GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (GAP)
Assistance may be provided under this program only for activities which the agency determines are appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act of 1992, Public Law 102-497, Section 11, 42 USC 4368B, as amended, Public Law 103-55.
The annual Indian General Assistance Program (GAP), funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, offers aid to federally-recognized tribes in the amount of $75,000.00 to $130,000 for the development of a Tribal Environmental/Capacity Building Program.
The primary purpose of these assistance agreements is to support the developmental elements of a core environmental program.
~ 2008 Work Plan Deliverables Completed~
v Compiled and submitted annual report to EPA.
v Prepared twelve (12) grant applications to build Tribal capacity.
v Performed inventory of Environmental equipment.
v Maintained current and complete QA documentation.
v Managed cost accounts for all grants.
v Purchased necessary software to enhance GIS capabilities.
v Developed land management maps utilizing GPS/GIS.
v Attended numerous training sessions in the Environmental field. .
v Participated in RTOC meetings.
v Attended National and Regional meetings.
v Attended Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) meetings.
v Attended NATURE meetings.
v Attended special meetings regarding the Tar Creek Superfund Site.
v Attended the Tri-State Partnership Meeting.
v Provided outreach to Tribes on meetings attended.
v Updated GIS/GPS QAPP.
v Selected and managed the remediation for three dump sites.
~ 2009 Anticipated Activities ~
v Compile and prepare annual report.
v Prepare six or more grants to build Tribal capacity.
v Maintain current and complete QA documentation.
v Attend four or more selected training sessions.
v Perform inventory of Environmental equipment.
v Manage cost accounts for all grants.
v Clean up at least two more solid waste sites.
Clean Water Act 106 (Water)
The primary objective of this program is to establish a water program for the Peoria Tribe Environmental Department. This grant enables the Environmental Department to perform water quality analysis of streams in Ottawa County and report the analysis to the EPA.
~ 2008 Work Plan Deliverables Completed ~
v Submitted a new CWA 106 grant for fiscal year 2009.
v Submitted quarterly reports to EPA.
v Researched and developed plan to purchase water sampling equipment.
v Completed training opportunities to develop tribal capacity.
v Provided articles for tribal newsletter for education/outreach.
v Continued sampling on the Spring River, Tar Creek, Warren’s Branch, and Flint Branch.
v Conducted Bio-Assessment.
~ 2009 Anticipated Activities ~
v Provide quarterly reports that reflect the activities undertaken by the Tribe.
v Compare and reconcile water quality data obtained with the data Quality objectives identified in the QAPP.
v Continue the development of a Tribal clean water program.
v Continue to conduct a baseline assessment for the Spring River, Tar Creek, Warren’s Branch and Flint Branch.
v Continue to conduct a Bio-Assessment in Tribal Jurisdictional waters.
Air 103
The primary purpose of this grant is to determine if in fact the Aspergillus fumigatus that has been identified in previous grants is associated with the compost facility in Miami. This will be done using DNA extraction from the compost obtained from the facility and airborne spores that are trapped on the samplers.
~ 2008 Work Plan Deliverables Completed ~
v QAPP has been amended and awaiting approval.
v Preparation for sampling is being conducted.
~ 2009 Anticipated Activities ~
v Attend meetings and trainings that are significant to the outcome of this project.
v Write one article for the Tribal newspaper on air issues that address potential health threats to Tribal and/or community members.
v Coordinate/Assist the contractors and laboratory.
v Submit revised QAPP for sampling.
v Collect and ship air and compost samples.
v Submit SOP’s to be used for DNA analysis.
v All samples will be analyzed and identified.
v Submit a quarterly report to the EPA outlining work completed.
v Take pictures of sampling site.
v DNA will be extracted and sequenced and compared to sequences from compost cultures.
v Analyze results from air sampling along with DNA sampling with the assistance of contractors.
v Submit a final report to the EPA including copies of all work conducted and tabulated databases.
Fish and Wildlife
The overall purpose of these grants are to improve the water quality and wildlife in the streams located in Ottawa County. The primary purposes of these grants are to perform a small fish and mussel survey on our streams with a focus on endangered and threatened species and to rebuild the population of these species in the wild.
~ 2005 Grant Work Plan Deliverables Completed ~
v The survey to be conducted on the fish and mussels located on Peoria Tribal lands has been completed.
v Basic water quality measurements have been collected.
v Survey sites have been logged with GPS and GIS maps are being produced.
v A field logbook has been used to compile data.
v A database has been established to compile data for this project.
v A final report has been developed and submitted to USFWS.
