The Tribal Newsletter is
issued free each month.
https://go.usa.gov/xXNnW

Region 10
Tribal
ewsletter

SEPA



United States Environmental

Protection

Agency

Vol. 29 No. 11
Winter 2021

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

Progress for a Stronger Future

Tribes and EPA: 50 Years of Environmental Partnership

In 1970, President Richard Nixon issued a special message to Congress on Indian affairs expressing the
federal government's commitment to a new self-determination era for Tribes.

This action established federal policy for "a new and balanced relationship between the United States
government and the first Americans, that is at the heart of our approach to Indian problems" - a
tribal future determined by tribal government acts and decisions. With this action, the President set
the stage for the newly created EPA to begin incorporating self-determination principles into its tribal
program from the Agency's very beginning. Although the language from 50 years ago is somewhat
dated, the President recognized the need for partnership declaring that: "The Indians of America need
Federal assistance ... [and]... the Federal Government needs Indian energies and Indian leadership."
EPA 50th Anniversary Tribal Program Milestones show EPA's steady progress towards meeting the self-
governance goal of tribal implementation of federal environmental program on their lands. To learn
more, visit epa.gov/tribal/50th-anniversary-timeline.

New Year Message from USEPA's American Indian
Environmental Office Director Scott Mason

As the new year begins, I would like to express my honor and appreciation in leading the EPA's American
Indian Environmental Office through difficult work in the last year and express my confidence in the
work and progress to be done in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted tribes in severe and significant
ways creating challenges to communications, funding flexibilities, travel, and consultation engagement,
among other matters. AIEO has been impacted with staff and management adjusting to remote work
settings, recalibrating tribal policy guidance, coordinating with tribes, the Regions program offices to
address unexpected concerns and challenges.	Continued


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Winter 2021



N
E

W

s

New Year Message from USEPA 's American Indian
Environmental Office Director Scott Mason

However, I am proud to report that AIEO made great progress in our mission to protect the
environment and human health in Indian country.

For example, AIEO and other EPA management collectively were able to engage with tribes and
tribal partnership groups in 35 different non-consultation meetings even though most of these
meetings were adjusted for virtual settings. This included the successful two-day 2020 National
Tribal Caucus and EPA Winter Meeting. Significantly, EPA approved 11 regulatory Treatment
as a State applications in 2020, which was a record number for any year. Additionally, AIEO
responded to tribal funding and consultation flexibility concerns and provided updated GAP
and consultation guidance to the Agency.

2021 presents hope that many of last year's challenges are abated. I am optimistic in the
Administration's successful efforts through Operation Warp Speed to distribute a vaccine to as
many Americans as possible, including to our tribal partners, ! have full faith and confidence
that AIEO will continue its outstanding work and progress. I applaud AIEO and look forward to
this new year.

-Scott Mason, Director% AIEO

Regional Administrator Chris Hladick's
farewell message to Region 10 tribes

Hello Tribal Leaders and Tribal Representatives
of Region 10!

January 20th was bittersweet for me. It was my
last day of work for the EPA. I will be embarking
on a new chapter of my life but will miss the
work with the tribes of Region 10. Working
with you has been one of the highlights of my
time here at EPA. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling
to your homelands and meeting with tribal
leaders about the important issues affecting
your communities. You welcomed my staff and
myself into your homelands and have always
been gracious hosts. Sometimes the topics of
discussion were controversial, but I believe it's
always best to deal with issues straight up and from the heart. I found it's the same for you.
I have learned much from the treaty and non-treaty tribes here in the Lower 48. Being from
Alaska I had no experience working with Lower 48 tribes prior to this job, however you took the
time to educate me. Thanks for your patience! Now it's time for the next administration to put
their hands on the controls. I gave it my best!

I apologize to the tribes of Alaska. I just did not get to Alaska often enough over the last three
years, but you haven't seen the last of me yet! I can't wait to come home. I really enjoyed
camping and fishing in Washington, Oregon and Idaho though my heart will always be in
Alaska! I hope to do some traveling and fly fishing in the coming months so I may stop in along
my journeys. All the best and stay safe!

