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NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage1
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY
Dr.DonaldBenn,ExecutiveDirectorTelephone#:928-871-7692
Email:[email protected]
FY2016SECONDQuarterReport(JANUARY,FEBRUARY,MARCH2016)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
PageNo.
I. EXECUTIVESUMMARY 2
II. CRITICALISSUES 5
III. PROJECTSTATUS 10
IV. BUDGETSTATUS 23
V. OPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS 26
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage2
I. EXECUTIVESUMMARIESADMINISTRATIONEXECUTIVESUMMARY:
TheAdministrationDepartment(AD)leadsandmanagesfourenvironmentaldepartmentsthatdefineandsolveenvironmentalproblems,whichimpacthumanhealth,air,soil,water,naturalresourcesandDinélifeways.TheADischargedwiththeadministrationoftheAir&ToxicsDepartment(ATD),WasteRegulatoryComplianceDepartment(WRCD),SurfaceandGroundWaterProtectionDepartment(SGWPD)andtheCriminalEnforcementDepartment(CED)oftheNavajoNationEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(NNEPA).TheADwasestablishedtooverseeandensurethattheATDandWRCDareupholdingtheNavajoNationAirQualityControlPrevention&ControlAct,NavajoNationOpenBurnRegulations,TitleVoperatingpermits,theCleanAirAct(CAA),NavajoNationEnvironmentallawsandvariousotheractivitiesliketheSuperfundprogramandthestoragetankprograms.TheADwasalsoestablishedtooverseeandensurethattheSGWPDandCEDareupholdingSection106oftheCleanWaterActandlawenforcementactivities,whichinvestigatesandenforcesenvironmentallawsontheNavajoreservation.
AIR&TOXICSDEPARTMENTEXECUTIVESUMMARY:TheAir&ToxicsDepartment(ATD)iscomprisedofthefollowingenvironmentalprograms:AirQualityControlProgram,OperatingPermitProgram,PesticidesProgram,RadonProgram.
AllATDprogramsareresponsibleforprotectingenvironmentandhumanhealththroughregulation,publicoutreach,complianceandtechnicalassistance,monitoring,proposinglegislation,assessments,studiesand,analysisofproposalswithpotentialtoimpacttheNavajoNation.Theprimarylaws,rulesandregulationsthatATDprogramsareresponsibletoupholdaretheFederalInsecticideFungicideRodenticideAct,NavajoNationAirQualityControlPrevention&ControlAct,OperatingPermitRegulations,NavajoNationOpenBurnRegulationsand,NavajoNationPesticideAct.ChangestoexistingNavajoNationrulesandregulations,includingamendmentstoTitleVoperatingpermits,requireaprocessthatinvolvesnotificationtothepublic.ThepublicnotificationprocessisrequiredundertheCleanAirAct(CAA)(foroperatingpermits)andtheNavajoNationUniformRegulations:PermitReview,AdministrativeEnforcementOrders,Hearings&Rulemakings(NNEnvironmentalActs).
PESTICIDEPROGRAMEXECUTIVESUMMARY:
TheNNEPAPesticideProgramhasaCooperativeAgreementwithUSEPARegion9.Throughthiscooperativeagreement,theprogramcontinuestomonitorandinspectforthesafeuseandhandlingofpesticideproductsunderfederalauthority.Inaddition,theprogramrespondstopesticideusecomplaints,complianceassistanceandprovidespesticidesafetyoutreachtotheregulatedcommunity.Theregulatedcommunityconsistsofagriculturaloperationsincludinghighriskemployeessuchasworkers,mixers,andapplicators,plushealthcareproviders,forestry,schools,greenhouseoperations,andatfarmoperations.Thepurposeofalltheactivitiesistopromotepesticidesafetyandpreventpesticideexposureforworkers.
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RADONPROGRAMEXECUTIVESUMMARY:
TheRadonProgramreceivesfederalfundsfromUSEPAandisrequiredtofulfillamatchrequirementof40%.Therequiredmatchismetin-kindthroughaGeneralFundspositionbudgetedasanEnvironmentalTechnicianundertheRadonProgram(BusinessUnit#111016)andthroughin-kindservicesfromotherGeneralFundsintheformofFleet,monthlymileageand,EnvironmentalDepartmentManagerservingasthesupervisorfortheRadonProgram.TheworkofProgramisdrivenbyanapprovedfederalworkplanthatincludesreportingquarterlyandannually.TheprimarytasksfortheProgramaretoconductoutreacheducationonRadon,Radonhealthimpacts,Radonresistantconstruction,RadontestingandRadonmitigation;workincollaborationwiththeNavajoBirthCohortStudybyassistingwithRadontestingandexchangeofRadondatatosupporttheProgram’sdatabase;workinpartnershipwiththeContaminatedStructuresProjectundertheauspicesoftheNavajoSuperfundProgramintestinghomesandrecommendingmitigation.
AIRQUALITYCONTROLPROGRAM/OPERATINGPERMITSPROGRAMEXECUTIVESUMMARY:
TheOperatingPermitProgramhasrunintosomechallengesthisquarterregardingtherenewalof Navajo Generating Station and Four Corners Power Plant’s Title V permit. The first issuebeing the Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) between the two sources and theNavajoNation.Section4.2(f)oftheVCAstatesthattheVCAexpiresiftheNavajoNationfailstoofferapermittotheoperatingsourcewithin24monthsafterthesourcesubmitsaPart71operatingpermitapplication.NavajoGeneratingStationsubmittedanapplicationonJanuary3,2013andFourCornersPowerPlantsubmittedanapplicationonJanuary25,2013. Thedelay inpermitissuancewasduetoseveralrulemakingthatoccurredduringthedraftingperiodsuchasMATSextension request, the Acid Rain Permit, BART FIP and Technical Work Group Agreements.However, on March 14, 2016 all parties signed off on the first amendment to the VCA,extendingthedeadlinetoissuethepermittoDecember31,2016.The second challenge to the issuanceof the permits for the power plants is finalizing theResponsetoComments,whichwerereceivedwhenthedraftpermitswerepublicnoticed.Theprogram is waiting for a response from the U.S. EPA Office of Regional Council regarding acomment forNGS that addresses the startup, shutdown,malfunction (SSM) requirements intheMercuryandAirToxicsStandards(MATS)andtheSO₂absorbermoduleexemptions.TheSupremeCourt issueda stayon theCleanPowerPlanonFebruary9,2016whichhasdelayedtheworkbeingdoneforstatesandthesourcesthatmustcomplywiththeruleuntiladecisioncanbemade.TheOPPplanstoremainanavidparticipantintheNavajoCarbonTeamandCarbonTechnicalTeambyparticipatinginconsultationanddiscussionswithU.S.EPA,NGSandFCPP.As outlined in Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Work Plan tasks, the Air Quality Control Program(AQCP)continuestocollectambientairqualitydataandperformqualityassurance(QA)datavalidationchecksbeforemonthlydatauploadstoUSEPA’sAirQualitySystem(AQS)database.
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Instrumentationmalfunctionshave continued to inhibit courseparticulate (PM10) airmonitordata collection and flow rate verifications. ThePM10monitor remainsoffline anddiscussionswithAQCPstaff andEPARegion9projectofficermay result in the removaland reportingofPM10 air data toAQS in FY16. Fine particulate (PM2.5) airmonitor data, collocation precisionresults,fieldblankandtripblankdatahaveyettobeuploadedtoAQSinthisquarterduetoachangeinlaboratorygravimetricservicesandQAprocedures.RecentcorrespondencewithanAMEC Foster Wheeler laboratory representative, confirmed that tribal PM2.5 data has beenevaluated andwill soonbe provided to tribes in a timelymanner.On the other hand, semi-annual gaseousperformanceaudit results,monthlybi-weeklyprecision results, and collectedair data for all active gaseous monitors have been uploaded to AQS. Performance auditrecommendations have been implemented to meet instrument measurement qualityobjectives and accuracy criteria as outlined in the Air Quality Control Program’s QualityAssuranceProjectPlansformonitoredcriteriapollutants.Currently,allactivecriteriapollutantmonitors are operating within tolerance of specified quality assurance acceptance criterialimits.CertainFY16WorkPlantaskswereprioritizedthisquarter.Forexample,thecompletionofasemi-annual performance audit, maintenance of air monitors and reporting of collectedambientairdataandqualityassurancedatatoAQS.AdditionalWorkPlantaskscompleted inthe second quarter include: 1) the installation of new meteorological equipment and dataloggerattheShiprockairmonitoringsite,2)acquisitionof indoorairquality(IAQ)monitoringequipmentfromtheTribalAirMonitoringSupport(TAMS)Centerand3)thedevelopmentofanIAQQualityAssuranceProjectPlanandIAQassessmentchecklisttosupportten(10) in-homeIAQassessments.UpdatestotheAirQualityControlProgram’sQualityAssuranceProjectPlansandStandardOperatingProcedurestosupportthegaseousairmonitoringnetworkandrecentchangestodatacollectionhavebeenon-going.Theairmonitoringprogramalsocontinuestoparticipate and provide outreach opportunities for communities to better understand OpenBurnRegulationsandhowopenburningimpactslocalairqualityandhumanhealth.
