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.
10/27/04
FY 2005 Exchange Network Grant Program Solicitation Notice
EPA's Office of Environmental Information (OEI) sponsors the Exchange Network Grant Program to provide funding to states, territories, federally recognized Indian tribes, and tribal consortia to support the development of the Environmental Information Exchange Network. The Exchange Network is an Internet- and standards-based, secure information network that supports the electronic collection, exchange, and integration of high-quality data. Funding for the grant program has been provided through annual congressional appropriations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The solicitation for 2005 grants can be accessed at http://www.epa.gov/Networkg/.
To date, 40 tribes have received one of these grants. To read about tribes that have submitted successful proposals, please visit http://www.epa.gov/Networkg/tribal/. For example, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community received a $48,000 grant to develop a Network Assessment Plan and a Network Management and Development Plan. The purpose of this plan is to streamline the Community's e-commerce exchange capacity to provide real-time environmental data and information to the Community government and Community members. The goal of the proposal is to enhance the reporting of data and information concerning compliance, monitoring, surveys and permitting requirements and integrating such data and information with a GIS component. In another example, the St. Regis Band of Mohawk Indians (SRMT) received $100,000 to focus on advancing the SRMT's ability to participate in the Exchange Network by improving the quality and quantity of environmental information submitted or made available to EPA, the public, other agencies, and other tribes. These goals are accomplished by adding equipment, software, services, and personnel.
10/25/04
Exchange Network Grant Program Solicitation Notice
The EPA's Office of Environmental Information (OEI) sponsors the Exchange Network Grant Program to provide funding to states, territories, and Federally Recognized Indian tribes to support the development of the Environmental Information Exchange Network. The Exchange Network is an Internet- and standards-based, secure information systems network that supports the electronic collection, exchange, and integration of high-quality data. Funding for the grant program has been provided through annual congressional appropriations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The solicitation for 2005 grants can be accessed at http://www.epa.gov/Networkg/ .
To date, 29 Tribes have received one of these grants. To read about proposals from Tribes who have submitted successful proposals, please visit http://www.epa.gov/Networkg/tribal/ . For example, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community received a $48,000 grant to develop a Network Assessment Plan and a Network Management and Development Plan. This purpose of this plan is to streamline the Community's e-commerce exchange capacity to provide real-time environmental data and information to the Community government and Community members. The goal of the proposal is to enhance the reporting of data and information concerning issues of compliance, monitoring, surveys and permitting requirements and integrating such data and information with a GIS component. In another example, the St. Regis Band of Mohawk Indians (SRMT) received $100,000 to focus on advancing the SRMT's ability to participate on the network by improving the quality and quantity of environmental information flowed to the USEPA, the public, other agencies and other Tribes. These goals are accomplished by a combination of adding equipment, software, services and personnel.
10/18/04
Call For Presenters, 2005 Community Involvement Conference and
Training -- Building Bridges Through Strong Partnerships, July 12-15,
2005
At the 2005 U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Community
Involvement Conference and Training, to be held in Buffalo, New York,
we plan to explore experiences and opportunities for building
bridges through strong partnerships. The emphasis for the 2005
conference is on building stronger, more productive community partnerships
between both EPA and community groups, and EPA and its local, state,
federal and tribal stakeholders. In doing so, we can help meet our common
goal of providing safe and clean communities in which to live, work,
and play. The 2005 conference will create a unique opportunity for a
wide array of stakeholders to come together to share how EPA and its
partners are involving communities in the protection of our air, water
and land. We will share and learn about our respective challenges and
needs, and strengthen the partnerships that are so critical for success
in achieving environmental and quality-of-life goals. About the Conference
Who Should Attend:
This annual conference is designed for EPA staff and their partners
who plan and implement community involvement, partnership, stewardship,
outreach and education programs. We expect over 400 people to attend
the conference.
Structure:
The conference is held over four days and includes about 40 concurrent
sessions (90 minutes each), 14 open time presentation/discussion sessions
(50-minutes each), and six to ten four- or eight-hour training sessions.
All training sessions are held on the last two days of the conference.
The conference also includes three plenary sessions with keynote presentations,
two poster sessions, several field trips, evening social activities
and an exhibit room.
Read the full announcement (804 KB 8p., PDF)
.
10/12/04
IT’S NOT TOO LATE – REGISTER TODAY
2004 DOE Tribal Energy Program Review Meeting
October 18 - 21, 2004
Golden, Colorado
To: Tribes Interested in Renewable Energy
You are invited to attend DOE’s Tribal Energy Program Review the week of October 18th in Golden, Colorado. Come hear forty-five (45) Tribes share their experiences, challenges and successes in their pursuit of energy diversity and sufficiency - Come share in their accomplishments and meet other Tribes pursuing renewable energy. See the attached agenda for a list of tribal projects and invited Tribes.
