Tribal Grant Fact Sheets

EPA REGION 10
GRANT PROGRAM

Fact Sheets for Financial Assistance Programs

Available for Tribal Governments

3^rd Revision Date: January 2002

EPA Financial Assistance Programs Available for Tribal Governments

3^rd Edition - January 2002

This document is intended to provide Tribal governments in the Environmental Protection Agency's Region 10 with information about financial assistance programs. It is designed as a "one stop shopping" reference source to assist in planning, developing, and implementing tribal environmental management programs. As you use this document, please contact the EPA staff person identified for each program should you need additional information or have questions about a specific program.

Tribes have indicated a desire to have one single source to assist them in making conscious decisions in building tribal environmental management capacity and capability. Hopefully, this document fulfills that goal. We welcome your comments and suggestions concerning its use, effectiveness and appropriateness. Please send your comments to:

Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue (TO-149)
Seattle, Washington 98101

Kinds of projects funded under program: Under Clean Air Act § 103 EPA can make grants to "conduct and promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigation, experiments, demonstrations, surveys, and studies, relating to the causes, effects (including health and welfare effects) extent, prevention, and control of, air pollution." Projects and programs funded include air quality monitoring efforts, surveys, indoor air assessments, other air quality studies, data collection, emission inventories, source identification and registration, training to support these activities, education and outreach. Rule or permit implementation or enforcement cannot be funded under this section.

Under Clean Air Act § 105 EPA is authorized to make grants to help fund the "cost of implementing programs for the prevention and control of air pollution or implementation of national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards." This would include the enforcement of air pollution control regulations, implementation and enforcement of air quality regulations to address violations of the ambient air quality health standards.

Also, monies may be granted to initiate tribal air pollution enforcement programs, to determine contribution and control options for major stationary sources of air pollution, and to develop air quality ordinances and Tribal Implementation Plans to solve specific air pollution problems.

Eligibility: Federally recognized Indian tribes and/or their tribal non-profit organizations as described in Sections 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act of 1990. "Treatment as a state" status is not a requirement before receiving these funds. However, the matching requirement for Section 105 grants is substantially reduced for tribes with "treatment as state" status.

Funding Range: The State and Tribal Program Unit of the Office of Air Quality does not have a minimum grant amount. A 5 percent cost sharing is encouraged for Section 103 grants, but not required, and 40 percent match for Section 105 grants, unless "treatment as state" status has been established. Matching contributions may be in the form of dollars and/or in-kind services.

Availability of Funds: Funding becomes available every year. In FY01, Region 10 received $1.7 million to distribute to support air quality program grants to tribal governments. The amount available for grants is contingent upon Congressional appropriation.

How to Apply: Forward a grant proposal containing a workplan, program schedule, and detailed budget to the contact listed below several months in advance of proposed project start date. Early notification of interest and discussion with the Office of Air Quality is encouraged.

Application Content: Proposed scope of work narratives should not exceed 10 pages in length and must include a statement of purpose, tasks, time lines for completion of tasks and a detailed budget. Grant applications for Section 103 funding should related each proposed task to an activity identified under that section. Please indicate whether or not the tasks are also going to be included in other grant proposals, such as a GAP or Performance Partnership grant. The administrative paperwork found in the grant application kits is not needed initially but should be prepared at least by the time an acceptable workplan and budget are negotiated with the Office of Air Quality.

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals must demonstrate the capacity to administer air pollution control programs. Priority is given to areas not attaining air quality health standards or with other such environmental need. Priority is also based on the quality and detail of the grant proposal, commitment to air quality, the likelihood that the project will succeed in achieving its goals, and historical use of grant.

Timeline: The scope of work needs to show task milestones for completing the funded activities. Generally, a Section 103 grant is funded for only one or two years. However, how a project fits within the scope of longer range plan for an air quality program should be considered. In such cases, an assistance agreement can fund phases within the scope of a workplan running for up to five years.

Deadline: Grant proposals will be accepted anytime throughout the year. While no specific deadlines may apply, available funding for any fiscal year can vary considerably and limit the number and size of grants awarded. Thus, early discussions concerning a proposal and funding which may be available to support it are encouraged. There is no guarantee of funding for any particular grant or of any particular amount.

Responsibilities: Grantee is responsible for completing the proper application forms provided by EPA. The grantee is responsible for providing all work products identified in the workplan by the due date specified. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on the Air Pollution Control Grants program, contact Mary Manous at (206) 553-1059 Office of Air Quality, EPA Region 10, 1200 6th Avenue, OAQ-107, Seattle, Washington 98101 or by email at: manous.mary@epa.gov.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Purpose: The EPA Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) established the "OEJ Small Grants Program" in fiscal year 1994, to assist community-based, grassroots organizations and tribal governments address local environmental concerns.

What is Environmental Justice?: Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that no group of people, including racial, ethnic, or socio-economic groups should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.

Environmental Justice is about local people facing local problems by working collaboratively with the local government agencies, impacted community groups and the responsible state/tribal and/or federal agencies. Environmental Justice promotes environmental and public health protection within the context of sustainable development.

Design and demonstration of field methods, practices, and techniques, including assessment and analysis of environmental justice conditions and problems (for example, reforestation efforts, monitoring of socioeconomic impact studies, natural resource clean-up efforts);

Projects to understand, assess or address specific local environmental justice issues or problems (for example reforestation efforts, monitoring of socioeconomic changes in a community as a result of an environmental abuse);

Demonstration or dissemination of environmental justice information, including development of equity educational tools and materials (for example, developing or supplementing existing community newsletters);

Provision of environmental justice training or related education for community residents, teachers, faculty, or related personnel in a specific geographic area or region (for example workshops, awareness conferences); and

Obtain technical expert consultation to access, analyze, and interpret public environmental data for a specific geographic area or region (for example, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) and other databases).

Eligibility: The purpose of the grants program is to provide financial assistance and stimulate a public purpose by supporting projects to any affected community group (for example, community based/grassroots organization, school, church, education agency, college or university, and non-profit organization) and tribe who engage or plan to carry out projects to address environmental justice issues.

Funding Range: $5,000 to $20,000 per application. In FY01, Region 10 had $150,000 available for award.

Availability of Funds: We anticipate the FY2002 (October 1, 2002 thru September 30, 2003) OEJ Small Grants Program Request for Pre-Applications (RFA) will be announced in December 2001 and will close during the Month of March 2002. Applications will be reviewed by each regional office. Awards will be made on or before September 30, 2002.

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by the date in the grant notice. EPA expects projects or activities to begin by or around September 2002.

How to Apply: Complete an Environmental Justice Small Grant Application packet, which includes the "Application for Federal Assistance" form (SF424), and criteria to be addressed in the narrative work plan. Applicants will not be asked to submit additional information to support their projects, except that finalists may be asked to submit various Federally required forms necessary to complete a formal application (for example, a "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters" form).

