Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Tribal Strategic PlanOffice of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Tribal Strategic PlanOPPTSTSP_f7bba8f5-eeee-4c60-a5aa-3b67c4f97f1bTo protect and improve human health and the environment in Indian country and other tribal areas including in Alaska; to achieve risk reduction, sustainability, environmental justice, and enhanced quality of life for members of tribal communities throughout the United States. To promote safer designs, wiser use of materials, products, processes, practices and technologies, and disposal methods using pollution prevention as the principle of first choice in Indian country and other tribal areas including in Alaska. To provide information, education and technical assistance to empower tribes to make informed decisions on the risks associated with pesticides and toxic substances._69c05604-fbf9-439e-aba4-6fffec8abf91Consultation, Communication, Coordination and OutreachImprove the Government-to-Government Relationship with Federally-Recognized Tribes through Effective and Meaningful Consultation, Communication, Coordination and Outreach_78bdf669-e436-43bc-ad7b-e5a5c71856da1Ongoing Activities – Goal 1 OPPTS already has several program activities associated with Goal 1. Many of these efforts directly or indirectly serve multiple goals and objectives contained in the Strategic Plan. The following project and program summaries include information on which OPPTS office has primary involvement (OPP, OPPT or OSCP). Additional EPA activities, including notable regional activities that support OPPTS tribal program goals are summarized in Appendix E. OPPTS Tribal Websites OPPTS has Internet web pages that focus on toxics and pesticide related topics that are of direct interest to ICOTA. These sites also provide links to other important EPA home pages, and to other governmental and non-governmental sites that can help tribes protect their environments. Information can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/oppts/tribal.htm OPPTS Tribal News As part of an overall effort to increase awareness of toxics, pollution prevention and pesticide issues in tribal communities, OPPT and OPP collaborate to produce the quarterly OPPTS Tribal News. This publication is mailed to all federally-recognized tribes and posted on the OPPTS web site. In addition to disseminating important information to members of the tribal community, the news- letter educates tribal youth with its popular “Kid’s Page” feature. In Winter 2004, OPPTS sponsored a special pilot edition, entitled “EPA Tribal News,” Fall 2003-Winter 2004. This pilot included articles from most of EPA’s media offices and also reflected tribal perspectives on a variety of environmental concerns, such as tribal traditional life ways. Design for the Environment Program OPPT’s Design for the Environment Program (DfE) provides training and education on environmental issues and seeks to build capacity within minority communities through partnerships between tribal and community colleges, government, industry and minorities. In 1997, Design for the Environment teamed with the Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (PETE) to recognize community and technical colleges as an important national resource for workforce development, small business outreach and public information. Tribal colleges across the country are important members of the PETE network, which has held several tribal college workshops devoted to fostering communication among participants. Over 40 faculty and administrators representing 18 tribal col- leges attended the first tribal college workshops in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The outcome of these meetings was to add new “tribal perspectives” to environmental curricula. The “All Nations Tribal College Environmental Program Capacity Building Workshop”, was held in Des Moines, Washington State in November 2001 at Highland Community College. Panel members highlighted priority goals for program initiatives and to develop native American environmental professionals. This effort was geared towards developing tribally managed environmental stewardship and sustain- ability. This workgroup also provided input into development of this TSP. Programs, Resources, and Grant Opportunities (OPPT) In 1999, OPPT published its fi rst comprehensive resource guide entitled, “Programs, Resources, and Grant Opportuni- ties.” This guide provides information on OPPT’s programs, resources, and grant opportunities that support tribal efforts to promote pollution prevention and protect human health and the environment from toxic substances. This guide is intended to be updated periodically, as occurred in FY 2000 when information on the OPPT Blood-Lead Screening and Lead Awareness Activities Grant Program was added. The resource guide is being revised again in 2004 with the updated version to be sent to all federally-recognized tribes. Tribal Medicine