To ensure adequate facilities, we are asking you to register by October 1st (see registration form attached). A fee of $100 is being requested to defray the cost of food. Hotel information and directions from the Denver International Airport are attached.
As we recognize the increasing interest of tribes in renewable energy and the benefit of Tribes learning from Tribes, we’re opening up this meeting to Indian Country, as a whole. Please feel free to forward this invitation to other Tribes who may be interested in attending.
This is your opportunity to share with other Tribes exploring renewable energy – and accelerate energy development for all of Indian Country.
Agenda (115KB 6pp., PDF)
Registration Form (103KB 1p., PDF)
Hotel and Directions (63KB 1p., PDF)
10/12/04
You’re Invited to Participate in the
7TH National Tribal Conference
on Environmental Management
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) is pleased to invite you to
participate in the 7th National Tribal Conference on Environmental Management (NTCEM) in
Traverse City, Michigan June 7 - 10, 2005. The NTCEM is being held at the Grand Traverse
Resort and Spa, owned by GTB.
The NTCEM is one of the premier environmental events in Indian Country. With approximately
1000 people expected, the conference provides an opportunity for tribal leaders, tribal
environmental managers, tribal scientists, tribal organizations, federal agencies, and other
interested entities to share information about tribal environmental programs, and discuss issues of
vital interest to Indian country.
Read the full announcement (58KB 1p., PDF)
10/07/04
Emission Inventory Assessment Readied for NARSTO Review
NARSTOs Emission Inventory Assessment has progressed through
numerous preliminary drafts and is available for review by the NARSTO
community.
Motivated by recommendations in NARSTOs PM and Ozone Assessments
as well as by findings from the October 2003 Emission Inventory Workshop
in Austin, this Assessments primary goals are to set the stage
for future inventory development, as well to facilitate efficient and
reliable inventory application for atmospheric-process evaluation and
for pollution management. Intended for a diverse audience of planners,
policy makers, and scientists, the Assessment provides a staged presentation,
which:
- describes a vision, in the form of a desired future
state of emission-inventory science and applications;
- provides a location and access resource for all important, currently
existing North American inventories;
- analyzes deficiencies and uncertainties in current inventories;
- establishes the foundations of a rigorous approach to quantifying
and reporting uncertainties in emission estimates;
- describes evolving measurement and interpretive technologies, which
are potentially applicable for future emission-inventory development
and/or verification; and
- outlines findings and recommendations for advancing from the present
state of emission-inventory development to the visionary state described
above.
This Assessments review schedule will be similar to those
of the earlier NARSTO documents. The current draft is intended primarily
for review by members of the NARSTO community; but comments are welcome
from any interested individual, regardless of their NARSTO affiliation.
These comments, which should be sent electronically to Diane Fleshman
(diane@owt.com), will be compiled and used to prepare a subsequent
draft, which will be subjected to an extended review by a smaller
number of selected, independent scientists. The resulting comments
will be processed into a final draft, which will be published as a
NARSTO document subsequent to approval by the Executive Assembly.
The current Assessment draft is available for download on the NARSTO
Web site as of October 1. This version contains essentially all of
the technical material intended by its authors; but in anticipation
of downstream changes in response to reviewer comments it is currently
in a reasonably drafty state, which does not include niceties
such as an executive summary. Based on past experience with the PM
and Ozone Assessments, we anticipate substantial modifications to
occur as a result of the review process.
As noted above, we will welcome review comments by any and all interested
individuals. Comments for this review stage are due by October 29. The
document, Improving Emission Inventories for Effective Air-Quality
Management Across North America, can be downloaded from http://www.cgenv.com/narsto/.
10/01/04
Tribal Air News: October 2004
The October newsletter is out!
Read the October Newsletter (227KB 10pp., PDF)
09/28/04
Toyota Retrofit SEP Announced
$20 Million Available for School Bus Retrofit/Refueling Projects (September 23, 2004) – EPA has released $20 million for Supplemental Environmental Programs (SEPs) under a consent decree signed with Toyota. The Toyota SEP is designed to reduce diesel emissions from in-service fleet vehicles, including increased availability of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel. Funding will be available to school districts for school bus retrofit projects and to increase availability and use of ULSD fuel. This is not a grant program; awards will be made using a lottery-type process. Next week, Toyota will notify every school district in the country about the availability of funds. The mailing will also go to state and trade organizations, and other interested parties that have previously expressed interest in the program.
Tribes might want to visit the Web site and express interest. Interested
parties have until November 12 to register to be considered for a project.
http://www.cleanbusesforkids.com/
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca White or Darrel Harmon.
09/17/04
Additional Grant Program Eligible for PPGs
MEMORANDUM:
TO: State Environmental Commissioners
FROM: Dona DeLeon /s/
Deputy Associate Administrator for Intergovernmental Relations
SUBJECT: Performance Partnership Grant Implementation Updates
I am pleased to forward to you the attached Federal Register notice
that adds three additional categorical grants to the list of sixteen
that states can include in their Performance Partnership Grants (PPG).