Application Content: Projects must focus on the design, methods, and techniques to evaluate and solve environmental justice issues of concern to affected communities. Funds can be used to develop a new activity or to substantially improve the quality of existing ones.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (or to be placed on the mailing list to receive the FY02 RFA): contact Victoria Plata, (206) 553-8580. Or, call the OEJ 24 hr. hotline (1-800-962-6215) or visit the website at http://www.epa.gov/oeca/oej/grants.html

CLEAN WATER ACT SECTION 104(b)(3)

TRIBAL/STATE WETLAND PROTECTION

DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Purpose: Develop and implement comprehensive wetland protection programs through the development of wetland conservation plans; to develop watershed protection approach demonstration projects, and to assess and monitor the ecological integrity of wetlands (among other programs) on reservations or in cooperation with other governmental entities on a broader scale. Other projects eligible for funding include: assuming federal permitting responsibility for a portion of the 404 program for those tribes that have "treatment as a state" status, the development of water quality standards for wetlands, developing a method for incorporating wetlands into the 401 certification program and streamlining the tribal regulatory program.

Eligibility: Federally-recognized Indian tribes are eligible for funding. "Treatment as a state" status is not required to receive funding under this grant program. Interstate and inter-tribal government entities are eligible to receive grant funds. Projects awarded to Tribes and other entities should be broad in scope. Kinds of projects funded under this program include; comprehensive wetland conservation plans for tribes (wetland inventories can be funded only if part of a comprehensive protection plan), watershed protection demonstration projects, wetland functional assessments, development of water quality standards for wetlands, and the development of a tribal wetland protection program (including the development and implementation of a regulatory program that may lead to tribal assumption of a portion of the federal 404 program).

Funding Range: Grant amounts usually range from about $25,000 to $250,000. There is no minimum amount and the maximum amount is determined by the regional allocation (addition funds for projects with national significance may be provided by EPA headquarters). Grants are competitive from eligible applicants (see eligibility above) and that includes states. The total grant project is considered to be the federal share plus the amount of the tribal match (there is a minimum 25% match of the EPA portion required). In general, other federal money cannot be used as a match for this grant program. However, Indian Tribes can use funds provided under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act (i.e., P.L. 93-638 funds) to provide the matching funds for these grants.

Deadline: All eligible grantees are notified of grant availability in November and grant applications are usually due to the regional contact in January. The grants are awarded in the Spring/Summer and the funds are for two years.

How to Apply: All eligible grantees are notified by grant availability announcement which contains all necessary application details and guidance documents.

Application Content: 5 page proposal that includes a statement of project goals, a detailed technical approach, a description of each task, sub-task and associated products, expected benefits obtained from EPA assistance, expected watershed or ecosystem level benefits and a list of proposed personnel. The application should specifically address the ranking criteria above. In addition, the official EPA grant application (available from EPA) must be completed.

Ranking Criteria: Clarity of the proposal's work plan, success of previous projects, likelihood of success, transferability to other Tribes or States, potential environmental results, involvement and commitment of the Tribe, and a demonstration of a coordinated approach to resource protection are all criteria that will be used to evaluate projects. Selection criteria are outlined in the announcement of grant availability letter sent from the Regional Office to tribal governments in November.

Timeline: Tribes can apply for the grant any time after they receive the announcement of grant availability. Applications received after the deadline for receipt in January will not be considered for that year's grant funding but may be resubmitted the following year. See Deadline above for grant award process. All work must be completed on these grants within two years unless specifically granted an extension.

Responsibilities: The grantee is responsible for completing the proper application forms which will be provided by EPA. The grantee is responsible for providing all work products identified in the workplan by the due date specified. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact Steven Roy of the Aquatic Resource Unit, at (206) 553-6221.

Kinds of projects funded under program. All must be related to implementing non-point source controls that can include: Watershed Restoration Projects, Groundwater Assessment Projects, Development and Implementation of Farm Plans, Monitoring and Information Gathering, and Staff Support.

Eligibility: There are two avenues by which a tribe can receive Clean Water Act Section 319 funds: directly from EPA after receiving "treatment as a state" (TAS) status or by applying to the lead state water quality agency for pass-through funds from its Section 319 allocation.

1. Receiving Treatment as a State Status: Tribes need to submit a NPS Assessment Report and a NPS Management Program Plan, as a part of the "TAS" application, which also includes demonstrating federal recognition, demonstrating substantial governmental duties, demonstrating legal authority or jurisdiction and demonstrating the tribe's "capability" to carry out the activities proposed in the grant application. However, with the exception of the NPS Assessment Report and the NPS Management Program Plan, tribal governments that have previously received "TAS" status under another Section of the Clean Water Act (examples: 106, 314, 303/401) have normally provided the necessary information to EPA to make an eligibility determination and a tribal applicant would need to reference the information already provided. If EPA needs further information for the 319 TAS application, they would contact the applicant. The Indian General Assistance Program (GAP) and Clean Water Act Section 106 funds can be used to develop the NPS Assessment and NPS Management Plan documents that need to be submitted as a part of a "TAS" package. As of December 2001, eight tribal governments are eligible for the CWA 319 program.

The TAS application including the Nonpoint Source Assessment and Management Program must be consistent with EPA's Tribal Guide to the Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant Program. This guidance is available upon request from EPA Region 10.

a) The NPS Assessment Report describes existing and potential NPS related water quality problems on tribal lands using water quality data; it identifies the nature, extent, causes and effects of NPS pollution; and it describes the existing programs and methods needed for controlling the NPS pollution. The NPS Assessment Report should include four categories of information:

- Identification of waters that will not meet water quality standards without NPS pollution controls;

- Identification of categories of NPS pollution that contribute to these water quality problems;

- Description of how the tribal government will identify and use BMPs to reduce NPS pollution;

b) The NPS Management Program Plan is a multi-year strategy document designed to bring NPS pollution under control; describes how the tribal government intends to correct or prevent existing or potential NPS problems identified in the NPS Assessment Report; and identifies reservation-wide and watershed-level projects to implement management practices for pollution prevention. The NPS Management Program Plan requires six types of information:

- Identification of inconsistencies with tribal NPS management in federal programs

2. Receiving Pass-Through Funds. Tribal governments may also choose to work with the lead state water quality agency to obtain pass-through federal funds awarded to the state's 319 allocation. Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington state agencies can use up to 20% of their Section 319 allocation for planning and assessment purposes, it is possible that these funds may be used to assist tribes in developing Nonpoint Source Assessment and Management Programs. In addition, tribes without TAS status may apply to the lead state water quality agency for pass-through funds to implement the types of implementation projects listed above. Tribes should contact the appropriate state agency 319 (or nonpoint source program) contact.

