NEWS Region 10 aFPA The Tribal Newsletter W w V/CliTl is published free monthly TuSU^I United States Tribal ewsletter To receive a copy, call: AK: Santina 907-271-3413 ID: Jim 208-378-5691 OR: Don 503-326-5015 Vol. 23 No. 12 WA: Alison 360-753-8185 December 2014 Environmental Protection Agency ( \ Conferences and Workshops December 2-3 White House Tribal Nations Conference, Washington DC http://www.ncai.org/events/2014/12/02/white-house-tribal-nations-conference 9-11 RTOC (Regional Tribal Operations Committee) Quarterly Meeting, Seattle, WA Contact JR Herbst at 206-553-2116 or herbst.john@epa.gov 10-12 2014 Solid Waste Management, Current Topics Training, Anchorage, AK www.zendergroup.org/sw.html or phone 907-277-2111 11 NWETC Wetlands Permitting, Portland, OR https://nwetc.org/course-catalog/ghyd-355-dec-ll-2014 January 12-14 West Coast Ocean Summit, Portland, OR Visit www.westcoastoceansummit.org or email Kim Mclntyre at kim@westcoastoceans.org 13-16 Air Quality Computations, Las Vegas, NV Visit http://www4.nau.edu/itep/air/training_aq.asp February 3-6 Clean Air Act and Permitting, Las Vegas, NV Visit http://www4.nau.edu/itep/air/training_aq.asp 9-13 16th Annual Alaska Forum on the Environment, Anchorage, AK Visit http://akforum.com/ 10-12 GIS for Air Quality, Las Vegas, NV Visit http://www4.nau.edu/itep/air/training_aq_gisaq.asp 18-20 State of the Beaver 2015, Seven Feathers Convention Center, Canyonville, OR This year's conference will focus on the impact of beaver ecology on fish, forests and families. Contact beavers@surcp.org or stanley@surcp.org 24-26 Developing and Implementing Tribal Solid Waste Codes, San Diego, CA http://www4.nau.edu/itep/waste/training_wastemgmt.asp March 2-6 Air Pollution Technology, Flagstaff, AZ. Visit http://www4.nau.edu/itep/air/training_aq.asp Continued Next Page^> v J ------- Region 7 0 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 Continued Conferences and Workshops April 21- 22 Save the Date! Tribal Wetland Working Group (TWIG) workshop. Hosted by the Suquamish Tribe, WA. Contact Tom Curley at tcurley@suquamish.nsn.us or Rudy Salakory at rsalakory@cowlitz.org For information on climate change and water conferences, trainings, webcasts and other events, visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/climatechange/Calendar-of-Events.cfm For more information on EPA Tribal trainings, webinars, grants, and opportunities for Tribal consultation, visit www.epa.gov/indian/calendar/index.htm I J Native Pride and Spirit: Yesterday, Today and Forever By Jim Woods In the commencement of this holiday season, we recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month, per a Proclamation signed last month by President Barack Obama. We've found a place on the 2014 calendar that recognizes the endurance of a People, Native People. This year the theme is "Native Pride and Spirit: Yesterday, Today and Forever". As Native People we celebrate our being every time we are with our families, every ceremony, every song or dance, every salmon and every time a child is born. So appropriately November is a time for Native People to be proud, but most importantly, to be recognized, acknowledged and understood by others. This year, the EPA Region 10 Native American/Alaska Natives Special Emphasis Program (a Native employees group) recognized November by having a screening of the documentary, "This is Indian Country," hosted by Billy Frank Jr., for R-10 EPA employees. See http://www.thisisindiancountry.org. The documentary is a story of Billy's life and legacy, and the charge he amplified not only in Western Washington, but throughout the northwest and Alaska, with a focus on the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. On November 19, we had the pleasure to host speaker Roy Hunter Sampsel, who presented to EPA Employees under the title of Sovereignty in the 21st Century. Roy is a lifelong leader representing tribes in the Northwest for many years. Many know him as the first founding director of the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission or through the Policy Board of the Institute for Tribal Governments. I fortunately know Roy as a dear friend. His message of sovereignty and the importance of trust responsibility painted a true picture of tribal governance. To make a long story short, Roy hit the ball out of the park. 