The newly eligible grants are the Brownfields grant (CERCLA Sec. 128),
the Environmental Information Exchange Network grant, and the Multimedia
Sector grant.
We are aware of several states that plan to add at least one of the newly eligible grants
to their PPGs, and hope all states will
consider doing so. While almost 40% of PPG
eligible categorical grant funds are managed
in PPGs, the balance continues to be awarded as categorical grants. We look forward to working
with you to promote the greater use of
PPGs as an outcome-focused grants management
tool.
As follow-up to the series of PPG training conducted last year for state
and EPA staff, I am pleased to report that five additional state environmental
agencies applied for PPGs, bringing the total number of state environment
agencies with PPGs to 37. To keep the momentum moving forward, we are preparing
a PPG Best Practices Guide to help state and EPA staff develop and implement
PPGs. Our goal is to develop this product jointly with the states to ensure
it reflects the best practices around the country and addresses the
full range of issues that can affect the success
of a PPG. In addition, we are very interested in
re-engaging the EPA-State Grant Workgroup to jointly address remaining state
grant and PPG policy and implementation issues. Steve Higley of Utah and
Jack Bowles of my staff have begun discussing a workgroup charter, issues
to be addressed, and potential membership. We will work with the ECOS Planning
Committee to coordinate state participation on the PPG Best Practices Guide
and to define the next steps for the State Grant Workgroup.
Thank you for your leadership and continued commitment to advance PPGs. I look forward to seeing you all at the ECOS meeting in Oklahoma
City on October 3-5.
Dona DeLeon
Deputy Associate Administrator for Intergovernmental Relations
US Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 564-7178
Read the attachment (829KB 2pp. PDF)
09/09/04
New Hires in OAQPS/AQSSD/HEEG
The Health and Ecosystem Effects Group (HEEG)
of the Air Quality Strategies and Standards Division (AQSSD), Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards (OAQPS) located in
Research Triangle Park (RTP), NC is currently advertising for two Biologist/Ecologist
positions (GS-12/13). These vacancy announcements have been posted
on EZ Hire at http://www.epa.gov/ezhire/ and
on the Office of Personnel Management web site, USA JOBS at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov under
the following numbers:
RTP-DE-2004-0110 Biologist/Ecologist, GS-0401/0408-12
RTP-DE-2004-0110 Biologist/Ecologist, GS-0401/0408-13
RTP-MP-2004-0199 Biologist/Ecologist, GS-0401/0408-12
RTP-MP-2004-0199 Biologist/Ecologist, GS-0401/0408-13
Under DE, the vacancy announcements are open to all U.S. citizens.
Under MP, the vacancy announcements are
open to all current or former Federal employees with permanent competitive status;
or individuals with disabilities and other individuals eligible for special
appointing authorities; or veterans who are preference eligible, or who
have separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3
years or more of continuous active service. Commissioned Corps Officers
are encouraged to apply.
Please circulate this information to
individuals in your organization and anyone else who may be interested in applying for this position.
Opening Date: September 09, 2004
Closing Date: September 29, 2004
09/03/04
New APTI Course: Sources and Control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Air Pollutants
The four day lecture course in VOCs prepares the student to evaluate
techniques typically used to control volatile organic emissions from
industrial sources.
Date: September 22, 23, 29 & 30, 2004
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: EPA Room E301
Registration Information: You must pre register for
this course (T-482-04) before September 8, 2004 at the Air Pollution
Training Institute (APTI) at: http://www.epa.gov/air/oaqps/eog/
Please contact Linda D. Adams at (919) 541-1424 for more information.
08/30/04
The National Tribal Air Association’s (NTAA) Third Annual National
Conference
Dear Environmental Protection Agency’s Tribal Air Regional Coordinators:
The National Tribal Air Association’s (NTAA) third annual national conference, with a theme of “Our Sacred Breath”, will be held October 5-7 at the Agua Caliente Tribe’s Spa/Casino/Resort in Palm Springs, California. We, the Executive Committee members of NTAA, personally invite you to join us, tribal leaders, tribal air quality and environmental staff, and others to showcase our achievements and formulate our ideas for a national agenda on tribal air quality issues.
The mission of the NTAA is to collectively advance air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, and the Executive Committee has worked diligently to create an agenda which focuses on the issues, concerns, and successes which tribal air programs have faced in the past year. We have selected six main topics to be discussed over the two and a half days, which are:
1. “Policy updates and the policy process—effectively engaging tribes in the process”,
2. “Climate Change, including National Carbon Offset Program”,
3. “Alternatives, including solar, wind, biomass, and bio-diesel”,
4. “Air Toxics, including mercury, fluoride, and radionuclide”,
5. “Risk Assessment and modeling”, and
6. “Indoor Air Quality”.
