Announcements 2008

Find out about events and news of interest to those who live and work in Indian country, including upcoming training, conferences, workshops and the latest TribalAIR news.

If you have a tribal announcement not listed on this page, please use the Contact Us link, located at the top and bottom of the page, to submit your announcement.

If you would like to be notified whenever the Announcements page is updated, register for Tribal Air Mail

Recent Announcements | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

05/13/08

Final Guidance and Policy for Implementation of Tribal Air Monitoring Programs.

OAQPS is pleased to present to you the final Guidance and Policy for Implementation of Tribal Air Monitoring Programs. Attached you will find the memorandum from Steve Page and the file for the document.
Memo (PDF 2 PP, 74 KB)
Guidance Doc (PDF 41 PP, 168 KB)

05/09/08

EJ Small Grants RFA.

Please find below a link to the request for applications for EPA's EJ
Small Grants program. Tribal governments are now, once again, eligible
to apply for these resources. The total dollar amount of any one grant
is $20,000. The applications are due June 30th. Please share this
information with your tribal government contacts.

This is the information for organizations interested in participating in
the application assistance conference calls: May 14 / 1:30-2:30 June 18 /
1:30-2:30 Call in Number - 1.866.299.3188 Conference Code - 202 564 9843

EOJ Link 1
EOJ Link 2

05/06/08

The NTAA and EPA will hold their monthly call on May 15, 2008 at 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 PM Central; 12:00 PM Mountain; 11:00 AM Pacific; 10:00 AM Alaska ).
The call in number is: (866) 299-3188 The pass code is: 919-541-5624

The main focus on the call will be the recently announced Lead NAAQS revisions (see http://www.epa.gov/air/lead/). EPA announced the revisions last week. It will be published in the Federal Register on May 15, with a 60 day public comment period. Attached is the notice to tribal leaders, developed by EPA.
Notice (PDF) (2pp, 47k)
Proposal Presentation (PDF) (19pp, 322k)
Maps (PDF) (4pp, 860k)

Consultation on the Lead NAAQS

On May 1, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to strengthen the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for lead. The purpose of this letter is to invite you to consult on this proposal.

The proposed rule will establish new uniform national standards for lead in ambient air to protect public health. EPA proposes to revise the level of the primary (health-based) standard to within the range of 0.10 to 0.30 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), and to revise the secondary (welfare-based) standard to be identical in all respects to the primary standard. The proposed standards will significantly strengthen the standards of 1.5 µg/m3 set in 1978.

In addition to proposing to change the level of the standard, EPA is also proposing to improve the monitoring network and outlining an approach and timeline for implementing the revisions to the lead standards. The proposed rule and accompanying materials, including maps relating to current air quality and emissions of lead from stationary sources in the U.S., are available on EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/air/lead .

Though lead emissions have declined significantly in the U.S. following the permanent phaseout of leaded gasoline, there are still a variety of lead sources in the U.S. and even small amounts of lead in the air may pose a public health risk. Lead in the air can be inhaled or, after it settles out of the air, can be ingested. It causes a variety of effects at low levels of exposure including effects on the blood, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys, and immune system. Children are particularly sensitive to the effects of lead. Exposures to low levels of lead early in life are associated with effects on IQ, learning, memory, and behavior.

EPA does not believe the proposed rule will have adverse implications for Tribes because it increases the level of environmental protection nationwide. However, to ensure that your lands and interests are protected, we open the door to consultation and welcome any additional information about the standards or potential impacts you would like to share.

EPA will accept comment for 60 days after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. EPA will also hold public hearings on June 12, 2008, in Baltimore, Maryland, and St. Louis, Missouri. We will be available to discuss the proposed revisions in other settings as well, such as during the next National Tribal Air Association/EPA joint conference call on air quality, at the 2008 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality in June, and with Regional Tribal Operations Committees. If you prefer to initiate a formal consultation with EPA on this rule, please contact Laura McKelvey at (919) 541-5497 or Deirdre Murphy at (919) 541-0729.