'Happy 'Jlotidaxfs! Jim M'oods 2 - JR Herbst, Wenona Wilson, Myrna Jamison, Roy Sampsel and Jim Woods ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 Climate Change News President's State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force Recommendations on Climate Preparedness and Resilience As part of the Administration's overall effort to combat climate change, President Obama is committed to ensuring that U.S. communities thrive in the face of a changing climate. The Administration has made significant investments in resilient disaster recovery in the wake of devastating storms like Hurricane Sandy, ensuring that rebuilding and infrastructure projects factor in climate impacts such as sea-level rise and investing in making transit systems more resilient to flooding and extreme weather. Last year, as part of his Climate Action Plan, the President established the State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, which recognizes that even as we act to curb the carbon pollution that drives climate change, we must also improve our ability to prepare for the climate impacts we are already seeing across the country. The Task Force comprises Governors, Mayors, county executives and Tribal leaders from across the country who are experiencing climate change impacts ranging from more severe droughts and wildfires to record heat waves and damaging storms. Task Force leaders have taken bold action to protect their communities by investing in more resilient infrastructure, updating building codes, adjusting the way they manage natural resources, and planning for rapid recovery from extreme weather events. At a November 17 meeting with Vice President Biden and Senior White House officials, Task Force members presented their recommendations for how the Federal Government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with extreme weather and other impacts of climate change. The Administration is also announcing new tools and actions to help these leaders and others contend with climate impacts and build healthy and resilient communities — including a web-based Climate Resilience Toolkit that provides for the first time easy, intuitive access to dozens of Federal tools that can directly help planners and decision makers across America conduct their work in the context of a changing climate. A fact sheet with detailed information about the new Climate Resilience Toolkit to help plan for changing climate is available at http://go.usa.gov/sSq3 The toolkit is at http://toolkit.climate.gov U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center Looks at Coastal Ecosystem Response to Climate Change Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center and their partners are currently taking a local site network approach to describe current and future conditions and projected responses of coastal ecosystems to climate change. In partnership with the University of California at Los Angeles and Oregon State University, the Western Ecological Research Center is leading the multidisciplinary Coastal Ecosystem Response to Climate Change program. For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/sScx -3 ------- Region 7 0 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 EPA's Agency-Wide Climate Change Adaptation Plans The EPA has released the final version of its Agency-wide Climate Change Adaptation Plan and the seventeen Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plans produced by the Program and Regional Offices. All plans, including the Office of Water Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan, can be found at http://go.usa.gov/sS3Y Landscape Conservation Cooperative Network Releases Strategic Plan The Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) Network has developed a strategic plan that articulates a path for the next five years to achieving its vision and mission to conserve and maintain landscapes and seascapes capable of sustaining natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. To learn more, visit www.lccnetwork.org/strategicplan Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Releases Fifth Synthesis Report The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released its Fifth Synthesis Report. It shows that human influence on the climate system is clear and growing, with impacts observed on all continents. If left unchecked, climate change will increase the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems. To access the Synthesis Report and other reports from the IPCC Fifth Assessment, visit the website www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/index.shtml Climate Research Report Explains Extreme Events of 2013 from Climate Perspective A report released by the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society investigates the causes of a wide variety of extreme weather and climate events from around the world in 2013. In the report, "Explaining Extreme Events of 2013 from a Climate Perspective", 20 different research groups explored the causes of 16 different events that occurred in 2013. The findings indicate that human-caused climate change greatly increased the risk for the extreme heat waves assessed in this report. To access the full report, visit http://bit.ly/lBVxHIA Computer Provides Portrait of Carbon Dioxide An ultra-high-resolution computer model has given scientists a stunning new look at how carbon dioxide in the atmosphere travels around the globe. http://go.usa.gov/sSC9 This newsletter contains information from multiple sources including tribes, newspapers, and other sources. Any information or opinions in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of the United States