UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
New! Health Education & Communication in Indian Country: A Climate and Health Learning Community Event
Tuesday, June 23; 1-2pm ET
Please join National Indian Health Board (NIHB) for a Climate and Health Learning Community webinar: “Health Education and Communication in Indian Country.” This webinar will discuss best practices in conducting health education and communication activities in a Tribal setting; tools and resources that Tribal health professionals have used successfully; and how COVID-19 and other barriers can be overcome to ensure Tribal public health professionals can connect and engage with community members successfully.
NEW! Protecting Tribal Lands and Sacred Places: Current Threats Across Indian Country
Tuesday, June 23; 1-2:30pm EDT
Hosted by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). This Forum will share the stories of five tribal nations working to protect their tribal homelands in the face of baseless and arbitrary attacks by the federal government, and they will discuss how the federal government must recommit to its trust and treaty obligations to all tribal nations in this critical area.
Reminder: Friday, June 26, is the deadline to provide comments on the AirNow Sensor Pilot Map Layer
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have been reviewing those comments as we refine the sensor layer that we plan to pilot on the AirNow Fire and Smoke map later next month. To review the prototype layer and submit comments, please visit https://sensorpilot.app.cloud.gov/. Use the following username and password to access this site: Username: sensor, Password: pilot
If you have any questions, please email the AirNow team at sensordatapilot@epa.gov.
NEW! EPA Research on Environmental Cleanup and Disinfection of SARS-Cov2 Webinar
Tuesday, June 30; 1-2pm EDT
EPA scientists are building on a foundation of world-class research by applying their knowledge to reduce the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This research will help states & territories, tribes, and local governments, including public health agencies guide homeowners, business owners, and others reduce the risk of exposure. This webinar will highlight research EPA is working on related to environmental cleanup and disinfection. More information about EPA Research on COVID-19 in the Environment.
ITEP 4-Part Webinar Series: Managing Road Dust
Road dust from unpaved roads is a major air quality concern in many tribal communities. Dust (also called Particulate Matter (PM)) has negative impacts on health, road safety and quality of life. This webinar is the second of a series of four webinars to help tribal environmental and transportation staff to manage road dust, resulting in improved air quality. Presenters from US Environmental Protection Agency, University of Alaska, Alaska Department Environmental Conservation, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals will provide information to help tribal environmental and transportation staff create community partnerships. If you have any questions, contact Mansel.Nelson@nau.edu
- Webinar #3: Engaging Community Leaders in Road Dust Management
Upcoming TBD
- Webinar #4: Case Studies on Road Dust Management
Upcoming TBD
EPA is now accepting applications for the 2020 Clean Air Excellence Awards The application guidelines and entry form can be found at here. EPA senior officials will present the awards at a celebration in late 2020 in Washington, DC (date to be determined).
Please help us spread the word by forwarding this information to other organizations and individuals who may be interested and encouraging good candidates to apply for these prestigious awards. Applications are due by July 31, 2020.
On June 5, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed an Information Collection Request (ICR) for ethylene oxide commercial sterilization facilities and is requesting public comment on the action. The data collected through the ICR, in combination with the December 2019 questionnaire that was sent to nine ethylene oxide sterilization companies, will enable EPA to have a better understanding of emissions, emissions sources, processes and control technologies in use at ethylene oxide sterilization facilities nationwide. EPA’s analysis of the ICR data will support the agency’s ongoing review of the Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilization and Fumigation Operations National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. EPA will accept comment on the proposed ICR for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. A pre-publication version of the proposed ICR is available here.
EPA finalized minor amendments to the 2004 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Plywood and Composite Wood Products (PCWP) source category. The PCWP source category includes 230 facilities: 93 PCWP facilities, 121 lumber mills and 16 facilities that produce both PCWP and lumber. EPA identified acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde, methanol, phenol and propionaldehyde as the main pollutants emitted from this sector. Based on the results of required residual risk review, EPA determined that risks from the source category are acceptable. In addition, based on the results of the technology review, the agency identified no developments in practices, processes or control technologies that would further reduce emissions of air toxics from the emission units regulated under the PCWP NESHAP. EPA is finalizing no significant changes to the original NESHAP for this source category and concludes that the standards continue to provide an ample margin of safety to protect public health and the environment. A fact sheet and pre-publication version of the final rule are available here.