Project (OPP) OPP coordinated efforts to educate tribal healthcare providers and environmental managers on the identification, treatment, and prevention of acute pesticide poisoning. In FY 2001, three tribes in the north- west and southwest acted as initial hosts. During the FY 02-03 project cycle, three additional tribes hosted the workshops. In addition to addressing potential poisoning caused by pesticide application and drift, storage and disposal, this project looked at potential poisonings or unacceptable exposures associated with pesticide residues remaining on repatriated tribal artifacts. Partnering with the Tribal Pesticide Program Council (TPPC) and the Tribal Affairs Project (TAP) OPPTS works closely with the TPPC and the TAP to ensure good communication on important toxics, pollution prevention and pesticide issues. OPPTS engages in dialogue with these groups to obtain tribal perspectives on Agency decisions and actions of concern to tribes in our program areas. The organizations meet on a regular basis and communicate via conference calls to help ensure a constant exchange of thoughts and perspectives on toxic, pollution prevention and pesticide issues in Indian country and other tribal areas including in Alaska. Providing Tribal Governments with Emergency Pest Control Options (Sect. 18s) FIFRA Section 18, which authorizes EPA to provide emergency exemptions from federal requirements when needed to protect against pest infestations, does not specifically reference tribes. In response to discussions initiated by TPPC members, the Navajo Nation, OPP and USDA/APHIS have cooperated in a process by which APHIS may apply for Section 18 exemptions that cover Navajo Indian country. The exemptions allow for pesticide applications that do not meet product label requirements, when emergency conditions exist. The process is now ready to test on Navajo, and similar processes may be avail- able for other interested tribes in 2004. Facilitation of Cooperative Activities Be- tween National State and Tribal Pesticide Working Groups (OPP) OPP encourages leadership of the TPPC and a corresponding state organization, the State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group (SFIREG), to work closely together to develop common solutions for mutual pesticide related concerns. Regular communication between the two groups is facilitated by OPP and each is encouraged to send participants to the others’ regular meetings, and to work collaboratively with OPP on pesticide issues that impact both states and tribes.Consultation and CoordinationOPPTS intends to apply the principles of Executive Order E.O. 13175, entitled “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments”, in its interactions with tribes. E.O. 13175 seeks to strengthen the government-to-government relation- ship with tribes and to reduce the imposition of unfunded mandates upon them. OPPTS will fulfill its obligations under E.O. 13175, including engaging tribes in meaningful consultation on actions with tribal implications._b8142178-cbcd-474b-94cc-40a1aacd748c1.1Work Activity 1.1.1 OPPTS staff intends to develop training and guidance to implement the requirements of E.O. 13175. Work Activity 1.1.2 OPPTS intends to develop internal procedures that establish an office-wide approach for implementing the requirements in E.O. 13175.CommunicationOPPTS intends to utilize two-way communication to ensure timely information flow between EPA and tribal governments, tribal environmental organizations and tribal colleges._954b692c-ae83-4b43-982a-9155896dc0691.2Work Activity 1.2.1 OPPTS intends to continue to produce quarterly issues of the OPPTS Tribal News, post them on-line and mail them to all federally-recognized tribes. Work Activity 1.2.2 OPPTS intends to complete a guidebook on “Comprehensive Pesticides, Toxics and Pollution Prevention Programs, Resources, and Grant Opportunities for Indian Tribes.” Work Activity 1.2.3 OPPTS intends to continue to maintain and upgrade tribal web pages to ensure that accurate, timely information on its programs and activities is available to tribes.Pesticides, Toxics and PollutionOPPTS intends to work closely with EPA regions and tribes to identify national and regional pesticides, toxics and pollution prevention issues that are of significant concern to tribal populations. The Office intends to ensure that tribes are engaged in policy discussions of such issues as appropriate, and that their concerns are considered as OPPTS develops and implements national policies and regulatory decisions._f90b927f-b71d-4658-b5c9-3f1821d78d2b1.3Work Activity 1.3.1 OPPTS intends to continue to identify risk reduction and pollution prevention-related opportunities for ICOTA and to develop and implement efforts to address identified issues. In these efforts, EPA will work in close partnership with the Tribal Affairs Project (TAP) of the Forum on State and Tribal Toxics Action (FOSTTA), the Tribal Pesticide Program Council (TPPC), the