Funding Range: A 40 percent non-federal tribal match is required. Up to 30 percent of the non-federal match can be waived by the Regional Administrator upon receipt of written justification from the tribe which demonstrates a hardship. Eligible Tribal governments receive a base award of $30,000 (or $50,000 for reservation land areas greater than 640,000 acres). Eligible tribal governments can submit proposals for up to $100,000 that are awarded on a national competitive basis. A solicitation is mailed to eligible tribal governments each fiscal year that explains eligibility, funding levels and the application process. In Fiscal Year 02 (October 1, 2001 thru September 30, 2002), six million dollars will be made available for direct award to tribal governments nationally.

Application: To Receive Treatment-as-State: A Nonpoint Source Assessment Report, and a Nonpoint Source Management Plan must be included as a part of the submittal. (See eligibility above). Tribal governments that are eligible for the program will be notified about the application process (see funding range above for information).

Time lines: Tribes can apply for TAS status at any time. It is strongly recommended that initial applicants contact the Tribal CWA 319 Coordinator for assistance in providing applications to be consistent with the current up-coming funding cycles (see contact below). If the tribal government decides to seek "pass thru" 319 funds administered by state programs, then contact the appropriate state lead water quality contact person (if you're not aware of that individual/state office, then feel free to contact the Tribal CWA 319 Coordinator listed below).

Responsibilities: An EPA approved Nonpoint Source Assessment and Management Program provide the framework for approval of annual grants under Section 319. Detailed work plans are required for the annual grant to support specific implementation actions, these will be outlined in the annual solicitation process from EPA Headquarters. For "pass-thru" funding opportunities, the requirements for applications and project proposals vary among state, but all generally require a proposed project work plan and budget.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: contact Christine (Teena) Reichgott at (206) 553-1601 or reichgott.christine@epa.gov

FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE & RODENTICIDE ACT

Purpose: The cooperative agreement is a mechanism that allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to augment or assist in the development of tribal pesticide programs by delegating authority for development and implementation of program activities under the authority of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Through the cooperative agreement process regional EPA offices communicate guidance from EPA's National Program Managers (NPM's) on priorities for enforcement, pesticide applicator certification and training and development and implementation of other programs for protection of farm workers, groundwater and endangered species. It enables the tribe to create local regulatory enforcement that is consistent with federal regulations and enables EPA to provide financial and technical assistance to tribes on a continuing basis.

Commitments made in a FIFRA cooperative agreement work plan might include but are not limited to routine enforcement inspections, investigations of pesticide misuse, training, certification and recertification of private and commercial pesticide applicators, and development and implementation of programs for the protection of farm workers, groundwater and endangered species.

Eligibility: Eligibility and application for a FIFRA cooperative agreement requires that a tribe commit to at least one half FTE, and prepare an application with the following elements: application forms (SF 424); narrative statement containing general information on tribal lands; a work plan; a discussion on program goals; a discussion of potential problems; and other information that the tribe feels is important to the agreement. The applicant will also prepare a budget for each work element of the agreement and provide other information agreed to between the tribe and EPA. "Treatment as a state" status is not required to received these funds. In addition, applicants are expected to develop a tribal pesticide code, an enforcement response policy, and before environmental samples can be collected and analyzed, the tribe must develop a quality assurance plan.

Funding Range: Funding for a cooperative agreement is determined prior to the start of each Federal Fiscal Year by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) and Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). Upon submittal of the work plan and budget by the applicant, and approval by the Pesticide Unit Project Officer, funds are made available for work performed by the tribe. The tribe must contribute tribal (matching) funds that will cover a portion of the cost of the FIFRA Cooperative Agreement activities that are at least 15% for enforcement, 15% for programs and 50% for certification and training.

Deadline: Initial applications and ongoing cooperative agreements should be received three months before program activities begin to allow for evaluation, approval and processing. The cooperative agreement year runs from October 1 through September 30, unless otherwise agreed to.

How to Apply: The tribe must show the need for a FIFRA program on the reservation. Then contact and negotiate an agreement with EPA Region 10 and submit the necessary elements of the application, work plan and budget as described elsewhere in this fact sheet.

Application Content: The tribe must establish a need for the program. Prepare all application forms including the budget. Prepare a narrative statement to include work plans for enforcement, pesticide applicator certification and training and/or program development and implementation.

- Ability to contribute matching funds as required by the various program elements.

Responsibilities: Complete information about FIFRA and the goals of the cooperative agreement can be found in the Pesticide Enforcement Cooperative Agreement Application Manual for Indian tribes. Further information can be obtained by contacting the EPA Region 10, Pesticides Unit Manager in Seattle. Reason for rejection of a cooperative agreement application include; insufficient need for FIFRA funding, lack of authority to enter into a cooperative agreement or accept federal funds, and incomplete application.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Marie Jennings, Pesticides Unit Manager, at (206) 553-1173.

Multi-Media Environmental Compliance Assistance

Purpose: These funds are intended to assist tribes (in a multi-media approach) to 1) identify their environmental management and protection priorities and goals; 2) identify cultural, institutional, legal and resource barriers to compliance with all applicable environmental regulations; 3) identify the EPA programs and resources available to address tribal priorities and goals; 4) develop the regulatory authority and to build capacity for environmental programs; and 5) incorporate appropriate compliance assurance mechanisms in the course of regulatory and program development.

Availability of Funds & Funding Range: Allocations to regions are determined by HQ (OECA), time frames when funding is released to region varies. The Office of Enforcement and Compliance works with the Tribal Office to discuss how these limited funds are utilized to best help the majority of Tribes within Region 10. NOTE: These funds can not be added to a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG).

- Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians: Conduct an inventory and compliance assessment of facilities located on Reservations in ID,OR,WA (Metlakatla in AK).

- Colville Confederated Tribes: Assessment of Environmental Issues related to Omak Wood Products Facilities & development of cooperative agreements regarding facility cleanup.

- Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians: Assistance for Tribal Leaders Summit/Federal Facilities Conference.

- Swinomish Indian Tribal Community: Environmental Standards Investigation Project

- Portland IHS (Interagency Agreement): Provide circuit rider/technical assistance services for Public Water Sanitary Surveys (drinking water systems).

REPORTING FORMAT for Funded Projects: Please us the following questions as a guide to providing a detailed inventory of activities conducted with the tribal grant.

1. Activity/Tool Developed: What is the compliance or enforcement related activity or tool funded (i.e., educational material, compliance guide, monitoring station, regulatory development, video, or inspector checklist)?

2. Audience: Who is the audience (i.e., tribal government, tribal facilities, or tribal member)?

3. Goal: What was the goal of the activity? Is the purpose of the activity or tool to determine compliance (compliance monitoring), return to compliance, or compliance assistance?

4. Measuring the Effectiveness of Activity: Provide information, if any, regarding how you measured the effectiveness of the activity or tool. If the activity or tool is finished, what was accomplished or successful, and describe how the activity benefitted the audience?

5. Project Status: Is this an on-going project from previous fiscal years? If so, what fiscal year, and for what amount(s)?