SURFACEANDGROUNDWATERPROTECTIONDEPARTMENTEXECUTIVESUMMARY
TheSurfaceandGroundWaterProtectionDepartment(SGWP)continuedtomaximizeitsprotectionofhumanhealth,land,airandwatersoftheNavajoNation.
TheAugust5,2015GoldKingMinespilltaskandissueshavebeenon-goingandallactivitiesrelatedtowaterqualityandsedimentsamplesmonitoringoftheSanJuanRivertodetermineanyimpactsornon-impactshavebeenourprimacytask.
Also,NNEPAwillcontinuetoattendtheNavajoGallupWaterlineProjectmeetingandconductinspectionsunderourauthorityoftheCWAandSDWA.NNEPAwillcontinuetoprotectthehumanhealthandwatersthroughlegislativeproposalsandactions,seekingandobtaining
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fundingsource,monitoringanddatacollection,providepubliceducation,andbuildpartnershipwithNNDepartment,programs,othertribes,statesandfederalagencies.
NavajoPWSSPisresponsibleforensuringdrinkingwaterissafetodrink.SanitarySurveyinspectionsoffacilitiesarebeingconductedduringthesummermonths.Staffwillconduct60inspectionsduringFY2016.
WASTEREGULATORYCOMPLIANCEDEPARTMENTEXECUTIVESUMMARY:
WasteRegulatoryComplianceDepartment(WRCD)isestablishedforthepurposeofprotectingthepublichealthandtheenvironmentoftheNavajoNationthroughlegislativeproposals,obtainingfunding,monitoringanddatacollection,permittingandrulemakingasauthorizedbyNavajoNationlaw,publiceducation,andotherappropriatemeans.WRCDoverseethemanagementoffourprogramstoinclude;ResourceConservationRecoveryProgram,NavajoSuperfundProgram,StorageTankPreventionProgram(UST)andStorageTankRemediationProgram(LUST).Thisreportwillincludeallfourprograms.
CRIMINALENFORCEMENTDEPARTMEMTEXECUTIVESUMMARY:
TheNavajoNationEnvironmentalProtectionAgency-CriminalEnforcementDepartmentwascreated to supplement Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency-Air & ToxicDepartment,WaterQualityDepartmentandWasteRegulatoryDepartments toprovide lawenforcementcapabilities to investigateandenforceenvironmental criminalactivitieswithinthe territorial jurisdiction of the Navajo reservation. The department also promotes andenhances the quality of public safety through cooperative enforcement, intelligencegathering, training employees of law enforcement agencies, and increase public and theregulated community awarenessof environmental criminal activities. Someof thehighlightareas pursuing is to maintain our department initiatives by providing outreach to all 110Navajo Nation chapters, schools and the regulated communities, and foremost activityincludes prosecution of individuals or companies, and visible preventive patrols to deterenvironmentalcriminalactivities.
II. CRITICALISSUES
ADMINISTRATIONCRITICALISSUES:A. ThefarmersalongtheSanJuanRiverareaskingNNEPAforriverdata,reportsandupdates.B. TheNavajoSuperfundprogramhaspastfundingissuesthatneedattention.
UnderstandingTronox.ThemainchallengeaboutunderstandingTronoxisthatTronoxfundingisonlytobeutilizedtoaddressTronoxsites.
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AIR&TOXICSDEPARTMENTCRITICALISSUESA. OutsideCounselContractsweretemporarilyhaltedatthebeginningofFY2016dueto
NNDOJ’sreviewofcontractsandmodificationofnewcontractforms.Whilewehavebeeninformedthatthecontractingwillmoveforward,ourplansandschedulestomoveforwardwithprojectssuchasdevelopmentofaminorsourcepermittingprogramandtoobtainpartialNESHAPdelegationfromUSEPAtoaddressNESHAPviolationsontheNavajoNationhavebeensetbackbysix(6)monthsthusfar.WewerenotconsultedprevioustothisNNDOJaction,norhavewe,asclients,beenprovidedwithinformationfromNNDOJrelatedtothesechanges.
B. EnvironmentalMitigationProjects(EMPs).Therecontinuestobeon-goingdiscussionandupdateswithAPS,FCPPandSCErepresentativesonthestatusoftheprojects.Themostrecentupdateisthatthewood/coalcombinationstovesareundergoingtestingsothatEPAcancertifywood/coalcombinationstoves.UntiltheUSEPAauthorizesuseofcombinationstoves,onlywoodburningstovesareacceptableasreplacements.PendingEPAendorsementofcombinationstovesasareplacementoption,theinstallationprojectwillbedelayedforapproximatelyoneadditionalyear.TheJune24,2015aConsentDecreefiledintheU.S.DistrictCourt,DistrictofNewMexico,requiresAPSandotherownersofFCPP1tospend$6.7milliononthreeenvironmentalmitigationprojectsthatwillbecompletedwithinfiveyearsatsomeNavajoChapterslocatedprimarilyeast,northeastandsoutheastoftheFCPP.
PESTICIDEPROGRAMCRITICALISSUES:
TheNavajoPesticideProgramhasanopenandon-goinginvestigationwiththeNavajoNationFish&WildlifeProgramregardingasuspectedviolationoftheFederalInsecticide,Fungicide,andRodenticideAct(FIFRA).Theinspection/investigationwasforwardedtoUSEPARegion9onSeptember30,2015forfurtherreviewandpossibleenforcementaction.Asoftoday,theUSEPARegion9EnforcementOfficedraftedaconsultationletterandispreparingabriefing(nextweek)foruppermanagementatUSEPARegion9beforesendingittotheNavajoNationFishandWildlifeProgram.
ThePesticideProgramreceivedapartialawardintheamountof$130,142onSeptember10,2015.Thebalanceof$111,858hasnotbeenreceivedbytheprogram,yet.AccordingtoUSEPARegion9projectofficer,thebalancewillbeawardedbythebeginningofthethirdquarter.
1Owners of FCPP are Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Southern California Edison (SCE), El Paso Electric Company (El Paso Electric), Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District (Salt River Project), and Tucson Electric Power Company (Tucson Electric Power), (collectively referred to as Defendants in the Consent Decree).
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RADONPROGRAMCRITICALISSUES:
Reducingindoorradonlevelsinhomesandschoolstominimizeoccupants’exposuretoradongastoeliminateriskstohumanhealth.Thisinvolvescontinuousoutreach,encouragingindependenttestingand,workingwithotherstakeholderstoachievesimilargoalsandobjectives.
AIRQUALITYCONTROLPROGRAM/OPERATINGPERMITSPROGRAMCRITICALISSUES:
Planstoaddressissues,resourcesrequirements&expectedcompletiondateThecriticalissuesthattheAirQualityControlProgramarecurrentlyfacingareasfollows:A. TheOperatingPermitProgram(OPP)iscurrentlyworkingwithU.S.EPARegion9,Navajo
Nation DOJ Attorney April Quinn, Eastern Research Group (ERG), and also NNEPAContractAttorneyJillGranttofinalizetheResponsetoComments(RTC)fortheNavajoGeneratingStation(NGS)draftTitleVpermit.ThisquartertheprogramhasworkedtoamendtheVoluntaryComplianceAgreementwithNavajoGeneratingStation(NGS)andFourCornersPowerPlant(FCPP)whichwassignedbyallpartiesonMarch14,2016.Inaddition, the program iswaiting for a response from the U.S. EPAOffice of RegionalCouncil regarding the comment for NGS that addresses the startup, shutdown,malfunction (SSM) requirements in theMercury andAir Toxics Standards (MATS) andtheSO₂absorbermoduleexemptions.
B. ConsentDecree(CD)regardingtheFCPPhasbeenfinalizedandthecompliancescheduleof the CD are being incorporated into the draft Title V permit for FCPP. The RTCdocumentfortheFCPPdraftpermitneedstobedeveloped.
C. OnFebruary9,2016theSupremeCourtissuedastayontheCleanPowerPlananditispendingjudicialreview.Theprogramwillcontinuetoparticipateinmeetingsandcallsand remain active participants in the Navajo Carbon Team and the Carbon TechnicalteamwithUSEPA,NGSandFCPP.
D. TheprogramhasseenanincreaseinOpenBurnregistrationformsthisquarterduetothe change in weather. The majority of the registration forms are from NorthernAgency,mainlytheChaptersofUpperFruitland,Hogback,ShiprockandNenahezad.Inaddition the programmetwith BIA Forestry onMonday,March 14th to continue thepartnershipregardingOpenBurnactivitiesontheNavajoNation.
E. AnnualComplianceInspectionshavebeencompletedforthefollowingfacilities;ElPasoCompressor Stations (Leupp, Window Rock, White Rock, Gallup, Navajo, Dilkon),Resolute Aneth, and Western Refinery – Gallup Station (formerly Conco-Phillips). AdiscrepancywasfoundregardingtheElPasoWindowRockstationemissioncalculationsandmonitoringreportsdidnotmatchup.Theprogramiswaitingforaclarificationfromthefacility.
