How do Tribes develop environmental programs?
Tribes often rely on funding sources such as the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program, Brownfields Tribal Response Program funding under CERCLA section 128(a), and Tribal Grants under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act to allocate staff for building the capacity needed to apply for additional cleanup funding sources such as Superfund cooperative agreements. Additionally, staff funded under these other programs may continue to be engaged with the coordination of activities with EPA and other agencies/organizations involved in the Superfund process after entering into a cooperative agreement with EPA.
Superfund Funding Sources and Technical Assistance
Tribal Case Studies Funded with EPA Superfund Cooperative Agreements
Tribal Remedial Actions Tar Creek Superfund Site Videos
(20-minute webinar presentation by EPA recorded in 2016) provides a brief history of the Tar Creek Superfund site and an overview of the work performed by the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma and the requirements associated with the Remedial Response Cooperative Agreements between EPA and the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma.
Quapaw Tribe of Oaklahoma Involvment at Tar Creek, Tribal-Led Remedial Action, and Soil Amendments Video
(30-minute webinar presentation by Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma representative recorded in 2016) provides a detailed history of the Tar Creek Superfund site and an overview of the work performed by the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma.
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Overview for the General Motors and 2 Alcoa Superfund Sites Video
(20-minute webinar presentation by St. Regis Mohawk Tribal representatives) provides a history of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Evironmental Division, Superfund sites, Tribal cleanup standards, Core and Support Agency Cooperative Agreements, and tips for Tribes.
Superfund Core Program Cooperative Agreements
Superfund Core Program Cooperative Agreements provide funds to a Tribe to conduct CERCLA implementation activities that are not assignable to specific sites but are intended to develop and maintain a Tribe’s ability to participate in the CERCLA response program. For example, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe used this funding to focus on administrative and technical training of staff to permit them to effectively and safely respond to releases of hazardous materials and conduct site assessments at sites where hazardous substances might be found, and develop health and safety plans. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe was then able to enter into Support Agency Cooperative Agreements with EPA for specific Superfund sites. Support Agency CAs provide funding for a Tribe to furnish necessary data to the lead agency, review response data and documents, and provide other assistance to the lead agency. Support Agency CAs are site-specific.
See 40 CFR Parts 9 and 35 Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions; Final Rule and contact EPA regional representatives for the Superfund Remedial Program in Indian Country for additional information on applying for a Superfund Cooperative Agreement.
EPA’s Land Cleanup Funding Authorities Available to Tribal Governments is a document that contains a description for statutory authorities and the related grant program with Tribal eligibility.
Superfund Technical Assistance Grants provide funds for qualified citizen’s groups affected by a Superfund site to hire independent technical advisors to help them understand and comment on site-related information, and thus participate in cleanup decisions.
Technical Assistance Services for Communities (TASC) Program provides independent assistance through an EPA contract to help communities better understand the science, regulations and policies of environmental issues and EPA actions. TASC services can include information assistance and expertise, community education, plan development, and assistance to help community members work together to participate effectively in environmental decision-making.
EPA’s Superfund Technical Support and Resource Centers provides sources of technical support for Superfund and RCRA Corrective Action program staff.
EPA’s Superfund Job Training Initiative (SuperJTI) is an environmental remediation job readiness program that provides free training and employment opportunities affected by Superfund sites. SuperJTI Brochure.