6. Transferability: Did you already or do you plan to market the activity or tool to other EPA Regions and Tribes?

Purpose: NEW grant program in FY02, to advance the National Environmental Information Exchange Network. Utilizes internet technologies and standardizes data formats for information exchange. The intent of the Network is to reduce the burden of information exchange; increase flexibility to integrate and manage data; improve data quality, availability and security; enhance dialogue on information issues.

Kinds of projects funded under program: NEW PROGRAM. Twenty Five Million in grants will be available in Fiscal Year 2002. Four categories: "Core Capacity Building" (A & B); "Challenge Grants"; "Network Administration Grants" ($1.5 million); and D. a TRIBAL SET-ASIDE ($2.5 million).

Eligibility: Tribal governments can apply for all 4 categories (up to $100,000 for Core Capacity in Category A and B); up to $300,000 for Challenge Grants (though tribes may collaborate via intertribal consortia for the challenge grants, a Lead Tribe must be identified in the Proposal.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Lyn Burger, Office of Environmental Information, (202) 564-0200; or in Region 10, John Schweiss at (206) 553-1690.

Environmental Cleanup Office & Tribes

Following the description of each basic type of work, a list of resources that may be useful to Tribes is provided. The resources are typically grants that may be available, but also include training or technical assistance. if you have any questions about the work or resources, please e-mail or call the identified contact person.

Most of ECL's work is implementing the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Commonly known as "Superfund," CERCLA authorized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify and clean up hazardous substances sites that threaten public health and the environment. Superfund operates along three main tracks:

A) site discovery and evaluation to determine whether a site warrants listing on the National Priorities List (NPL);

C) emergency response to remove imminent and substantial threats to human health and the environment at both NPL and non-NPL sites.

As part of our emergency response program, ECL implements a number of planning and prevention programs, including the Oil Pollution Act (OPA); Clean Air Act 112(r); Spill Prevention, Control, and

Countermeasures (SPCC); and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). ECL also implements the Brownfields program, the purpose of which is to return sites to productive use that are currently unused because of perceived or actual contamination.

A) Site Discovery and Evaluation to Determine Whether a Site Warrants Listing on the National Priorities List (NPL)

If a tribe or a member of the public has a concern about a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant, they can petition EPA to investigate the problem to determine whether action under Superfund is needed. The term "release" includes any means by which a substance could be exposed to the environment, such as by spilling, leaking, discharging, dumping, injecting, and escaping.

Under CERCLA any member of the public may formally petition the Federal government to conduct a preliminary assessment (PA). A PA is the first step in the evaluation EPA conducts to verify the existence of the reported released hazardous substance or waste. The PA is designed to distinguish between sites that pose little or no threat to human health and the environment and sites that require further investigation. If the PA shows that there is a serious immediate threat, EPA may use Superfund money through the emergency removal program to quickly remove the hazardous substance.

If the threat is not immediate and the PA recommends further study, EPA will conduct a Site Inspection (SI) which typically involves collecting waste and environmental samples to determine the substances present at the site and whether they are being released to the environment. The primary objective of the SI is to identify which sites have a high probability of qualifying for the National Priorities List (NPL).

At the completion of both the PA and SI, EPA applies the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) to derive a site score and determine either that further investigation is necessary or that the site should receive a "no further remedial action planned" (NFRAP) recommendation. A NFRAP recommendation means that further action under the Federal Superfund program is not planned; however, action may still be appropriate under some other program such as a state or tribal cleanup program. Except in emergency situations where a release or a threat of release could pose an imminent threat to human health and the environment, petitioners should be aware that under Superfund EPA cannot pursue investigation and cleanup of certain types of sites. For example, the law says Superfund does not cover petroleum or natural gas, engine exhaust emissions, normal use of fertilizer or pesticides, certain releases within a workplace, and some releases of nuclear materials.

However, under the Oil Pollution Act EPA does have emergency response authority to respond to these types of releases and the Superfund Emergency Response Program, described above, should be contacted in these instances.

Petitioners should also be aware that on federally owned non-Indian lands, the federal agency responsible for the property is required to conduct the PA and subsequent investigations and cleanups. However, EPA oversees that effort and determines whether the site should or should not be listed on the NPL. Sites with an HRS score of 28.5 points or greater are eligible for proposal to the NPL and a formal HRS package may be prepared.

1. EPA can provide a Site Assessment Cooperative Agreement at a site where EPA is conducting a
site assessment. The purpose of these cooperative agreements is to provide for technical participation
of the tribe, or tribes, in the cleanup process. A cooperative agreement is a type of grant. These are
awarded on a non-competitive basis. We have awarded grants only to NPL caliber sites that are
undergoing "expanded" site investigations.

Region 10 Contact: Mark Ader (206) 553-1808
2. ATSDR Public Health Assessments: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ATSDR, is an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service. It was established by Congress in 1980 under CERCLA. Since 1986, ATSDR has been required by law to conduct a public health assessment at each of the sites on the EPA National Priorities List. If appropriate, ATSDR also conducts public health assessments when petitioned by concerned individuals. Public health assessments are carried out by environmental and health scientists from ATSDR and from the states with which ATSDR has cooperative agreements.

Sites on the NPL are investigated to determine the risks they pose to human health and the environment. If the risks they pose exceed the risk thresholds set in CERCLA, the sites are cleaned up to eliminate, reduce or control those risks and bring them within acceptable federal and state standards.

Each NPL site has an assigned EPA remedial project manager (RPM) who is responsible for managing the investigation and cleanup of the site. Because under Superfund, EPA seeks to get the responsible parties to pay for and conduct the investigation and cleanup, the RPM often oversees the work of these responsible parties.

There are numerous possibilities under CERCLA for tribes to be involved in NPL sites. There are funding mechanisms called cooperative agreements through which tribal involvement can be supported. To apply for these funding sources, tribes must be federally recognized. In addition, tribes can be involved as a natural resource trustee. In that capacity, the tribe may be in a position to seek compensation for the natural resource damage caused by the contamination at the site.

1. EPA can provide a Support Agency Cooperative Agreement to a tribe, or tribes, to allow their technical participation at NPL sites where EPA is conducting an investigation or cleanup. A cooperative agreement is a type of grant. These are awarded on a non- competitive basis.

Technical Assistance Grants (TAG): Community groups may be eligible for a Technical Assistance Grant in situations where there is a Superfund site is listed or proposed for listing on the National Priorities List. Tribal governments are not eligible for these types of grants, but a community group that includes tribal members may be eligible. EPA can award TAGs of up to $50,000 per site. TAGs allow an interested community group to participate in technical issues regarding a site. For instance, community group could use the funds to hire an independent expert to help them interpret technical data, understand site hazards, and become more knowledgeable about the different technologies that are being used to clean up sites like the one they are concerned about.

c). Emergency or Time-Critical Response to Remove Imminent and Substantial Threats to Human Health and the Environment at NPL and Non-NPL Sites
On Scene Coordinators (OSCs) are the key EPA staff who respond to time-critical situations involving oil or hazardous substances. One of the OSCs is on-call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. An EPA OSC can be reached either through a nationwide toll free number at the National Response Center,
1-800-424-8802, or through a local Seattle 24-hour number which is (206) 553-1263. In Alaska and Idaho, there are OSCs that can be contacted directly during regular business hours.