We want your input to assure that we develop the best rules possible. We endeavor to conduct our efforts with sensitivity to the needs and culture of Tribes and with attention to the impact of our actions on Tribal sovereignty. We look forward to receiving your input.
Sincerely,

Lydia N. Wegman
Director
Health and Environmental Impacts Division
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards

05/02/08

Proposed Revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Lead

Fact Sheet (PDF 7 PP, 97 KB)
For more information please visit www.epa.gov/air/lead

Below is the schedule for the Friday morning stakeholder conference calls on the Lead NAAQS proposal. All calls will be 40 minutes in length with the exception of the industry call which will last only 30 mins. EPA staff at HQ will meet in 5415 ARN for the conference calls.

Similar to the ozone calls, we will provide alternating dial-in information to the select stakeholder groups so that there won't be overlap. Also, there will be introductions of the participants and key staff on the call and then defer to OAQPS to discuss the technical aspects, followed by stakeholder Q & A.

Please let EPA know if you have any concerns or edits or select stakeholders that you wish to ensure receive an invite to participate. We will be sending these out to select stakeholder groups shortly. OCIR will be inviting their state and local groups in a similar time frame. Please also note that we will be informing the Regional Public Affairs Directors of these calls and their times per a request we received this week.

Friday, May 2, 2008 Lead NAAQS Proposal Stakeholder Conference Calls

10:00am Industry conference call briefing Dial-In: 866-299-3188, dial-in code 2025643657

10:30am Environmentalist / NGO / Public Heath conference call briefing Dial-In: 866-299-3188, dial-in code 2025647841

11:15am State and local conference call briefing Dial-In: 866-299-3188, dial-in code 2025643657

12:00pm Tribal conference call briefing Dial-In: 866-299-3188, dial-in code 202 564 7841

05/01/08

Lead NAAQS Stakeholder Conference Calls

Friday, May 2, 2008 Lead NAAQS Proposal Stakeholder Conference Calls

10:00am Industry conference call briefing
Dial-In: 866-299-3188,
dial-in code 202 564 3657

10:30am Environmentalist / NGO / Public Heath conference call briefing
Dial-In: 866-299-3188,
dial-in code 202 564 7841

11:15am State and local conference call briefing
Dial-In: 866-299-3188,
dial-in code 202 564 3657

12:00pm Tribal conference call briefing
Dial-In: 866-299-3188,
dial-in code 202 564 7841

05/01/08

Lead NAAQS Proposal Signed (see more at the lead web site)

Proposed Rule (PDF) (451pp, 1.2 MB)
Fact sheet (PDF) (7pp, 96k)

04/30/08

Supporting an Inter-Tribal Alliance on Climate Change

Resolution (PDF 2 PP, 501 KB)

04/23/08

NEW SOURCE REVIEW (NSR) (Level 3) Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
July 29-31, 2008

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration): May 23, 2008
Download application form here [PreReg_NSR.pdf, 7 pgs]
More Information

04/22/08

EPA Approves Air Redesignation for Forest County Potawatomi

Fact Sheet (PDF 1 PP, 25 KB)
FCP Desk Statement (PDF 1 PP, 12 KB)

04/17/08

2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards & Air Quality Index Update Broadcast

The U.S. EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) will hold a two hour satellite seminar on the revisions to the Ozone NAAQS for air quality professionals. The primary and secondary standards, health information and the ozone Air Quality Index will be featured. In this program, EPA representatives will discuss briefly where we are with the Monitoring Rule and implementation of the 1997 NAAQS as well as plans for implementation of the 2008 NAAQS. We will hold the last hour of the program for a live question and answer session. The call in number for viewers to submit questions will be posted on the screen the day of the broadcast. This program features an introduction by Steve Page, Jenny Noonan as the Moderator and presentations by Lydia Wegman, Lew Weinstock and Kimber Scavo.

Target Audience
This broadcast is targeted to State, local, and Tribal air agency personnel
If you miss this broadcast you may view it at the following website beginning early May 2008:
http://www.epa.gov/apti/ under Archived Broadcasts.

Contact: Deborah R. Miller 919-541-5552 or Lena (Vickey) Epps-Price 919-541-5573

04/14/08

The first draft of the QA Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems- Volume II Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Program
is available for review.

The document updates the 1998 version and can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/qabook.html
Please send any review comments to Mike Papp (papp.michael@epa.gov) by May 30, 2008.

