The Tribal Newsletter is issued free each month. https://go.usa.gov/xXNnW Region 1 Tribal ewsletter SEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Vol. 29 #1 February 2020 EPA provides some external links in this newsletter for informational purposes only. EPA cannot attest to the accuracy ofnon-EPA information provided by any third-party sites or any other linked site. EPA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies, internet applications or any policies or information expressed therein. Top News Winter Energy Efficiency Tips You can make choices that protect the environment, save money, and conserve natural resources. This winter, consider implementing some of the following energy and water efficiency activities in your home, office, or school. > Turn down the thermostat. Keep your home heated to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the « day and 60 degrees at night. Use extra blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the JUL heat. > Lower your water heater temperature. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to cut your costs by 6-10 percent. > Purchase energy efficient products. By purchasing products with the Energy Star label, you can reduce your energy bill by 30 percent and your electric lighting charges by 40 percent while cutting pollution. > Insulate your home. Make sure your house is well insulated and, when heated or cooled, never leave windows or doors open. Insulate the hot water heater, and heating and cooling pipes. > Replace your showerhead. By using a low-flow showerhead, you reduce water consumption and energy. > When appliances aren't in use, turn them off, and unplug them. > Use public transportation or carpool. For more tips and ideas, check out EPA's What You Can Do to Prevent Pollution website. M m rrm w Pop Quiz Is there a connection between heart disease, stroke, and air pollution? See answer on page 14. ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 GAP Guidance Evaluation News EPA's Office of International and Tribal Affairs, which oversees the national Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), released the Guidance on the Award and Management of General Assistance Agreements for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia in May 2013. The Guidance provides a capacity development framework for EPA and tribes to follow when administering GAP grants. In October 2017, OITA began to evaluate its effectiveness to better achieve the goals of the program. As part of the evaluation, OITA staff engaged with the National Tribal Caucus, Regional Tribal Operation Committees, tribal partnership groups, intertribal consortia — and offered tribal consultation. Over 800 comments were received, which provided a range of perspectives and ideas to improve the GAP Guidance and its implementation. The next big milestone in the evaluation, will be the release of a draft updated GAP Guidance for tribal review and comment. OITA will continue to coordinate with EPA's regions and headquarters offices, consider all tribal input, and respond to written comments in developing revisions to the GAP Guidance. When an updated GAP Guidance is drafted, OITA will initiate tribal consultation to provide tribal leaders the opportunity to comment. OITA will not be revising the national grant funding allocation methodology at this time. The 2013 Guidance remains in effect until an updated GAP Guidance is finalized. For more information about the GAP Guidance Evaluation, check out EPA's Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) website. Contact Lisa Berrios if you have questions or concerns, call (202) 564-1739 or email berrios.lisa@epa.gov. EPA and Army Sign Navigable Waters Protection Rule EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James announced a new definition for Waters of the United States. With the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, the EPA and the Department of the Army are delivering on President Trump's promise to finalize a revised definition for WOTUS that protects the nation's navigable waters from pollution and result in economic growth across the country. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule recognizes the difference between federally protected wetlands and state protected wetlands. It adheres to the statutory limits of the agencies' authority. It also ensures that America's water protections remain strong, while giving states and tribes the certainty to manage their waters in ways that best protect their natural resources and local economies. The revised definition identifies four categories of waters that are federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. These four categories protect the nation's navigable waters and the core tributary systems that flow into those waters. This final action also details what waters are not subject to federal control, including features that only contain water in direct response to rainfall, groundwater, many ditches - including most farm and roadside ditches, prior converted cropland, farm and stock watering ponds, and waste treatment systems. This final action is informed by robust public outreach and engagement on the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, including pre-proposal engagement that generated more than 6,000 recommendations and approximately 620,000 comments received on the proposal. A pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice and fact sheets are available on the Navigable Waters Protection Rule website. To learn more, read the full News Release or join a Webcast on the Navigable Waters Protection Rule February 13 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. 2- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 PFAS Groundwater Guidance for Federal Cleanup Programs Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries since the 1940s. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects. PFAS can be found in food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, in household products such as stain- and water-repellent fabrics and nonstick cookware, and in drinking water localized and associated with a specific facility. In December 2019, EPA issued Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with PFOA and PFOS under federal cleanup programs, a priority action under EPA's PFAS Action Plan. The recommendations provide clear and consistent guidance for federal cleanup sites being evaluated and addressed under federal programs. The recommendations in the guidance may also be useful for state, tribal, or other regulatory authorities. While EPA is issuing interim guidance, final remedial decisions under CERCLA will be specific to each site to ensure protectiveness, as required by statute. Nominations Open for TAMS Steering Committee Members Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center The Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center offers training courses that focus on topics related to ambient and indoor air quality monitoring. The Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center Steering Committee is composed of a rotating roster of tribal environmental professionals and ex officio members who meet regularly to discuss tribal air quality monitoring and other air quality technical support needs. The TAMS Steering Committee determines the Center's support efforts and relays tribal concerns regarding air quality management to EPA and other officials. Committee members are elected for three-year, staggered terms and are eligible for re- election. Members are selected based on their experience and availability. The deadline for nominations is February 28. Details are available on the TAMS Steering Committee website. -3 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 NATIONAL TRIBAL AIR ASSOCIATION NTAA Executive Committee Seeks Alaska Representative The National Tribal Air Association is a leading voice for tribal air quality issues, programs, and policies - and has nearly 150 principal member tribes. NTAA's mission is to advance air quality management, policies, and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American indian Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages. Alaska has two seats on the NTAA Executive Committee, a primary and an alternate. The alternate NTAA Alaska representative position is open for nominations, and the deadline was extended to February 14. The elected alternate representative will complete the current term through April 30, 2021. You can nominate yourself or another person. If nominating someone else, please seek permission of the nominee prior to submitting the nomination. Nominees must be a member, employee, or representative of an Alaska tribe or tribal consortia, and ideally will have some experience in air quality work. To submit a nomination, please send the name, contact information, and background on why you or the nominee is a good candidate (in 300 words or less) to Kayla Krauss by email at krauss.kayla@epa.gov by February 14. CONTACT: Ann Wyatt, NTAA's current Alaska representative • (907) 755-2265 • annwyatt@klawocktribe.org. Andy Bessler • (928) 523-0526 • andy.bessler@nau.edu. 4- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 20 Years of Cooperation to Protect the Salish Sea EPA is celebrating the 20th anni- versary of the Joint Statement of Cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada to protect and restore the shared Salish Sea, The Salish Sea is a marine ecosystem that extends from the north end of the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia, Canada, to the south end of Puget Sound in Washington, and west to the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. and Canadian federal governments have a responsibility to address the transboundary environmental challenges of our shared Salish Sea ecosystem (including Puget Sound). The Joint Statement of Cooperation, signed in 2000, calls for both agencies to develop and periodically update action plans to achieve the goals. The 2017-2020 Action Plan focuses on promoting information exchange and coordination, including the Health of the Salish Sea Ecosystem Report and the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference; supporting coordination and information sharing at the tribal/First Nation, state/provincial, and federal levels; and support information sharing activities relating to major federal initiatives and environmental assessments. Map courtesy of Western Washington University. ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 RTOC News Region 10 RTOC members pictured left to right: Lee Juan Tyler, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes; Russell Hepfer, Lower Elwha Tribal Community; Brian HolterJr., Klawock Cooperative Association; Chris Hladick, EPA Region 10 Administrator; Aaron Miles, Nez Perce Tribe; Gayla Hoseth, Curyung Tribal Council; Raymond Paddock, Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes RTOC Welcomes New Members The Region 10 RTOC is honored to welcome the most recently elected RTOC and NTOC members! Right off the bat, they have been engaged and involved in consortia and EPA meetings this month. We are grateful to have each of their unique experiences and wisdom to help serve tribes in our region. We welcome the following new committee members: • Oregon RTOC Representative, Carter Thomas of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, • Alaska NTOC Position 1 Representative, Bill Hand of the Native Village of Kluti-Kaah, and • Western Washington/Western Oregon NTOC Representative Daniel Ravanel of the Quinault Indian Nation. More information about the regional tribal representatives is available on the Region 10 RTOC Committee Members website. O Continued The Region 10 Regional Tribal Operations Committee is a partnership between EPA and elected tribal representatives to further tribal environmental objectives at the regional level, serve as a liaison between the EPA and tribes regarding information exchange, and provide assistance to the National Tribal Operations Committee. 6- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 Continued RTOC News Upcoming RTOC Meetings February 20 • Conference Call March 17-20 • Quarterly Meeting • Seattle, WA Submit Meeting Discussion Topics 2020 Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit PROPOSED DATE CHANGE! September 23-25, 2020 • Anchorage, AK To ensure maximum opportunity for Region 10 tribes to participate, the committee has voted to consider changing the dates from May 6-8 to September 23-25. We want to hear from YOU about the proposed date change. Please share your preference with the RTOC Tribal Administrator, Randi Madison • (509) 596-0056 • randi@regionlOrtoc.net Stay Engaged with Us Follow us on Facebook for the most up to date news and opportunities. If you wish to attend or add an item to a monthly meeting agenda, or if you have questions, comments, or suggestions for how RTOC can better serve your community — please contact the RTOC representative for your area or RTOC's Tribal Administrator, Randi Madison. Tribal Consultation A full list of consultation opportunities is available in EPA's Tribal Consultation Opportunities System Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants END DATE: February 18. EPA performed a residual risk and technology review of the Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, known as MON. Based on the risk assessment, available health information and associated uncertainties, EPA concluded that risks from this source category are unacceptable. EPA also conducted a technology review by looking into the development in practices, processes and control technologies for this source category. The technology review did identify cost-effective developments in practices, processes, and control technologies for heat exchange systems and equipment leaks. EPA is specifically proposing amendments to: (1) the storage tanks, process vents and equipment leak requirements to reduce ethylene oxide emissions to an acceptable level that provides an ample margin of safety to public health and the environment; (2) further control heat exchange systems and equipment leaks; (3) add monitoring and operational requirements for a subset of flares; (4) revise requirements for periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction to be consistent with recent court decisions; and (5) require electronic reporting. If you believe your tribe could be affected by these proposed actions, EPA invites you to consult prior to the agency issuing the final rule. <^> Continued ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants Continued If your tribe has questions about the proposed rule, we invite you to request an informal discussion. Additional information is available on EPA's Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing: NESHAP website. CONTACT: Toni Colon • (919) 541-0069 • colon.toni@epa.gov CERCLA Section 108(b) Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing End Date: February 28. Section 108(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act establishes certain authorities that EPA can use to set financial responsibility requirements to assure that owners and operators make financial arrangements to address risks from the hazardous substances at their sites. EPA is in the process of deciding if financial responsibility requirements are warranted for the Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing industry and the Chemical Manufacturing industry. On July 29, 2019, EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking on the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution industry and invited tribes to consult with EPA prior to the agency issuing the final rule. EPA will determine the final action by December 2, 2020. The Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing industry and the Chemical Manufacturing industry are the last two classes of facilities the agency is evaluating for possible financial responsibility requirements. If you believe your tribe could be affected by these proposed actions, EPA invites you to consult with the agency prior to issuing the final rules. For more information about the proposed rules and how to comment, check out EPA's Superfund Financial Responsibility website. CONTACT: Kim Katonica • (703) 308-6087 • katonica.kim@epa.gov Principles for Consulting with Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporations END DATE: April 14. In 2004, Congress directed all federal agencies to consult with corporations established by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971 "on the same basis as Indian tribes under Executive Order No. 13175." EPA has a long history of engaging with ANCSA corporations on matters for which it consults with federally recognized tribes in Alaska and now seeks to formalize this process. EPA is proposing to consult with ANCSA corporations on any regulatory action that has substantial direct effects on an ANCSA corporation and imposes significant compliance costs. EPA invites you and your designated consultation representative(s) to participate in this process. A Guiding Principles for Consulting with Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporations (Guiding Principles) document establishes