EPA has the capability to respond to emergencies and can conduct an emergency action to cleanup a site until it is stabilized and no longer poses the initial threat. Before it does so, EPA evaluates via screening of telephone calls whether an emergency, on-scene response is necessary. A release or threat of release of a hazardous substance that could pose harm to public health or the environment forms the basis for a response. Examples of threats from a release include inhaling toxics released to air, drinking water highly contaminated by a hazardous substance, direct contact with hazardous substances, or explosion hazards.

To expedite matters callers reporting incidents should provide the following information, if possible:

- Material name (if known) or generic description (oil, hazardous substance, other)

EPA's initial response to calls and site assessment to determine need for an emergency response is part of its overhead costs. However, callers should be aware that while EPA can and will respond to emergencies on tribal lands, EPA will seek to recover costs of any cleanup it conducts from individuals who are liable for the contamination. To help identify parties who may be liable for a contamination problem, EPA relies on both civil and criminal investigators. This may have implications for tribes and tribal members. While EPA does not consider tribes to be liable under Superfund, this does not extend to individual tribal members nor to tribal corporations.

If you wish to report illegal dumping activity, call the EPA Criminal Investigation Office at (206)

553-8306. This office will pursue illegal dumpers but does not have an emergency response component to clean up the illegally dumped materials. The EPA Emergency Response Team, discussed above, would need to be contacted.

Response to a release of oil or hazardous substances that occurs on federally owned, non-Indian lands,

such as Department of Defense (DoD) or Forest Service lands, is the responsibility of that federal agency. If the release leaves the property boundary or is not being adequately addressed by the responsible federal agency, EPA may get involved.

1. Reimbursement to Tribes for Emergency Response to Hazardous Substance Releases: EPA is authorized under Section 123 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA a part of CERCLA) to reimburse federally-recognized Indian tribes and local governments for expenses incurred in carrying out temporary emergency measures in response to hazardous substance threats. Temporary emergency measures may include such activities as erecting security fencing to limit access, responding to fires and explosions, and other actions that require immediate response at the tribal government or local level. (Be aware that petroleum is excluded from this provision. This includes petroleum, natural gas, crude oil, or any other specified fractions thereof that are not otherwise specifically designated as CERCLA hazardous substances.) CERCLA specifically limits reimbursement to $25,000 per single response. This $25,000 cap plus the limited availability of funds for the program may not allow EPA to reimburse tribal or local governments for all response costs that may qualify. An application package can be obtained by contacting the RCRA/Superfund Hotline at EPA Headquarters. The toll-free telephone number for the Hotline is 1-800-424-9346. The application package contains detailed, line-by-line instructions for completing the application. The Region 10 contact for this is Thor Cutler , who can be reached at (206) 553-1673.

2. Training: ECL can offer training, mostly centered around emergency response. Types of training include health and safety training, incident command system training, and other specialized technical training. Our ability to offer training may be subject to some limitations such as the availability of funds, when and where the training can be offered, minimum enrollment requirements, etc.

EPA enforces the oil spill liability and penalty provisions under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which provide incentives to facility owners/operators to take the necessary steps to prevent oil spills. OPA improved the nation's ability to prevent and respond to oil spills by establishing provisions that expand the federal government's ability, and provide the money and resources necessary, to respond to oil spills.

OPA also created the national Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which is available to provide EPA or the U.S. Coast Guard up to one billion dollars per spill incident.

In addition, the OPA provided new requirements for contingency planning both by government and industry.

The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) was expanded in a three-tiered approach: the Federal government is required to direct all public and private response effort for certain types of spill events; Area Committees -- composed of federal, tribal, state, and local

government officials -- must develop detailed, location-specific Area Contingency Plans; and owners or operators of vessels and certain facilities that pose a serious threat to the environment must prepare their own facility response plans.

OPA also increased penalties for regulatory noncompliance, broadened the response and enforcement authorities of the Federal government, and preserved State authority to establish laws governing oil spill prevention and response.

Region 10 contact: Beth Sheldrake (206) 553-0220
Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Program

As a cornerstone of EPA's strategy to prevent oil spills from reaching our nation's waters, the Agency requires that certain facilities develop and implement oil spill prevention, control, and countermeasures, or SPCC Plans. Unlike oil spill contingency plans that typically address spill cleanup measures after a spill has occurred, SPCC plans ensure that facilities put in place containment and other countermeasures that would prevent oil spills from reaching surface waters. Under EPA's Oil Pollution Prevention regulation, facilities must detail and implement spill prevention and control measures in their SPCC Plans. Specific requirements for SPCC plans are described in the Code of Federal Regulations, at 40 CFR 112.

Each SPCC plan, while unique to the facility it covers, must include certain elements. To ensure that facilities comply with the spill prevention regulations, EPA periodically conducts on-site facility inspections. EPA also requires owners and operators of facilities that experience two or more oil spills within a 12-month period to submit their SPCC Plans and other information to EPA for review.

A copy of the entire SPCC Plan must be maintained at the facility if the facility is normally attended for at least eight hours per day. Otherwise, it must be kept at the nearest field office. The SPCC Plan must be available to EPA for on-site review and inspection during normal working hours.

In 1986 Congress passed a law to help local communities, including Indian reservations, protect public health and safety and the environment from chemical hazards. This law, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, known as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), requires that detailed information about the nature of hazardous substances in or near reservations be made available to the public and that comprehensive emergency plans be prepared to deal with chemical accidents. The law also provides stiff penalties for companies that do not comply, and it allows citizens to file lawsuits against companies and local or tribal government agencies to force them to obey the law.

EPA published a rule-making in the Federal Register (July 26, 1990) designating Indian Tribes and their chief executive officers as the implementing authority for Title III on all Indian lands. EPA=s policy is to work with Tribes on a "government-to-government" basis. Unless Tribal leaders choose another of their various options to comply with Title III, EPA regards Federally recognized Tribal reservations as a Tribal Emergency Response Commission (TERC), with the same responsibilities as States for carrying out provisions of the law.

We can provide grants to assist Tribes in doing work necessary to comply with EPCRA. Our ability to provide these grants is subject to funding availability. We may also be able to provide technical assistance.