Tribal Grants Education and Technical Assistance Webinar Series Second Wednesday of Every Month at 1pm ET
For more information, click here!
Updated APTI 423, Air Pollution Dispersion Models: AERMOD
3-Day Lecture Course: June 2020 thru May 2021
Register Here
APTI 423 is a three-day course intended for air quality scientists to give a better understanding of the AERMOD modeling system and how to appropriately set up and run the various components of the modeling system (e.g. AERMAP, AERMET, and AERMOD). The course will cover inputs, execution, analysis of outputs, and QA of inputs/outputs of the various system components. The course will focus on the EPA issued version of the AERMOD modeling system used by consultants, federal, state, and local air quality agencies. In addition to the instructor presentation and lecture, participants will have opportunities to apply their knowledge through modeling scenarios provided in the course materials. More information about APTI 423, as well as the direct link to the course materials, can be found here.
Updated APTI 474, Continuous Monitoring Systems (CMS)
3.5-Day Lecture Course: June 2020 thru May 2021
APTI 474 (a 3-and-a-half-day course) has been updated to provide a deeper dive into many of the key concepts covered under NACT 221 (a one-day classroom course). Brand new to APTI 474 is a day-long session covering performance specifications, quality assurance, and commonly used technologies for CMS. In addition to the instructor presentation and lecture, participants have opportunities to apply their knowledge through practical exercises, facilitated discussions, and knowledge check games. More information about APTI 474, as well as the direct link to the course materials, can be found here.
NTAA Upcoming Calls
The toll-free number is 1-800-309-2350. If you do not need to call toll free, or would like to help conserve NTAA funding, you can call 1-805-309-2350. Both numbers use code 928-523-0526#. Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.
| EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. | Thursday, June 25, 2pm ET |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. | Thursday, July 3, 2pm ET
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| Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. | Thursday, July 16, 2pm ET |
| Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country.
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Thursday, August 20, 2pm ET
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The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional’s (ITEP’s) Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars and other events related to tribes and climate change.
Click here for ITEP’s other trainings and events.
Click here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. New courses have been added, so check it out!
ITEP’s FY20 AIAQTP Course Schedule
| Course Title | Dates | Location | Course Level |
| 2020 | |||
| Air Pollution Technology (Postponed!) | TBD | Flagstaff, AZ | 2 |
| Meteorological Monitoring (Postponed!) | Fall 2020 | TAMS Center, Las Vegas, NV | 3 |
| Air Pollution Modeling | Fall 2020 | TAMS Center, Las Vegas, NV | 3 |
| Air Quality Outreach | TBD | TBD | 1 |
| National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ) (Postponed!) | May 2021 | Tulsa, OK | n/a |
| Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke | Anytime | Series of 6 recorded webinars | n/a |
| Indoor Air Quality – Independent Study | Anytime | Independent Study | 1 |
| Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Cold Climates | Open | Online | 1 |
| Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Warm Climates | In development | Online | 1 |
| Residential Building Science Review | Open | Online | 1 |
| Radon Fundamentals | Open | Online | 1 |
| Quality Assurance Fundamentals (QA 101) | Open | Online | 1 |
| Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) (QA 201-209) | Open | Online | 2 |
| Emissions Inventory Fundamentals | Open | Online | 2 |
| Emissions Inventory Advanced | Open | Online | 3 |
| Note: This schedule is subject to change. For up-to-date information, course descriptions, and applications please visit http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air/ | |||
Climate Change / Energy
June 24, 1 PM (ET) – 2020 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: How to Select Energy Projects Register Here
After a tribal energy vision has been developed, the next step is to identify specific energy projects to pursue and how best to use your energy resources. Tribes often have many options to consider. This webinar will provide guidance on how to select energy projects that meet your energy vision.