F. ContinualdatacollectionofSO2,NO,NO2,NOx,O3,PM10,PM2.5ambientairdata fromNazliniandShiprockairmonitoringsites.AllcriteriaairmonitoringdataiscollectedattheendofeachmonthandreportedmonthlytoAQSwithsupportingQAdatareportedquarterly.
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G. A comprehensive revision to the QAPP for the AQCP monitoring network is indevelopment to reflect all active gaseous pollutant monitors as outlined in the FY16WorkPlan.QAPPshouldbecompletedbyMay2016andsubmittedtoUSEPARegion9QAOfficeforapproval.
H. A2015performanceaudit indicatedseveralmeteorologicalparametersaswellasmetdata loggers at the Shiprock and Nazlini monitoring sites to be operating out oftolerance and led to the purchase and installation of newmeteorological equipmentanddataloggerattheShiprockairmonitoringstation.a. The Nazlini air monitoring met tower is currently under evaluation for
replacement/relocationasitdoesnottilt-over.Thisevaluationshallbedonebeforeacompletiondateisestablishedfortheinstallationofthenewmetequipmentontothetower.
I. Response to Counselor Chapter Resolution requesting ambient air monitoring in thegreater Counselor Community has begun with completion of a Memorandum ofUnderstanding(MOU)betweenCounselorChapterandNNEPAAQCPandtheselectionofamonitoringsiteataresidenceofCounselorChapter.a. Mobile unit NOx and SO2 analyzers were calibrated in December 2015 and will
undergoanadditionalmultipointcalibrationpriortodeploymentinApril2016.b. ThemobileunitelectricalconnectionsshouldbecompletedbyApril2016followed
shortlybydeploymentofthemobileairmonitoringunit.J. Schedule Air Resources Specialist, Inc. to conduct semi-annual performance audit onmonitoringnetwork.
a. All activemetmonitors at the Shiprock airmonitoring site passed February 2016performanceaudit/verification.
b. AsecondperformanceauditshallbescheduledforAugust2016.
K. Ten(10)in-homeairqualityassessmentsshouldbegininMarch2016andcompletedbyMay2016.IAQassessmentsarescheduledforthemonthofMarchandApril2016withcompletionbyMay2016.AllloanerTAMSCenterloanerIAQmonitorswillbereturnedinMay2016.
SURFACEANDGROUNDWATERPROTECTIONDEPARMENTCRITICALISSUES:
1. WQandPWSprogrammaynothaveanincreaseinfederalgrantfundingforFY2017willresultinRIFofoneprogramstaff.
2. OutstandingdocumentssubmittedtoNDOJforreviewon9-23-15PWSSPRegulationsforFieldCitations;3-08-16PWSSPEasternAgencyPrimacyApplication;
ResourcesRequired:
1) NeedSupplementalfundingfromtheNNfunding.2) NDOJneedsadditionalattorneyassignedspecificallytoNNEPA
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WASTEREGULATORY&COMPLIANCECRITICALISSUES:
1) SuperfundBudget:Duringthe2ndquarter,NNEPAcontinuetoworkwithNavajoOMB,OfficeoftheControl,OfficeofPresident/VicePresidentandUSEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,Region9(fundingagency)respondtoUSEPANoticeofNonComplianceforFederalgrantsundertheNavajoSuperfundProgram.NNEPAestablishedaworkingteamtoincludetheNNFinanceDepartment(OOC),ContractsandGrants,DepartmentofJustice,addressedtheissuesoutlinedbyUSEPA.Reconciliationofstafftime’sretrobackto2009andchargedtothecorrectaccountwascompleted.TheNSPpersonnelcostsavingsfromallthefederalaccountswerecarriedoverasnocostextensionstotheendofJanuary2016.TheextensionswerethenextendedtotheendofSeptember2016asa“nocostextension”.Attheendofthisquarter,theconciliationsforallthegrantsareabout70to85%completed.Recommendations:ASeniorAccountantwasbudgetedtomonitorthemultigrantsfromEPARegion9andRegion6whichwaspartoftheCorrectiveActionPlan.
2) NavajoEPAhasverylimitedstafftocoverthevastlandoftheNavajoNationtoconduct
inspectionsandprovideoversightforSuperfundandResourceCompensationandRecoveryProgram(RCRP).ForenforcementtraveltositesisimportantandcannotbeperformedfromdesktopandhasonlyontribalvehicleforbothPrograms(NSP&RCRP)duetobudgetconstraintplacedonthisyear’sbudget.Tocompensatethefunds,trainingandhealthmonitoring,RCRPwilltransferthefundsfromTrainingandHealthMonitoringtocompensatethefunds.Recommendation:workcloselywithchapters,communitiesandindustriesonenvironmentalawareness.
3) NavajoSuperfundProgramandUSEPAGrantManagementMeetings,December2015throughMarch2016,NNEPAparticipatedinthegrantnegotiationswithUSEPAgrantmanager.Somehighlightswere:keytechnicalpositionswillnotbefundedthisfiscalyearFY2016(HealthPhysicist,Chemist,ReclamationSpecialist).TheEngineerpositionwasalsoproposedtobenotfunded;however,Dr.BenninsistedthatthispositionnotbedeletedintheDecember16negotiations.TheNNEPArecommendedtoYazzieandYeethatthesetechnicalpositionsarehighlyimportantfortheworkthatNavajoSuperfundperforms.IftheNNPresident’spriorityistoemployNavajo’s,andwithourunemploymentratesohigh,whyareweacceptingtheEPAproposalthathiringtechnicalstaffinFY16.NavajoEPASuperfundneedsSeniorLevelpeoplenow.Additionally,theNavajoSuperfundstaffarewithouthighlyneededequipmenttoperformourwork.Theseitemsshouldbeaprioritybeforeanymoneygetsswept:computersneedtobeupdate,healthandsafetyequipment[boots,hardhats,radiologicalpersonaldosimeters,8-HourHealthandSafetytraining(OSHAREQUIREMENT),basicofficesupplies].
TwotechnicalstaffleftNavajoSuperfundProgram.ThesetwoindividualwerehighlytechnicalstaffthatwereinvolvedinAUMminesremediationprojects,Tronox,andAUM
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contaminatedStructureProgram.TheseindividualareMichelleDineyazhe(USEPAIPAEnvironmentalRemedialProject)andChandraMananhar(EnvironmentalEngineer).ThisleavesNavajoSuperfundwithouthighleveltechnicalstaffsandhashinderongoingprojectsinprocessforAUMs
CRIMINALENFORCEMENTDEPARTMENTCRITICALISSUES:
a.United StatesDepartment of Justice CommunityOrientedGrant award K120805 inthe amount of $226,886.00 work plan diligently expended. CED upgraded its grantmodification for an excess amount of $62, 150.82 to expedite by the end of August2016. CED was granted an extension request to FY 2016. CED is in the process ofidentifyingmobileunit radio installation,emergency lightsandthree lawenforcementrelated certification program and four environmental related trainings. This initiativeemphasizethedepartment’sstrategicplanthatwouldbenefittheNavajocommunitiesandpreventativeillegalenvironmentalrelatedacts.
b.CEDhasoneofficeronsickleaveduetoworkrelatedtrafficaccident.CEDisworkingdiligently with Navajo Nation Risk Management to expedite in repairing the assignvehicle. CED is working with local law enforcement agencies to respond to minorincident environmental complaints. However, CED has manage to respond to mostcomplaintswithonlytwoofficers.
c.CEDachieved inpurchasing four lawenforcementvehicles inFY2015,however theMVRB had place the blue Navajo Nation Seal decal on the law enforcement vehiclesratherthanourrequesttoplaceourownNNEPAlawenforcementdecalssignifyingCEDasalawenforcementagency.Thisactiongreatlydeclinedforthedepartmenttoenforceand investigate necessary Navajo Nation environmental related complaints andenforcement of the Navajo Nation Traffic/criminal Code. However, CED has workeddiligently with NN Department of Justice to conclude and justify CED as a legitimaterecognizedArizonaPoliceOfficerandStandardsTrainingBoardNavajoDivisionofPublicSafety andNNEPA law enforcement departmentwith full law enforcement authority.CurrentdecisionbytheNavajoNationMotorVehicleBoardisstilloutstandingandhasgreatlydeclineourenvironmentalenforcementefforts.
III. PROJECT(S)STATUSADMINISTRATIONPROJECT(S)STATUS:
TheSanJuanRiverdatashowsthatthefarmerscanusethewaterforfarming.
i. March15,2016,theSanJuanRiverFarmBoardmettodiscussirrigationschedules.