The risk management program rule [also knows as Clean Air Act Section 112(r)] is designed to prevent serious chemical accidents that could affect public health and the environment, and to improve the response to any accidents that do occur. The rule requires facilities that use more than threshold amounts of certain types of chemicals to implement a risk management program, and to have filed a Risk Management Plan (RMP) with EPA by June 21, 1999. In its RMP, a facility analyzes hazards, documents a five-year accident history, coordinates with local first responders, and puts a program in place to prevent chemical accidents.

Region 10 can provide information about complying with CAA Section 112(r); designing or submitting a Risk Management Plan; using the EPA's 112(r) website or downloading software from the website; and signing up for a training course, newsletter or presentation on 112(r).

Brownfields are properties that are abandoned or underused because of environmental contamination from past industrial or commercial practices. Often the potential liability associated with contamination complicates business development, property transactions or expansion on the property. The purpose of the Brownfields program is to return these sites to productive use. It=s designed to empower Tribes, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together in a timely manner to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. Brownfields strategies include funding pilot programs and other research efforts, clarifying liability issues, entering into partnerships, conducting outreach activities, developing job training programs, and addressing environmental justice concerns.

1. Brownfields Assessment Pilots: Tribes that apply and are selected as a Brownfields Assessment Pilot can receive up to $200,000 to use for site assessment.

2. Job Training Pilots: Tribes can receive up to $200,000 for a job training pilot related to

Brownfields.Revolving Loan Fund Pilots for Cleanup: Tribes can receive up to $500,000 to make loans to accomplish cleanup. In order to qualify for revolving loan funds, a Tribe must first have been a Brownfield Assessment Pilot, or have completed a Targeted Brownfield Assessment

3. Targeted Brownfield Assessment: An EPA (or in some cases State) contractor comes out to the

tribal site and assesses the property(ies), provides results to the Tribe. The site does not have to be an

NPL site to be eligible for this type of assessment, but there are some restrictions on the types of sites

4. Technical Assistance: helping connect Tribes with available assistance programs or resources (e.g,

Who Can Apply: Any local or tribal education agency, college or university, state education or environmental agency, not-for-profit organization (as described in Section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), or noncommercial educational broadcasting entity may submit an application. An individual or Tribe may not apply. Tribal education agency means a school or community college which is controlled by an Indian tribe, band, or nation, which is recognized as eligible for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians and which is not administered by the BIA.

Eligibility: Shall include, but not be limited to: (1) design, demonstration, or dissemination of environmental curricula, including development of educational tools and materials; (2) design and demonstration of field methods, practices, and techniques, including assessment of environmental and ecological conditions and analysis of environmental pollution problems; (3) projects to understand and assess a specific environmental issue or a specific environmental problem; (4) provision of training or related education for teachers, faculty, or related personnel in a specific geographic area or region; and (5) design and demonstration of projects to foster international cooperations in addressing environmental issues and problems involving the United States and Canada or Mexico. The project should be an environmental education activity that goes beyond providing information and should not be for technical training activities directed toward environmental management professionals.

Funding Range: Competitive. EPA regional offices may award grants up to $25,000. Grants for $25,001 and up to $250,000 are awarded by the EPA Headquarters office in Washington, DC. Match is required. Federal funds for projects shall not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the projects. EPA encourages non-federal matching shares of greater than 25 percent.

FY2002 - total dollar amount not available at this time - grant awards to be made in July 2002

Deadline: FY2002 - solicitation is available with applications due November 15, 2001

Application: How to Apply: To receive information on the Fiscal Year 2002 Environmental Education Grants Program, you can mail your request along with your name, organization, address, and phone number to: Environmental Education Grants Program (2001), Environmental Education Division (1707), U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460. OR

You may call the Region 10 EPA Public Environmental Resource Center in Seattle to have your name added to the regional mailing list. The phone number is a toll free number, 1-800-424-4EPA, or (206) 553-1200. OR

Visit our EPA website: http://www.epa.gov.enviroed, where you can view and download the solicitation when available. Also review tips for developing successful grant applications, descriptions of past projects funded, and other education links and resource materials are available to review. In addition, a tutorial for grant applicants is available at: http://www.epa.gov/seahome/grants/src/grant.htm.

Application Content: Application for Federal Assistance (SF424), Budget Information (SF424A), and a Work Plan 3-5 pages. Work plan must contain: - (critical to read the solicitation for more details on each of these sections):

- Improve environmental education teaching skills for teachers, faculty, and other nonformal educators (e.g., through workshops);

- Educate teachers, students, parents, community leaders, or the public about human health threats from environmental pollution;

- Increase capacity building to develop and deliver coordinated environmental education programs across a state or across multiple states;

- Utilize environmental education as a catalyst to advance state, local, or tribe education reform goals; - Educate students in formal or nonformal settings about environmental issues to encourage environmental careers;

- Educate the public about environmental issues and/or health issues in their communities through community-based organizations or through print, film, broadcast, or other media;

- Educate low-income or culturally-diverse audiences about environmental issues, thereby advancing environmental justice.

The focus of these criteria may change from year to year. These are priorities for projects submitted to EPA Regional Offices only. Review the solicitation for more details and a listing of EPA Headquarters' environmental education grant application priorities.

Timeline: FY2002 solicitation has been issued with applications due on November 15, 2001.

Responsibilities: Cause of rejection of grant application -- incomplete application not accepted, applications submitted for technical training or environmental information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact Sally Hanft, Region 10 Environmental Education Grant Coordinator at 206-553-1207 or hanft.sally@epa.gov.

Examples
Institutionalizing multi-media environmental management priorities, prevention goals, developing strategies to meet those goals, and integrating the pollution prevention ethic within both governmental and non-governmental institutions of the tribe or region;

Provide direct technical assistance to businesses; collecting and analyzing data to target outreach and technical assistance opportunities; conducting outreach activities; developing measures to determine progress in pollution prevention; and/or Initiating demonstration projects that test and support innovative pollution prevention approaches and methodologies;

Using lessons learned through existing pollution prevention pilot projects to create permanent pollution prevention programs;

Demonstrating and evaluating the benefits of protecting rural/pristine areas and natural resources (e.g. conservation, increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources);

Identifying plans for long-term implementation of a multi-media pollution prevention program beyond the initial project funding period.

Eligibility: In Region 10, the four State Environmental Protection Agencies (Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and Washington and all federally recognized Indian tribes. Recognizing that substantial differences exist between States and Tribes, a separate strategy and selection process will be used for Tribal proposals. "Treatment as a state" status is not required to receive these funds.

Funding Range: Amount Varies, usually less then $500,000 available region-wide (both states and tribes). States and Tribes are required to match Federal funds equally, at a minimum, so that Federal funding for the project does not exceed half of the allowable project cost. For example, a grant request for $10,000.00 must be matched by a tribal contribution of no less than $10,000.00. Matching contributions may be in the form of dollars and/or in-kind goods and services. Grant funds may be expended for up to three years, as appropriate, in accordance with the project workplan.