National Tribal Operations Committee (TOC) and the Regional Tribal Operations Committees (RTOCs). Work Activity 1.3.2 OPPTS intends to initiate an outreach effort to encourage tribes to participate in national pollution prevention organizations and committees, Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx) information network and regional pollution prevention efforts. Work Activity 1.3.3 The OPPT National Pollution Prevention Toxics Advisory Committee should designate one tribal representative as a regular member. Work Activity 1.3.4 OPPTS intends to continue to pursue efforts to promote dialogue and cooperative efforts between state and tribal pesticide, toxics and environmental program managers and encourage broader tribal participation in the TPPC and FOSTTA. Work Activity 1.3.5 OPPTS intends to lead a cross-Agency team, working with a host tribe, to convene the 7th annual National Tribal Con- ference on Environmental Management (NTCEM). OPPTS intends to participate with the NTCEM in subsequent years.Human and Environmental RisksOPPTS intends to support programs and projects that allow tribes to identify and reduce the human and environmental risks that may accompany exposure to pesticides and toxic chemicals (such as asbestos, persistent organic pollutants, and persistent bioaccumulative chemicals including dioxins, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls). These efforts may include outreach, technical training and assistance, specific funding, and implementation of corrective measures._d198d9ce-8d85-4231-90d3-ef39bd7001251.4Work Activity 1.4.1 OPPTS intends to host at least one interagency meeting with tribes and with federal agencies that work with tribal governments to develop recommendations and identify existing governmental resources and programs. The meeting should help OPPTS identify and work toward integrating a comprehensive, cross agency federal effort to address toxics and pesticide issues in ICOTA. Work Activity 1.4.2 OPPTS headquarters (with assistance from regional offices as appropriate) intends to sponsor or co-sponsor trainthe-trainer sessions, and toxics and pesticide management workshops at locations in ICOTA. Sessions and workshops should cover the management of toxic chemicals, pesticides, and other materials including lead and asbestos, and will be offered by and for interested parties in other federal agencies as well as tribal environmental managers. Work Activity 1.4.3 OPPTS intends to consult with the federally-recognized tribes and work to establish policies and procedures for input on related national and international decision-making leading to agreements and policies.Program Development and ImplementationContinue to Build Tribal Capacity for Program Development and Implementation_d4dbdaf8-98cd-403a-87cb-3c4c593ccb592Ongoing Activities – Goal 2 OPPTS is currently involved in the following activities that support the objectives and work activities identified for Goal 2. Pollution Prevention Grant Program The Pollution Prevention Grant Program provides matching funds to states and tribes to support pollution prevention activities and the development of state and tribal environmental programs. It promotes pollution prevention through technical assistance and training, outreach, and education, regulatory integration, demonstration (pilot) projects, and public recognition. Funding varies and is subject to availability each fiscal year. Since 1989, more than twenty tribal projects have received over one million dollars collectively from this program. LifeLine Exposure Assessment Project In 2002, OPPTS initiated an effort to determine the feasibility and usefulness of modifying state-of-the-art “LifeLine” software to capture unique exposure pathways that may accompany the practice of tribal traditional life ways. OPPTS is already using LifeLine in its pesticide exposure/risk assessment and tolerance setting processes. OPPTS is now working very closely with a consortium of Native villages in Alaska, as well as the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, to develop software modules that accurately will help model their two unique living situations. Site visits have been conducted, information sources have been identified, data is being gathered and new computer code is now being written. After it receives the approval of the two-modeled groups, the new software should be made generally available. If the new software proves useful to the modeled tribal groups and to EPA, and if other tribes indicate an interest in partnering with us to have similar models built, OPPTS intends to consider the feasibility of modeling additional tribal living scenarios in other biogeographical sections of the country. Tribal Lands Environmental Scholarships This program is designed to promote education in the environmental sciences in tribal communities, thereby increasing the number of American Indian students with expertise in environmental science. These