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a. ThechaptersrepresentedatthismeetingwereUpperFruitland,
Nenahnezad,SanJuan,TseDaKannandGadiiahi/Tokoi.b. Aproposedchapterresolutionatthismeetingwastosupportand
maintaintheShiprockIrrigationofficescheduleofturningonthewatertotheUpperFruitlandandHogbackcanals.
c. Theresolutionwaspassedtoturnthewaterbackon.d. TherewasarequesttohaveNNEPAtoserveasa“clearinghouse”for
riverdataandinformationabouttheGoldKingMineSpill.e. ThePresidentoftheSanJuanRiverBoard(farmer)wantstousethe
watertoirrigatehisfieldsandhasaskedNNEPAtoissueresponsetoturn“on”thewater.
ii. March25,2015,NNEPAmetwithPresidentBegayetoreportonriverdata.
Wereportedthataccordingtoourowndata,thefarmerscan“utilizethewaterforfarmingonly,exceptduringstormeventsandtimeswhentheriverbecomesturbid”.
a. OPVPrequestedthatNNEPAcoordinatewiththeUniversityofArizonaon
resultsandissuearesponse.b. NNEPAalsoinformedthePresidentthatthecommunitymembers
requestedthatthisnotbeputtoavote,becauseitcreatesoppositionamongthefarmers.Theywantthewatertobeturned“on”.TheyaskedthatthisbedonebasedonresultsthatNNissuesandtokeepitfrombecomingpolitical.
iii. March30,2016,NNEPAisawaitinganofficialresponsefromDOJ.NNEPA
askedDOJtocommunicatewithOPVPonprovidinganofficialpressrelease.
ThestatusoftheNavajoSuperfundprogramis90%and80%complete(intwoseparatecases).
i. May8,2015,USEPAsentawarningletter.a. USEPAwaswantingclarificationonemployeeleavechargesbetween
accountsb. Thisis90%complete.
ii. BusinesssiteissueswithMulti-siteCooperativeAgreement(MSCA),SupportAgencyCooperativeAgreement(SACA),BrownsfieldsandTribalResponse.
a. 6BUs(MSCA),2BUs(SACA),1BU(Brownfields)and1BU(TribalResponse)areinquestion
b. Thisis80%complete.
iii.March29,2016,NNDOJgotinvolvedwiththesetwocasesmostlyduetochangesthatUSEPAmakesinthisprocess.Changingtheapproach
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constantlycausesmoreconfusionforNNEPA,NNOMB,NNOOCandNNDOJ.NNDOJsteppedintomakesurethatUSEPAadherestotheoriginalrequests.
TRONOXSETTLEMENTSANDNAVAJOABANDONURANIUMMINES(AUM)IDENTIFIEDASTRONOXSITES.
i. Uranium238isanaturallyradioactive:itsnucleusisunstable,sotheelementisinconstantstateofdecay.Uranium238decaystoUranium235,whichisenricheduraniumthatismoreofarisktohumans,animalsandtheenvironment.
ii. 2005,Kerr-McGeespinsoffallofitsenvironmentalliabilitiestoacompanycalledTronox.Kerr-McGeeiseventuallyboughtbyAnadarkoPetroleum.
iii. BothKerr-McGeeandtheAnadarkoPetroleumCorporationminedover7milliontonsoforeonorneartheNavajoNationfromthelate1940sthroughthe1960s.Thesecompaniesleftabandonuraniumminesites,includingcontaminatedwasterockpilesintheLukachukaiMountains,EasternAgencyoftheNNandintheAmbrosiaLake/GrantsMiningDistrictofNewMexico.
iv. 2010,theUnitedStatesannouncedfundstobereceivedbytheNNtoperformuraniumassessmentandcleanupprojectsunderfederalandtribalenvironmentallaws.
v. TronoxagreedtoresolveenvironmentalliabilitiesforpastandfutureresponsecostsundertheComprehensiveEnvironmentalResponse,CompensationandLiabilityAct(CERCLA).
vi. FIRSTTRONOXSETTLEMENT(2010)a. NNTronox:$1.2M(depositedintotheNavajoHazardousSubstances
Fund)b. FederalTronox:13.2M(toaddresstheQuiveramine,nearNorthEast
ChurchRock)vii. SECONDTRONOXSETTLEMENT(2014)
a. NNTronox:43M(depositedtousetoaddressthemillsiteinShiprock,NM)
b. FederalTronox:985M(toaddress50AUMsplusmineslocatedinCoveandNorthEastChurchRock)
viii. Themainchallengeistoeducateandre-eduatethegeneralpublicthatTronoxfundingisonlytobeutilizedtoaddressTronoxsites.
ix. TronoxProgramApprovalProcess1. Companiesandindividualsmayapply.2. Theparticipantsneedtoprovidethefollowing:Provideaquicksynopsis
thatdescribestitle,objective,activities,timeframesandbudget.3. NavajoEPA,USEPAandthestateofNMwillmeettoconsultonprojects.4. NavajoEPA,USEPAandthestateofNMwillsubmitcommentstoreach
concurrenceonapproachtoscoping,prioritizingandimplementingproject/actions
5. NavajoEPA,USEPAandthestateNMwillfinalizetheproject/actionsandUSEPAwillprovideafundingmemotomemorializeconcurrenceoftheprojects/actions
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6. Oncetheprojectisapproved,theprojectteamwillprepareadetailedworkplan,costestimate,andschedulefortheproject.
AIR&TOXICSDEPARTMENTPROJECT(S)STATUS:A. AttendedmeetingoftheResourcesDevelopmentCommittee(RDC)onMarch8,
2016atLeCheeChaptertoprovideaconsultationreportonthedraft1stAmendmentoftheVoluntaryComplianceAgreement(VCA)forTitleVPermits.OnMarch14,2016allparties(SRP,APSandtheNavajoNation)hadsignedoffonthefirstamendmenttotheVCA,extendingthedeadlinetoissuethepermitstoDecember31,2016.
B. Completedtwelve(12)QualificationAssessmentsfortemporaryandpermanentpositionswithintheNNEPA.
C. Completedten(10)environmentalcompliancedocumentsforentitiestofulfill
DHUDrequirements.Concurrenceswerecompletedforairqualityimpactsandexplosiveandtoxicmaterials.
D. ResidentialInterventionsIAQStudy:Completedindoormonitoringat24residences
ofparticipatingindividualsinFortDefianceAgency.ThisindoorairqualitystudyisbeingdevelopedinpartnershipwiththeUniversityofMontanaandwillfocusoninterventionstrategiestoreduceexposuretoindoorbiomasssmokeandimprovehealthofNavajoelderlywithintheFortDefianceAgency.BaselinedatawascollectedforPM,healthmeasureswerecompleted,dataenteredintoadatabaseand,enrollmentofnewparticipantsforthewinter2016secondphasestudyison-going.
E. TheAir&ToxicsDepartmentcontinuestoparticipateintheinternalreviewand
analysisoftheCleanPowerPlananditsimplicationsfortheNavajoNation,NavajoGeneratingStationandtheFourCornersPowerPlant.Internaldiscussionsareon-goingwithNavajoNationstakeholders,withsometeammembersfromNNDOJandDNRcommunicatingwithNGSandFCPPoncarbonreductionandrenewableenergyprojects.OnFebruary9,2016theSupremeCourtissuedastayontheCleanPowerPlananditispendingjudicialreview.TheprogramwillcontinuetoparticipateinmeetingsandcallsandremainactiveparticipantsintheNavajoCarbonTeamandtheCarbonTechnicalteamwithUSEPA,NGSandFCPP.
PESTICIDEPROGRAMPROJECT(S)STATUS:Inspections:UndertheCooperativeAgreement,thePesticideProgramstaffmonitorsandconductinspectionsonbehalfofUSEPAusingfederalcredentials.TheFederalInsecticide,Fungicide,RodenticideAct(FIFRA)isenforcedthroughthecooperativeagreement.
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage14
InspectionreportsareforwardedtoUSEPARegion9forreportingpurposes.IfapotentialviolationisnotedaninvestigationisconductedandthereportisforwardedtoUSEPARegion9forfurtherreviewandenforcementaction.Atotaloften(10)inspectionswerecompletedduringthesecondquarter.Itincludessix(6)agricultureandfour(4)non-agriculturalinspections.TherearenopotentialviolationsofFIFRAforthisquarter.Outreachpresentations:ThePesticideProgramstaffconductsoutreachpresentationstotheregulatedcommunitytoensurethesafeuseandhandlingofpesticideproducts.Atotalofseven(7)outreachpresentationswereconducted.Theoutreachcoveredthesafeuseandhandlingofpesticideproductsduringabedbuginfestationapplication.
• SteamboatChapter• CoyoteCanyonChapter• GanadoChapter• WhiteconeChapter• DilkonChapter• IndianWellsSeniorCenter• RedRockPark
RADONPROGRAMPROJECT(S)STATUS:
A. ContinuecollaborationwiththeNavajoHeadStartProgramfortrainingofHeadStartpersonnelconductRadontestingincenters.TheShiprockHeadStartCenterswillbetestedfirst,afterRadonProgramstafftrainHeadStartpersonnelintestingprotocol.
B. NationalRadonActionMonth:ProgramstaffinitiatedthefollowingJanuaryactivitiesrelatedtoNationalRadonActionMonth:1. DisseminatedRadoninformationtoall110NavajoChaptersaboutRadon,itshealth
effects,testing,andhowtoobtainafreeRadonhometestkitfromtheRadonProgram.