- Chris Hladick, former Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10

2-


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Tami Fordham Selected as Director
of EPA Alaska Operations Office

Tami Fordham has been serving as the acting A00 Director since April of 2020 and as the AOO
Deputy Director since March 2014. As AOO Deputy Tami also served as the Associate for the
Office of the Regional Administrator.

Tami brings a wealth of experience to the Director role, having served in a variety of roies
since joining AOO in 2003. In addition to demonstrated leadership skills serving as Deputy
and Acting Director, she was a Tribal Policy Advisor for Alaska Resource Extraction and a

Tribal Coordinator supporting Alaska tribes through the
GAP program. Tami knows Alaska issues. She has provided
tribal policy support on large resource extraction projects,
led coordination and consultation processes considering
environmental justice, engaged with Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act Corporations, and worked with Traditional
Ecological Knowledge on agency actions related to resource
extraction. During her time as tribal coordinator Tami took a
few semesters of Yup'ik, furthering her commitment to foster
strong relationships with the tribes in the Yukon Kuskokwim
Delta Region.

Tami came to EPA Region 10 in June of 2001, as a Student
Career Experience Intern after graduating from the University
of Washington with a degree in Sustainable Resource Science. Tami lives in Anchorage,

Alaska with her husband Lee, nephew Brayden, her giant Saint Bernard Luna, and rescue cat
Hydro. When Tami isn't working and taking care of her family her passions include enjoying
Alaska, dance, stargazing (when its dark!) and gardening.

Region 10 Tribal Branch Staff Changes

In October, the Region 10 Tribal Trust and Assistance Branch welcomed
Lucas DuSablon as a new Tribal Coordinator. Lucas began working for
Region 10 as a Grant Specialist in 2017, managing Indian Environmental
General Assistance Grants as well as Performance Partnership Grants, and
Tribal Air, Drinking Water, and Brownfields grants. Lucas holds a Master
of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington and
a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University. Currently based out of
Seattle, Lucas will be moving to Boise in the coming weeks, to be closer to
the tribes he works with in Idaho, eastern Oregon, and eastern Washington

Michael Ortiz, who joined the Tribal Branch in 2014,
working with tribes in Alaska and serving as coordinator for the Region
10 Regional Tribal Operations Committee, has transitioned to working
with performance partnership grant tribes in Western Washington.

Lucas Du Sablon

Jim Zokan worked in the Tribal Branch in Boise, ID as a Tribal
Coordinator from 2004-20018, then served as the Cascade Field Station
Manager in Cascade, ID for the Bureau of Reclamation. Jim recently
returned to the Tribal Branch and will be working out of the Idaho
Operations Office, focusing on tribes in the Bristol Bay Region in Alaska.

Michael Ortiz


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Winter 2021

EPA Awards Cooperative Agreement to Support the
National Tribal Toxics Council

On December 16, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the award
of a cooperative agreement to support the National Tribal Toxics Council. Under the
agreement, EPA will provide up to $800,000 over five years to Zender Environmental
Health and Research Group to support the NTTC's work representing tribal interests in
the development and implementation of chemical risk assessment, risk management, and
pollution prevention programs.

"With this agreement, we're partnering for the future with the National Tribal Toxics
Council, said Chris Hladick, former EPA Regional Administrator in Seattle. "By training tribal
technicians to reduce and manage toxic waste in tribal communities, Zender Environmental
Health and Research Group is helping create a path to a cleaner, healthier future for
generations to come. Ultimately, this partnership will benefit both the community and the
environment."

Through this cooperative agreement, the NTTC: Provides training, technical information
and outreach in Indian country to increase the awareness and understanding of the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA); Encourages the development of programs to prevent
pollution; Enhances tribal consultation and collaboration with federal, state, and local
governments; and Facilitates networking, collaboration, and outreach to support national,
regional, and individual tribes' needs and concerns.

EPA is also working in partnership with the NTTC to facilitate consultations with tribes
on upcoming rules to address unreasonable risks to public health found in the agency's
recently released final TSCA chemical risk evaluations.