Registration will be available online. Please check the NTAA’s Web page at www.ntec.org for
updates and the link to the registration page. Registration, which is limited
to 125 participants, will be $30 per person for non-tribal entities. A sliding
scale registration fee has been arranged for tribal members, tribal employees
and tribal organizations. The first person of a tribal organization will
be charged a fee of $30, the second person of the same organization will
be charged $20, and all additional persons from the same tribal entity will
be charged $10. A room block has been set-aside at the conference location.
This room block is under “NTAA” and is held until September 10, 2004. Information
about lodging is on our web page.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the conference, please feel free to contact J. Stephen Hartsfield, NTAA Operations Coordinator, at (505) 242-2175 ext. 106 or shartsfield@ntec.org.
Respectfully,
Angela Benedict-Dunn
NTAA Executive Committee Chair
08/24/04
CALL FOR PAPERS - Emission Inventory Conference April 11 - 14, 2005
Fourteenth International Emission Inventory Conference:
"Transforming Emission Inventories - Meeting Future Challenges Today"
Call For Papers
The Emission Factor and Inventory Group and the Emission Inventory Improvement Program (EIIP) are cosponsoring the fourteenth annual emission inventory conference entitled "Transforming Emission Inventories - Meeting Future Challenges Today" to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 11 - 14, 2005 at the Riviera Hotel. This year, the conference will focus on changes needed in the inventory world to foster the development of timely emissions data.
The technical program committee is interested in papers that describe the application of new technologies for characterizing and inventorying air pollutant emissions, including emissions related to fine particulate matter, regional haze, air toxics, ozone, and climate change. Of particular interest are papers concerning:
- Procedures and guidance on the development and appropriate application of emissions factors;
- Applied new proof-of-concept technologies for air emissions estimation;
- Systemized approaches for data analysis and quality assurance;
- Data management challenges such as data standards, EI system integration, and GIS system-automated solutions for EI analyses;
- Refinement of toxic pollutant stationary and mobile source EIs; and
- Tools and techniques to accelerate the development of emission inventories (e.g., Web-based tools for facilities to report emission inventory data).
This conference will provide a useful forum for exchange of ideas and information on the use of emission data between industry, the U.S. EPA and other federal agencies, state/local/tribal governments, regional planning organizations, and international agencies. Papers will be presented from the following topic areas:
Air Toxics
Fugitive Dust
PM Fine
Area Sources
Mobile Sources
Ammonia
Emission Factors
Point Sources |
Managed Burning and Wildland Fires
Greenhouse Gases
Tribal Emission Inventories
Regional Planning Organizations
EI Preparation for Modeling
EI Validation/Quality Assurance
Data Management Systems
Better & Faster EI Development Methods
Uncertainty |
Platform and poster presentations are invited. Send (by email, mail, or fax) a 200-400 word abstract by October 15, 2004 to Sally Dombrowski of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, OAQPS/EMAD, D205-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, Tel: (919) 541-3269, Fax: (919) 541-0684, email: dombrowski.sally@epa.gov.
Include a complete mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, E-mail address,
an indication if platform or poster is preferred, and choice of session(s).
Unless otherwise noted, we will assume the first author listed to be the
primary author and the main contact for conference correspondence.
For those who need to do travel planning, rooms will be a the prevailing government
rate (currently $79.00 + tax). Registration will be approximately $125.00.
Registration should be available in November, 2004.
Sally Dombrowski
U. S. EPA
Emission Factor and Inventory Group
(919) 541-3269
FAX: (919) 541-0684
Mailing Address:
US EPA OAQPS (D205-01)
RTP, NC 27711
Courier Shipping Address:
US EPA OAQPS (D205-01)
4930 Old Page Rd
RTP, NC 27709
08/23/04
Job Opportunities in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
The Health and Ecosystem Effects Group (HEEG) of the Air Quality
Strategies and Standards Division (AQSSD), Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards (OAQPS) located in Research Triangle Park
(RTP), NC is currently advertising two Physical Scientist positions
(GS-1301 12/13). Qualified applicants include those with education/experience
in the biological sciences and ecology. These vacancy announcements
have been posted on EZ Hire at
http://www.epa.gov/ezhire/
and on the Office of Personnel Management Web site, USA JOBS at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov under
the following numbers:
RTP-DE-2004-0106 Physical Scientist, GS-1301-12
RTP-DE-2004-0106 Physical Scientist, GS-1301-13
RTP-MP-2004-0184 Physical Scientist, GS-1301-12
RTP-MP-2004-0184 Physical Scientist, GS-1301-13
Under DE, the vacancy announcements are open to all U.S. citizens.
Under MP, the vacancy announcements are open to all current or former
Federal employees with permanent competitive status; or individuals
with disabilities and other individuals eligible for special appointing
authorities; or veterans who are preference eligibles, or who have separated
from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more
of continuous active service. Commissioned Corps Officers are encouraged
to apply.
