On-Demand Sessions

Incorporating Tribal Perspectives at Hardrock Mining Sites 

Jo Ellen Hinck, US Geological Survey

Carletta Tilousi, Havasupai Tribe

The Havasupai Tribe and the US Geological Survey previously identified indigenous exposure pathways at a uranium mine that are not generally considered in typical risk assessments. The resulting conceptual risk framework revealed important exposure pathways for the Havasupai through their traditional uses of plants.  A new effort is underway to document the cultural significance of >100 plant species at an active uranium mine site. Results can be used to refine future risk analyses near the mine site. This presentation will cover the process undertaken to synthesize the Tribal information while respecting sovereignty.

Underground Storage Tanks Notification Forms for Facilities in Indian Country

Marta Grabowski, EPA

This pre-recorded presentation will help you:

• Gain awareness about the importance of EPA’s UST Notification Forms and notifying the EPA's regional offices about USTs in Indian Country

• Recognize and correct common errors/misinterpretations

• Be able to educate others, such as gas station owners and operators, UST installers and service providers, about Form requirements and accuracy

What you Need to Know About NEPA - National Environmental Policy Act 

Eugene Goldfarb, KSU Tribal TAB

Brownfield projects often need at least one layer of federal financing to make them work.  For over 50 years that federal nexus has triggered an environmental (NEPA) review for the entire project, including a caution to not commit to any part of it, even those parts that don’t use the federal funds, until the environmental review process has been completed.  The idea is that the go-ahead decision should not be made until all reasonably foreseeable consequences of the project are recognized and weighed by decision makers; not just the benefits championed by project supporters, but also those unintentional collateral consequences that might harm other interests.  The NEPA review acts as an umbrella for a wide range of environmental factors, seeking to identify and mitigate adverse impacts while preserving the benefits of the proposal.