June 25, 1 PM (ET) – Portfolio Manager 301 Register Here
With a good background on the basic functionality of EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool, learn about some advanced features including: using spreadsheet upload templates to update property data; setting goals and targets to plan energy improvements for properties; creating custom reports; and using the Sustainable Buildings Checklist.
NEW! Call for Community Engagement Workshop Participants and Papers for a Special Issue
Workshop Series: Winter/Spring 2021
This USDA NIFA funded and professionally facilitated Engagement Workshop Series will convene a multidisciplinary group of researchers, community stakeholders, practitioners, students, funders, and policy makers to discuss the design and impacts of stakeholder engagement to address socio-environmental problems in working landscapes. The workshop series includes virtual meetings in winter/spring 2021 and a two-day in-person workshop at Penn State University, US in June 2021. Intended outcomes include 1) a special issue of a journal on workshop themes, 2) a collaboratively defined and co-produced research agenda on the “science of engagement,” and 3) formation of a new collaborative research network. Among the questions to be addressed are: What risks does engagement entail and for whom? What challenges and risks are posed to indigenous and underrepresented communities through engagement? Which approaches effectively and equitably engage underrepresented stakeholders? Apply here to participate in the virtual meetings and/or to submit a paper. Funding is available for travel to the June 2021 conference on a competitive basis. More information available at the workshop website. Questions or a request for more information can be sent to Georgia Hart-Fredeluces at hartgeo2@isu.edu.
Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Working Group Webinar Series
The Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Working Group (IPCCWG) would like to invite you to join us for a 4-part webinar series that will discuss the future generations of American Indian and Alaskan Native geoscience professionals, educators, and workforce. An in-person IPCCWG meeting will take place at the National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference. We also greatly appreciate you sharing within your networks. The webinar schedule is as follows:
- July 16 1pm PT/3pm CT/4pm ET
- August 13 1pm PT/3pm CT/4pm ET
If you have any questions regarding registration or anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to Althea Walker at awalker@aihec.org or 480-258-3963.
South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center: Earth to Sky Workshop
Earth to Sky is a partnership between NASA, NPS, and USFWS that enables and encourages informal educators to access and use relevant NASA science, data, and educational and outreach products in their work. The partnership’s focus is on climate change science and communication. Join us for three days of training with native informal educators from across the South Central region who recognize the importance of teaching climate change. The workshop will take place July 15-17 in Sulphur, OK. Learn more here.
Save the Date: Southwest Tribal Climate Resilience Camp
Date: July 26-31, 2020
Location: Navajo Technical University – Crownpoint, NM
The Tribal Climate Resilience Camp will support teams of Tribal Leaders, climate change coordinators, planners, and program managers to build skills, gather information, and develop Tribal policies and plans needed for Tribal Nations to address climate change impacts. Information about travel, lodging, and registration will be available soon. You may contact Althea Walker, Tribal Climate Science Liaison, at AWalker@aihec.org or (480) 258-3963 with questions.
SEEKING TRIBAL DELEGATES
We are currently recruiting 10 Southwest Tribes to participate in the 2020 Camp. Each Tribe should identify three delegates per Tribe. The delegates must participate for the entire week curriculum. Delegates may include climate change staff, tribal policy leaders, Tribal Council, natural resource and environmental managers and staff, administrators, department staff from health, public works, education, housing, and other relevant departments that should engage in climate change planning. FOR APPLICATIONS Visit this link.
Save the Date: Shifting Seasons Summit 3, October 6-8, 2020, Keshena, WI
Contingency dates: March 2021
The Shifting Seasons Summit is a gathering that focuses on climate resilience planning and implementation within Tribes and across Tribal ceded territories in the Northeast Region. This summit will also include network-building opportunities and initiatives developed outside of the Northeast by capacity building organizations, academic institutions and Tribes. Visit www.NICRN.org for more details.
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
NEW! Clean Cities Webinar Series—Part II: Fleet experiences Using Renewable Diesel, Biodiesel, and Blends
Wednesday, June 24; 10am PT
This two-part webinar series brings together experiences fleet managers and industry experts to show you how to green your fleet with renewable diesel (RD), biodiesel and blends. Learn how renewable diesel, biodiesel, and blends can: 1) reduce operating costs, 2) lower emissions, and 3) meet your fleet sustainability goals.