Please circulate this information to individuals in your organization
and anyone else who may be interested in applying for this position.
Opening Date: August 20, 2004
Closing Date: September 10, 2004
08/23/04
Climate Protection Awards nominations due by October 15, 2004
Who is eligible to be considered for the Climate Protection Awards?
- Candidates may be from anywhere in the world.
- Individuals and organizations may work for the public or private
sector.
- Candidates may be either self-nominated or nominated by a third
party.
What are the Award selection criteria?
Applicants must excel in one or more of the following criteria:
- Originality and public purpose;
- Leadership and corporate responsibility;
- Global perspective and implication;
- Reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions.
An international panel of judges including past award winners and
experts in government, industry, and non-governmental organizations
reviews recommendations; EPA makes the final award selections.
How do I nominate someone for a Climate Protection Award?
EPA is now accepting nominations for the 2005 International Climate
Protection Awards. Nominations are due October 15.
2005
Climate Award Nomination Form
For more information, contact Kristen Taddonio at taddonio.kristen@epa.gov
or go to http://www.epa.gov/cpd/awards/climproawards.htm.
08/16/04
States/Localities/Tribes Invited to Compete for Two $25K Grants
for Innovative Initiatives for Improving Air Quality (August 10, 2004)
At EPA’s Air Innovations Conference in Chicago, the agency announced
the availability of two $25,000 grants, to be awarded on a competitive
basis to the state, local or Tribal air pollution control programs with
the most innovative initiative or measure for improving air quality.
According to EPA, the purpose of this funding is “to foster thinking
about creative ways that local agencies could reduce air pollution.”
The grant is intended to help kick off a new project or evaluate or
improve an on-going project. The deadline for submitting applications
to EPA is September 10, 2004. Applications will be evaluated and recipients
selected based on novelty, effectiveness, significance, transferability,
multi-pollutant coverage and collaboration. The two winners will be
notified by October 15, 2004. Although grant applications must be limited
to two pages, EPA has indicated that selected recipients may be required
to submit a full grant application. [For further information contact
Kimber Scavo at scavo.kimber@epa.gov
or David Solomon at solomon.david@epa.gov
(regarding the EPA grant project) or Gail Whitfield at whitfield.gail@epa.gov
(regarding the grant process)].
08/16/04
Air Pollution Distance Learning Network (APDLN)
August, September, and October 2004 Telecourse Schedule
August 5, 2004
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. E.T.
|
W-009-04
View by Webcast Only
Recognition of Illness with Chemical Exposure
(CDC, Public Health Training Network Webcast)
(Third Party Webcast)
|
August 26, 2004
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. E.T.
|
T-008-04
Lessons Learned in Assessing Indirect & Cumulative Impacts of
Transportation Projects
(CTE in cooperation with FHWA, National Teleconference Series, NC
State University, Third Party Broadcast)
(Test Pattern 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
|
September 22, 23, 29 & 30, 2004
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. E.T.
|
T-482-04
Sources and Control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) CLN: 1534
(Newly Revised July 2004)
(Test Pattern 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
|
October 28, 2004
1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. E.T.
|
T-009-04
Air Quality Kits to Go,
Asthma Series (3-12), An Outreach Training Resource
(Test Pattern 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
|
See the entire Telecourse Schedule.
08/10/04
Indoor Air Quality
Smoke-free Homes for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN)
Head Start and Early Head Start Families
ORIA is planning an exhibit and workshop at the 2nd annual American
Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Program Branch National Conference during
September 22 – 25, 2004. The conference site is the Grand Hyatt Washington
Hotel. It will bring together more than 500 participants consisting
of teachers, assistant teachers, home visitors, education managers,
and directors representing Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
from the AI/AN Program Branch. They will gather for three days to enhance
their skills in various areas, including early childhood education,
literacy, and child outcomes. An interactive Smoke-free Homes workshop
will provide participants with an opportunity to come together to learn
about the EPA and Head Start Bureau’s partnership and materials to make
homes and cars smoke-free. The exhibit and workshop will offer specific
strategies that staff and parents can employ to promote the program
and materials on a local level.
08/02/04
Tribal Stakeholder Meeting on Indoor Air Pollution
from Cooking and Heating Devices in Tribal Communities
[August 18-19, 2004 in Seattle, Washington]
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in collaboration
with Portage Environmental and the Institute for Tribal Environmental
Professionals (ITEP) is conducting a stakeholder conference on Indoor
Air Pollution from Cooking and Heating Devices in Tribal Communities.
You are invited to participate in this important conference to share
ideas and information with other tribes, as well as representatives
of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
Structure and Approach:
The primary purpose of the stakeholder meeting is to obtain
input from Tribal communities that will enhance future planning efforts
by the USEPA. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to
this effort in various discussion sessions of the conference. Facilitated
discussions and work groups will be a primary focus of the conference.