2. ProvidedaPSAintheNavajoTimesaboutJanuarybeingNationalRadonActionMonthandwheretocallforafreehometestkit.
3. CoordinatedwiththeUraniumCollaboration,CommunityUraniumExposure–JourneytoHealingorganizationtodisseminateRadoninformationattheNorthernNavajoMedicalCenteratShiprock,NewMexico.Dr.LindaKnedlerisamemberoftheCUEJHorganizationandsheputusincontactwiththehospitaltosupportourRadonoutreachwork.
4. IncoordinationwithCUEJH,arrangedfordisseminationofRadoninformationatNenahnezadChapteronJanuary21,2016whereCEUJHwillalsobeconductingcommunityhealthscreenings.
5. WorkedinconjunctionwithNavajoNationOfficeofBroadcastServicestouse10freeminutestospeakaboutRadon.
6. IncoordinationwiththeNavajoNationInformationTechnologyDepartment,disseminatedRadoninformationtoallNavajoNationemployeesaboutRadon,its
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage15
healtheffects,testing,andhowtoobtainafreeRadonhometestkitfromtheRadonProgram.
C. Provided169RadontestkitstotheSouthwestResearchandInformationCenter(SRIC),theco-investigatingentitywiththeNavajoBirthCohortStudy(NBCS).
D. RadonOutreachinthesecondquarteratlocalcommunities,areaschoolsandatorganizedeventssuchashealthfairsprovidedinformationonRadon,radonhealtheffects,radontesting,andradonmitigationatthefollowinglocations:
• 1/15/16GanadoChapterHouse,Ganado,AZ–TotalAttendees:6people• 1/19/16CoyoteCanyonChapterHouse,CoyoteCanyon,NM–TotalAttendees:1• 1/20/16SteamboatChapterHouse,Steamboat,AZ–TotalAttendees:9• 1/21/16WideRuinsChapterHouse,WideRuins,AZ–TotalAttendees:3• 1/22/16HouckChapterHouse,Houck,AZ–TotalAttendees:4• 1/22/16OfficeofDine’Youth,FortDefiance,AZ–TotalAttendees:63• 2/2/16DilkonChapterHouse,Dilkon,AZ–TotalAttendees:8• 2/2/16IndianWellsChapterHouse,IndianWells,AZ–TotalAttendees:12• 2/3/16WhiteconeChapterHouse,Whitecone,AZ–TotalAttendees:7• 1/22/16JedditoChapterHouse,Jeddito,AZ(PlanningMeeting)–TotalAttendees:12• 1/22/16JedditoChapterHouse,Jeddito,AZ(CLUPCMeeting)–TotalAttendees:6• 2/16/16OakSpringsChapterHouse,OakSprings,AZ-TotalAttendees:14• 2/23/16NavajoNationScienceFair,Gallup,NM–TotalAttendees:49• 2/24/16NavajoNationScienceFair,Gallup,NM–TotalAttendees:26• 2/25/16NavajoNationScienceFair,Gallup,NM–TotalAttendees:16• 2/29/16HouckChapterHouse,Houck,AZ-TotalAttendees:6• 3/1/16CrystalChapterHouse,Crystal,NM-TotalAttendees:9• 3/7/16St.MichaelsJr.HighSchool,St.Michaels,AZ–TotalAttendees:30• 3/8/16St.MichaelsJr.HighSchool,St.Michaels,AZ–TotalAttendees:28• 3/8/16St.MichaelsJr.High&HighSchool,St.Michaels,AZ–TotalAttendees:12• 3/10/16St.MichaelsHighSchool,St.Michaels,AZ–TotalAttendees:24• 3/18/16NavajoPineHighSchool(Chemistry)–TotalAttendees:12• 3/18/16NavajoPineHighSchool(Biology)–TotalAttendees:15• 3/18/16NavajoPineHighSchool(Chemistry)–TotalAttendees:12• 3/18/16NavajoPineHighSchool(Physics)–TotalAttendees:8• 3/18/16NavajoPineHighSchool(Math,Engineering,Science,&Applications)–Total
Attendees:12• 3/18/16NavajoPineHighSchool(Biology)–TotalAttendees:17• 3/18/16NavajoPineHighSchool(EarthSciences)–TotalAttendees:17• PrivateResidenceTesting:Testingforradonbyrequestofhomeowners.
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage16
• 1/13/16ResidenceinWindowRock,AZ• 1/15/16ResidenceinYatahey,NM
E. 2/18/16:AssistedManselNelsonoftheInstituteforTribalEnvironmentalProfessionals(ITEP)withradontestingintheRockRidgeBoardingSchool.Testresultsrangedfrom0.9 -4.2picocuries.
AIRQUALITYCONTROLPROGRAM/OPERATINGPERMITSPROGRAMPROJECT(S)STATUS:Progressandcompletion/accomplishmentsThefollowingprojectslistedbelowareongoingwithintheAirQualityControlPrograma) OPP is currently working with ERG, NNDOJ and U.S.EPA Region 9 to finalize the
responsestothecommentsonthedraftTitleVpermitforNavajoGeneratingStation.b) OPP iscurrentlyworkingwithERGondrafting theresponses to thecommentson the
draftTitleVpermitforFCPP.c) Continue to provide technical assistance regarding the Clean Power Plan and the
proposedFIPforimplementationoftheCPPbyparticipatingintheNavajoCarbonTeamandCarbonTechnicalTeam.
d) Annual Compliance Inspections has completed and OPP is currently finalizing allinspectionreportsforthefacilities.
e) OPPiscurrentlyworkingonthedraftpermitsforElPasoNaturalGasGallupstationandWhiteRockstation.OPPhopesoncompletingthepre-draftsbyApril2016andsenditouttothereviewingparties.
f) OPPhassubmittedaRequestforProposaltoEasternResearchGroupfortheResoluteNatural ResourcesAnethUnit TitleVpermit. Theproposal is dueApril 1, 2016. Theprogramhopestostarttheworkonthepermitinthe3rdquarter.
g) CleanAirAct(CAA)Section105FY161stQuarterReportwassubmittedtoUSEPARegion9onJanuary15,2016.
h) Finalized MOU between Counselor Chapter and NNEPA to gain residential access tomonitorambientairqualitywascompletedonFebruary16,2016.
i) CompletedandsubmittedFY17USEPACleanAirAct (CAA)105/103GrantProposal toEPARegion9onFebruary17,2016toincludeconfirmationreceipt.
j) OnFebruary18,2016,AQCPstaffassistedNorthernArizonaUniversity(NAU)Instituteof Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) staff with a successful completion of anIndoorAirQuality(IAQ)assessmentatRockyRidgeBoardingSchool.
k) OnFebruary19,2016,arequestforVerySharpCutCyclone(VSCC)PM2.5inletadaptorswas submitted toEPA’sOfficeofPlanningandStandards (OAQPS).VSCCadaptorsarerecommended to improve PM2.5 monitoring bias between routine PM2.5 samples andPM2.5auditsamples.
l) Performance audits were conducted February 24 – 26, 2016 with all active criteriamonitorspassingtheperformanceaudit,exceptfortheTEOMPM10monitor.
m) ARSperformedtechnicalservicesonFebruary26,2016andAQCPstaffassistedwiththesuccessful installation of new met equipment and data logger at the Shiprock airmonitoringsite
• A new solar radiation sensor, wind monitor and data logger was successfullyinstalledattheShiprockairmonitoringstationonFebruary26,2016.
n) ArequestforTAMSCenterloanerIAQmonitorswassuccessfullyfulfilledonFebruary3,
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage17
2016.o) A draft Quality Assurance Project Plan to support Indoor Air Quality assessments to
includean IAQAssessmentChecklistwas completedonFebruary18, 2016. IAQQAPPwillbesubmittedinMay2016toUSEPARegion9QAOfficeforapproval.
p) OnMarch3,2016,amemowassenttoTAMSCenterrequestingaoneyearextensiontogravimetricservicestosupportcontinualPM2.5airmonitoringontheNavajoNation.
q) ARS repaired an ozone lampwithin the API 700A Dilution Calibrator and successfullyperformed an ozone photometer 6x6 certification onMarch 15, 2016. The API 700AozonephotometerisnowdesignatedasaLevel3transferstandard.
r) ContinualimplementationofOpenBurnRegulations,OpenBurnRegistrations(cultural&agricultural/silvicultural)andoutreachactivitieshaveoccurredinthe2ndQuarter.
s) The followingoutreacheswerecompletedbyboth theOperatingPermitProgramandtheAirQualityControlProgram.• Ganado,AZ–01/15/16• CoyoteCanyon,NM–01/19/16• Steamboat,AZ–01/20/16• WideRuins.AZ–01/21/16• Houck,AZ–01/22/16• ODYFt.Defiance,AZ–01/22/16• Dilkon,AZ–02/02/16• IndianWells,AZ–02/02/16• Whitecone,AZ–02/03/16• Jeddito,AZ–02/07/16• OakSprings,AZ–02/22/16• Houck,AZ–02/29/16• Crystal,NM–03/01/16• St.Michaels,AZ–03/07,03/08,03/10/16• Navajo,NM–03/18/16
SURFACEANDGROUNDWATERPROTECTIONDEPARTMENTPROJECTSSTATUS:
1) NNEPAandUSEPAenforcementactionsagainsttheNTUAWindowRockWWTFforNPDESpermiteffluentlimitviolations.USEPAissuedanamendedAOCtoNTUA.NNEPAissueditsownAOCtoNTUA.EPAissuedtheNPDESpermitforthenewWindowRockWWTP.ReviewdraftO&MManual.