or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 4 - ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 r L. Webinars, Conferences andTrai Mbgjs r '\ NAHASDA Essentials - December 9-11, Portland, OR This three-day training will provide attendees with a comprehensive introduction to the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996. Register at: http://registration.firstpic.org/onapEssentials/index.php Northwest Environmental Training Center NWETC delivers tailored courses on current policy, standards, technology and regulations for environmental professionals. They provide opportunities for continued education in a wide variety of topics. Custom on-site training is offered by request both regionally and nationally. Discounts are available for government employees and members of other groups. Upcoming trainings include: Dec 11 Wetlands Permitting, Portland, OR Jan 20-21 Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead Training, Bellevue, WA Jan 20-21 Habitat Site Restoration, Sacramento, CA Feb 10 Air Permitting Workshop, Kirkland, WA For a complete listing, go to http://bit.ly/lvx735a Nielsen Environmental Field School The Nielsen Environmental School offers hands-on environmental field training and certifications. Upcoming trainings include: Feb 24-27 Environmental Sampling Field Course, Las Cruces, NM Feb 24-25 Complete Soil Sampling Field Course, Las Cruces, NM Mar 9-13 Complete Ground-Water Monitoring Field Course, Las Cruces, NM Mar 11-13 Complete Ground-Water Sampling Field Course, Las Cruces, NM The Nielsen Environmental E-School is in the process of converting all of their "live" field courses to "E-Courses" - a web-based, distance-learning format that will have the same technical content as the field courses. Beginning in Fall 2014, students will be able to take individual 60- to 90-minute training modules or packaged E-Courses that are the equivalent of the "live" training courses. Visit www.envirofieldschool.com For a calendar of climate change and water-related trainings, conferences, and webinars, visit http://water.epa.gov/scitech/climatechange/Calendar-of-Events.cfm ------- Region 7 0 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 Funding Clean Water Act Section 319 Competitive Grants The EPA is soliciting proposals under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act from eligible tribes and intertribal consortia to develop and/or implement watershed-based plans and on-the-ground projects that will result in significant steps towards solving Nonpoint Source impairments on a watershed-wide basis. To be eligible for CWA section 319 grants under this RFP, tribes must have met the eligibility requirements, described in Section III of the announcement, as of October 10, 2014. Questions about the RFP must be submitted in writing via e-mail and must be received by the EPA Regional Contact identified in Section VII by December 10. Written responses will be posted on EPA's website at www.epa.gov/nps/tribal Hard copy proposals must be received by the EPA Regional Contact (See Section VII of the RFP) by 5:00 P.M. local time December 17, or by electronic submission through Grants.gov by 8:59 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, December 17. Late proposals will not be considered for funding. For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/sSQh December 19 is Deadline for 2015 Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Grants These brownfields grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants (including hazardous substances co- mingled with petroleum). Opportunities for funding include Brownfields Assessment Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; and Assessment Coalitions are funded up to $600,000 over three years) and Brownfields Cleanup Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years). The proposal submission deadline is December 19. Please visit www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm Gap Grants are Available EPA Region 10's Tribal Trust and Assistance Program is announcing the availability of General Assistance Program funds to support environmental capacity-building work in FY2016. Tribes and tribal consortia are eligible to apply. Applications are due January 15. Visit http://go.usa.gov/GuHx EPA Announces 2015 EJ Small Grants Request for Applications The EPA's Office of Environmental Justice announces the opening of its Request for Applications for the 2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants Program. Applications are due December 15. Visit http://go.usa.gov/GU3H Questions about Grants.gov? This link provides information on registering in grants.gov, finding grants, and applying for grant funds: htt p ://go. u sa. go v/8f W5 6- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 US Army Corps of Engineers: Section 203 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 provides authority for the Corps, in cooperation with Indian tribes and heads of other federal agencies, to study and determine the