Objectives:
- Disseminate information about Indoor Air Pollution issues related
to indoor cooking and heating devices to conference participants.
- Obtain information and recommendations from conference participants
on issues and concerns related to adverse health impacts from indoor
air contaminates from indoor air pollution.
- Prepare a final conference report that will provide the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) with information to influence
future planning, policy or programmatic decisions regarding this issue.
- Develop plans for effective education and outreach programs to reduce
risk from indoor air pollution within Tribal homes and communities.
Times:
Wednesday, August 18, 2004, 8:00 a.m. to
Thursday, August 19, 2004, 1:00 p.m.
Location:
The Mountaineers Building
300 Third Ave West
Seattle, WA (206) 281-7775
Read the entire announcement
(162KB 2pp., PDF)
07/30/04
Call for Participants
To take part in either of two Emissions Factors Improvement Workshops
Conducted by:
Emissions Factors and Policy Applications Group
Emissions Monitoring and Analysis Division
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. August 25, 2004 and
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. August 26, 2004
LOCATION: Washington, D.C. EPA East Conference room
1153
1. Are there emissions factors that you need but can not find?
2. Would you like to know data quality (e.g., accuracy, precision)
of emissions factors and how to use that information?
3. Are there published emissions factors that you know are out of
date?
4. Do you know of applications for which emissions factors are simply
not the right tools for the job?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, this workshop is an opportunity
for you to be part of a major shift in how the air pollution emissions
factors program proceeds. The Emissions Factors and Policy Applications
Group and OAQPS management have assessed the state of emissions factors
development and applications and, as a result, have planned significant
changes to the program. These changes are intended to ensure that users
have the emissions quantification tools and information needed, recognizing
that EPA can no longer be the major emissions factors provider.
You can play an important role in the future of the program. To help
determine that role, you are invited to participate in a one-day workshop
either August 25 or 26. The workshop is designed to engage you and your
colleagues in resolving issues important to you. Representatives from
OAQPS will summarize the results of months of stakeholder discussions
and strawman plans to advance the emissions factors program both in
data development and in applications. The bulk of the workshop will
be interactive sessions focused on identifying and exploring means to
make the emissions factors program self-sustaining and to better address
users’ needs.
Please, obtain registration forms for the workshops at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/meetnw/workshoppromo2.html
and e-mail the completed form to us at myers.ron@epa.gov
For more information contact Ron Myers at (919) 541-5407; or Sean
Mulligan of MACTEC Federal Programs at (919) 941-0333
07/27/04
eRulemaking Initiative Public Forums
A series of public forums on the eRulemaking Initiative will be held
in August in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., sponsored
by the eRulemaking Program Office and the EPA’s Office of Environmental
Information. The forums will give citizens an opportunity to learn about
the eRulemaking Initiative and provide input on its major projects.
The eRulemaking Program Office is soliciting feedback on the usability
and features of the electronic system currently available to the public
– the Regulations.gov Web site – and the planned government-wide electronic
federal docket management system. The public forums will be open to
citizens and other public stakeholders, including industry and trade
associations, advocacy groups, businesses, labor unions, state and local
governments, and the academic community. The Federal Register Notice
announcing these meetings was published on July 16, 2004 (69 FR 42727).
For further information, contact Kristin Tensuan at the eRulemaking
PMO (tensuan.kristin@epa.gov).
07/16/04
National Tribal Air Association's Third Annual Conference Scheduled
for Oct. 5-7 in Palm Springs
The National Tribal Air Association's Third Annual Conference will
be held Oct. 5-7 at the Agua Caliente Spa Resort in Palm Springs,
California. With the theme of "Our Sacred Breath," the
conference is intended to bring together Tribal leaders and members,
environmental professionals, and governmental agency representatives
from across the country to "inform,
discuss, and decide" on indoor and outdoor air quality issues
that affect us all. Please contact NTAA for
more information.
07/16/04
Experience the Thrill of a New Web-based Air Pollution Orientation
Course
At last we are offering a web-based Air Pollution Control Orientation
Course designed for individuals who are new
to air pollution control agencies or for individuals
who are seeking to expand their basic knowledge about
air pollution control. In fact, this web-based course
replaces the (SI: 422) Air Pollution Control Orientation
Course Self-Instructional Manual. However, you will
enjoy the ease of navigating throughout this web-based
course, because each module is composed of units that
include introductory materials, graphics, and review
quizzes. What's more, you will be able to earn a certificate
from the Air Pollution Training Institute (APTI) right
from your desktop! So, please don't delay because we
are just a click away at www.epa.gov/air/oaqps/eog/.
07/07/04
EPA Responds to States and Tribes
On June 28 and 29, EPA responded to state and Tribal recommendations
for attainment and nonattainment areas under the more protective national
air quality standard for fine particles.