students, in turn, should be prepared to work with EPA and in tribal communities to improve environmental protection in ICOTA, and address human health concerns. Water Quality and Pesticide Management Workshops These ongoing workshops, which are hosted by tribes throughout the country, bring a wide variety of pesticide related expertise to tribal communities. Speakers may include experts in program organization and legal issues, IPM, hydrology and water management, insect abatement, and application methodologies. Presenters may also include tribal experts, staff from local agricultural extension services, state and local environmental agencies and others. Tailored agendas emphasize pesticide issues impacting local tribes. To date, more than 75% of federally-recognized tribes in the contiguous 48 states have sent one or more representatives to these workshops. Tribal Pesticide and Water Quality Grant Program For each of the past eight years, OPP’s competitive Tribal Pesticide and Water Quality Grant Program has provided approximately $450,000 per year in direct funding to tribes. These one year grant awards are limited to $50,000 per proposal. They may be used to fund projects involving water quality baseline assessment and sampling, IPM, pesticide issues surrounding repatriation of tribal artifacts, evaluation of need and development of pesticide management policies and plans, and other activities related to pesticide management. Providing Tribes Flexibility under FIFRA Tribes are not specifically referenced in FIFRA Section 18 and have not directly requested emergency exemptions (“Section 18’s”) from federal requirements to enable use of pesticides that could prevent severe economic loss caused by pest infestations that do not respond to approved pesticide approaches. OPP, in cooperation with USDA/APHIS and the Navajo Nation, has developed a process to provide opportunities for farmers in Navajo Indian country to obtain access to products available outside of Indian country. Under FIFRA Section 18. OPP intends to continue to refine the process as needed, and intends to work with other tribes, as requested, to provide them with information regarding similar exemption opportunities. Tribal Discretionary Funding to Regions Because regional staff work closely with the tribes, EPA regional offices have unique opportunities to develop a clear sense of regionally specific tribal needs. OPP provides a portion of its headquarters tribal program discretionary funding to the regions and allows them to determine how this money best supports the pesticide needs of ICOTA.Tribal CapacityOPPTS intends to help build tribal capacity to assess environmental threats from toxic chemicals and pesticides, including persistent bio-accumulative toxics (PBTs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and radionuclides in foods and other mate- rials important to tribal peoples, cultures and traditions._9666aae1-4dcf-49fc-a4df-08a8b9b0e9442.1Work Activity 2.1.1 OPPTS intends to provide innovative training and outreach to improve the ability of tribes to understand risks associated with lead and asbestos educate community members on these risks, and consider options to address these risks. Work Activity 2.1.2 OPPTS intends to work with interested tribes to help them work toward obtaining TSCA sections 402 and 406 lead program authorization and/or pursue implementation of pesticide management activities, including development of FIFRA compliant pesticide codes. Work Activity 2.1.3 OPPTS intends to provide grants for targeted pesticide-related “field projects” such as surface and water quality management, endangered species protection, integrated pest management, and pesticide assessment, education and outreach. Work Activity 2.1.4 OPPTS intends to work to supplement resources for pesticide management related activities in ICOTA. Work Activity 2.1.5 At the request of tribal environmental groups, OPPTS intends to hold a meeting for tribes to highlight priority issues facing ICOTA. Based on the discussion held at the meeting, OPPTS intends to work with its tribal partners to create a comprehensive guidance document geared towards protecting traditional lifeways resources. The guidance should assist tribes in successfully identifying and evaluating potential toxic chemicals impacting traditional lifeways. Work Activity 2.1.6 OPPTS intends to enable federally-recognized tribes to utilize and test the tools and guidelines developed for work activity 2.1.5. These tools should enable tribes to better understand and manage contaminant exposure pathways and risks resulting from unique circumstances associated with their subsistence practices and traditional ways of life. Work Activity 2.1.7 OPPTS intends to complete a pilot effort to upgrade LifeLine, an existing software tool to enable it to evaluate potential, unique exposure and risk opportunities that may exist for two tribal groups, each of which practices its own traditional cultural