principles relevant to consulting with ANCSA corporations. The Guiding Principles document, and the proposed consultation process is available on the EPA's Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System website. <3 Continued 8- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 Continued Principles for Consulting with Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporations During the week of February 10, in-person consultation will be offered concurrent with the Alaska Forum on the Environment conference. Details will be shared with all AFE conference registrants. To join a tribal consultation conference call March 2 at 10:00 a.m. Alaska Time, call 1 (866) 299-3188 and enter conference code 202-564-9957. CONTACT: Paige Lieberman • (202) 564-9957 • Lieberman.paige@epa.gov Grants Targeted Airshed Grants Program APPLICATIONS DUE: February 14. The overall goal of the Targeted Airshed Grant Program is to reduce air pollution in the nation's areas with the highest levels of ozone and PM2.5 ambient air concentrations. The grants will assist local, state, and tribal air pollution control agencies to develop plans and conduct projects to reduce air pollution in non-attainment areas that EPA determines are the top five most polluted areas relative to ozone (03), annual average fine particulate matter (PM2.5), or 24-hour PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. EPA anticipates awarding a total of approximately 8-15 assistance agreements from this announcement. Applicants can request no more than $10,000,000 per application. For more information, visit the 2019 Targeted Airshed Grant Program website. FY 2020 Clean Air Act Tribal Grants NEW APPLICANT DEADLINE: February 17. CURRENT GRANTEE DEADLINE: March 2. Sections 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act allow EPA to provide grant support to tribes to help build tribal knowledge, capacity, and management of air quality issues. Awards typically range from $20,000 to $250,000. Eligible activities for CAA §103 grants include research, training, investigations, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, and control of air pollution (including both ambient and indoor air pollution). Eligible activities for CAA §105 grants include implementation of programs for the prevention and control of air pollution (including both ambient and indoor air pollution) or implementation of national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards, including activities related to planning, developing, establishing, implementing, improving, or maintaining such programs. Eligible activities for Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative Agreements include assist- ing the EPA with any activity required to implement the Clean Air Act or supporting regula- tions, such as the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR). Tribes and tribal consortia in Alaska are only eligible for CAA §103 grants. However, Alaska tribes have the additional option of pursuing sub-award funding through EPA's CAA §103 grant to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). ^ Contjnue(j ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 Continued FY2020 Clean Air Act Tribal Grants Tribes should contact Mary Mullan at mjmullan@anthc.org to discuss project ideas and how to apply for this funding. Region 10 anticipates nearly all of its funding will be awarded to assure base funding for federally recognized tribes and tribal consortia having established eligibility under CAA §105, completing existing CAA §103 projects, or with whom DITCAs have been negotiated. For that reason, we expect to have very limited funding for new projects and initial air quality assessment needs. For details on the FY 2020 Clean Air Act funding, check out the Region 10 Clean Air Act Tribal Program Funding website, or contact Sandra Brozusky at (206) 553-5317 or brozusky.sandra@epa.gov. r Alaska Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Service APPLICATIONS DUE: February 17. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup (DBAC) is a service offered by DEC to assist communities conduct environmental site assessments and cleanups at eligible brownfield sites. DEC will conduct a number of DBAC projects at eligible properties in Alaska using funds from the EPA. DBAC objectives are to help clarify whether an environmental problem is limiting a site's use or intended reuse or redevelopment, help identify the nature and extent of contamination, provide recommendations and estimate costs for additional assessment, and when funding permits, conduct cleanup activities designed to enable reuse of a site. In selecting projects, DEC looks for those that have solid reuse or redevelopment plans, projects that are seeking other funds to support their reuse goals, and projects which have demonstrated strong community commitment and support. Public, quasi-public, and non-profit entities, such as cities, boroughs, tribes, native corporations and community development organizations are eligible and encourage to apply. The applicant does not have to own the site to request an assessment, but access to the site must be assured. The applicant must own the site to request a cleanup. The applicant must have a reuse or redevelopment plan in place. A brownfield site that is not a federally owned property is eligible for a DBAC. A brownfield site that is privately held may be considered if the project can be shown to offer significant public benefit. For more information, check out DEC's Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Service website or contact Lisa Griswold • (907) 269-2021* lisa.griswold@alaska.gov. v _y Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants APPLICATIONS DUE: February 26. EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting applications for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions and exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by EPA's Administrator as poor air quality areas. Diesel emissions reduction solutions include verified retrofit technologies such as exhaust after-treatment technologies, engine upgrades, and cleaner fuels and additives, verified idle reduction technologies, verified aerodynamic technologies, verified low rolling resistance tires, certified engine replacements and conversions, and certified vehicle or equipment replacement. ^ Continued 10- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 * continued Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Eligible entities include regional, state, local, or tribal agencies/consortia or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets or have the promotion of transportation or air quality as their principal purpose. School districts, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities and counties are also all eligible. Details are available on EPA's Clean Diesel National Grants website. BIA Tribal Resilience Program PROPOSALS DUE: March 2. The Bureau of Indian Affairs provides funding for tribal activities that support tribal adaptation and resilience planning, ocean and coastal management planning, and relocation, managed retreat, or protect-in-place planning and design activities for coastal and riverine communities. The Tribal Resilience Program aims to support tribal nations that need adaptation planning support and decision-making information to prepare for extreme events and harmful environmental trends that impact tribal treaty and trust resources, economies, infrastructure, and human health and welfare. The solicitation is for federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations. Other entities may participate as sub-grantees. The solicitation is available on the BIA Tribal Resilience Program website. If you have questions about the BIA's Tribal Resilience Program, contact Rachael Novak by phone at (505) 563-5253 or email rachael.novak@bia.gov. If you have questions regarding the application process, contact: Jo Ann Metcalfe (703) • 390-6410 • jo.metcalfe@bia.gov. Z' V Pollution Prevention Grant Program APPLICATIONS DUE: March 31. EPA is announcing a grant competition to fund two-year assistance agreements for projects that provide technical assistance to develop and adopt source reduction practices — also known as pollution prevention or P2. P2 means reducing or eliminating pollutants from entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. EPA is encouraging P2 because implementing these practices can result in reductions in toxic pollutants, the use of water, energy, and other raw materials, while also lowering business costs. States, state entities, federally recognized tribes, and intertribal consortia are eligible to apply. Individual grant awards may be in the range of $40,000-$500,000 for the two-year funding period. Tribes and intertribal consortia that include awarded P2 grant funds into an approved PPG, will have their P2 grant cost share/match requirement reduced from 50 percent to five percent. EPA will host two webinars covering information about the P2 Grant program and National Emphasis Areas. You can join the first webinar on February 19 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time or join the second webinar on February 25 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Additional details about this grant opportunity are available on EPA's Grant Programs for Pollution Prevention website. -li ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 Training & Technical Assistance Training opportunities in this newsletter are either hosted, funded, or sponsored in collaboration with EPA. Any links to websites outside of EPA are provided for additional information that may be useful or interesting to our readers. EPA can neither attest to the accuracy of these third-party sites nor endorse any nongovernment websites, companies or applications, Alaska Forum on the Environment February 10-14, Anchorage, AK The Alaska Forum on the Environment is Alaska's largest gathering of environmental professionals, providing an opportunity for government agencies, non-profit and for-profit businesses, community leaders, Alaska's youth, conservationists, biologists, and community elders to come together and discuss the latest projects, processes and issues that affect Alaska's environment. This annua! event provides critical environmental networking and training. Register online at the Alaska Forum on the Environment website or contact by phone at (907) 331-0271 or email info@akforum.org. Fundamentals of Air Monitoring February 25-27, Las Vegas, NV This Institute for Tribai Environmental Professionals course wiil provide tribal environmental professionals with a basic understanding of how to develop and conduct an ambient air monitoring project. This course is structured as an overview of a typical tribal air monitoring project and will help both new staff and experienced technicians understand the components of initiating and maintaining a successful air monitoring project from a site operator's perspective. The course will focus on criteria air pollutants, as well as monitoring requirements for those seeking National Ambient Air Quality Standard designations from their monitoring projects. It wiil also include information about meteorological monitoring and air toxics. Air monitoring equipment will be available for hands-on activities. Applicants need a working knowledge of air quality terms and concepts and must have completed ITEP's Introduction to Tribal Air Quality course as a prerequisite (or have equivalent