04/3/08

TRIBAL DATA TOOLBOX (Level 3) May 20-23, 2008 Flagstaff, Arizona

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration) : March 24, 2008
Download application form here [PreReg_TOOLBOX.pdf, 8 pgs]

More Information (PDF 2PP, 19 KB)

The scheduled Tribal Air Update conference call that was scheduled for today (April 3, 2 PM EDT) has been moved to April 10 at 2:00 PM EDT (1:00 PM Central, 12:00 PM Mountain, 11:00 AM Pacific & AZ, and 10:00 AM Alaska).

The focus of this call will be on the upcoming proposed NAAQS Lead changes. Other topics are being discussed to add to the agenda.
Call-in-Number (866)299-3188
Access Code: (919) 541-5624

Attached is the call summary from the previous call, (PDF 4 PP, 29 KB) March 6, 2008.
You may contactStephen Hartsfield or Laura McKelvey if you have any questions or ideas for agenda topics.

04/2/08

Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard Conference Call Handouts.

Attached are handouts for the conference call to be held on April 2, 2008.
Ozone Final NAAQS Presentation (PDF 17 PP, 315 KB)
Ozone Air Quality Maps of 1997 (PDF 4 PP, 518 KB)

03/27/08

Ozone NAAQS Rule & AQI Update - April 21, 2008 - 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT

The U.S. EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) will hold a two hour satellite seminar on the revisions to the NAAQS rule for air quality professionals. Secondary Standard, Health Information and the Ozone Air Quality Index will also be featured. In this program, EPA representatives will discuss briefly where we are with the Monitoring Rule and the Implementation. We will hold the last hour of the program for a live question and answer session. The call in number will be posted on the screen on the day of the broadcast. A more descriptive announcement will be sent later along with a 3 month schedule.
Target Audience
This broadcast is targeted to Tribal, Federal, State and local air agency personnel.
If you miss this broadcast you may view it on the web at the following website
http://www.epa.gov/apti/ under Archived Broadcasts by May 21, 2008.

03/26/08

Briefing on the new National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone

The Agency released the new National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone on March 12th. We would like to provide a briefing on this standard to the Tribes. After discussing this with some of the tribes on the NTOC and NTAA we agreed to have a joint briefing.
We will have a conference call for any of you who are interested in learning about the new NAAQS on
Wednesday April 2 at 2:00 ET, 1:00 pm Central, 12Noon Mountain, 11:00 am Pacific and 10:00 am Alaska Time.
The call in number is 1-866-299-3188 and the passcode is 919-541-5624#.

03/25/08

Using the New AQI Ozone Standard

Agencies are requested to use the new AQI for ozone for the entire 2008 ozone season, even though the season starts before the effective date of the ozone NAAQS rule. Information is also available at the AIRNow web page at http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.DisplayStory&myItemID=10084&StoryType=3.
AQI Memo (PDF 2 PP, 61 KB)
Revised Ozone Breakpoints (PDF 1 PP, 11 KB)
Final Ozone Fact Sheets (PDF 6 PP, 36 KB)
2008 AQI Changes (PDF 2 PP, 26 KB)

03/18/08

EPA Strengthens Smog Standards to Better Protect Public Health and the Environment

Contact Information: Jonathan Shradar, (202) 564-4355 / shradar.jonathan@epa.gov or Cathy Milbourn, (202) 564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov; En español: Lina Younes, (202) 564-4355 / younes.lina@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. – March 12, 2008) EPA today met its requirements of the Clean Air Act by signing the most stringent 8-hour standard ever for ozone, revising the standards for the first time in more than a decade. The agency based the changes on the most recent scientific evidence about the effects of ozone, the primary component of smog.
More Information (PDF 2 PP, 18 KB)

03/11/08

Mercury Monitoring Workshop, Annapolis MD, May 5-7 2008

This is just a reminder to please let us know by Friday, March 14, if
you plan to attend the Mercury Monitoring Workshop in Annapolis, MD, on
May 5-7, 2008. For more information, see the message below that was sent
on February 14, 2008.
More Info (PDF 2 PP, 14 KB)
Mercury Monitoring Invite (PDF 2 PP, 51 KB)

TRIBAL DATA TOOLBOX (Level 3) May 20-23, 2008 Flagstaff, Arizona

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration) : March 24, 2008
Download application form here [PreReg_TOOLBOX.pdf, 8 pgs]