How to Apply: Contact Lucita Valiere (206) 553-2964 to request the detailed guidance document and application for the PPIS Grant Program. Applicants must complete "Application for Federal Assistance - State and Local Nonconstruction Programs" (Standard Form 424).

Application Content: Project proposals must be no more than 10 pages in length, using a 10 characters per inch typeface and single spaced pages with 1" margins all around. We strongly encourage these proposals to be double-sided on recycled paper. Local governments, private universities, private non-profits, private businesses and individuals are not eligible. Region 10 strongly encourages organizations excluded from applying directly to work with eligible applicants in developing proposals that include them as participants in the projects. Awards are made by the EPA Regional Office.

Ranking Criteria: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines pollution prevention as the use of processes, practices, or products that reduce or eliminate the generation of pollutants and wastes, including those which protect natural resources through conservation or more efficient utilization of resources. EPA Region 10 will be awarding grant/cooperative agreement funds through a competitive review process under the authority of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. Grants will be awarded to Tribal organizations that propose innovative projects that prevent pollution and thus the transfer of pollutants across all environmental media -- air, land, and water.

Responsibilities: It is the responsibility of the applicant to have all information accurate and complete, follow instructions and meet the evaluation criteria. A complete application must include a completed SF 424 and 424A. The application forms and general instructions will be included in the application kit upon request.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on the PPIS grant program, contact Lucita Valiere in EPA Region 10's Office for Innovation at (206) 553-2964.

Purpose: To build tribal environmental capacity to administer environmental regulatory programs that may be delegated by EPA on Indian lands, or provide technical assistance to tribes or intertribal consortia to develop tribal multi-media programs that address environmental issues on Indian lands.

- Environmental monitoring to establish baseline data (requires quality assurance project plan).

Eligibility: Federally recognized Indian tribes and intertribal consortia which have been duly constituted to act on the tribes behalf. (Current tribal resolutions supporting the right of the consortia to apply for funding on the tribes' behalf must be attached to the grant application.) There is no "treatment as a state" requirement to receive these funds.

Funding Range: New grantees, $75,000 minimum. For continuing grantees, funding amount varies depending upon needs and grantee performance. No match requirement.

Availability of Funds: Annual funding letters requesting proposals are distributed to tribal governments, usually before December of each fiscal year.

Application: The proposal letter will outline the application process. Generally, the following occurs:

How to Apply: A letter requesting tribal proposal will initiate the process. Proposals should be no longer than 2-3 pages plus a one page budget. Successful tribes will be contacted to submit a completed application kit along with the workplan.

Application Content: EPA will provide the necessary federal forms, plus include a workplan detailing timelines, budget, tasks, and outputs/products. Generally, the federal forms will include a completed SF424, "Application for Federal Assistance." EPA Form 5700-49(11-88), "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and other Responsibility Matter." EPA Form 5700-48(5-84), "Procurement System Certification." SF4248, "Assurances-Non-Construction Programs."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: If a continuing GAP grantee, please contact the EPA Project Officer assigned to your grant. Otherwise, you may contact Jean Gamache (Alaska) at (907) 271-6558 or Alan Moomaw (360) 753-8071. You may also contact the Tribal Office at (206) 553-4011 (or toll free at 1-800-424-4EPA).

Note: The Tribal Office administers this program in cooperation with the Office of Water

Purpose: Develop and implement water pollution control or groundwater protection programs on Indian Reservations. Activities include: identification/assessment of water pollution sources and impacts, development of comprehensive water resources management plans for these sources, water quality monitoring/water data development, establishment of tribal water quality standards/ordinances/regulations, delineation of aquifer protection zones for groundwater protection measures.

Kinds of projects previously funded under program: Examples include: Point/Nonpoint Sources of Water Contamination on Yakama Indian Reservation Report, Swinomish Groundwater Protection Program, Suquamish Comprehensive Water Resources Plan, Puyallup Water Quality Monitoring Program, Makah Tribal Water Quality Standards.

Eligibility: Federally-recognized tribal governments that have obtained "treatment in a manner similar to a state" (TAS) status for CWA Section 106 program. As of September 2001, 34 tribal governments have TAS status for this program. NOTE: Alaska Tribal governments (with the exception of Metlakatla) are not eligible to participate, as the Clean Water Act is currently amended (Section 518).

Funding Range: $50,000 - $150,000. Eligible tribal governments receive a "target" funding level (just as state governments do). There is a 5% match requirement.

Availability of Funds: Each fiscal year, there is a national tribal set-aside from the Section 106 budget. Each EPA region receives an allocation by formula (based on number of TAS eligible tribal governments by the end of the preceding calender year as a "base"; plus a variable amount weighted by regional totals for reservation surface water area - 50%, reservation population - 25%, reservation land area - 25%). In FY01, Region 10 received $3.3 million for award ($27 million was set-aside nationally for tribal governments).

Deadline: These are usually annual grants. Timeframes (note: this can vary, but in general): Notification letters to eligible tribal governments should be distributed in Nov/Dec.; workplan responses by February to Project Officer (or Tribal Coordinator if a PO is not assigned) in March; Full applications to follow in March/April; awards to be made before June 30^th. Region 10 may award a multiple year grant for this program.

How to Apply: First, tribes need to become eligible through a TAS application. See eligibility and deadlines above.

Application Content: 5-7 page proposal that includes an introduction, statement of work, timelines/benchmarks and products, budget. Application content/criteria is specified in notification letters.

Award Criteria: Past grant program performance (payment requests/timely reporting, workplan products/output, program accomplishments) will be assessed in developing tribal "target" levels each fiscal year.

Timeline: Tribes can apply for TAS status at any time. See Deadline above for grant award process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact your Project Officer/Tribal Coordinator; or Alan Moomaw at (360) 753-8071.

Purpose: Grant funds provided under Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act are to be directed at unique, pilot, special studies or demonstration projects that will advance the tribe's knowledge and ability to deal with point source water pollution problems from a watershed protection approach. Cooperative work in high priority watersheds is also a factor in use of these funds (ie. "TMDL"s - total maximum daily loads, where water quality standards are being exceeded).

Eligibility: All federally recognized tribes, and intertribal consortia. "Treatment as a state" (TAS) status is not required to be eligible for these funds.

Availability of Funds: Varies each year (around $100,000 regional total in past fiscal years).

Timeline for Project: Projects are to be of a short timeframe (one to two years) and provide tangible results. These funds are not intended to support on-going programs.

Responsibilities: The grantee is responsible for completing the application forms in accordance with the criteria set for the solicitation.

Purpose: The purpose of the Interagency Project to Clean-up Open Dumps on Tribal Lands (aka "the Clean-up Project') is to assist tribes with closing or upgrading open dump sites. The Clean-up Project is the brainchild of a national Tribal Solid Waste Interagency Workgroup whose mandate is to better coordinate federal assistance for tribal solid waste management programs. The Cleanup Project's specific goals include assisting tribes with: 1) completing and implementing comprehensive, integrated waste management plans; 2) developing realistic solid waste management alternatives; 3) closing or upgrading existing open dumps; and 4) developing post-closure programs.