CHECK THE WEB FOR INFORMATION:

> About Zender Environmental Health and Research Group

EPA and IHS Interagency Agreement Kickoff Meeting

On Wednesday, October 14, AIEO, the Indian Health Service,
and ORCR held a kick-off meeting to review the Scope of Work
for the new Interagency Agreement between EPA and IHS. This
collaboration will use GAP funds and IHS expertise to provide
technical assistance to tribal governments for solid waste
management programs, including Region 10 tribes doing this
work under GAP and other environmental programs.

The goals of the technical assistance and trainings is to increase
the number of tribes with effective solid waste management
programs and make cleanup investments more effective
by reducing unauthorized trash disposal practices on tribal
lands. The IA will also fulfill EPA commitments under its 2013

MOU with the Infrastructure Task "To Better Coordinate the Federal Government Efforts in
Providing Infrastructure and Promoting Sustainable Practices to Support the Provision of Safe
Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities" and
its 2017 MOU with IHS "To Improve Open Dump Data, Solid Waste Projects and Programs in
Indian Country".



4-


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Winter 2021

From left: Gerald Wagner, Scott Clow, and Meyo Marrufo

National Tribal Caucus Executive Committee Elections

On Tuesday, December 15, the National Tribal Caucus conducted annual Executive Committee
elections for NTC Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary for 2021. Gerald Wagner, of the Blackfeet
Tribe, was re-elected as NTC Chair, Scott Clow, of the Ute Mountain Tribe, was re-elected as
NTC Vice Chair, and Meyo Marrufo, of the Guidiville Rancheria, was elected as NTC Secretary.
EPA congratulates Gerald, Scott, and Meyo and looks forward to working with them in 2021!

The National Tribal Caucus is a national body of
high-level tribal advisors. Members are selected on
a regional basis by each Regional Tribal Operations
Committee or its equivalent and represent all
tribes within their regions. Their primary focus is to
identify and address tribal environmental issues that
are national in scope, cross-agency or cross-media in nature, or that may be emerging or
urgent. Region 10 representatives include Gayla Hoseth, Curyung Tribal Council; Bill Hand,
Native Village of Kluti-Kaah; Daniel Ravenel, Quinault Indian Nation; Lee Juan Tyler, Shoshone
Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation; Kelly Wright (Alternate), Shoshone Bannock Tribes
of the Fort Hall Reservation; and Sarah Miller (Alternate), Native Village of Kluti-Kaah. Visit
https://regionlOrtoc.net/national-tribal-resources for more information on NTC engagement
in Region 10.

Recycling and Sustainable Management of Food During
the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency

As many Americans spend more time at home, we are changing the way we purchase and use
goods and food. At the same time, there are some supply chain disruptions in the food and
manufacturing sectors. There is the potential for households to generate more waste than
they did before, but there is also an opportunity to focus on waste prevention, increase your
reuse and recycling efforts, and use food more efficiently. To learn more about what you can
do to recycle during COVID-19, check out EPA's Recycling and Sustainable Management of
Food During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency website.

New CDC COVID-19 Improving Ventilation Website

The Centers for Disease Control has a new web page to encourage improving ventilation in
homes. Good ventilation can prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air of your
house. Good ventilation along with other preventative actions like staying 6 feet apart and
wearing masks can help prevent you from getting and spreading COVID-19. Go to

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/lmproving-Ventilation-Home.html


-------
10 Tribal Newsletter

Winter 2021

America's Water Sector Workforce Initiative

The new America's Water Sector Workforce Initiative outlines actions that the public and
private sector are committing to that will help recruit and retain the next generation of the
water workforce through workforce planning, technology training, and collaboration across the
federal government and the water sector. These actions will support workforce resiliency for
water utilities and thereby help ensure that Americans can continue relying on safe drinking
water and vital wastewater services that protect public health and the environment.

Working with federal agencies and state, local, and tribal partners, America's Water Sector
Workforce Initiative will highlight the vital work of the
water workforce and will serve as a catalyst to encourage
the choice of water careers through education and public
outreach.