feasibility of carrying out projects that will substantially benefit Indian tribes. The Tribal Partnership Program provides an opportunity to assist with water resources projects that address economic, environmental and cultural resource needs through studies that may include: p Flood damage reduction > Environmental restoration > Protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources Upon request, the Corps will cooperate with tribes to study water resources projects and such other projects as determined appropriate, primarily located within tribal lands. After a tribe requests a potential project, the Corps will conduct a reconnaissance study if it appears the project may have a federal interest and if funds are available. A reconnaissance study begins at federal expense up to $100,000. Tribal Partnership Program Who Can Apply? LJSACE resources through this program can only be requested by Tribal governments, and can only occur once Tribal and local governments have committed all available resources (i.e., workforce, supplies, funds, etc.). Are Matching Funds Required? Yes, if a Federal interest is identified during the reconnaissance phase, a feasibility or watershed assessment cost-share agreement is signed and the project moves into the next phase. Typically, the cost share is 50/50 and in-kind contributions are allowed; watershed planning, however, is cost-shared 75/25. The Bureau of Indian Affairs must be contacted during the course of a study. When can Assistance be Requested? Assistance can be requested at any time. Funds are allocated based on the available national budget and allocated based on assigned rank at USACE Headquarters. Contact Name: Ronald Kneebone Contact Phone Number: 505-342-3355 or the main line at 505-342-3100 Contact Email: Ronald.R.Kneebone@usace.army.mil EPA's Tribal Consultation Opportunities The following tribal consultation opportunity may be of interest to Region 10 Tribes. A full list of consultation opportunities is available at http://go.usa.gov/jkce: FY16-FY17 National Program Manager Guidance End Date: April 30, 2015 Link: http://go.usa.gov/mC3H Contact Jessica Snyder at Snyder.jessica@epa.gov or 202-564-1478 - 7 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 Auto Salvage Operations The EPA's storrn water program is looking to assist those with auto salvage sites in Indian Country. Auto salvage and metal scrap recycling facilities are both required to sign up for storm water permits under NPDES (the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System), due to the frequency of pollution found at such sites. Auto salvage and scrap recycling are important industries that help keep materials in use. With careful management they can be useful parts of local economies. Facilities that do not practice the best management of their operation may create lasting environmental damage by allowing toxic fluids to drain into streams and drinking water sources. The EPA would like to make sure that all salvage operators are aware and abide by the rules and that salvage operations do not become legacy problems for their host communities. The EPA has information about auto salvage on the web at: http://go.usa.gov/H9j3 or http://go.usa.gov/dS9d Report Recommends Actions for Future of Sustainable and Resilient U.S. Freshwater Resources Over six years, The Johnson Foundation convened more than 600 experts representing diverse sectors and perspectives for intensive, solution-oriented work on U.S. freshwater issues. The culmination of that work is "Navigating to New Shores: Seizing the Future for Sustainable and Resilient U.S. Freshwater Resources", a report intended to provide a platform for leaders as they address water resource and infrastructure challenges. Without significant changes, existing water systems will soon no longer be able to provide the services that citizens expect. Recent water crises have illustrated that the economic and social consequences of inaction are far too great. This report illustrates what The Johnson Foundation believes is both possible and necessary to achieve if the U.S. is to successfully navigate its water challenges. The recommendations fall under the following five key ideas: 1. Optimize the use of available water supplies. 2. Transition to next-generation wastewater systems. 3. integrate the management of water, energy and food production. 4. Institutionalize the value of water. 