2) NNEPAenforcementactionagainstNTUAforNPDESpermiteffluentlimitviolationsatChinleWWTF,GanadoWWTF,KayentaWWTF,NavajoTownsiteWWTF,PinonWWTF,andTubaCityWWTF.Extendedfinalcomplianceimplementationdateby3months.
3) WorkingonGoldKingMinespillresponse:possibleadditionalCWA§106fundingandmeetingswithEPAandstatesonlong-termmonitoring.
4) SubmittedNPSproposal(AlamoChapterNPSPollutionReductionthroughtheRehabilitationofFaultyResidentialSepticSystemswithintheRioSaladoWatershed)toEPA.
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage18
5) StaffwasinvitedtopresenttheNNPWSSP’sprimacystatusandprogramactivitiesunderprimacytotheFirstNationsandtheChiefsofOntarioinToronto,Ontario,Canada.TheFirstNationsaregoingtoadoptregulationsandformtheirenvironmentalprogramfordrinkingwater.
6) Staffpreparedthelead/copperresponsetoaquestionnaireandsenttoEPA.ThequestionnaireaskshowtheNNPWSSPisimplementingthelead/copperregulations.Twoschoolswerelistedasbeinginnoncompliancewithlead.NNPWSSPexplainedthatoneschoolhadelevatedcopperlevelsnotlead.Theoperatorcollectedsamplesatthenewerinfrastructureandnotinaccordancetoasitesamplingplanfortheschool.MoresampleswillbecollectedinJune(thetimeperiodwithinwhichtosamplebetweenJune1throughSeptember30).Staffcontinuestoprovidetechnicalassistance.
7) TheRevisedTotalColiformRulewaspreparedandwillbereviewedbystaffandthecontractattorney.Theseregulationswillneedtobepubliclyviewedfor30daysandthenthroughthe164-ReviewProcessforformaladoptionbytheResourcesandDevelopmentCommittee.
8) TheEasternNavajoAgencyprimacyapplicationwaspreparedandsenttotheAttorneyGeneralforsignature.AletterfromtheNNPresidentisneededforsendingtotheUSEPA-Region9.
9) SubmittedrevisedQAPPforsedimentsamplingtoU.S.EPARegion9QAMS.ThiswillallowuseofCWAfundinginthecollectionandanalysesofsedimentsamplesontheSanJuanRiver.
10)SubmittedcommentstoU.S.EPAHQontheproposedruleforTribalTASforCWASection303(d)whichwouldallowIndiantribestosubmitwaterbodyimpairmentlistingsevery2yearsandtopursueTMDLstoaddressimpairments.Nofederalfundingassociatedwiththiseffort.
WASTEREGULATORYCOMPLIANCEDEPARTMENTPROJECT(S)STATUS:1. RCRPProgramProjects
A. Duringthissecondquarter,TubaCityDumpsite(TCOD),Tubacity,AZ.CERCLA(Superfund)processundertheBureauofIndianAffairs(BIA),WesternRegionduetoHopiTribeandNavajoNationimpactstolandandgroundwater.Thefeasibilitystudies(RI/FS)wascompletedbyBIAinJanuary/February2016.Thetechnicalteam(BIA,USEPA,BIAConsultants,HopiTribe,NavajoNationEPAandcommunityofficialsfromTubaCityCommunity)metinDecember2015andinFebruary2016todiscussthefinalRI/FS.PublicmeetingwillresumeonApril14,2016inTubaCityforpublicinputoneight(8)closureoptionspriortotheRecordofDecision(ROD)isissuedscheduledinAugust2016.
B. JanuarytoMarch2016,RequestforProposalforNewMexicoEnvironmentalDepartmentRecyclingandIllegalDumpsitegrant,Grantno.16-03,WasteTireAgreementselectedacontractorfortheproject,andacontractissettoperformtheScopeofWorkforthegrantwithexpectedcompletionbyApril2016forfourNavajochapters(RedRock,Tsayatoh,PinedaleandShiprock).AnothercontractwasmadeforWasteManagementofNewMexicoperinstructionsfromtheOfficeofthe
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage19
ControllerinsteadofusingapurchaseorderforthetippingfeesattheSanJuanRegionallandfillbetweenFarmingtonandBloomfield,NewMexico.
C. JanuarytoMarch2016,RCRPcontinuedtechnicalassistancewiththeTronoxTeammeetingswiththeU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandtheTrustee(ERT)for59abandoneduraniumminesiteswiththeNavajoNation.AlsoprovidedtheNavajoNationCouncilWalterPhelpswithtechnicalassistancefortheCameronChapterarea.AconcernfromlocalcommunitymemberregardingthenewroadcutcompletedbyADOTwasrequestedofUSEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyastheystatedtheysentcorrespondencetoADOTregardingthesamematterbutADOTonlyprovidedverballytheyaretestingthesideslopesoftheroadcutareas.Nophysicaldatahasbeenreleasedtoassurecommunitymembersoftheresults.
D. JanuarytoMarch2016,RCRPprovidedtheNavajoNationDepartmentofJusticewithinformationforotherminesitesoutsideTronox(ChurchRock,Prewitt/BluewaterareaandnorthwestminenearTohjiiileeh.
E. PineSpringsCommunityAssociationisassistingintechnicalandcleanupprojectwithNavajoEPA,RCRPstaffforclosureofamajordumpsiteinthePineSpringcommunity.
F. ShiprockAdvisoryCommitteeisveryinvolvedwiththewastetireprojectaswellastheotherthreeChapterstoprepareforthecollectionandrecycling.
G. CompletedProjectsAgency Complaints
ResponseReceived
CitationsIssued
CivilOrders
Inspections Presentations
Chinle 8 10 0 2 1Eastern 10 7 0 1 7FtDefiance 23 12 1 3 4Shiprock 13 5 1 2 13Western 9 11 0 7 8TOTALS 63 45 2 15 23
2.NavajoSuperfundProjects.A. TseTahCellbyNavajoAbandonedMinesLandsonTsoGrazingLand-TheTsofamily
ofTeecNosPosChapterhaveadisagreementandcomplaintagainsttheNavajoNationAbandonedMineLandsProgram(NNAMLP)ofbuildingaradioactivedisposalcellneartheirhomeandontheirgrazingarea.TheNNAMLPclaimtheyreceivedasignedpermissionformin2011fromthefather,whomisnowdeceased.However,theTsofamilysaysthatthegrazingpermitwastransferredtotheMr.PerryTsoin2008.Thesons,Mr.PerryTsoandMr.HenryTso,areprotestingthiscell.TheyhavewrittenaletterstatingtheircasetotheEPA,Region9andthishasbeenreferredtoNavajoNationDOJ.
B. Duringthisquarter,NavajoEPAconductedatechnicalworkshoponFebruary09-10,2016forNavajoAbandonedMineLandswhoarepartoftheTronoxteam.TheworkshopcoveredtheNavajoNationComprehensiveEnvironmentalResponse,CompensationandLiabilityAct(NNCERCLA)SuperfundLaw.
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage20
C. OnMarch8-10,2016,NavajoNationEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandNavajoNationOP/VPandNavajoDOJattendedtheJointAgencyTronoxmeetinginAlbuquerque,NM.ThepurposeofthemeetingistoupdateeachotheronprojectsthatarebeingundertakenbyNavajoNation,USEPARegion9andRegion6,NewMexicoEnvironmentDepartmentonAbandonedMineLandCleanups(TronoxandNonTronoxMines).TheoutcomeandactionsitemwastoworkcloselywithNavajoNationandNavajoCommunitiesattheimpactedareas.PersonnelneedsforNavajoSuperfundwasalsodiscussed.
4.StorageTankProgramProjects
CriticalIssues:A. ProposedLegislationtoapprovetheNavajoNationStorageTankActPenalty
RegulationspertheNavajoNationStorageTankActof2012.ThiswillrequirethesupportandapprovalfromtheNNCResourceandDevelopmentCommitteescheduledforJune2016
B. OngoingagreementwithUSEPAnowknownasMOUtoallowthetribalinspectionsusingtriballawtoenforcestoragetankregulationstofullfillcomplianceinspectionsinthefederalworkplan.ThestatusoftheMOUhasnotbeenfinalized,buttheUSWPAissupportiveofthiseffort.TheMOUwillbecompletedbySeptember30,2016.