EPA is collaborating with several agencies—including the
U.S. Department of Labor, the Department of Agriculture,
the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs—to
coordinate expertise and resources through the Initiative.
EPA will also continue to work with other essential partners
across the water sector, including states and tribes, utilities
and associations, and technical assistance providers.
To support or join this important effort, send an email
to WaterSectorWorkforce@epaIgov or check out the
Water Sector Workforce website.

2021 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Multi-Sector General Permit

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the 2021 National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System Multi-Sector General Permit for stormwater discharges from industrial
activity on January 15, 2021. This final permit will become effective on March 1, 2021 and
replaces the 2015 MSGP, which expired on June 3, 2020. The 2021 MSGP covers stormwater
discharges from industrial facilities in areas where EPA is the NPDES permitting authority and
establishes requirements for eligibility, Notice of Intent, effluent limits, inspections, monitoring,
and other conditions for 29 sectors of industrial activity. For more information, visit EPA's
Industrial Stormwater website: epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-industrial-activities.

IT'S YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW!

Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program

Providing Pollution Prevention and Toxic Chemical Release Information


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

EPA Launches New Clearinghouse
for Environmental Finance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a Clearinghouse for
Environmental Finance, an online database of land, air, and water information. This new
Clearinghouse catalogues available funding, financing, and instructional resources to aid
communities in their efforts to improve environmental conditions.

The Clearinghouse expands on the concept of the original Water Finance Clearinghouse,
launched in 2017, that served as the one-stop shop for communities researching ways to fund
and finance their water infrastructure needs to assist in local decision-making. The
new Clearinghouse includes over 1,800 funding and financing opportunities and information
resources from EPA's air, water, and land programs. Communities can use this system to
access information on funding and financing opportunities for environmental projects as well
as financial research, such as case studies, white papers, and webinars. You can access the
Clearinghouse for Environmental Finance here: www.epa.gov/chef

Background:

EPA's Water Finance Center manages the Clearinghouse for Environmental Finance. The
Center provides information on a suite of water sector financial topics, including through the
Water Finance Clearinghouse, coordination among EPA and other federal water funding
programs, and specialized support for communities requesting technical assistance for how to
afford water infrastructure improvements. Additional information about EPA's Water Finance
Center is available at www.epa.gov/waterfinancecenter.

/ \

Regional News

V	/

Two Region 10 Recipients Awarded EJ Grants

In October, EPA selected 28 organizations to receive new Environmental Justice grants, totaling
4.1 million dollars. 10 of these organizations will receive as much as $200,000 to support the
nationwide effort against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 10 COVID-19 grants are awarded through the State EJ Collaborative Problem-Solving
Cooperative Agreement Program. 18 organizations will get up to $120,000 to through the
EJ Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program to support community-
based efforts to develop and implement solutions addressing environmental and/or public
health issues for underserved communities. Among those 18 selected in Region 10 include
the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Idaho and Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes in
Alaska.

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes project is focused on community resiliency and air quality.
The project proposal leverages a community, tribal, and industry collaboration to develop a
community action plan to mitigate air quality and regional environmental impacts through the
implementation of renewable energy technology.

The Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribe's project is proposing an educational expo
for community members to learn how to plan for their families in the event of an emergency
or disaster. They also plan to make a tool or app available at the expo to help families in the
community access clean water for drinking and every day needs. For more details on grants,
awards, and environmental justice, please visit the EPA EJ Grants and Resources page.

A


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Winter 2021

Alaska Forum on the Environment



February 8-11

With the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and priority to ensure the health and safety of
all our attendees, the Alaska Forum on the Environment 2021 will be offered as a virtual event
through Alaska Connect, a new online training and events platform in partnership with Knik
Tribe. Thanks to this partnership, technical sessions and environmental trainings will now be
offered through Alaska Connect all year long. To keep the tradition of AFE, enhanced content,
trainings and world-renown keynotes will still take place February 8-11.

Sign up for an individual or business subscription to Alaska Connect and attend all the trainings
you want throughout the year including the sessions during the week of AFE.

