on Indian lands. The full FOAs are available at http://appsl.eeie.energy, gov/ tribalenergy/index.cfm Tribal Support for the National Environmental Information Exchange Network EPA announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible organizations that are: • broadly representative of federally recog- nized tribes and • familiar with tribal environmental issues, programs and data to provide outreach to increase and enhance tribal participation in the National Environmental Informa- tion Exchange Network, also known as the "Exchange Network". The overall goal of this cooperative agreement is to enhance tribal participation in the Exchange Network. The network is a partnership to support better environmental decisions through improved exchange of, and access to, environmental information. Proposals are due August 30. For more information, visit epa.gov/ excliangenetwork/ grants/ 8- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Sensible Steps to Healtl In today's challenging financial climate, the ability to identify and take simple, afford- able steps to protect the health of students and staff in our schools has never been more important. This webinar series will outline sensible, low- or no-cost steps that school ier School Environments communities can take to create healthier envi- ronments in their buildings. Each webinar will feature school district personnel from across the country presenting their real-life examples and solutions. All webinars will be held at 12 Noon Pacific time, 11 a.m. Alaska time. Aug 20 Register at: Current Issues in Chemical Management, Best Practices for Schools & Districts https://wwwl.gotomeeting.com/register/537317145 Sept 25 Register at: Cleaning and Maintenance: Sensible Steps for Creating Healthier School Environments https://wwwl.gotomeeting.com/register/685480808 Oct 22 Register at: Sensible Steps for Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction in Schools https://wwwl.gotomeeting.com/register/650284320 Nov 19 Register at: Sensible Steps for Mold and Moisture Control in Schools https://wwwl.gotomeeting.com/register/844211865 Dec 17 Register at: Renovate Right: EPA's Renovation, Repair & Painting Program at Schools https://wwwl.gotomeeting.com/register/872584553 For more information, contact Margo Young at ^ young.margo@epa.gov or ® 800-424-4372 ext. 1287 Tribal Renewable Energy Development Curriculum and Workshop The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (DOE-IE) has announced renewable energy development education and training curriculum for tribal leaders, tribal executives, and tribal staff. The DOE-IE Renewable Energy Curriculum is available through the National Training and Education Resource (NTER) online learning platform, and more in-depth training is being provided through the following workshop: • Community/Facility-Scale Development Workshop (September 16-20 in Denver) There is no cost to attend the workshop, but participants will be responsible for their own lodging and travel costs. To prepare for the meeting, attendees are requested to watch the "Foundational Topics" on the National Training 8c Education Resource website. https://www.nterlearning.org To RSVP for this training, email kara.thate@nrel.gov For more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news T R A I N I N G -9 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 T R A I N I N G Tribal Lands and Environmental Forum The 2013 Tribal Lands and Environment Forum will take place August 19-22 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, located on the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico. To view the agenda, register for the forum, make hotel reservations, learn about transportation options, register for a vendor/registration table, or submit a proposal for a breakout session or training, go to https://www4. nau. edu/itep/forms/form_ tlfl3TrngSessions.asp Energy Webinar Series The Tribal Energy Program, in cooperation with the DOE Office of Indian Energy and Western Area Power Administration, is sponsoring a Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market. Webinars include: August 28 Register at: Renewable Energy Market Expectations and Trends www1.gotomeeting.com/register/253676705 Sept 25 Register at: Tribal and Utility Partnership Opportunities wwwl .gotomeeting.com/register/906425073 Oct 30 Register at: Renewable Energy Case Studies: Tribal and Developer Perspectives wwwl .gotomeeting.com/register/123612688 For recordings and materials from past webinars in this series: 1. Go to www.Wapa.Gov 2. Click renewables in the top navigation bar 3. Click the tribal webinar series link All webinars will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time. There is no charge to participate in the webinars, but registration is required. Register for up- coming webinars at http://go.usa.gov/j9R5 Tribal Grants Management Training A 2-day grants management training has been scheduled for Sept. 10-11 in Lincoln City, OR. The training will provide information on the proper management of EPA grants, and is designed for environmental staff and financial management personnel. For more information on the training (including a list of Modules), please visitwww.petetribal.org There is no cost for the training, but registration is required. To register online, visit http://bit.ly/grantguidetrain A room block has been set up at the Liberty Inn in Lincoln City with a room rate of $89/night +tax. Please call to make your reservation (1-877-994-1777) and mention "Siletz Tribe OTEF." Your organization will need to cover your hotel and travel costs. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Gross at sgrosse@maine.rr.com 10- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 EPA Wastewater Technologies EPA released a guide that provides an updated look at the state of emerging wastewater treatment technologies. "Emerging Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and In-Plant Wet Weather Management" replaces a document that was last updated in 2008. Visit http://go.usa.gov/j8cT ' Reducing Pesticide Risks Use of any pesticide in any way that is not consistent with label directions and precautions is illegal. It may also be ineffective and dangerous. The basic steps in reducing pesticide risks are: • Choose the form of pesticide best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control: First, identify the problem correctly and then, choose the least-toxic pesticide that will achieve the results you want and be the least toxic to you and the environment. • When the words "broad-spectrum" ap- pear on the label, this means the prod- uct is effective against a broad range of pests. If the label says "selective," the product is effective against one or a few pests. • Read the label before buying the pes- ticide, read the label before mixing or using the pesticide each time, and read the label before storing or disposing of the pesticide. • Determine the right amount to pur- chase and use. Don't assume that using more pesticide than the label recom- mends will do a better job. It won't. Check out EPA's 20th Anniversary Video Series EPA's Office of Environmental Justice has officially launched a 20th Anniversary Video Series. These videos feature federal and local government officials, non-profit leaders and students who tell stories about the lessons that they have learned over their time working on environmental justice. Visit www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/ events/2Gth-anniversary.html Also, be sure to add your e-mail address to the subscribe link on the upper-right side of the blog's home page to receive our future posts directly each week. Click the "Like" button to let your friends know about this great resource! Global Renewable Energy Growing Fast Renewable energy is growing fast around the world and will edge out natural gas as the second-biggest source of electricity, after coal, by 2016, according to a five-year outlook published by the International Energy Agency. The United States is one of 24 members of the agency. Visit http://bit.ly/ 134RnXE Health of U.S. Streams Reduced by Modifications and Contaminants A new U.S. Geological Survey report describes how the health of the nation's streams is being degraded by streamflow modifications and elevated levels of nutrients and pesticides. Go to http:/ / go.usa.gov/jNxH - 11 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Environmental Justice Comic Book The CUNY Center for Urban Environmental Reform has released Mayah's Lot, the new environmental justice comic book that everyone is talking about! This new, beautifully illustrated comic book depicts a young heroine who galvanizes her community into action to protect the public health of her community and fight a hazardous waste facility from opening in her neighborhood. The comic book has been heralded as a powerful learning tool for young students in urban areas, teaching them that the environment is something that exists everywhere, not just in rural places far from their homes. Read the newest contribution to the EnvironmentalJustice in Action Blog about Mayah's Lot at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NDF5apIFocg The book can be downloaded free of charge at http://bit.ly/12g98ov Community groups and schools interested in using Mayah's Lot for educational purposes should contact CUER directly at: info@ centerforurbanenvironmentalreform.org IDAHO, OREGON, WASHINGTON NEWS 2013 Canoe Journey: Paddle to Quinault The Annual Canoe Journey is a traditional gathering of Coast Salish people who travel through the waterways of the Salish Sea. In 1989, Pacific Northwest tribes revived a tradition of bringing together their people to celebrate celebrate their connection to salmon, water and each other. Since then the Annual Canoe Journey expanded from a handful of canoes to include over a hundred tribes and First Nations. The Canoe Journey creates opportunities for tribal members to re-learn, strengthen and reinforce their canoe traditions. There are many cultural values that are learned from the canoeing some include: pride, cultural knowledge, learning how to paddle, respect, and sense of achievement. To learn more about the 2013 Canoe Journey, go to www.paddletoquinault.org Coast Salish Tribal Journey Water Quality Project In 2008, a partnership developed between the Salish Canoe Journey and the U.S. Geological Survey to examine coastal waters of the Salish Sea by blending Western sci- ence and Coast Salish culture to study water quality and its effects on the ecosystem. Journey participants agreed to equip their canoes with water quality monitoring instru- ments to measure sea surface temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity simultaneously every ten seconds across 1,300 kilometers (over 800 miles) of the Salish Sea. To learn more about the Coast Salish Tribal Journey Water Quality Project, visit: wfrc.usgs.gov/tribal/cswqp/index.html A detailed EPA and Environment Canada report on the marine water quality of the Salish Sea, is available at http://www2.epa.gov/salish-sea 12 - ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 Time to Move Forward on Fish Consumption Rate By BILLY FRANK JR. /Being Frank I Auburn Reporter Guest columnist - July 3, 2013 (Reprinted with permission of the Reporter) The Washington state legislature deserves thanks for not caving in to demands from Boeing and others to require yet another study of fish consumption rates in Washing- ton to tell us what we already know: Our rate is too low and does not protect most of us who live here. It wasn't easy A Senate measure requiring another study before beginning rulemaking on a new rate was tied to passage of the state budget, and nearly led to a government shut- down. Boeing and others have been trying to stop or delay development of a new rate be- cause they say it would increase their cost of doing business. The fish consumption rate is part of the hu- man health standards used by state govern- ment to determine how much pollution is allowed to be put in our waters. The 20-year- old rate of 6.5 grams per day - about one eight-ounce seafood meal per month - is supposed to protect us from more than 100 toxins that can cause illness or death. It's a sad fact that Washington has one of the highest seafood-eating populations, but uses one of the lowest fish consumption rates in the country to regulate water pollution and protect human health. Another study could have delayed development of a new rate for three years or more. Tribes have been reaching out to business and industry to discuss implementation of a new fish consumption rate. We are sensitive to possible economic im- pacts of a higher rate, and we want to con- tinue working together to create a meaningful path forward. But those efforts have largely been ignored, and that's too bad, because we have solved bigger issues than this by working together. We are encouraged, however, by the actions of Dennis McLerran, regional Environmen- tal Protection Agency administrator. He has stepped forward to express his agency's com- mitment to protecting water quality and hu- man health in Washington. In a recent letter to Maia Bellon, Director of the State Department of Ecology, McLerran pledged to support the state in developing a more accurate fish consumption rate. He made it clear, however, that if the state can't or won't get the job done, he will use his authority to establish a new rate. "The EPA believes there are scientifically sound regional and local data in Washington that are sufficient for Ecology to move forward in choosing a protective and accurate fish consumption rate at this time," McLerran wrote. Ecology Director Bellon has said that we could have a more accurate fish consump- tion rate adopted by late 2014, and we intend to hold her to that. Oregon has increased its fish consumption rate to a more realistic 175 grams per day; we think Washington residents deserve at least that much protection. We're spending too much money, time and ef- fort to clean up and protect Puget Sound and other waters to let business and industry con- tinue to pollute those same waters. Right now we are paying for our state's low fish consump- tion rate with the cost of our health, and that's not right. Developing a more accurate fish consumption rate isn't about jobs versus the environment. It isn't just an Indian issue. It's a public health is- sue and needs to be treated that way. We can't allow politics to trump common sense when it comes to protecting our own health and that of future generations. If you want to learn more, visit the Keep Our Seafood Clean Coalition website at ^p] www.keepseafoodclean.org - 13 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Alaska Operations Office ALASKA NEWS Upcoming EPA GAP Training September 19, 2013 The EPA Tribal program will provide a 1-day US EPA Accounting and Administration for GAP Administrators and Bookkeepers Training in Anchorage, Alaska. The training is targeted at building financial and administrative capacity for GAP recipients who are currently falling below the bar in administering their GAP grant. Participants must meet one of the following criteria to register: do not have adequate policies and procedures, do not have adequate file management systems, or do not have adequate systems for administering procurement or travel. For more information or to register, please contact Santina Gay at: gay.santina@epa.gov Announcing EPA's Fiscal Year 2014 Alaska GAP Trainings October 14-15, 2013 New GAP Staff Orientation November 4-7, 2013 ATCEM: GAP Guidance Training January 15, 2014 High Risk GAP Recipient Training February 3-7, 2014 Alaska Forum on the Environment: GAP Track August 12-13, 2014 GAP Oversight for New Council Members Dillingham and Aleknagik Home Heating, Steam Bath, Smoke House, Wood Harvest Practices Study Complete A new report is shedding some light on how Dillingham and Aleknagik residents in southwest Alaska keep their homes and other structures heated through the year. The door-to-door survey was funded by the EPA, and conducted by the Bristol Bay Native Association in partnership with the Aleknagik Traditional Council and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The survey questionnaire conducted with household occupants obtained data on basic home information, primary and secondary heating systems, steam baths, smoke houses, and wood harvest practices in relationship to current use and practices. Educational materials on home energy efficiency, air quality, wood-burning appliances, and, best practices on burning, storing and seasoning firewood were also shared with households