lifeways. During 2004, the usefulness of the upgraded tool should be evaluated and a determination should be made as to the feasibility of extending the project to include tribes in other bio-geographical areas of the United States.Tribal ProgramsOPPTS intends to improve the ability of tribes to define, design, implement and sustain well-rounded toxics, pollution prevention and pesticide programs suited to their needs._939f9b4e-6c42-4ae2-89ad-382397a525822.2Work Activity 2.2.1 OPPTS intends to prepare a comprehensive tribal guidance document that defines and assists in the development of well-rounded pollution prevention programs and activities that meet tribal needs. Work Activity 2.2.2 OPPTS intends to leverage EPA’s Environmental Preferable Purchasing (EPP), green building, sustainable development, solid waste reduction and other pollution prevention-related programs to promote these practices in ICOTA. The Office intends to support tribal demonstration projects or training on these topics whenever possible. Work Activity 2.2.3 OPPTS intends to develop specific pollution prevention methods for tribes targeting tribal hotels, casinos, schools, hospitals, clinics, marinas, gas stations, and other structures. Work Activity 2.2.4 OPPTS intends to work with other partners to review and appropriately update documents that identify and describe the basic elements of an EPA funded tribal pesticide program. Work Activity 2.2.5 OPPTS intends to support a means to develop and offer intermediate and advanced water quality and pesticide management courses for tribal environmental managers and staff. Work Activity 2.2.6 OPPTS intends to encourage the sharing of pollution prevention, toxics and pesticide management expertise among tribal professionals through FOSTTA, TPPC, TOC and other tribal organizations, such as the National Tribal Environmental Council (NTEC) and the United South Eastern Tribes (USET). Efforts to gather and share successful tribal and other pollution prevention projects should be made. The Office intends to pilot a program to facilitate the partnering of experienced tribal program managers with those who may be less experienced. Work Activity 2.2.7 OPPTS intends to work with other EPA offices and federal agencies to identify the location of abandoned PCB transformers and capacitors in ICOTA and to develop appropriate educational materials on PCBs for use in tribal communities.Tribal AccessOPPTS intends to develop mechanisms to promote the knowledge and understanding of OPPTS programs, and to facilitate the effective access to and use of relevant programs by tribal personnel._15d80b0d-df09-479b-b168-3ef2c574b3302.3Work Activity 2.3.1 OPPTS intends to develop an office wide proposal for establishing a pilot EPA/Tribal Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Program. The pilot should open the possibility of a two-way exchange of staff and technical expertise. Work Activity 2.3.2 OPPTS intends to initiate annual train-the-trainer workshops for tribes. These ongoing workshops should provide training for tribal environmental staff and invite tribal college faculty members to discuss a variety of toxics, pesticide and pollution prevention program issues. The training sessions should be geared towards producing tribal trainers who can provide further training opportunities within their communities. Work Activity 2.3.3 OPPT intends to conduct workshops for tribes and tribal colleges on “Managing Asbestos/Lead-In-Place” or provide information on short-term operations and maintenance (O&M) procedures and templates for asbestos and lead in each region. Work Activity 2.3.4 OPPTS, in cooperation with USDA/APHIS and the Navajo Nation, has developed a process that makes FIFRA Section 18 exemptions available to farmers in Navajo Indian country. Information on the process, which continues to be evaluated and refined, will be made available to other interested tribes upon request.Prevention and ManagementOPPTS intends to work to improve the ability of tribes to prevent the generation of toxic wastes and chemicals. OPPTS intends to undertake work activity 2.2.1, education and other support to ensure that appropriate pest management techniques are used in ICOTA._5aed336f-59f2-40ed-9668-83fbedb82b422.4Work Activity 2.4.1 OPPTS procedures should be developed to provide support for conducting pollution prevention planning, pesticide and toxics assessments and program implementation, and community education and outreach efforts. Work Activity 2.4.2 OPPTS intends to encourage the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by providing educational and outreach materials to ICOTA that will help explain how to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and minimize toxic exposure risks to community members and their environments.Program CoverageDevelop Methods for Fostering Greater Program Coverage for Tribal Communities_c22786a6-f2f5-4768-9e2c-ac7ee6519d7c3Ongoing Activities – Goal 3 The