Funding Range: There are no predetermined minimum or maximum amounts. Since 1999 grant awards have ranged from $27,000 to $490,000.

Availability of Funds: Varies. $3 million dollars were available in fiscal year 2001

- Late September - EPA Office of Solid Waste (OSW) Tribal Program sends a grant solicitation package to all eligible federally recognized tribes and tribal consortia.

- December - OSW also publishes a request for proposals for the Interagency Project to Clean Up Open Dumps on Tribal Lands in the Federal Register.

Application: The national EPA Office of Solid Waste mails a grant solicitation package to all eligible federally recognized tribes and tribal consortiums in late September. A full explanation of the application process, the qualifying requirements and the criteria that will be used to evaluate proposals for this project will be contained in the grant solicitation package.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact Grover Partee at (206) 553 6697, Office of Waste and Chemicals Management, EPA Region 10, 1200 6^th Avenue, WCM-128, Seattle, Washington 98101or by email at partee.grover@epa.gov.

Kinds of activities funded under program: To be eligible for funding, grant application work plans must include a series of activities that will result in the development and implementation of an EPA-approved Lead-Based Paint Program.

Eligibility: Eligible parties include Federally-recognized Indian Tribes and state agencies.

Funding Range: Awards may be made to Tribes for up to $50,000. Cooperative agreements made under this program are not subject to cost-sharing or matching-fund requirements.

Deadline: Final deadline for submitting an application is September 24, 2001.

How to Apply: Contact Bob Kirkland at (800) 424-4372 or (206) 553-8282, or Barbara Ross at (800) 424-4372 or (206) 553-1985, to discuss the proposed project and to request that an application kit be mailed to you.

Application Content: The application should contain the completed EPA forms and a work program, a detailed line-item budget with sufficient information to clearly justify costs, a list of work products or deliverables, and a schedule for their completion. Prior to application submission, the work program should be negotiated between the applicant and the Seattle EPA office to ensure that both EPA and tribal priorities can be addressed.

Ranking Criteria: Funding is limited, and decisions on fund allocation will be based on the relative need for a Lead Program within the Tribal jurisdiction, and how well the work plan describes a process that will lead to Lead program authorization.

Joint Applications: EPA welcomes joint applications by Tribes, particularly in Alaska, because such applications may help both the Tribes and EPA in ensuring that authorized programs are consistent, and that overall program implementation is more efficient and cost effective.

Responsibilities: Applications which are incomplete, late, or lack an acceptable work program will not be considered for funding.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on the Lead (Pb) grant program, contact Bob Kirkland at (800) 424-4372 or (206) 553-8282, or Barbara Ross at (800) 424-4372 or (206) 553-1985.

Purpose: EPA has issued two Notices of available funds for grants exclusively for Indian Tribes in the Federal Register, Volume 66, Number 155, on August 10, 2001, on pages 42404 thru 42411. The EPA grants will provide approximately $2.5 million for Indian Tribes.

Kinds of activities funded under program: One grant is for testing and analyzing lead in blood, paint, dust and soil and to conduct inspections and risk assessments of pre-1978 Tribal homes for hazardous lead levels. The second grant is for lead educational outreach activities.

How to Apply: Contact Darlene Watford at (202) 260-3989 or e-mail at watford.darlene@epa.gov

Responsibilities: Applications which are incomplete, late, or lack an acceptable work program will not be considered for funding.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on the Lead grant program, contact Darlene Watford at (202) 260-3989 or e-mail at watford,darlene@epa.gov

Copies of the Federal Register Notice may be downloaded by clicking on "Tribal NOFA" at www.epa.gov/lead/tribes.htm

Purpose: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This grant program is aimed at reducing the health risk from exposure to the build-up of radon gas in structures, and rendering air in buildings in the U.S. as free of radon as the air outside buildings.

Projects that: provide information to increase radon awareness and recommend actions to the public; identify, document, and evaluate areas of potentially significant radon exposure and health risk; design actions to reduce radon exposure and risk to acceptable levels; and other innovative projects to address radon-related problems or conditions. Fiscal Year 1997 projects should be based on risk reduction and quantitative results. Areas of emphasis are building radon-resistant homes; real estate testing and disclosure; building and sustaining coalitions; goal-setting; school testing and mitigation; and other activities that get results. Projects that are targeted to high-risk areas (that is, geologic areas which are prone to elevated radon levels) are encouraged.

Eligibility: Federally recognized Indian tribes and inter-tribal Indian organizations (under authority of TSCA Section 10). No "treatment as a state" status is required to receive these funds.

Funding Range: Dependant upon merits of proposal. State agency applicants must provide 50% matching funds. Tribal applicants must provide 5% matching funds.

Availability of Funds: The Indoor Radon Grant allocation for Region 10 is not precise at this time.

How to Apply: Contact EPA Radon Program to request the Radon Grant Program guidance document. Applicants must complete an "Application Kit for Financial Assistance." This kit is available by calling the Region 10 Grants Administration Unit at 206-553-5780.

Application Content: In addition to the standard application forms, applicants must submit several attachments:

(2) A certification letter (or assurance that an earlier certification letter is still valid) from the State Governor or Attorney General; or a certification letter from the Tribal Chairman (or equivalent);

(4) A Quality Assurance Project Plan (or assurance that one will be developed); and

Ranking Criteria: If applications for funds exceed the amounts available in a Federal fiscal year, grant applications will be evaluated and ranked according to the following criteria:

(2) The potential for the project to reduce radon levels, including measures of that success;

(3) The potential development of radon assessment and mitigation techniques that may be of use to other States or Tribes;

(4) Any other uniform criteria, provided to applicants in advance, that EPA believes promotes the goals of the program.

Responsibilities: Submit the application to EPA in accordance with the grant procedures; assistance and procedures available from contact listed below. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Kathleen S. Johnson, Radon Program Manager, at 206-553-7299.

Purpose: To promote the development of Wellhead Protection Programs on Indian Lands with the goal of protecting drinking water sources from contamination.

Availability of Funds: Irregular allocation by EPA Headquarters, no matching requirement.

How to Apply: Process to be determined when funds are available. Region 10 will notify all eligible Tribes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact Craig Paulsen (206-553-4350) or Jennifer Parker (206-553-1900) in the Drinking Water Unit.

- where in tribal organizational grant would be located (e.g., Department of Natural Resources)

- explain how the particular task will remedy an earlier identified environmental problem

- be sure to identify where tribal match will be located within the above categories

For the initial proposal, submit a broad scope budget. For the final application, specific budget details are needed.

Elements of a Quality Assurance Project Plan

(Based on Interim Guidelines & Specifications for Preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans, QAMS-005/80)




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