ProjectStatus:A. TheEnvironmentalTechnicianpositionhasbeenfulfilledbyMsBonitaNatonabah.B. Theprogramhascompleted26storagetankinspectionsthis2ndQuarter.@0UST
facilitiesand6ASTsfacilities.C. TheprogramconductedaStorageTankOwner/OperatorWorkshopto20registered
participantsthatcoveredinformationregardingreleasedetectionandreleasepreventionattheHoganRestaurantinTubaCity,AZ.
D. Inthe2ndQuarterofFy2016,theSTProgramcollectedatotalamountof$190,661inmonthlyTarifffeesandAnnualTankFeesfromwascollectedan$28,500.00inTankFeeswascollected.Anamountof129,162.77intarifffeesdepositedintoBU#511001and60,932.36isdepositedintoBU#511002asreportedbytheAccountingClerkthisquarter.
USTRemediation(LeakingUST):CriticalIssues
A. ThemajorcriticalissuesinthisfiscalyearconcernthefindingsoftheAdvanceMonitoringdonebytheUSEPARegionIXoffice.
1) Oneissueisthewritingofapolicytooutlineourprocedureforcostrecoveryofmoneyspentremediatingasitewherethereisaresponsiblepartyandthelengthstowhichwewillgotoachievethis.Thisincludesaplantotrackmoneyspentonspecificprojects.
2) Thesecondfindingistheneedtowritedownaqualityassuranceplanforouractivities
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage21
B. ChinlePicNRunsitehashadfairlygoodsuccessunderUSEPAleadatremovingthefreeproductfromthegroundwateratthesitein2014andcontinuedsuccessunderNNEPAlead.Adecisionneedstobemaderegardingthefutureremedialactivitiesatthesite.Tothatendthecontractisgoingouttobidthisquarter.Itwouldbelesstimeconsumingandbetteruseoffundsiftheprogramwereabletosolesourcethiscontracttotheremediationcompanythathasbeenperformingremedialactivitiesatthesiteforthepastthree(andmore)years.However,theamountofthecontractisprecludingthiseffort.
C. OurprogramdoesnotfitconvenientlyintothedefinitionsprovidedtousbyRegionIXforstates.Weareworkingdiligentlywithourfundingofficertocomplywiththerequirementsasweareable.Weareinalmostdailycommunicationwithourprojectofficerandaremovingforwardwithmeetingtherequirementsbyreviewingtheproceduresthatotherstatesusetocomplywiththisrequirement.
1) Wehavedevelopedatime-keepingspreadsheetandareworkingtowardscustomizingitfurther.
2) Wehavealsorequestedourattorneytohelpuswriteapolicytostateafigurebelowwhichwewillnotcostrecoverbecauseitisnotfinanciallyfeasible.
3) Wehaveanunofficialqualityassuranceplanandarecurrentlyworkingtomakeitawrittenplanrobustenoughtocomplywithfederalguidelines.
D. ChinlePicNRun-NNEPAstaffhaveapproachedNNDOJwitharequesttosolesource
thisFY16contracttotheremediationcontractormostfamiliarwiththeprojectonthegroundsthattheirexperienceandhistorywiththisprojectwillallowthemtoengageimmediatelyintheprojectwithoutthetimeandexpensethatanothervendorwouldincurtobecomefamiliarwiththeproject;andthattheirpastinvoicesontheprojecthavebeenreasonablewhencomparedwiththejobandtheresults.NNDOJdoesnotthinkthisisasufficientreasontosolesourcetheproject.Meanwhile,wehaveputNN-fundedandUS-fundedremediationprojectsouttobidandanticipatebeginningfieldworkbytheendofMay,2016.On-goingProjects
E. ChinlePicNRun;continuedremedialactionsatthesite.F. NAV401ChinleHaySales,continuedremediationG. NAV315SweetwaterTradingPost,remedialactivities,Monitoreffectivenessof
injectionofORCH. NAV120WhiteEagle,Shiprock,contaminatedmonitoringeffectivenessofsoil
removalI. NAV211ChiefConoco,Shiprock,continueremedialactivitiesJ. NAV181,Speedy’sinKayenta,persuadingthechaptertocontinueremediation
ofthesiteK. NAV436,OldLeuppTradingPost,injectionofORCthisyearL. NAV050,ApacheCountyRoadsYardChinle,continuetopushresponsibleparty
tocontinuecleanupM. NAV351,YellowhorseTradingPost,Lupton,removalofcontaminatedsoilthis
year
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage22
N. Completetasksinthefederalworkplan.O. Increaseskillsandknowledgebyattendingtrainingspertinenttoleaking
storagetanks.P. Removetanks,delineatecontamination,andconductongoingremedialefforts
onsitesusingNNLUSTTrustFund
SURFACEANDGROUNDWATERPROTECTIONDEPARTMENTCOMPLETIONS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:1) DraftNPDESpermit(NN0030337)forBIAJeehdeez’aAcademyWWTFsenttoUSEPA
2) 401Certificationsissuedfora404PermitforBIA(2015-0158WR)andtheUSEPAGeneralPesticidePermit(2016-0180WR).3) 305(b)WQAssessmentReportscompletedfortheChaco,Chinle,andSanJuanRiverwatersheds.4) WQDBsenttoUSEPAHQforuploadingintoWQX.5) StaffsenttheOperatorCertificationProgramandsupportingdocumentstotheEPA-Region9fortheirreviewandapproval.NavajoPWSSPdevelopedtheoperatorcertificationprogramusingstatestandards.6) UICSr.ESandSr.ETattendedthe2016UndergroundInjectionControl(UIC)ConferenceatHiltonEmbassySuitesinDenver,Colorado7) UICstaffreportfromNateL.Benally,ResoluteEH&SSupervisor,submitsUICExceedanceReportforthefollowinginjectionwells:AUH220(2800psi),AUK231(2500psi),MCUG-25(600psi)andAUH235(340psi).8) UICstaffwitness12MITs:1spillinspection:NoNOVissued.9) TheWQprogramsuccessfulreceiptofsupplemental$465,000ofCWA§106fundingthatUSEPAwantstogivetoNNEPAtoaddressissuesrelatedtotheGKMSpill.ThisadditionalfundingwillbeaddedtothecurrentFY2016CWAPPG.10) SGWPDepartmentstaffattendedtheNNAUMEnvironmentalResponseTrustquarterlyagencymeetingtopresenttheCWAandSDWArequirementsandconcernsrelatedtotheAbandonedUraniumMines.11) SGWPDepartmentassistedwithNNprojectseligibleforFY16DrinkingWaterTribalSet-AsidefundingfortheRockPointWestWaterlineextensionandtheWestLeuppWaterlineextensionPhaseI.
CRIMINALENFORCEMENTDEPARTMENTPROJECT(S)STATUS:A total of two hundred seventy four (274) calls for service were logged into ourdepartment activity data system. Conducted seventy two (72) environmentalinvestigations, twelve (12) pending follow up investigations in addition to notice ofviolationsaretobe issuedorrelativeviolationconsideration. Conductedfiftyseven(57)meetings, presentations and trainingwith variousNavajoNationDepartments i.e., LocalChapters, Navajo County office, Veterans Programs, Bureau of Indian Affairs-Regional
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage23
Office,NavajoNationFleetManagement,CriminalInvestigations,GanadoFireDepartmenttraining, In-house presentations, Firearms requalification’s (Day and Low Light andJudgmental), and other relevant programs pertaining to case development regardingenvironmentalregulationandcodeviolations.Providedninetythree(93)preventativepatrolsforEasternNavajoAgency,CentralNavajoAgency,WesternNavajoAgencyandNorthernAgency.Providedforty(40)assistancetoNNDPS,NavajoRangers,NNEPADepartments,BIARoadsdepartment, local chapters, schools, traffic related incidents, NNEPA case developmentmeetingsandrecommendations.
IV. BUDGETSTATUS
ADMINISTRATIONBUDGETSTATUS:
Giventhat80%ofwhatNNEPAreceivesisExternalFunds,theGeneralFundallocationis:
WASTEREGULATORYCOMPLIANCEDEPARTMENTBUDGETSTATUS:(Printoutnotavailablefor2ndQuarter)I. WasteRegulatory(111010)GeneralFund($111,392)spent19.64%inPersonneland
18.53%inoperatingdate.PersonnelexpensesforthelastpayrollnotenteredintoFMISyet.TheTravelexpensealsohasnotbeeninputtedontoFMISalso.
II. RCRP(111011)Generalfunds:$236,957.19.43%spentonPersonneland19.26%spentonOperating.
III. NavajoSuperfundProgram:TherearecarriedoverforFY15NoCostExtensionandFY16asmulti-yearfederalgrantsandonegrant(BF)isreceivedanocostextension.ThebudgetcurrentlyisrevisedfortheFY16.ThebudgetswerenotinplaceuntilDecember04,2015becauseoftherevisionsandmodifications.TheEPARegion6grantswerefinallyinputtedonDecember21,2015.Twostaffcurrentlyhavenotreceivedtheir
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage24
payrollchecksandexpectedpayoutonDecember23,2015.Theexpenditureisnotavailableandwillonlybeinpersonnel.