For more information
07/02/04
Job Vacancy Announcement
This Job Vacancy Announcement (JVA) for the Navajo EPA Air Quality
Control Program was placed on the listserve about two weeks ago. The
JVA indicated a 6/15/04 closing date, which was incorrect. It is "open
until filled".
Read the announcement (138KB
1pp., PDF)
Again, my contact information is:
Christopher Lee
Environmental Program Supervisor
Navajo EPA - Air Quality Control Program
(928) 729-4247
(928) 729-4323 FAX
06/08/04
Fuel Your Knowledge - The Boiler MACT
Thursday, June 17, 2004, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
A&WMA; and its Oregon and Puget Sound chapters are sponsoring a
live interactive audio + Web conference:
Fuel Your Knowledge - The Boiler
MACT
Thursday, June 17, 2004, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hosted by CH2M HILL at both its Portland and Seattle
offices:
825 NE Multnomah
Suite 1300
Portland, Oregon |
and at |
777-108th Avenue NE,
Bellevue, Washington
(14th floor conference room) |
A&WMA; is pleased to present "Fuel Your Knowledge - The Boiler MACT"
on June 17th. This audio + web conference is intended provide up-to-date
information on this far-reaching maximum achievable control technology
(MACT) rule for commercial/industrial boilers and process heaters. On
26 February 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a final
rule to reduce hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions from industrial,
commercial, and institutional boilers and process heaters. The Agency
estimates that approximately 60,000 boilers and process heaters will
be subject to new more stringent emissions reduction requirements. The
rule may is applicable to major sources of HAP that operate boilers
and/or process heaters, including those with very minimal boiler/process
heater operations.
The audio + web conference will explore the rule in-depth and cover
all the compliance options available to affected facilities, including
work practices, the installation of air pollution control equipment,
and the newer approach developed by EPA based upon health-based threshold
emission limits for hydrochloric acid/chlorine and manganese.
Presenters:
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Robert Bessette
President,
Council of Industrial Boiler Owners
(CIBO)
Jim Eddinger
U.S. EPA, OAQPS,
Emission Standards Division,
Combustion Group |
Tim Hunt
Senior Director Air Quality Programs,
American Forest & Paper Association
(AF&PA;)
David Painter
US EPA, OAQPS,
Information Transfer and Program
Integration Division |
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Please RSVP by noon, June 11th
to:
Portland:
Tom Nilan: tnilan@ch2m.com
(503) 872-4720
Seattle:
Jay Willenberg: jwillenb@ch2m.com
(425) 233-3532
Conference Registration Fees: $20 for members, $35
for nonmembers. Lunch is included in the conference fees.
Note:
The cost to join the Pacific Northwest International Section of A&WMA;
is only $15.
Claude Williams, P.E.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
110 Union Street, Seattle WA 98101-2038
(206) 689-4066
Fax: (206) 343-7522
E-mail: claudew@pscleanair.org
Web: http://www.pscleanair.org
05/05/04
Announcement of Funding Available for Retrofitting
EPA's Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program is now accepting grant applications
to assist in implementing projects that demonstrate the innovative usage
of EPA verified pollution control equipment in reducing emissions from
diesel fleets, including nonroad fleets, that affect sensitive populations
– such as children, the elderly, and the chronically ill – who are more
susceptible to the effects of diesel exhaust. Applications will be accepted
from state, local, multi-state, and Tribal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
The total estimated funding for this project is up to $1,500,000. EPA
anticipates award of ten to fifteen cooperative agreements, each ranging
from $100,000 to $150,000, resulting from this announcement.
EPA requests notification of intent to apply by May 28, 2004.
Complete applications must be submitted and received no later than July
2, 2004.
The announcement soliciting proposals is at http://www.epa.gov/air/grants_funding.html#trans.
An Application Kit is at the top of the previous page or: http://www.epa.gov/air/grants_funding.html.
Information on the Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/.
Information also on our "Latest News" site: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/latestnews.htm/.
04/30/04
EPA Statement on Requested Extensions for Clean Air Rule Comments
The Bush Administration's proposed Utility Mercury Rule is the nation's
first-ever effort to regulate mercury emissions from power plants. The
proposed rule, also known as the Clean Air Mercury Rule, will dramatically
reduce mercury emissions and is critical to protecting public health.
As part of the settlement agreement reached under the previous Administration,
the Agency had a deadline of December 15, 2004 to finalize a mercury
regulation. In separate requests, EPA has been asked to withdraw the
proposed rule and extend the comment period.
While the Agency has no interest in withdrawing the proposed regulation,
it welcomes the opportunity to consider further information and comment.
That became possible when the plaintiff in this action agreed to extend
the deadline to allow time for additional comment. Today EPA extended
the public comment period by 60 days, to end June 29, 2004. In addition,
the Agency will conduct whatever analysis is necessary to ensure the
right decision is made and meet the goal of protecting public health
in the most effective way possible. This analysis will be made available
for public comment prior to finalization of the rule. The mercury rule
will be finalized in time to meet the new court deadline of March 15,
2005.