Course Description: This course will provide training on the Tribal Data Toolbox , a completely free, stand-alone Microsoft Access database designed specifically for tribal air programs. The Toolbox can store and manage all air monitoring data, including criteria pollutants (both manual and continuous methods), meteorological data, QC and audit data, as well as administrative information such as personnel, site information, and equipment tracking. The Toolbox is capable of AQS data file generation, as well as many reports and charts.
Topics include:
• Entering and modifying personnel, site, and equipment data
• Entering and using Quality Control (QC) data
• Importing continuous and manual (filter) method data files
• Importing meteorological data files
• Qualifying (flagging) and invalidating data
• Generating reports and charts both as summary information and to assist you in interpreting your data
• Generating AQS formatted data files

Who should attend: This course is designed for tribal environmental professionals who are currently monitoring or collecting data for at least one criteria pollutant, or for meteorological conditions. This is an advanced course; applicants should have a firm understanding of air monitoring data prior to attending.

Course Structure and Approach: This course will include extensive hands-on computer exercises and activities as well as lectures. Participants will be asked to bring copies of recent data sets for use during class activities. Participants will be expected to have an intermediate-level working knowledge of Microsoft Windows. Although the course is structured around a Microsoft Access database, the database is form-driven and user-friendly, therefore no previous Access experience is necessary.

Pre-Requisites:
• Introduction to Tribal Air Quality (or equivalent experience)
• Air Quality Computations (or equivalent experience)
• Air Pollution Technology

How to Apply for the Course: Read all enclosed information carefully. Fill out both sides of the enclosed Application Form and fax it to the TAMS Center by the Pre-Registration date listed for priority consideration. Applications received after the pre-registration period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The “Personal Data” section is required for first-time applicants or applicants who need to update information. The “Course-Related Information” section is required of all applicants. Information obtained on the application form is used to aid the selection process and prepare instructors for interaction with participants; please be as specific as possible. Incomplete application forms may be omitted from the applicant pool.
Selection for the course will be on a "space availability" basis and will be limited to 10 registrants. ITEP staff will review each application and will determine those who would most benefit from this training.

Training Course Costs: Lodging and reimbursement for meal costs will be paid by Northern Arizona University and the US Environmental Protection Agency and will be limited to course participants from federally recognized tribes. Costs for transportation to and from the training location, as well as incidentals such as phone calls, and room service are the responsibility of the participant. However, stipends to cover some or all of the costs associated with transportation to/from the training location can be granted by ITEP to eligible applicants. Stipends are awarded based on availability of funds and participants are encouraged to apply. Please submit reimbursement forms within 10 business days after the end of the course.

Travel and Hotel Arrangements: Your hotel reservations will be made by NAU. Detailed information regarding hotel arrangements will be sent to you with notification of your selection for this training course. Lodging costs are FREE to tribal participants, provided that they attend the entire course. Please read the enclosed “Attendee Expectations” sheet for more information. Transportation arrangements to and from the training location are the responsibility of the participant; however, you must obtain a letter of selection for the course prior to making airline arrangements. Families are not encouraged to travel as full participation by the attendee is required.

Additional Responsibilities: Once you have agreed to attend it is absolutely essential that you complete the training course in full in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. If you must cancel after a travel stipend has been awarded, we will require full reimbursement of the stipend and any other costs incurred.

**Excessive cancellations or poor attendance may jeopardize your eligibility for future courses.**

03/5/08

NTAA/EPA Conference Call - March 6, 2008, 2 PM Eastern Time.
The call in number is 1-866-299-3188 passcode 919-541-5624.

The draft agenda is:
1) OTAQ will discuss the Energy Security and Independence Act and the GHG rule
2) OAP will provide an update on some of their activities
3) OAQPS will update you on PM designations
4) OAQPS will do a quick update on NSR issues (NOTE the deadline for comments on the PSD modeling increment rule is April 4)
6) NTF agenda
5) NTEC/NTAA updates

Mandatory GHG Reporting Rulemaking Presentation (PDF 8 228 KB)

02/18/08

Improving Public Health and the Environment for Local Communities is Just a Click Away

Contact: Cathy Milbourn, (202) 564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov

A new EPA Web site features dozens of projects that local communities can do to help make the air cleaner and healthier to breathe. The "Improving Air Quality in Your Community" Web site features activities for reducing both indoor and outdoor pollution, including diesel engine retrofit programs, improving air quality in local schools, and pollution prevention options for small businesses. These projects have a successful track record: they were previously put into action by state and local governments across the country. This site includes information about the costs to establish and maintain each project, and how local communities can apply for EPA grants to kick-start their activities.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/air/community/