~ 2006 Grant Work Plan Deliverables Completed ~
v The surveys on the fish and mussels located on Peoria Tribal lands has been completed.
v Basic water quality measurements have been collected.
v Reintroduction sites are being logged with GPS and GIS maps are being produced.
v Approximately 200,000 Neosho Muckets have been reintroduced into the Spring River and 315,750 in the Neosho River.
v We currently have 18 Neosho Madtoms in captivity and propagation work has begun.
~ 2007 Grant Anticipated Activities ~
v Continue to conduct the survey of the fish and mussels located on Peoria Tribal lands.
v Collect basic water quality measurements of reintroduction sites.
v Log reintroduction sites with GPS/GIS maps.
v Begin to reintroduce the Rabbitsfoot mussel and continue the reintroduction of the Neosho Mucket mussel into the Spring and Neosho Rivers.
v Continue the propagation of Neosho Madtoms in a fish hatchery setting.
~2007 Grant Work Plan Deliverables Completed ~
v Surveys are being conducted on the fish and mussels located on Peoria Tribal lands.
v Basic water quality measurements have been collected.
v Reintroduction sites are being logged with GPS and GIS maps are being produced.
v Approximately 370,000 Neosho Muckets have been reintroduced into the Neosho River. Due to flood conditions that occurred during mussel brooding season, we were unable to obtain Rabbitsfoot stock for reintroduction.
v Currently the Peoria Tribe has 18 Neosho Madtoms in captivity and propagation work is being conducted.
Pesticides 2007
The primary purpose of this grant is to expand on the previous years grant. This grant is to continue to focus on paddlefish (spoonbill) located in the Neosho and Spring Rivers. This grant will also expand to include catfish species (flathead, channel, and blue catfish) out of the Neosho River.
~ 2007 Grant Work Plan Anticipated Activities ~
v QAPP will be amended to include other species necessary for sampling.
v Prepare for sampling.
v Conduct fish sampling.
v Samples will continue to be shipped to Accurate Labs of Tulsa.
v Check and Compile Data.
v Prepare and present summary of data to Peoria Tribal Officials.
v Provide outreach through Tribal newsletter.
v Develop Tribal Capacity through training.
v Assess the need for a Pesticide Management Policy.
~ 2007 Grant Work Plan Deliverables Completed ~
v QAPP has been amended and approved to include other species necessary for sampling.
v Preparation for sampling has been completed.
v Fish sampling has been conducted for the spoonbill and is currently being conducted on the catfish species.
v Samples are being shipped to Accurate Labs of Tulsa.
v Date has been checked and compiled.
v A summary has not been completed due to sampling not being completed at this time.
v Articles are being written and submitted in the Tribal newsletter to inform the tribal members of pesticide use.
v Training has been attended in order to develop Tribal capacity.
v We are still currently assessing the need for a Pesticide Management Policy.
Pesticides 2008
The primary purpose of this grant is to expand on the previous year's grant. This grant is to continue to focus on paddlefish (spoonbill) located in the Neosho and Spring Rivers and aggregate catfish species (flathead, channel, and blue catfish). This grant will also expand to include aggregate species of bass, perch, and crappie.
~ 2008 Work Plan Deliverables Completed ~
v QAPP has been amended and approved to include other species necessary for sampling.
v Investigation of pesticide use on tribal lands for golf course, Heart property, Grenaman property, and Babcock property has been completed.
v Appropriate meets and trainings have been attended in order to develop tribal capacity; including a grant writing workshop through EPA and a Water Toxicology training.
v Preparation for sampling has been completed; appropriate equipment has been purchased along with current Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
v Fish sampling has not been completed at this time. Therefore, fish samples have not been sent to an accredited laboratory or analysis of data.
v No data is currently available to present to Tribal Officials.
v Articles are being written and submitted in the Tribal newsletter to inform the tribal members of pesticide use. Also pesticide information has been presented in two workshops (NRCS Day and the Peoria Tribe Children's Powwow).
v Appropriate reports have been submitted to the USEPA, ODWC, and ODEQ.
~ 2009 Anticipated Activities ~
v Revision of our current QAPP to include the additional fish sampling.
v Investigate pesticide uses; types, frequency of use, amounts used, results achieved, on the Peoria Tribal lands, to ascertain the potential of our contribution to any stream contamination through runoff.
v Attend appropriate pesticide/ODWC training.
v Prepare for fish sampling.
v Conduct fish sampling.
v Ship tissue samples to accredited laboratory.
v Compile and analyze data.
v Prepare and present data summary to Peoria Tribal Officials.
v Provide outreach to Tribal members through Tribal meetings, Tribal newsletter, and workshops.
v Filing appropriate required reports with the USEPA, ODWC, and ODEQ, at six months into the study, and at completion of the project.