EPA still plans to finalize the Clean Air Interstate Rule, formally
known as the Interstate Air Quality Rule, by the end of 2004.
For more information, visit the Mercury Rule site at: http://www.epa.gov/air/mercuryrule/
R082 ###
Deliberative Document -- FOIA Exempt
Bill Maxwell
Combustion Group/Emission Standards Division
C439-01
U.S. EPA
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-5430
04/15/04
Funding for Community-based Projects
We expect to announce shortly, via the EPA Office of Air and Radiation
(OAR) Web site, a Request for Applications (RFA) for Community-Based
Projects. The URL for the OAR Grants/Funding Web site is: http://www.epa.gov/air/grants_funding.html
The RFA will fund up to $600,000 in projects that are related to stationary
source or indoor air activities. We anticipate awarding between 6-10
projects ranging from $60-100K. Almost anyone who is eligible for a
grant will be able to apply.
In addition, we anticipate there being additional funding ($200,000
total) for awardees to support activities such as facilitation, education
on basic air toxics information, etc. That money will be available through
a separate contract with OAR.
I am sending this early notice so that you can be prepared to notify
interested parties once the notification is on the Web site. The time
frame for receiving applications will be very short - 30 days, so this
notice will close in mid-May. The timing is short so that awards can
be made this fiscal year.
Once the RFA is posted, questions that arise from parties who wish
to apply must be forwarded to me. All questions or comments must be
communicated in writing via postal mail, facsimile, or electronic mail
to me. Answers will be posted biweekly until the closing date of the
announcement.
Thank you,
Laura McKelvey
04/13/04
ATRA Library Fact Sheet
EPA is currently developing a resource library for conducting air
toxics analyses at the facility and community-scale. This effort will
result in a three volume library that provides information on the fundamental
principles of risk-based assessment for air toxics and how to apply
those principles in different settings as well as strategies for reducing
risk at the local level.
Fact Sheet (564KB PDF)
04/06/04
March 2004 Tribal Air News
The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and EPA Work Together to Achieve
an Environmental First
On November 20, 2003, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, EPA Region 2 and
the Criminal Investigations Division signed a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) for air enforcement in Mohawk Indian Country. This Memorandum
of Agreement or MOA was signed in Syracuse at the annual Indian Nations
Leaders meeting with EPA’s Region 2 management. This agreement is the
first of its kind – not only in air but in all media.
Read the Rest of the Story (161KB PDF)
Read the Newsletter (161KB PDF)
02/19/04
NTEC Air programs/EPA Proposed Public Meeting of Mercury Ruling
Hello all,
The good folks at NTEC and EPA are attempting to hold a public meeting
in Denver, Colorado, March 11, 2004. The meeting will cover the proposed
Mercury ruling. Attached is a letter that explains everything. I am
the contact on this.
Letter (81KB PDF)
Thanks, good day.
J. Stephen Hartsfield
Operations Coordinator
National Tribal Air Association
National Tribal Environmental Council
Albuquerque, NM
(505) 242-2175
www.ntec.org
shartsfield@ntec.org
02/13/04
Register Now for the 2004 Air Toxics Workshop
IT'S UP ON THE WEB!
Registration starts now for the 2004 Air Toxics Workshop and optional
training that will be held April 13-16, 2004 at the Sheraton Imperial
Hotel & Convention Center, Research Triangle Park, NC. Please register
early, the registration is FREE. The workshop is being cosponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency, State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators, and Association of Local Air Pollution
Control Officials.
The workshop's Web site is:
http://www.cleanairinfo.com/airtoxics2004/
This Web site has an on-line registration form and other current agenda,
hotel, and travel information. Closer to the workshop, this Web site
will also have all of the speakers' presentations available for download.
An "Air Toxics 2004 Workshop" room block has been established at the
Sheraton Imperial at a rate of $82/night plus tax. The phone number
is (919) 941-5050 or (800) 325-3535. Please make your reservations early
to ensure room availability! Room reservations must be made before March
22, 2004 to receive this guaranteed special rate. For additional information
contact Mr. Lalit Banker, EPA OAQPS, (919) 541-5420, banker.lalit@epa.gov
(for agenda and technical issues) or Donna Lee Jones, EC/R, Inc, (919)
484-0222 ext. 337, jones.donnalee@ecrweb.com
(for registration and logistics issues).
We look forward to your participation and attendance!
View the flyer (721KB PDF)
for posting in your office or distributing to colleagues.
02/11/04
Public Hearings for IAQR and Mercury Rules
EPA will hold the public hearings for the IAQR and mercury rules February
25-26 in Chicago, IL; Philadelphia, PA and in Research Triangle Park,
NC.
For details on these hearings see:
www.epa.gov/mercury
www.epa.gov/interstateairquality
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