following sections summarize current OPPTS projects and programs associated with Goal 3 and its stated objectives and work-activities. Lead-Based Paint Activities Program (OPPT) EPA implements, administers and enforces the Federal Lead- Based Paint Activities Program in states, areas of Indian country, and territories that do not have EPA-approved lead programs. EPA awards grants to tribes to develop authorized lead programs within their own communities. Tribes are encouraged to establish accreditation, certification and work place standards programs which are as protective as the those required by the federal program. Since its inception in Fiscal Year 1994 and continuing through 2002, 151 grants have been issued to tribes for a total of approximately $10.6 million. OPPT’s Community Assistance Technical Team OPPT supports working to build the capacity of communities to understand and improve their local environments. OPPT helps to develop the information, assessment tools, and training that communities need to implement the Community Based Environmental Protection (CBEP) approach. OPPT’s Community Assistance Technical Team was established to provide support to communities. The team is currently developing a “how-to” manual to help communities use risk-based screening methods and tools to understand and improve local air quality. In the future, the team plans to develop multi-media assessment guides and training for communities. Pesticide Circuit Rider Program EPA provides funding for a highly successful tribal pesticide circuit rider program in Region 10. Under this effort, a single expert, based with the Coeur d’Alene tribe, responds to the pesticide management related needs of six tribes in the region. Working with OECA OPPTS continues to work closely with OECA, which funds both tribal pesticide and toxic programs, to promote federal regulation enforcement and compliance in Indian country and other tribal areas including those in Alaska. Where EPA directly implements relevant programs, OPPTS coordinates central review and comment for the FIFRA Project Officer’s Manual and the FIFRA Enforcement Guidance document, two major OECA publications with implications for pesticide management in ICOTA.Programmatic ServicesWhere tribes choose not to establish their own programs, OPPTS will work toward developing mechanisms for providing programmatic services to tribes, such as in the lead arena._48acb029-4258-4a71-9d68-d7223284ef2d3.1Work Activity 3.1.1 OPPTS intends to explore options to provide ongoing funding to support tribal circuit rider programs. Work Activity 3.1.2 OPPTS intends to pilot two Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative Agreements (DITCAs) with interested tribes to carry out agreed upon pesticides or toxics program services. Work Activity 3.1.3 OPPTS intends to pilot a “Center of Expertise” where interested tribes can obtain technical assistance with certain aspects of OPPTS programs and information. Work Activity 3.1.4 OPPTS intends to continue its work with EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) and EPA regions on compliance and enforcement activities.Risk Management MethodologiesEnhance and Modify Risk Management Methodologies to Meet Tribal Cultural Concerns and Protect Public Health and the Environment in Indian Country and Other Tribal Areas Including in Alaska._5fa65117-dd2f-4515-98b9-cfff34d9451a4Ongoing Activities – Goal 4 OPPTS is currently involved in several activities that support the objectives and work-activities developed for Goal 4. Lead Program OPPT has developed a baseline assessment and lead awareness grant program exclusively for Indian tribes and tribal consortia. This grant program supports an assessment of exposure and risks of exposure to lead poisoning of tribal children by including blood-lead screening of children, inspecting older homes, testing paint, dust, and soil for hazardous lead levels, and training individuals to perform lead inspections and risk assessments. The lead awareness portion of the grant supports educational outreach activities. Since it’s inception in fiscal year 1999, OPPT has awarded 60 grants totaling nearly $3 million to tribes. OPPT has supported the development and presentation of lead awareness workshops by developing a Lead Community Tool Kit. A special version of the training manual was developed for Native American communities and is available from the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. A lead poisoning prevention manual for tribal day centers and families was published which explains screening, healthful diet, and basic preventive steps. The manual is also available in CD-ROM and video. Increasing Tribal Capacity for the Assessment of Traditional Lifeways This project will help increase tribal capacity to assess environmental health threats from toxic chemicals, including PBTs, in traditional foods. OPPTS intends to work with tribes to enable them to conduct their own exposure/risk