02/12/08

AIR POLLUTION TECHNOLOGY (Level 2)
April 28-May 2, 2008 Las Vegas, Nevada

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration) : March 10, 2008
Download application form here [PreReg_TECH.pdf, 7 pgs]
Course Description (PDF 2 PP, 14KB)

02/11/08

2008 Joint National Tribal Forum / National Tribal Air Association conference on Air Quality to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 3-5, 2008

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) would like to invite you to attend the 2008 Joint National Tribal Forum / National Tribal Air Association conference on Air Quality to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 3-5, 2008.
The joint meeting is a gathering of tribal environmental professionals concerned about air quality in Indian Country. This conference is co-hosted by ITEP and NTAA, and sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air & Radiation. NTAA staff will provide opportunities for discussion of budget and policy issues, and ITEP will present education, training, and monitoring updates. We also want to hear from YOU at this conference! If you're interested in presenting a poster or giving a presentation please let us know! The more we can do to highlight the good work of the tribes, the more we'll learn from one-another.
All interested tribal environmental professionals, U.S. EPA representatives, and members of national tribal organizations are encouraged to attend. This conference is designed to allow attendees time and a venue to share with and learn from one another.
The conference agenda will include: Discussion of EPA's air quality budget, how it works and what tribes can do to make a positive impact; Trends in national air quality and public health impacts; The latest on climate change and what tribes are doing to address this critical issue; Mercury monitoring; Tribal new source review rule; Indoor air quality; Wood stoves change out program; Student internships; and much, much more.
Scholarship and Registration Information
A limited number of travel scholarships are available for tribes. ITEP will cover hotel and per diem costs for tribal participants on a limited basis (per diem rate $59.00 / $99.00 lodging per day). Applicants can submit requests for stipends to cover transportation costs (airfare and/or mileage reimbursement), however funds are limited and requests will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The deadline to request travel scholarship support is April 11, 2008
Registration Deadline for all other participants is April 25, 2008:
If you have questions regarding registration contact Sharlene Brown at ITEP:
email: Sharlene.Brown@nau.edu
phone: (928) 523-5504
Please visit the NTF website http://www4.nau.edu/itep/programs/ntf08/index.asp to register for the conference.

Request for Applications: Smart Growth Implementation Assistance

Free technical assistance available!
Are you trying to encourage specific smart growth techniques like transit-oriented development? Or direct your state department of transportation investments to better support smart growth? Are you looking to use smart growth to reach greenhouse gas reduction goals? Do you need help analyzing guidelines for school investments that best fit your state or community? Do you need to retrofit a commercial corridor? Or coordinate your community's smart growth design with an active aging program?

The Development, Community, and Environment Division in U.S. EPA's Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation is responding to this need by issuing a request for applications for the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program. Through this program, a team of multidisciplinary experts will provide free technical assistance to communities, regions, or states that want to develop in ways that meet environmental and other local or regional goals.

Communities, regions, and states around the country are interested in building stronger neighborhoods, protecting their environmental resources, enhancing public health, and planning for development, but they may lack the tools, resources, or information to achieve these goals. EPA can help applicants overcome these roadblocks by providing evaluation tools and expert analysis.

EPA is soliciting applications from communities that want help with either policy analysis or public participatory processes. Selected communities will receive assistance in the form of a multi-day visit from a team of experts organized by EPA and other national partners to work with local leaders. Applications will be accepted until May 8, 2009.

For more information and application materials, please go to www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia.htm.

02/8/08

CAMR Court Decision

Before the court are petitions for review of two final rules promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the emission of hazardous air pollutants (“HAPs”) from electric utility steam generating units (“EGUs”). The first rule removes coal- and oil-fired EGUs from the list of sources whose emissions are regulated under section 112 of the Clean Air Act (“CAA”), 42 U.S.C. § 7412. Revision of December 2000 Regulatory Finding “Delisting Rule”), 70 Fed. Reg. 15,994 (Mar. 29, 2005). The second rule sets performance standards pursuant to section 111, 42 U.S.C. § 7411, for new coal-fired EGUs and establishes total mercury emissions limits for States and certain tribal areas, along with a voluntary cap-and-trade program for new and existing coal-fired EGUs. Standards of Performance for New and Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Steam Generating Units (“CAMR”), 70 Fed. Reg. 28,606 (May 18, 2005).
CAMR Ruling (PDF 18 PP, 52 KB)

Update on the Ambient Air Monitoring Quality Assurance Sessions at the 2008, 27th Annual Conference on Managing Environmental Quality Systems April 21-24, 2008 in Seattle, Washington.