AFE sessions will cover a variety of topics from local and national subject matter experts
delivered virtually through the Alaska Connect platform. Training sessions focused on
climate change; energy; science; contaminated sites cleanup and remediation; emergency
preparedness; fish, wildlife, habitat, forests and invasive species; marine debris; solid waste; oil
spill prevention and response; resource development; sustainability; and many more. Details
and registration available on the Alaska Forum on the Environment website.

Alaska Remote Generation Report to Congress

oEPA

United States

Affordable and Reliable Options for
Meeting Energy Needs and Reducing Emissions

A Report to Congress as Directed by the
Alaska Remote Generator Reliability and Protection Act

Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
in Consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy

In September, EPA submitted a Report to
Congress titled Remote Areas of Alaska:
Affordable and Reliable Options for Meeting
Energy Needs and Reducing Emissions.

This report presents options for the federal
government to assist remote areas of Alaska
with meeting the energy needs of those areas
in an affordable and reliable manner using
existing emissions control technology or other
technology that achieves similar emissions
reductions.

The report discusses measures such as
replacement of older diesel generators with
lower-emitting generators, fuel switching,
installation of renewable energy generation,
and community collaboration, as well as
existing federal government programs that
provide assistance to the remote areas.

8-


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

RTOC

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.

Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit 2022

The Region 10 Tribal Operations Committee hopes to hold the next Tribal Environmental
Leaders Summit in person in Oregon or Idaho in 2022. Please work with your Tribal
Coordinator if you wish to budget for this event and have any questions. Costs may
include airfare, per diem, and hotel for Portland, Oregon (although the exact location of
the Summit is unknown at this time), as well as the cost of registration. Scholarships will
be available to help meet shortfalls. The RTOC also plans to integrate virtual components
into the in-person summit.

Learn about the 2021 Summit at https://regionlOrtoc.net/tribal-leaders-summit

Stay Engaged with RTOC

•	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
Administrator, Randi Madison.

CONTACT: Randi Madison, RTOC Administrator • randi@regionlOrtoc.net

Tribal Consultation

A full list of consultation opportunities is available in
EPA's Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System

Consultation Opportunity for Tribes on Proposed Revision
to Guidance Addressing Awards of Grants to Indian Tribes
Under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act.

This consultation and coordination will be conducted in accordance with the EPA Policy on
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes. In addition, the EPA acknowledges that
tribes are experiencing operational impacts due to the COVID-19 public health emergency
and is taking this into consideration as we continue to work collaboratively to address
environmental issues.

The EPA is holding an informational webinar for tribes on two dates, February 2, 2021,
from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern Time, and on February 11, 2021 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern
Time. You can register online for the first webinar or the second webinar. These consultation
materials are also available in EPA's Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System website
located at: https://tcots.epa.gov.

Tribes will have until March 15, 2021 to provide comment on this action.

For any questions, please contact Jennifer Wintersteen with EPA Region 8 by email at
Wintersteen.jennifer@epa.gov or by phone at 406-457-5006.


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Winter 2021

Grants

1 February 3rd Webinar for Indigenous Peoples on EPA's
Competitive Grants Award Process

EPA is hosting a webiriar for indigenous peoples on EPA competitive financial assistance
programs Wednesday, February 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pacific or 10:30 to noon, Alaska.
For more information on the webinar, including the link for registration, please see below.

Webinar Details:

Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Pacific • 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Alaska

Overview: This webinar will cover EPA's competitive grants process and general management
and administrative issues. It is being offered to indigenous peoples, but other interested parties
are welcome to participate. The webinar will cover grants topics, including:

•	How to find and apply for grant opportunities.

•	EPA's Grants.gov requirements.

•	Information about the competitive process.

•	Preparing a proper budget detail.

If you are interested in applying for EPA grants, or are currently managing an EPA grant, please
consider attending this informative webinar! Participants are encouraged to raise questions for
presenters to address in real time.