training/experience) prior to attending. For details, check out ITEP's Air Quality Trainings website or contact Christal Black • 928-523-8410 • Christal.Black@nau.edu. 1 EPA Grants Management Online Training This online training course is designed to introduce EPA grant applicants and recipients to key aspects of the entire grant life cycle, from preparation of an application through grant closeout. The course is divided into separate modules that can be completed individually. Each module includes knowledge checks to verify your understanding of key concepts. Upon completion, you will be prompted to generate a downloadable certificate of completion. You can access the online course on EPA's Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients website. Introduction to EPA Grants 12- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 ITER 2020 Student Summer Internships APPLICATIONS DUE: February 28. The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is offering summer internships. Students spend their summer working with tribal organizations to address tribal environmental issues. The internships have a technical, educational or policy focus. There are two types of internships for Native American and other college students. The student summer internship program is an 8-week program for college students, and the short internship program is a 20 to 40-hour long internship program for high school and college students. The purpose of the internship programs is for students to gain hands-on skills with EPA or other governmental and tribal environmental offices. The internship programs are funded by a grant from the EPA, The internship program provides each student intern with a $4,000 stipend, and limited housing and travel allowances. Julia Hnilicka, 2019ITEP Intern at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks places air quality monitors in rural Alaska. For more information about applying to the internship program, register on ITEP's Student Summer Internship website or send an emai EEOP-INTERN@nau.edu. to AIR A % COM1*' Indoor Air Quality in Alaska March 2-3, Dillingham, AK This is an entry-level ITEP course for tribal environmental staff from Alaska who are interested in air quality issues. The course provides an understanding of the importance of clean air for the protection of human health and the environment. Instructors and participants will explore ways in which tribes in Alaska can solve air quality problems, protect human health, and preserve cultural values. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations, small-group activities, and a building walk-through. There will be hands-on practice with a comprehensive assessment checklist used to identify IAQ problems. For details, check out the ITEP Air Quality Trainings Schedule website. CONTACT: Mansel Adelbert Nelson • (928) 523-8410 • Mansel.Nelson@nau.edu. jf > Indoor Air Quality in Alaska Diagnostic Tools March 4-6, Dillingham, AK This ievel 2 ITEP course wili bring together tribal environmental, housing, and facilities staff to learn how to use diagnostic instruments as tools to assess indoor air quality. After completing the course, participants will be able to use diagnostic instruments and interpret data to assess a home and educate the occupants about a healthy indoor environment. The course is structured as an intensive training that uses multiple approaches to learning including lecture/discussion, hands-on, and site visits. For more information, check out the ITEP Air Quality Trainings Schedule website. CONTACT: Christal Marie Black • (928) 523-8410 • cristal.black@mau.edu. -13 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 Rural Alaska Landfill Operator (RALO) Training March 10-12 • April 7-9 • May 12-14-Anchorage, AK The Rural Alaska Landfill Operator course is for the designated landfill operator and administrator in a village with a Class III landfill or open dump, and focuses on the duties of the landfill operator, their personal safety and the safety of the village. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the landfill operator's role to keep the village clean and the landfill free from harmful substances. Participants will learn about landfill regulations and requirements, household hazardous waste, waste separation and screening, waste reduction and segregation, recycling, personal protection equipment and much more. These courses are hosted by The Alaska Forum, Inc. with trainers and expertise provided in cooperation with Solid Waste Administration of North America, Alaska Chapter. The Alaska Forum is providing a limited number of $500 scholarships for qualified travel expenses for landfill operators employed in their village. Registration is available on the Alaska Forum Inc. Rural Alaska Landfill Operator Training website. For questions or help with registering, contact Amy Tannahill • (907) 331-0282 • ATannahill@akforum.org. EPA Residential Wood Smoke Workshop March 10-12, New Orleans, LA The Residential Wood Smoke Workshop will cover a wide range of topics, including regulatory, voluntary, and technical with a focus on sharing lessons learned. The workshop's target audience includes state, local, and tribal agencies; regional organizations, federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. The workshop will be held in conjunction with the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association Trade Show/Expo. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to tour the trade show floor and see firsthand various hearth technologies operating - including wood, wood pellet, coal and gas stoves, a wood-fired central heating system, and meet with industry representatives. The workshop is being coordinated and supported by EPA, the Western States Air Resources Council, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, and the National Tribal Air Association. Registration information is available on the 2020 Residential Wood Smoke Workshop website. If you have questions or comments, contact Larry Brockman by email at brockman.larry@epa.gov. Pop Quiz Answer from Page 1 Is there a connection between heart disease, stroke, and air pollution? Yes, medical studies show that very small particles in air pollution can trigger heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms. To help prevent heart attacks and strokes, EPA's Healthy Heart Toolkit and Research website provides resources to raise awareness of heart disease and its link to air pollution. Heart A healthier environment for healthier hearts 14- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter February 2020 Calendar of Events February 10-14 11-14 13 18 19 20 25 25-27 25-27 March 2 2-3 4-6 10-12 10-12 10-13 17 17-20 24 Alaska Forum on the Environment. Anchorage, AK • http://www.akforum.org Air Quality Computations. Phoenix, AZ • http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air Webcast on the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4984953028082855948 Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time • http://www.leonetwork.org Pollution Prevention Grant Program Webinar. 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8522288642270023693 Region 10 RTOC Conference Call. 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time • http://regionl0rtoc.net/home Pollution Prevention Grant Program Webinar. 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4696774328423521549 Fundamentals of Air Monitoring. Las Vegas, NV • http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Public Meeting or Teleconference. Jacksonville, FL • (in person) http://bit.ly/2S58N6c • (by teleconference) http://bit.ly/31uUzOS. Principles for Consulting with ANCSA Corporations Tribal Consultation Call. 10:00 a.m. Alaska Time. Call 1 (866) 299-3188 and enter conference code 202-564-9957. Indoor Air Quality in Alaska Communities. Dillingham, AK http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air Indoor Air Quality Diagnostic Tools. Dillingham, AK • http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air EPA Residential Woodsmoke Workshop. New Orleans, LA https://westar.ticketleap.com/2020-wood-smoke-workshop Rural Alaska Landfill Operator (RALO) Training. Anchorage, AK • http://bit.ly/2Uxev28 Air Pollution Technology. Flagstaff, AZ • http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time http://www.leonetwork.org Region 10 RTOC Quarterly Meeting. Seattle, WA • http://regionlOrtoc.net/home Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time • http://www.leonetwork.org 30 - April 1 Smoke Management in the Northwest Annual Meeting: Prescribed Fire Smoke Management and Health Messaging - Protecting Public Health as Treated Acres Increase. Ashland, OR • Mike McGowan (208) 378-5764 or McGowan.Michael@epa.gov April 7-9 13-15 14-17 21 Rural Alaska Landfill Operator (RALO) Training. Anchorage, AK • http://bit.ly/2Uxev28 Green Transportation Summit and Expo. Tacoma, WA • http://gtsummitexpo.socialenterprises.net Alaska Emergency Management Conference. Anchorage, AK https://ready.alaska.gov/Preparedness/Conferences/Register Alaska LEO Network Monthly Webinar. 2:00 p.m. Alaska Time • http://www.leonetwork.org Links to websites outside of EPA are provided for additional information that may be useful or interesting to our readers. We cannot attest to the accuracy of these third-party sites, nor does EPA endorse any nongovernment websites, companies or applications. -15 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter Vol. 29 No. 1 • February 2020 United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Tribal Program 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 155, MS 12-D12 Seattle, WA 98101-3140 Got News? Got News? Please send submission ideas to ^ R10TribalNewsletter@epa.gov For Tribal Solid and Hazardous Waste Technical Assistance ALASKA: Jim Penor • 907-500-4963 IDAHO, OREGON, WASHINGTON: Rick McMonagle • 503-326-6363 Helpful Links R10 Tribal Programs: http://go.usa.gov/xkdMv EPA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPARegionlQ Follow us @EPAnorthwest on Twitter! https://twitter.com/EPAnorthwest Tribal Trust and Assistance Branch Staff Stacy Murphy, Branch Manager (206)553-2106 ALASKA Todd Bender, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-0344 Katherine Brown, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-7263 Susan Conbere, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-6243 Michelle Davis, Tribal Coordinator (907) 271-3434 Sherry Davis, Tribal Coordinator (907) 271-6322 Kristy Fry, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-1085 Santina Gay, Tribal Coordinator (907) 271-3413 JR Herbst, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-2116 Mahri Lowinger, Tribal Coordinator (907) 271-6334 Michael Ortiz, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-6234 Cathy Villa, Tribal Coordinator (907) 271-1270 WESTERN & CENTRAL OREGON, SOUTHWEST WASH Kristine Carre, Tribal Coordinator (503) 326-7024 IDAHO, WASHINGTON & EASTERN OREGON Westley Foster, Tribal Coordinator (206) 553-1604 Alan Moomaw, Tribal Coordinator (360) 753-8071 r A, Report Spills and Violations In the event of an oil spill, release of hazardous materials, or accident that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, /era\ please call 911. Then, report it to EPA's National Response Center by calling 1-800-424-8802. Environmental To report a possible environmental violation, submit information online to (violations) the EPA at https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations. V J ------- |