EPA sponsors a national conference on managing quality systems for environmental programs every year. This conference is a national forum for disseminating and exchanging information on managing the quality of environmental data; discussion and action on issues of national concern; training; and technical presentations. The conference is open to all interested members of the environmental community including representatives from EPA, other Federal Agencies, State, local, and Tribal governments, academia, and the private sector. There is no charge for attending the conference or training.
For the past 7 years the OAQPS Ambient Air Monitoring Group (AAMG) has facilitated sessions at this conference devoted to quality assurance activities for ambient air monitoring. This year, AAMG will hold a one day ambient air monitoring quality system training course ( half day Monday April 21 & half day Tuesday April 22) and a second day (Wednesday April 23) devoted to presentations and discussions of ambient air QA related issues. For more information on this conference, please visit the EPA Quality Staff’s website http://www.epa.gov/quality1/meeting.html . For more information on the training course, go to http://www.epa.gov/quality/qs-2008agenda.html#air .

You can register for the ambient air monitoring quality system training course by emailing Mike Papp ( papp.michael@epa.gov ) with the following information:

Name
Job Title
Organization
Mail Address
Email address

02/6/08

Upcoming Tribal Training and Workshops and Summer Internships (PDF 12 PP, 32KB)

Environmental Summer Internship Program - Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals of Northern Arizona University in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is sponsoring the 2008 Environmental Summer Student Internship Program. Students will have the opportunity to gain professional skills by, assisting government agencies and Native American tribes with special environmental projects related to air quality and environmental protection. Projects may consist of: conducting research or conducting field operations, developing public policy or developing environmental education materials, working in environmental engineering or working with GIS, spending your time in an office or spending time in the woods. COMPLETE application packet should be received by February 15th, 2008.
Requirements:
O Full-time Undergraduate or Graduate student with satisfactory academic standing
O Major in an environmental (science, engineering, planning, policy, law, management) or related (political science, anthropology, health) field.
O Good communication (verbal and written) and word processing skills
O An strong interest in working with Native American tribes
For more information http://www4.nau.edu/eeop/internships/ssi_internship.asp
Questions: Mansel A. Nelson, mansel.nelson@nau.edu, 928 523 1275
SSI Internship Announcement (PDF, 1 PP, 34 KB)

Virgil Masayesva Tribal Air Award Nominations.

Purpose: To recognize outstanding contributions in support of enhancement and improvement of human health and environmental protection in Indian country.
What: The award recognizes tribal environmental staff, tribal air programs, or other environmental professionals that have demonstrated leadership in tribal air programs.
Who is eligible: Tribal environmental professionals, tribal programs, environmental professionals in consortia, universities or other areas who have supported air quality protection in Indian country. TAMS and ITEP staff are not eligible for this award.
Nomination Form (MS Word)

01/30/08

Due This Week - Your Abstract for USEPA Emissions Inventory Conference 2008

Abstracts for the 17th Annual International Emissions Inventory Conference are due by the end of this week February 1 2008. The Conference will be held in Portland, Oregon on June 2-5, 2008. The technical program topics of interest are listed in our Call for Papers on the 2008 Conference Website at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/ei17/index.html. Please do not delay to claim your spot in this technical program. You will also find in the call for papers a link to our on-line submission process.

This year’s theme, ‘Inventory Evolution - Portal to improved Air Quality’ emphasizes new and evolving uses of the air emission inventories, the motivation for those uses, and the impact on emissions data development.
In addition to the technical sessions and networking opportunities, we will offer registration for training courses including both on-site and by Web casts. The on-site training will cover:
· Introduction to Emission Inventories
· Greenhouse Gases Emission Characterization
· Mobile sources emission estimation models
· National Emission Inventory Data System (EIS)
The on-line Web casts will be offered and scheduled prior to Conference for training on emission inventory tools such as Water9, WebFIRE, LANDGEM, and SPECIATE.

