Join EPA for the first of two webinars this spring to gather input from interested parties on best practices for collecting large-format batteries to increase recycling, as well as labeling these batteries to improve collection and recycling. Large format batteries are rechargeable batteries over 25 pounds or more than 2000 watt-hours and often used in electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles; other motive equipment; and stationary energy storage systems. This session will focus on recycling and refurbishing large format batteries. Register

Learn how to conduct site safety inspections at your transfer station. This session will cover key safety practices, common hazards to looks for, and how to conduct thorough site inspections to protect workers, the public, and the environment. Learn practical strategies for identifying risks, implementing corrective actions, designing and improving your facility, identifying training needs, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Register

This webinar will explore best practices for handling discarded appliances and provide practical strategies for management. Learn how to properly store, transport, and recycle discarded appliances, as well as safely manage components like refrigerants, mercury switches, petroleum components, and PCBs.

• Register

The Oneida Nation is hosting a free Underground Storage Tank (UST) Boot Camp for Compliance Assistance at Source University in Arlington, TX. This is an opportunity to interact with UST equipment manufacturers, service providers, federal regulators, and other Tribal professionals in the industry. Registration preference will be given to Tribes in Region 5.

• Register by March 12.

This new online course from the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) provides Tribes with wildfire safety considerations for indoor air quality and how to return after a wildfire in 6 modules:   

• Module 1 – Wildfire Effects, Monitoring, and Communication/Indoor Air Quality
• Module 2 – After a Wildfire: Indoor Air
• Module 3 – Distribution and Deposition of Wildfire Smoke Residues
• Module 4 – Re-Entry Safety Considerations
• Module 5 – Clean-Up Safety
• Module 6 – (Optional) ACAC Fire and Smoke Damage Certification
   

Register

The National Association of Wetland Managers invites Tribal water quality and water resource staff to learn how to enhance your program’s capability to implement Clean Water Act (CWA) programs, including Section 106, Section 319, Section

303(d), water quality standards, and wetlands. The training will be held in person in Tulalip, WA. Please note that all Region 10 Tribes are welcome to attend, but the training and travel scholarships are designed for Tribes that are eligible for CWA programs. 

• See the attached flyer for more information.

An informational meeting will be held on April 28 at 11:00 Pacific. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the training and to give NAWM feedback on your training needs.

• Register for the informational meeting. 

EPA Region 9 and the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe are inviting Tribal water quality/resource staff to attend the Tribal Clean Water Act workshop in Fallon, NV. Attendees will share knowledge, resources, and experiences to better implement Tribal Clean Water Act programs and to protect Tribal water resources for future generations. Please note that the workshop is currently open to Region 9 Tribes, but may be opened to other Tribes if space is available.

• Learn more

One Health, based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, recognizes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health, and that a holistic approach to the well-being of all will lead to improved health outcomes and enhanced resilience. The One Health One Future conference is designed for indigenous organizations and community members, faculty, staff, and students of higher education, researchers, K-12 educators, community leaders, administrators, non-profit partners, government agencies, and other professionals. Participation is anticipated from across the Arctic region. The event will be held both virtually and in-person in Fairbanks. Registration for Indigenous registrants is free. 

• Register

EPA Region 9 and the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe are inviting Tribal water quality/resource staff to attend the Tribal Clean Water Act workshop in Fallon, NV. Attendees will share knowledge, resources, and experiences to better implement Tribal Clean Water Act programs and to protect Tribal water resources for future generations.  

• Learn more

Join EPA for the second of two webinars this spring to gather input from interested parties on best practices for collecting large-format batteries to increase recycling, as well as labeling these batteries to improve collection and recycling. This virtual working session will focus on recycling and refurbishing large format batteries. Speakers will discuss recycling capacity, recycler’s needs, safety concerns, and the current state of the market.

• Register

The National Air Toxics Conference provides an in-person forum for EPA and its partners to share experiences and information with air toxics professionals across federal, state, local, and Tribal regulatory organizations. The conference will be held in person in Denver, CO.  

EPA is also seeking technical presenters and panelists to lead discussions on a variety of air toxics topics. If interested, please apply by Jan. 31.  

• Apply to present or register to attend

Attend this training to learn how to assess ways in which climate models can project future climate conditions; demonstrate competency with the Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool and the National Risk Index; analyze disaster scenarios regarding future climate and social conditions; and analyze how climate disruptions can negatively impact community lifelines, supply chains, and vulnerable communities. King County Emergency Management, the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, and the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University are hosting this training both virtually and in person in Renton, WA. 