NEW! Disinfectant Safety during the COVID-19 pandemic
Wednesday, June 24; 11am PT / 2pm ET
In this webinar the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) will address common misconceptions and questions about disinfectant safety. We will also tour EPA’s online tool for products effective against COVID-19.
NEW! Safe Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfection in Child Care Facilities and Schools During the COVIS-19 Pandemic
Tuesday, June 30; 10am PDT / 1pm EST
Hosted by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE). Many products sold for cleaning and disinfecting pose health risks, especially for young children and pregnant workers. In this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are using more disinfectant products than previously to prevent the spread of the virus. During this webinar, Stephanie Holm, MD, Co-Director of the Western States PEHSU and Victoria Leonard, RN, FNP, PhD, head of the PEHSU’s Environmental Health in Early Care and Education Project, will address how to more safely choose and use cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting products and practices for child care facilities and schools in this time of COVID-19. The speakers will also describe the differences between these different activities and how to know where and how often each should be done. There will be ample time for Q&A.
Tribal Consultation Period Extended for EPA’s Draft Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country
Extended through August 3, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) – Office of Pesticide Programs is provide notice to federally-recognized tribes that EPA’s Tribal Consultation on the Draft EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country is extended through August 3, 2020 to accommodate a recent tribal request. The timeline for the consultation and consultation period will extend from February 10–August 3, 2020. During this period, a third consultation session will be conducted. To participate, the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) invites you and/or your designee to join us during the following consultation session:
- Session 3: Wednesday, July 15th from 12:00pm-2:00pm ET
Conference Line: 866-299-3188; Code: 202-566-0603
Adobe Connect: https://epawebconferencing.acms.com/draftepaplan3
Indoor Air Quality
NEW! Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ)
Thursday, June 25; 1pm EDT
CIAQ member agencies will provide updates on indoor environmental quality–related activities at their agencies, with the goal of enhancing opportunities for collaboration and coordination. Following these updates, invited presentations on topics of interest to the IAQ community include—
- Thirdhand Smoke in Low-Income Multiunit Housing,
- Impacts of Building Airflows on the Fate and Transport of Indoor Aerosols, and
- HVAC recommendations for re-opening buildings.
The agenda for the June meeting will be provided on the CIAQ website shortly.
If you have questions, a presentation topic or other suggestions that you would like considered for future meetings, please send them to burton.laureen@epa.gov.
Webinar Program for National Healthy Homes Month
National Healthy Homes Month (NHHM) is an annual outreach effort sponsored by HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (HUD/OLHCHH). Throughout June, OLHCHH, along with our partners, heighten awareness of health-related hazards in residences and other housing types, with recommended actions to address them. This year, our theme of Healthy Housing for All underlines how the healthy homes model impacts such a wide range of residents. The continuing impact of the COVID-19 virus greatly increases the need for awareness of, and actions around, many indoor environmental health concerns. You must register for each webinar you plan to attend. Registration is limited to the first 500 registrants, so please plan on registering early. The remaining webinars are:
- June 23, 2 – 3pm ET: The Longer Term Effectiveness of Home Asthma Interventions
- June 25, 2 – 3pm ET: Interventions to Help Seniors Safely Age in Place
- June 30, 2 – 3pm ET: The Grande Finale of NHHM ’20: The Winners of the HUD Secretary’s Awards for Healthy Homes
The Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ) will hold its next public webinar
Thursday, June 25, 2020, 1-4:30pm ET
Register Here
At the meeting, CIAQ member agencies will provide updates on indoor environmental quality–related activities at their agencies, with the goal of enhancing opportunities for collaboration and coordination. Following these updates, invited presentations on topics of interest to the IAQ community include—
1. Thirdhand Smoke in Low-Income Multiunit Housing,
2. Impacts of Building Airflows on the Fate and Transport of Indoor Aerosols,
3. HVAC recommendations for re-opening buildings.
The agenda for the June meeting will be provided on the CIAQ website shortly.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!