We also trying something new this year by seeking interest for an emissions inventory ‘software showcase’. We emphasize that the showcase is for both private sector software developers and public entities to demonstrate their wares to Conference attendees. We encourage those of you from State, local, tribal, and regional agencies to participate. This will be an opportunity for you to showcase your efforts with your counterparts in other agencies regarding development and application of emission inventory related software. We hope the showcase will lead to a sharing of ideas and solutions among those involved in developing and using software for emissions inventory applications. Interested parties should complete and submit on-line the survey posted at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/ei17/presenter/index.html.
Come to Portland and participate in this year’s conference! We look forward to seeing you.

01/23/08

The 2006 Air Quality Trends Report, "Latest Findings on National Air Quality -- Status and Trends through 2006", has been officially released and is available on the EPA AirTrends website at http://www.epa.gov/air/airtrends/2007/index.html

As many of you may know, we had not produced an official trends report for a few years and just provided summary data on the web, but we decided this year to return to the formal report format. I would like to thank the staff in the Air Quality Analysis Group in OAQPS and especially Ellen Baldridge, who led the team, for their efforts in developing this report. I would also like to thank the staff in other OAR offices (OAP, OTAQ) and Regions who participated in the process as well. I hope you will find the report informative. We plan to return to developing an annual report and hope to have the 2007 version out by early fall 2008.

TRIBAL DATA TOOLBOX (Level 3) April 8-11, 2008 Flagstaff, Arizona

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration): February 22, 2008
Download application form here [PreReg_TOOLBOX.pdf, 8 pgs] More Information (PDF 2 PP, 16 KB)

01/22/08

27th Annual Conference on Managing Environmental Quality Systems

Ambient Air Monitoring Quality Assurance Sessions at the 2008, 27th Annual Conference on Managing Environmental Quality Systems April 21-24, 2008 in Seattle, Washington.
EPA sponsors a national conference on managing quality systems for environmental programs every year. This conference is a national forum for disseminating and exchanging information on managing the quality of environmental data; discussion and action on issues of national concern; training; and technical presentations. The conference is open to all interested members of the environmental community including representatives from EPA, other Federal Agencies, State, local, and Tribal governments, academia, and the private sector. There is no charge for attending the conference or training.
For the past 7 years, the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards has facilitated sessions at this conference devoted to quality assurance activities for ambient air monitoring. This year, OAQPS will hold a one day ambient air monitoring quality system training course and a second day devoted to presentations and discussions of ambient air QA related issues. For more information on this conference, please visit the EPA Quality Staff’s website http://www.epa.gov/quality1/meeting.html

01/18/08

The 2008 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency CARE Cooperative Agreement Request for Proposals (RFP) is now available on-line. The application time line has been extended to 3 months and the deadline is March 17, 2008.

The CARE website has additional information related to the CARE RFP, including our upcoming Q&A Webcasts.

About the CARE RFP
Around $3 million will be available in 2008 to support community-based partnerships to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program.
EPA anticipates awarding CARE cooperative agreements in two levels. Level I cooperative agreements range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities. Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each, will support communities which have established broad-based partnerships, have identified the priority toxic risks in the community, and are prepared to measure results, implement risk reduction activities, and become self-sustaining. In 2007, $3.4 million in cooperative agreements were made available to more than 20 communities through the CARE program, a community-based, community-driven program that builds partnerships to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources. Examples of projects include addressing abandoned, contaminated industrial and residential properties in Gary, Ind., dealing with agriculture-related toxics in Yakima County, Wash., and reducing air emissions from diesel trucks and buses in Woonsocket, R.I. Since 2005, the grants to reduce toxics in the environment have reached almost 50 communities in over 20 states.

Applications for the CARE grants are due March 17, 2008. Eligible applicants include county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities. EPA will conduct three conference calls, Jan. 18, Feb. 11 and 27, for prospective applicants to ask questions about the application process.

Additional information about the CARE program, previous cooperative agreement recipients, and applying for the 2008 grants.

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CARE Request for Proposals Q&A Webcast (also available on http://www.epa.gov/care)

The CARE program will conduct three national information sessions for cooperative agreement applicants via national Internet seminars, or Webcasts, in January and February 2008.