that participated in the study. Study findings will be used to assess the feasibility of wood heating system exchange programs, tailor follow-up education and outreach programs, and assist with research needed to determine sustainable biomass harvest levels for Dillingham and Aleknagik. Specific data collected through the study is an important initial step for both communities to identify appropriate wood smoke reduction measures. A copy of the report can be downloaded from BBNA's website (www.bbna.com). For additional information about the project, contact Sue Flensburg (907-842-6241, sflensburg@bbna.com) or Melody Nibeck (907-842-6224, mnibeck@bbna.com) 14 - ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter August 2013 2013 Berry Assessment Survey Information Alaska Native Tribal Health Consor- tium has worked with the USGS Sci- ence Center to develop the LEO Berry Assessment. Responses have helped to identify which species of berries are im- portant as food, and whether the condi- tion, abundance or harvest of the berries are changing. This may be the first time a berry assessment has been performed in Alaska communities statewide. ANTHC's goal is to have at least one survey completed from every LEO participating community. They will be sharing the findings in upcoming webinars, and all participants will receive an electronic copy of ANTHC's Alaska Berry Field Guide. From responses provided so far, ANTHC understands that there are fourteen commu- nities that are noticing a decline in berries. Responses have also indicated that statewide the four berries that are most common as food are: the cloudberry, crowberry, low-bush cranberry, and bog blueberry. For more information, contact: Jennifer Williamson ®907-729-4596 Alaska Climate Science Center Joins Partners to Support Tribal Projects The Alaska Climate Science Center, working in partnership with the Northwest Climate Science Center and the North Pacific Landscape Conservation Cooperative, jointly selected three innovative tribal projects on climate change adaptation for subsistence and cultural resources. These projects are designed to help natural and cultural resource managers better understand and respond to climate change and related stressors across the coastal temperate rainforest region. The funded projects include: • Identifying climate vulnerabilities and prioritizing adaptation strategies for eulachon populations in the Chilkoot and Chilkat Rivers and the application of local monitoring systems • A coupled (ocean and freshwater) as- sessment of climate change impacts on Pacific lamprey and Pacific eulachon • Klamath Basin traditional ecological knowledge and climate change science internship For more information on these projects, visit http://go.usa.gov/jRGx CSC Announces Additional Support for Tribal Projects The Alaska Climate Science Center, working in partnership with the Northwest Climate Science Center and the North Pacific Landscape Conservation Cooperative, will fund an innovative tribal project aimed at understanding climate change impacts on subsistence foods, and how seven tribes in the Chugach region of Alaska can adapt to these changes. Led by the Chugachmiut Tribal Council, this research will compliment three jointly funded projects that were previously selected by the two CSCs and North Pacific LCC. The project title is: Berry Risk Mapping and Modeling of Native and Exotic Defoliators in Alaska. For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/jRG5 - 15 ------- Region 10 Tribal ^ Newsletter Vol. 22 No. 8 August, 2013 Protection EPA THb&l StB ff REGION 10TRIBAL PROGRAM 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900, ETPA-085 Seattle, WA 98101-3140 Toil-Free: 800-424-4372 Phone: 206-553-0542 Fax: 206-553-0151 Got News? The Region 10 Tribal Newsletter invites you, our readers, to submit ideas and articles for consideration and to share your successes and challenges. Photographs are also welcome as separate files in jpeg or other graphic format. Please submit articles and pictures to: IDAHO, OREGON, WASHINGTON Don Creek - f EPA, 805 SW Broadway, Suite 500 Portland, Oregon 97205 ^ email creek.don@epa.gov ALASKA Santina Gay - f EPA, 222 W. 7th Avenue #19 Anchorage, Alaska 99513 ^ emailGay.Santina@epa.gov ALASKA Todd Bender, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-0344 Katherine Brown, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-7263 Michelle Davis, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-3434 Adrienne Fleek, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-6558 Kristy Fry, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-1085 Tami Fordham, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-1484 Santina Gay, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-3413 J.R. Herbst, Tribal Consultation Specialist.... 206-553-2116 Sherry Kimmons, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-6322 Mahri Lowinger, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-6334 MaryAnn Porter, Tribal Air Liaison 907-271-1481 Cathy Villa, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-1270 IDAHO, EASTERN WASHINGTON, EASTERN OREGON Jim Zokan, Tribal Coordinator 208-378-5691 WESTERN AND CENTRAL OREGON Kris Carre, Tribal Coordinator 503-326-7024 Don Creek, Tribal Liaison 503-326-5015 WASHINGTON Diana Boquist, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-1586 Westley Foster, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-1604 Alan Moomaw, Tribal Coordinator 360-753-8071 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 ------- |