Water Resources
The primary purpose of this grant is to evaluate Tribal water needs, identify completed and ongoing water planning efforts by the State of Oklahoma and other entities that may impede on Tribal water resources, and to evaluate various strategies, such as establishing Tribal water quality criteria, to protect and enhance Tribal water resources.
~ 2009Anticipated Activities ~
Task 1: Future Water Demand Estimation
Subtask A: Project estimated future Tribal population and geographic distribution patterns of Tribal members and that of the general population in the study area.
Subtask B: Project estimated future water use by Tribal members and that of the general population in the study area.
Subtask C: Project estimated future water use by non-public-supply users in the study area.
Task 2: Current Water Supply Assessment
Subtask A: Identify existing public supply water systems and domestic water systems and domestic well use in the study area that are relied upon by Tribal members and by the general population; describe the systems' geographic locations and correlate them to water users identified in Task 1.
Subtask B: Assess capacity of existing public supply water systems and domestic well use in the study area that are relied upon by Tribal members and by the general population.
Subtask C: Correlate water system capacities identified in Subtask B of this Task with future water demand estimated in Task 2 and determine anticipated timeframe of water supply deficit and project estimated gross and net water demand through 2030 in annual increments.
~ 2009 Work Plan Deliverables Completed ~
v Future Water Demand Estimation has not been completed at this time.
v Current Water Supply Assessment has not been completed at this time.
Fish Hatchery Maintenance BIA
The Peoria Tribe received a small amount of funding from the BIA. This funding is focused on maintenance and upgrading equipment for the fish hatchery, the most recent money was used to upgrade our freshwater mussel rearing capabilities. We have submitted a funding request for the coming year, depending on funding appropriate maintenance and upgrade will be accomplished.
~ 2009Anticipated Activities ~
v Upgrade and maintain equipment at Peoria Tribal Aquatic Center.
Noxious Weeds Management Project BIA
The top priority noxious weed on the Peoria Tribes properties is the musk thistle (Carduus nutans). Also the Peoria Tribe has a Medium priority noxious weed that is the sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). The Peoria Tribe will use integrated pest management plus grazing management. Buy the use of Chemical application to get rid of the noxious weeds along with NRCS approved grazing management for cattle.~ 2009Anticipated Activities ~
v Monitoring plan: The Peoria Tribe will visually inspect all 640 acres that will be chemically treated for musk thistle and sericea lespedeza.
v Environmental documentation: The Peoria Tribe will follow all SOP’s for the application of the herbicide that will be used for the treatment of musk thistle and sericea lespedeza.
v Daily pesticide application logs: A log book will be kept for the amount of herbicide that was used in the treatment of musk thistle and sericea lespedeza.
v Pesticide Use Proposals (PUPs): The Peoria Tribe will fill out the pesticide use proposal for each of the four properties that will be treated for musk thistle and sericea lespedeza.
v Annual report: An annual report will be written by the administrator of the project, also the final report will be submitted in an timely manner.
v Pesticide applicator certification: The person responsible for the application of the herbicide to rid of musk thistle and sericea lespedeza is certified.
v Spreadsheet: All spread sheets will be filled out by the administrator of the project at the appropriate time.
Chronic Wasting Disease USDA
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of deer, elk and moose. TSEs are caused by unusual infectious agents known as prions. To date, CWD has been found mainly in cervids (members of the deer family). First recognized as a clinical "wasting" syndrome in 1967 in mule deer in a wildlife research facility in northern Colorado, it was identified as a TSE in 1978 and has spread to a dozen states and two Canadian provinces. CWD is typified by chronic weight loss leading to death. There is no known relationship between CWD and any other TSE of animals or people. Although there have been reports in the popular press of humans being affected by CWD, a study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) failed to find any relationship. The Peoria Tribe has participated in a survey with the USDA and found that no deer in our jurisdiction had CWD. The Peoria Tribe environmental department would appreciate that if anyone would see a disease deer they would notify the environmental department.
~ 2009 Anticipated Activities ~
v The Peoria Tribe proposes to ascertain 5 samples from tribal lands, but we will collect as many samples beyond 5 as opportunity presents.
v Outreach includes articles in the Peoria Tribe newsletter, Tribal business committee and general council meetings, and the Peoria Tribe web page. Also these articles will state if they see sick deer to contact us at the tribal office.
Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration
NRDA activity is an ongoing issue for the Peoria Tribe. This is due to the downstream position of Peoria Tribal boundaries in relation to the Tar Creek Superfund Site, and the effects of previous mining activities on natural resources available to the Peoria Tribe in general. As a major trustee of all natural resources, both within traditional Peoria boundaries and affecting Peoria Tribal jurisdiction, the Peoria Tribe Environmental Department is very active in preparation of Natural Resources Damage Assessment, and Natural Resources Damage Assessment and Restoration documentation , mediation, and litigation.
v The Peoria Tribe has been instrumental in successfully mediating an NRDA settlement in the Asarco Mining bankruptcy case for the Tri-State Superfund Site which includes the Tar Creek Superfund Site. This was only one part of a multiple faceted case with several remaining Potentially Responsible Parties.
v The Peoria Tribal Environmental Department is now preparing another part of an NRDA claim for use in upcoming litigation and/or mediation with those remaining PRPs. We are also preparing Restoration Proposal documentation for use of funds that might be forthcoming through the Asarco bankruptcy case and/or future litigation or mediation with other PRPs.
Solid Waste
As of October 1, 2007 the Peoria Environmental has received and begun working on the third phase of a four part Solid Waste Grant series.
~ 2008 Completed Activities ~
v Identified, characterized and assessed health hazards associated with solid waste issues within the Peoria Tribal boundaries and jurisdiction.
v Developed an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan with codes and regulations that would provide workable solutions and alternatives for solid waste control.
v Implemented the ISWM Plan into action, exercising a measure of control of the solid waste stream being generated; and
v Removed/cleaned three existing illegal and open dump sites within the Peoria Tribal boundaries.
v Since October 2007, the Environmental Department has reviewed two different Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans as a touchstone to the particular needs of the Peoria Tribal jurisdiction. It was found that neither management plan would fit Peoria Tribal needs, but that aspects of those plans could be adapted and tuned for application to aid in more efficient control of the solid waste steam within the Peoria jurisdiction.
v The particular aspects of those plans to be investigated for adoption, involved first, providing a means to elevate illegal open dump sites and their occurrence on county roads within the Peoria Tribal jurisdiction; and second, a proposal for a recycling program involving all Peoria Tribal facilities and to which individual Peoria Tribal members might be able to contribute.
v The first item of consideration would be to provide a safe and legal alternative for rural solid waste disposal, instead of the illegal roadside dumping now ongoing.
v This proposal is also being coordinated with Ottawa County officials in order to make the ISWM Plan workable and enforceable.
v The second item being considered, that of a recycling program, could contribute by reducing the solid waste stream being generated by tribal facilities, provide a measure of income to offset recycling costs, and reduce the present cost of trash disposal for tribal facilities.
v These items are being investigated for practicality and adaptability, and are being consolidated in written form, for approval as an acceptable Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan.
~ 2009 Anticipated Activities ~
v The third phase of the Solid Waste Assistance Grant Program consists of investigating the feasibility of, and writing an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan for solid waste issues within Peoria tribal boundaries. This integrated plan incorporates all issues connected with the solid waste stream including a recycling program designed to reduce the volume of that solid waste stream.
v The primary focus of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan at this time, is the reduction of illegal open roadside dumping within the Peoria jurisdictional boundaries. The ISWM Plan was designed, constructed, and approved by the Peoria Business Committee, with the cooperation of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, with whom the Peoria Tribe partnered in the clean-up and elimination of four illegal, open rural dump sites.
v At this time, the Peoria Tribe Solid Waste Proposal for 2009 has been forwarded from the US EPA to the US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Division, for consideration of further funding. Funding through USDA Rural Development will allow the Peoria Tribe to put in place an 18 month to 2 year pilot program for three rural solid waste collection sites as an alternative to the illegal dumping now ongoing. This program is modeled after the solid waste collection system in place in Delaware County, Oklahoma. The selected collection sites will alleviate illegal dumping in three critical areas; a wetlands area, a live creek, and watershed drainage.
v The Peoria Tribe Proposal was submitted through USDA Rural Development, Mr. William Terrell, to Washington D.C. in January 2009. It was submitted with letters of support by Oklahoma State Representative Larry Glenn and Oklahoma Congressman Dan Boren.
Submitted by:
Jim Dixon
Environmental Director