5. Create integrated utilities. For a summary or the full report visit www.johnsonfdn.org/aboutus/capstone ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 National Science Foundation Awards Grants to Study Effects of Ocean Acidification on Marine Ecosystems The National Science Foundation has awarded $11.4 million in new grants through its Ocean Acidification program to foster research on the nature, extent and effects of ocean acidification on marine environments and organisms. To learn more about the 2014 awardees, their institutions and projects, visit http://go.usa.gov/H9QR EPA Develops Guide to Help Communities with Better Stormwater Management The EPA Office of Sustainable Communities recently released a report entitled "Enhancing Sustainable Communities with Green Infrastructure" to help communities better manage stormwater while achieving other environmental, public health, social, and economic benefits. To access the report, visit http://go.usa.gov/H9gA To view the related blog post, visit http://go.usa.gov/H9TP EPA on Social Media Facebook EPA's main page https://www.facebook.com/EPA EPA Region 10 Pacific NW and Alaska https://www.facebook.com/eparegionlO EPA's American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) For Tribes! https://www.facebook.com/epatribal Region 10 Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) http://on.fb.me/lE8zBTO EPA BurnWise - Woodstove change-out, clean burning, tribal indoor air quality https://www.facebook.com/EPABurnWise EnergyStar-Energy efficient products and assessment tools https://www.facebook.com/energystar Coeur d'Alene Basin - Superfund Site Cleanup https://www.facebook.com/CDAbasin Twitter EPA Region 10 https://twitter.com/EPAnorthwest EPA Office of International and Tribal Affairs https://twitter.com/EPAallnations EPA Columbia River Toxics https://twitter.com/EPAcolumbia YouTube Videos on Air, Water,Climate Change, Faces of EPA Green Living, Waste and Cleanup,Environmental Justice www.youtube.com/user/USEPAgov -9 ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Alaska Operations Office ALASKA NEWS Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training Program The Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training program trains unemployed and under-employed residents of Tribal communities for environmental jobs. RACEJT currently offers free training and travel for participant in a 4-week program that certifies/ trains them in Hazwoper, Freon Removal, Landfill Operation, Solid Waste Management, Spill Response, CPR/First Aid, OSHA 10-hour, NIMS 100 & 200, Confined Space, Forklift, Water and Soil Sampling, and Job Readiness. They also earn the new University of Alaska, Fairbanks "mini-degree", called an Occupational Endorsement, as a Rural Solid Waste Management and Spill Response Technician. Zender Environmental plans the RACEJT curriculum and program structure around feedback from Tribes and other rural project employers. In the past 3 years, RACEJT has placed 54 individuals that are Tribal members in local jobs. Continued 10- ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter December 2014 Continued Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training Program About one-half of applicants are sponsored directly by the GAP or the Tribal Response program to acquire skilled, local hire for planned Tribal projects. Applicants this year are from every Alaska region, and will be notified (of their selection) by December 22, Zender is seeking input before January 1 on classes to incorporate into their new Grant proposal for FY16 & FY17 RACEJT trainings. Are you an Alaska Tribe and do you have a planned project in your GAP work plan? Or do you know of a rural Alaska community project that could hire a resident if they get the proper solid waste, indoor/outdoor air quality, water quality, contaminated site/ spill, or climate change training? Please attend a public teleconference meeting on their proposal Thursday, December 4 at 2 p.m. Alaska time to let Zender know your community's needs and/or assist in drafting our RACEJT FY16/FY17 objectives. Phone 1-800-309-2350, passcode 52526. You may also email suggestions to Lynn Zender lzender@zendergroup.org or phone her at 907-444-5535. Any course, skill, or certification suggestions are very appreciated, as are any comments — no matter how brief. Photos from Zender ------- Region 10 Tribal Newsletter Vol. 23 No. 12 - December 2014 &EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency REGION 10 TRIBAL PROGRAM 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900, ETPA-202-4 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 fiD EPA, 805 SW Broadway, Suite 500 Portland, Oregon 97205 ^0 email creek.don@epa.gov ALASKA Santina Gay uC EPA, 222 W. 7th Avenue #19 Anchorage, Alaska 99513 ^0 email Gay.Santina@epa.gov EPA Region 10 Tribal Trust and Assistance Unit Sally Thomas, Unit Manager 206-553-2102 ALASKA Todd Bender, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-0344 Katherine Brown, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-7263 Michelle Davis, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-3434 Kristy Fry, Tribal Coordinator 206-553-1085 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 Cathy Villa, Tribal Coordinator 907-271-1270 IDAHO, EASTERN & CENTRAL WASHINGTON, AND EASTERN OREGON Jim Zokan, Tribal Coordinator 208-378-5691 WESTERN & CENTRAL OREGON, SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON Kris Carre, Tribal Coordinator 503-326-7024 Don Creek, Tribal Liaison 503-326-5015 NORTHWEST WASHINGTON 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 ------- |