assessments based upon the unique circumstances associated with their cultural beliefs, religions and lifestyles. For this project OPPTS is working with EPA’s regional offices, OPP, the Community Based Environmental Protection Workgroup in OPPT, other EPA program offices, and a number of tribal organizations, including the TOC, FOSTTA, and the TPPC. Geographic Exposure Modeling System (OPPT) OPPT has recently made available tools such as the new Geographic Exposure Modeling System (GEMS). This system includes models and data for ambient air, surface water, soil, and groundwater, and makes the models much easier to use than their stand-alone counterparts. GEMS has statistical analysis, graphics, and GIS capabilities for analyzing and displaying data and environmental modeling results. GEMS is expected to be available soon on the internet. OPPT has also developed another technical tool to be used in schools (grades 7-12): the Toxic Release Inventory Package. This package is designed to enable students to use large databases as tools in science and social sciences classes. Pesticide Management Planning (OPP) OPP provides support for the development and presentation of ground and surface water management workshops and other technical training. Through July 2003, more than 75% of the tribes in the lower 48 states had sent representatives to receive ground and surface water and pesticide management training through this program. OPP plans to continue its efforts to identify, prioritize and develop tribal training in areas ranging from pesticide and groundwater sampling to inspector training and education on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods.Exposure RiskOPPTS intends to work to improve the ability of EPA and tribes to recognize, evaluate and address the extent of chemical and pesticide exposure risks in ICOTA._a3a98ad7-2e15-4678-bea1-e5e0445d3d384.1Work Activity 4.1.1 OPPTS intends to continue lead awareness efforts and work to improve tribal ability to undertake lead screening for tribal communities. Work Activity 4.1.2 OPPTS intends to continue gathering baseline assessment information on tribal lead poisoning and pre-1978 tribal housing stock and intends to continue exploring more effective means of addressing lead issues in these areas. This work should be shared with EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) and other federal agencies (e.g., Indian Health Service). Work Activity 4.1.3 OPPTS intends to host at least two interagency meetings that include members from agencies such as EPA, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission and our tribal partners. The meetings should help to develop recommendations for federal government coordination with tribal governments in their efforts to reduce the risks of lead poisoning and other toxic exposures to tribal communities.Risk Exposure Models and MethodologiesOPPTS intends to incorporate modifications to risk exposure models and Agency risk assessment methodologies to reflect tribal cultural and traditional lifeways._ad44d569-c909-4ebc-b143-2238a1e720494.2Work Activity 4.2.1 OPPTS intends to develop software modules to model pesticide and chemical risk exposures for practitioners of traditional lifeways in several bio-geographic areas of the country. The Offi ce intends to evaluate the benefits of extending the effort to tribes in other parts of the country. Work Activity 4.2.2 OPPTS intends to produce a report that reviews opportunities to enhance existing risk management and risk assessment procedures in ICOTA. The review should recognize cultural exposure variables and identify any exposure assessment barriers that prevent OPPTS from incorporating tribal cultural concerns. Work Activity 4.2.3 OPPTS intends to discuss risk and exposure assessments with tribes to learn how they are adapting risk assessments to incorporate tribal cultural concerns. These discussions may be based on previous recommendations from FOSTTA, TPPC, TOC, NEJAC, or other governmental individuals or organization that have knowledge or expertise in tribal risk assessments.Bio-accumulative and Toxic PollutantsOPPTS intends to support tribal efforts to identify and reduce risks from priority persistent bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) pollutants including dioxin and mercury (named in the Canada-U.S. Bi-national Toxics Strategy)._cabda4dd-baf7-46a5-ab1e-c82e8ecdf47b4.3Work Activity 4.3.1 OPPTS intends to provide federally-recognized tribes with relevant materials on EPA’s PBT Chemical Program. Work Activity 4.3.2 OPPT intends to work with Alaskan Native villages to develop a priority PBTs and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) communication risk strategy especially designed for Alaskan Native hunters and gatherers who practice traditional cultural life ways.2004-08-012008-09-302010-02-08http://www.epa.gov/oppts/pubs/tribal/tribalplan_signsep804Final.pdfArthurColman (www.drybridge.com)colman@drybridge.com