How to Register:

Register at http://bit.ly/3t78Sqs

Webinar Materials:

•	Competition Presentation - The basics on competing for EPA Assistance Programs are at

epa.gov/grants/competition-overview-presentation-basics-competing-epa-assistance-
programs

•	Preparing and Managing Your EPA Award Presentation is at epa.gov/grants/preparing-
and-managing-your-epa-a ward-presentation

For more information on EPA's work with tribes and indigenous peoples on environmental
justice, please visit: epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-tribes-and-
indigenous-peoples.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact: Danny Gogal • gogal.danny@epa.gov

10-


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

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.

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.

/¦ \

ITEP E-Learning Online Courses

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is offering courses conducted over the
internet and include presentations via videos, assignments, activities, discussion boards,
and exams. ITEP offers instructor-led or self-paced online courses. Topics include quality
assurance project planning, introduction to rural Alaska landfill planning, HAZWOPER
8-hour refresher, partnerships and community outreach, and other topics. Browse their

full catalog of online courses.

^	'

RACEJT Environmental Job Training

EPA works with Zender Environmental Health and Research Group to help Alaska communities
build sustainable solid waste and other environmental programs.

Zender Environmental is offering environmental job training through RACEJT from April 14 to
May 28, 2021. RACEJT is open to underemployed rural Alaska residents.

Applications are due February 5. Courses include:

40 Hr. HAZWOPER	•	Job Readiness Skills

Confined Space Entry	•	Solid Waste Management

Rural Alaska Landfill Operator	•	Hazardous Waste Backhaul

Refrigerant Removal	•	USDOT Hazmat Regulations

Water Quality and Soil Sampling

For more information on RACEJT-CS, go to www.zendergroup.org/racejt.html
Application Instructions: http://www.zendergroup.org/racejt2021.html
Online Application: https://zender.dreamhosters.com/racejt-cs-application
Online Reference Forms: https://zender.dreamhosters.com/racejt-cs-application-referral

CONTACT : April McCoy, MS • RACEJT Program Manager/ EE and Outreach Coordinator
Zender Environmental Health and Research Group

907-717-4754-GCI cell • 907-877-355-6780-fax • 907-277-2111-office • www.zendergroup.org


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Winter 2021

I

N
G

The Rural Workforce Innovation Network
Monthly Virtual Series

EPA collaborates with USDA through the AK Interagency SW Working Group and the Northwest Partnership for Sustainable
Communities, AK Tribal Liaisons Inter-Agency Group, and the Northwest Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Join USDA Rural Development and members of the Rural Workforce Innovation Network
to learn about broadband funding opportunities and strategies that can be used to support
workforce development in rural America. Participants will be encouraged to share ideas, best
practices and resources to support America's rural workforce through improving broadband
access. To register, visit: http://bit.ly/3cjxm9S.

This workshop is part of a new series of monthly virtual workshops hosted by USDA for
RWIN members to connect and share information, resources and opportunities. Each month,
participants will explore a new topic to help address the workforce challenges facing rural
communities. To learn more about RWIN, how to join the network, or to register to attend
future workshops, visit www.rd.usda.gov/rwin. Interested parties may also join a mailing list to
receive updates from Rural Development about funding opportunities or resources that can be
used to support workforce development. If you have questions, please contact
RD.lnnovation.RWIN@usda.gov.

Wildfire Research Tribal Listening Sessions

EPA's Air and Energy Research Program invites you to a listening session to share your concerns
about wildland fires affecting tribal lands. A Tribal Listening Session will be held virtually on
February 17. To register, go to https://bit.ly/2NKN2ZD

The listening session will include discussion of the most pressing issues/challenges facing your
tribe related to wildland fires and smoke. For more information, contact Monica Rodia, US EPA
Office of Research and Development, ORD Senior Indian Program Manager, at
rodia.monica@epa.gov.

New FEMA Course on Emergency Response

EPA MOU with DHS and FEMA and participation in NMIS https://www.fema.gov/national-mitigation-investment-strategy
Flood Mitigation and Pre-Disaster Mitigation: FEMA is a partner in the AK Tribal Liaisons Inter Agency Group. HQ refers to their

websites on preparedness thru ready.gov.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is offering a new online independent study
course, IS-1190 National Oil & Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and the
National Response System. The goal of this course is to educate stakeholders and a larger
audience on planning for and responding to environmental incidents, and to highlight how the
NCP/NRS and the NRF/Stafford Act align. Upon completing this course, the participant will be
able to describe how to:

1.	Describe the regulatory frameworks and other federal doctrine that guide planning for, the
response to, and recovery from environmental incidents.