January 18, 2008 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. eastern time

February 11, 2008 1:00 - 12:30 p.m. eastern time

February 27, 2008 10:00 – 12:00 a.m. eastern time
To register for the upcoming CARE Internet Seminar for either of the above dates, please go to:
http://www.cluin.org/studio/seminar.cfm.

01/11/08

Tribal Air Quality conference call - January 17, 2008 at 2:00 PM Eastern

The call will occur on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 PM Central; noon Mountain ; 11:00 AM Pacific; 10:00 AM Alaska ).
The conference number is 866-299-3188 (pass code: 919 541 5624#).

We are currently finalizing the topics for the agenda. Here is a preliminary agenda:
· Update on current Climate Change legislation (U.S. Congress).
· Update on recent rules and regulations (including: PSD, NSR, flex-permit, PM,
Ozone) which have had tribal interest in 2007.
· Potential policies and regulations which may have tribal interest in 2008.
(including lead and Fugitive Rule).
· NTAA updates - status of EC members; NTF conference update
· Announcements

Three items are attached: the announcement (for the call); an NTAA weekly update (November 16) on the fugitive rule; a document created from the comments compiled during the tribal NSR workgroup calls – this is on considerations/ tips for consultation. The last attachment is in draft form and open for comment.

“INDOOR AIR QUALITY in ALASKA” (Level 1) - Anchorage, Alaska - April 1-3, 2008

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration) : February 12, 2008
Download application form here [PreReg_IAQ-AK.pdf, 7 pgs]

Course Description: This entry-level course is designed to provide an understanding of common indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in village homes. There will be an overview of building science as it applies to homes, an overview of indoor air pollutants and their health effects, and appropriate tips for solving IAQ problems. There will also be hands-on practice with a comprehensive checklist used to identify IAQ problems in homes.
Topics Include:
• Basics of building science, ventilation, and pressure imbalance
• Overview of indoor air pollutants
• Overview of mold
• Health concerns related to indoor air quality
• Inexpensive methods to investigate home IAQ problems
• Conducting a residential IAQ investigation
• Inexpensive solutions to IAQ problems
• Outreach about IAQ

Who should attend: There is no prerequisite for this course. It is open to village staff from environmental, housing, or health departments. Preference will be given to applicants who have an indoor air quality task in a grant workplan.

Course Structure and Approach: This three-day course will consist of lectures and village case studies, as well as small-group activities and hands-on practice.

How to Apply for the Course: Read all enclosed information carefully. Fill out both sides of the enclosed Application Form and fax it to ITEP by the Pre-Registration date listed for priority consideration. Applications received after the pre-registration period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The “Personal Data” section is required for first-time applicants or applicants who need to update information. The “Course-Related Information” section is required of all applicants. Information obtained on the application form is used to aid the selection process and prepare instructors for interaction with participants; please be as specific as possible. Incomplete application forms may be omitted from the applicant pool.
Selection for the course will be on a "space availability" basis and will be limited to 18 registrants. ITEP staff will review each application and will determine those who would most benefit from this training.
Training Course Costs: Lodging and reimbursement for meal costs will be paid by Northern Arizona University and the US Environmental Protection Agency and will be limited to course participants from federally recognized tribes. Costs for transportation to and from the training location, as well as incidentals such as phone calls, and room service are the responsibility of the participant. However, stipends to cover some or all of the costs associated with transportation to/from the training location can be granted by ITEP to eligible applicants. Stipends are awarded based on availability of funds and participants are encouraged to apply. Reimbursement forms must be submitted 10 business days after the end of the course.
Travel and Hotel Arrangements: Your hotel reservations will be made by NAU. Detailed information regarding hotel arrangements will be sent to you with notification of your selection for this training course. Lodging costs are FREE to tribal participants, provided that they attend the entire course. Please read the enclosed “Attendee Expectations” sheet for more information. Transportation arrangements to and from the training location are the responsibility of the participant; however, you must obtain a letter of selection for the course prior to making airline arrangements. Families are not encouraged to travel as full participation by the attendee is required.
Additional Responsibilities: Once you have agreed to attend it is absolutely essential that you complete the training course in full in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. If you must cancel after a travel stipend has been awarded, we will require full reimbursement of the stipend and any other costs incurred.

**Excessive cancellations or poor attendance may jeopardize your eligibility for future courses.**

Announcements 2008

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