• Register 

This course hosted by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is designed for tribal environmental staff who manage air quality projects in Alaska Native communities. The course will be held in Anchorage, AK. Topics will include:
 

• Visioning and planning for air quality work in Alaska Native communities
• Creating an air quality plan
• Engaging the community
• Building partnerships
• Developing and managing an air quality project
• Using a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
• Developing a grant work plan with outputs and outcomes
• Grant reporting
  • Apply by Feb. 12.

Join EPA virtually or in person in Raleigh, NC, for the Air Sensors Workshop. The event will provide a forum to discuss basic air sensor policies and practices, tools for impact, community engagement, study results, and more. 

• Register

Learning from People and Place: Climate Adaptation and Restoration Action in Louisiana’s Working Coast is the theme of the next Rising Voices Center for Indigenous and Earth Sciences Workshop, which will be held in person in Thibodaux, LA. The workshop will focus on navigating place-based climate actions in Louisiana. The First Peoples’ Conservation Council of Louisiana and member Tribes are leading coastal restoration and climate adaptation actions focused on restoring marshland, protecting sacred sites, reducing land loss and flood risk, increasing Tribal resilience and a regenerative future, and land rematriation for all living relatives. Register by Jan. 31

The Native Youth Community Adaptation Leadership Congress (NYCALC) aims to develop future conservation leaders with the skills, knowledge, and tools to address environmental change and conservation challenges to better serve their schools and home communities. Native students from Federally Recognized Tribes from across the country join to discuss community adaptation and related environmental issues impacting Native peoples. Apply by Feb. 28

EPA’s Smoke Management conference will focus on innovative approaches to smoke management, the latest research, and collaborative solutions for wildfire and prescribed burn challenges. The location has tentatively been set for Boise, ID.

• Complete the pre-conference survey by Jan. 17.
• Register

The Residential Wood Smoke Workshop, organized by EPA and the Western States Air Resources Council (WESTAR), will be held in Denver, CO. The workshop will cover a wide range of topics:

• PM2.5 NAAQS, non-attainment, and residential wood combustion
• Regulatory & voluntary wood smoke (PM2.5, toxics) reduction strategies
• Outreach and engagement strategies
• Available funding for cleaner technologies, with an emphasis on heat pumps
• Wood smoke monitoring (outdoor and indoor) and wood heater testing
• Possible technology tour at a local heating appliance store

 EPA invites your suggestions on discussion topics, challenges, and opportunities you would like to explore during the workshop. If you have recommendations for topics or speakers or are interested in presenting, contact Danielle Johnson at Johnson.Danielle@epa.gov or 919-541-1385.

• Register

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Climate Adaptation Planning: Guidance for Emergency Managers helps emergency managers incorporate climate adaptation into emergency management planning. The document walks state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners through the Six Step Planning Process, as identified in “Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans.” FEMA has also released a short video summarizing how emergency managers can incorporate climate into the Six Step Planning Process. Supporting documents are available on the Planning Guides page.

This has been shared before, but in case you missed it, EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office has teamed up with the Indian Health Service (IHS) to make on-demand training courses available to Tribal staff through the Solid Waste Association of North America.  When you register, you will get a username/password to access the trainings. 

• Find a course
• Register 

Developed by the EPA’s Watershed Academy, this module explores the Clean Water Act (CWA) as a guiding framework to highlight water equity challenges and watershed management opportunities. It explains the basics of environmental justice, provides a brief overview of 10 cornerstone CWA programs that drive surface-water quality protection, and outlines clear opportunities for the public to engage in the CWA process.

• Take the training

This annual conference will include discussion of innovations being used in partnerships, projects, coordination, community involvement, and funding to integrate salmon recovery with other interests while reflecting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We believe many of you have great stories to tell in this arena. The Columbia River Basin Toxics Monitoring Subgroup is coordinating a proposal to provide the latest toxics research information to the salmon recovery community who often don’t hear about toxics.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), the Indian Health Service (IHS), and EPA are offering the “Development and Implementation of Tribal Solid Waste Codes and Ordinances” training course. The course includes online training, self-paced online assignments, and an in-person workshop to focus on developing and implementing effective Tribal solid waste codes. 

• January 27-30, 2025: Online Training Week
• February 19, 2025: Online Half-Day Training
• April 8-10, 2025: In-Person Workshop
  
  • Apply by Dec. 11.

With funding from EPA, the Indian Health Service (IHS) is offering a wide variety of trainings for Tribal solid waste professionals. The course provides up to 11 months of unlimited access to on-demand safety trainings for solid waste collections, transfer stations, and landfills. In addition to individual webinars and lesson collections, safety certification is available. Training topics include emergency response, equipment safety, first aid, machine maintenance, workplace hazards, and much more. Some in-person classes are also available.

• Register