2.	Identify the planning and preparedness activities associated with the implementation of the
NCP and preparing for a response to an environmental incident.

3.	Explain the similarities and differences between an NCP and NRF response to an
environmental incident.

4.	Describe environmental incident disaster recovery guidance and damage assessment and
recovery process.

FEMA also offers two other online courses, Fundamentals of Emergency Management and
Workplace Security Awareness.

12-


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Indoor Air Quality

&EPA

Tools for Schools

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

ridoor Air Quality in K-12 Schools: Addressing the
Concept of Layered Risk Amidst COVID-19

Recording Now Available

In case you missed the November 19, 2020 webiriar, Indoor Air Quality in K-12 Schools:
Addressing the Concept of Layered Risk Amidst COVID-19, find the recording online!

Join experts from the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate and the American
Industrial Hygiene Association to learn how "layered risk reduction" strategies for addressing
current issues in school indoor air quality can help reduce health risks - including virus
transmission - and explore the scientific basis for IAQ guidance issued by government and
public health organizations.

Layered Risk Reduction Strategy

Also, visit the new Healthy Indoor Environments in Schools Webinar Series web page to
find webinars about best ventilation and cleaning practices, intended to help school staff in
responding to concerns in their facilities. Check this page regularly to find recent webinars from
our IAQ management champions. Recent examples include:

•	October 22, 2020: Meeting Current School Health Challenges and Beyond; New Tools to
Assess and Address IAQ Healthy and Safety

•	November 19, 2020: Indoor Air Quality in K-12 Schools: Addressing the Concept of Layered
Risk Amidst COVID-19

Questions?

EPA offers free IAQ Tools for Schools resources—including the School IAQ Assessment Mobile
App—to help schools maintain a healthy indoor environment by identifying, correcting and
preventing IAQ problems. Learn more about the IAQ Tools for Schools guidance and access
other valuable school environmental health resources at www.epa.gov/iaq-schools.

If you have any questions about the IAQ Tools for Schools guidance, please contact the IAQ Tools
for Schools Connector Coordinator at iaqschools@epa.gov.


-------
Region 10 Tribal Newsletter

Winter 2021

Calendar of Events

February

8-11 Alaska Forum on the Environment • Alaska Forum on the Environment.

Details and registration available on the Alaska Forum on the Environment
website.

16 Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals webinar: Estimating Non-
Point Source Emissions

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2752778405357615884

Feb. 16 - April 16 ITEP Indoor Air Quality Instructor Led Online Course for Alaska

http://bit.lv/39pzl5i

Feb. 16, March 16, April 13 Zender Environmental Health & Research Group
Community Waste Education Webinar Series (phone and/or internet).

www.zendergroup.org/docs/comm ed2021.pdf

23-26 Zender Backhaul Training (Internet required.)

Email ssebalo@zendergroup.org

March

23-25 Zender Water & Soil Sampling Training (phone and/or internet)

ssebalo@zendergroup.org

April

April 14 - May 28 Zender Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training - Core
Skills Program - Written Application Due Date: February 5

Online form; https://zender.dreamhosters.com/raceit-cs-application
Email: ssebalo@zendergroup.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.

14-


-------
Region 10
Tribal Newsletter

Vol. 29 No. 11-Winter2021





United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

Region 10 Tribal Program

1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 155
Mail Stop 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, 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

Catherine Vila, Grants Coordinator	 (206) 553-1544

Cathy Villa, Tribal Coordinator	(907) 271-1270

Jim Zokan, Tribal Coordinator	(208) 378-5772

IDAHO, OREGON, and WASHINGTON

Kristine Carre, Tribal Coordinator	(503) 326-7024

Michael Ortiz, Tribal Coordinator	(206) 553-6234

Lucas DuSablon, Tribal Coordinator	(206) 553-2987

c

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

-15


-------