IV. StorageTankProgramsRemediationPrograms(PreventiongrantandRemediationgrant)isamulti-yeargrant(K151104)$640,000$301,301(Modification)Spent.47%511002SpecRevenue:$121,256Spent24%thisquarter.
V. LeakingStorageTanks(K151105)$465,000.Programspent19.64%forPersonneland
spent18.52%forOperating.LUST($400,244.23).06%Spentthisquarter.
VI. NMEDRAIDGrant:AwaitingreturnofcompletedsigneddocumentsfromNMEDtoidentifyanaccountnumber.Theaccounthasbeenestablished.ProgramconductingRFPsforbidselectionsforcontracttobecompletedinFebruary2016.
AIR&TOXICSDEPARTMENTBUDGETSTATUS:TotalBudget:$96,431.00(GeneralFundBU#111002)BudgetBalance:$61,588.70(36.13%Expended)NoFederalGrantsNoFederalFundingNoReversionsPESTICIDEPROGRAMBUDGETSTATUS:
FiscalYear2015:ThetotalfederalbudgetforFY2015is$242,000.AsofSeptember28,2015,$234,414.10isexpended.Thebalanceis$7,100.06.Thebalanceincludessalaryandfringebenefitsforthree(3)staff.Thereisone(1)payperiodleftofFY2015.ThetotalgeneralfundsforFY2015is$26,889(10%cashmatch).AsofSeptember28,2015,$20,722.13isexpended.Thebalanceis$6,166.87.Thebalancewillbeexpended100%bytheendofFY2015.
FiscalYear2016:TheNavajoPesticideProgramreceivedanawardletterfromUSEPARegion9onSeptember10,2015.Theprogramreceivedapartialaward,$130,142.Thebalanceof$111,858willbeawardednolaterthanthe3rdquarterofFY2016.Thetotalfederalawardis$242,000.TheNavajoNationcashmatchis$27,640.
RADONPROGRAMBUDGETSTATUS:
TotalFederalBudget:$137,000(BusinessUnitK131107)
BudgetBalance:$54,156.21(61%expended)
GeneralFundsbudget:$34,721(GeneralFunds,BusinessUnit111016)BudgetBalance:$24,395.33(29.74%Expended)
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage25
AIRQUALITYCONTROLPROGRAM/OPERATINGPERMITSPROGRAMBUDGETSTATUS:Totalbudget,generalfund,grantsfederalfunding&revisionsAirQualityControlProgramTotalFederalBudget$707,000.00(FederalBU#K131103)FederalBudgetBalance:$272,073.57(61%Expended)NoReversions OperatingPermitProgramTotalBudget:$1,266,401.27(SpecialRevenueBU#511004)BudgetBalance:$830,034.60(34.46%Expended)NoReversionsSURFACEANDGROUNDWATERPROTECTIONDEPARTMENTBUDGET-ExpenditureReportforPersonnelandOperatingCosts.
1. GeneralFundsPrograms
(SpecialRevenueAcct)
NumberofPersonnel
FY2016 %Used Balance
PWSSP-511005 3.25 $250,438 56% $141,777
UIC-511003 2 $245,000 27.63% $177,316
SGWPDept.-111004 2.5 $215,348 40.60% $127,918.
Total
ExternalFunds
Programs NumberofPersonnel
FY2016 %Used Balance
PWSSP-K161102 15.75 $939,266 65% $602,415
UIC-K161101 1 $71,000 36% $45,640
WQ\NPDES-K161103 9 $950,000 42% $546,961
2. Listnumberoffull-timeemployees(FTE),part-timeemployees,&consultants.TheSGWPDepartmentstaffconsistsof:aDepartmentManager,AOC,OfficeSpecialist:PWSstaffhas19FTEandtwoconsultants(JillGrantandAssociatesandAlvidrezWaterOperations).TheUICprogramhas3FTEand1vacantProgramManagerPosition.TheWQ/NPDEShas9FTE.9.0FTE,0.0part-timeemployees,0.0consultantsatthistime:PrincipalHydrologist,(2)SeniorHydrologist,(3)SeniorEnvironmentalSpecialist,(1)EnvironmentalSpecialist,(1)PrincipalEngineeringTechnician,(1)SeniorOfficeSpecialist.
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage26
3. StatusofexistingConditionsofAppropriations(CoA)withinDivisionorExecutiveOffice.None
CRIMINALENFORCEMENTDEPARTMENTBUDGETSTATUS
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY-CriminalEnforcement BudgetPeriod 10/1/15-9/30/16
Programs BU# #ofPersonnelFY2016Budget Expenditures Balances %Used
GENERAL 111014 3.5 237,340.00 102,805.60 134,534.40 OPERATING 111014 58,745.00 19,265.11 39,202.65
TOTAL:
296,085.00 122,070.71 173,737.05 41.32%
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY-EXTERNALGRANT COA#12 BudgetPeriod 10/1/15-8/31/16
Programs BU# #ofPersonnelFY2016Budget Expenditures Balances %Used
USDOJ/COPS K120805 0 0 0 0 OPERATING K120805 226,886.00 167,855.00 59,031.00 74%
TOTAL:
226,886.00 167,855.00 59,031.00 74%
V. OPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUSADMINISTRATIONOPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS:
a. NNEPAaskedDOJtocommunicatewithOPVPonprovidinganofficialpressrelease,soNNEPAcanfollowthroughwithapresentationondatathatsaysthatfarmerscan“utilizethewaterforfarmingonly,exceptduringstormeventsandtimeswhentheriverbecomesturbid”.
CRIMINALENFORCEMENTDEPARTMENTOPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS:a. ContinuetoprovidelawenforcementassistancetoNNEPAWaterQualityDepartment,
Waste Regulatory Department and Air and Toxic Departments. Continue to provideassistancetoNavajoNationDivisionofNaturalResourceLawEnforcementDepartment,Navajo Department of Law Enforcement and other Navajo Nation Departments inregards to providing trainings, presentations and primarily focus on environmentalissueswithintheNavajoNationcommunity.
b. CEDdevelopedaworkscheduleforWesternNavajoAgency,NorthernNavajoAgency,CentralNavajoAgencyandEasternNavajoAgency.This initiativeprovidescommunity
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage27
orientcontactsandpreventativepatrols.Primaryfocus iscommunityoutreachathighrisk areas. Moreover, CED is periodically challenge to patrol oil and gas fields andmonitor major industries within the Navajo reservations. Continue to work with NNFleet Management, State and Federal Law Enforcement Training Programs, NavajoNation Office of the Controllers and other programs to expedite all necessary lawenforcementequipmentandtrainingcostexpendituresofourCEDgrantaward.
AIR&TOXICSDEPARTMENTOPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS:
ThroughouttheAir&ToxicsDepartment,cost-savingmeasuresemployedhavebeenrelatedtoreducingtravelcostsby(1)cost-sharing,(2)carpooling,(3)usingconferencecallsasanoptionforface-to-facemeetings,(4)asavailable,usingSkypefortrainingpurposes,e.g.,trainingwithUniversityofMontanaonuseofindoorairmonitoringequipmentusedintheResidentialInterventionsIAQstudy,(5)fieldstaffcheck-outcellphoneforuseinthefieldratherthankeepingaprogramissuedcellphone24/7;directedDirectedresourcesthatmodifiedplatformofNNEPAwebsitethatisuser-friendlytoprogramsandnowallowsforvideostobeimbedded.
PESTICIDEPROGRAMOPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS:
ContinualmonitoringofnewinformationtoincludeintorefinedNNEPAwebsite.
RADONPROGRAMOPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS:
FinalizedadraftPPTonRadonthatwillbeembeddedontheprogramwebsiteonceaNavajovoice-overiscompleted.
AIRQUALITYCONTROLPROGRAM/OPERATINGPERMITSPROGRAMOPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS:OperatingPermitProgram:TheOperatingPermitProgramiscurrentlytackling8TitleVPermitrenewalsandalsowritinganewTitleVpermitforPreferredSands.ThepermitsforNGSandFCPPhavebeendraftedandpublicnoticed.TheresponsestocommentsreceivedforNGShavebeendraftedandarebeingfinalized,whereas the responses tocomments received forFCPParecurrentlybeingdrafted.TheprogramwillbecontractingouttheResoluteNaturalResourcesAnethUnitpermit.Alltheremaining permits will be handled in-house. The pre-draft permit for El Paso Natural Gas(EPNG)GallupCompressor Station is almost completedand ready tobe sentout toEPAandEPNG for reviewbefore it is public noticed. Theworkon thepre-draft for EPNGWhiteRockCompressorStationwillbestartedsoonandshouldbereadytobesentoutforreviewbytheendofApril.Theremainingpermitswillbeprocessedintheorderthattheywerereceived.TheAnnual Inspection forms for the sources will need to be updated upon the renewal of thepermitsforeachsourcetoensurecompliance.AmbientAirQualityMonitoring:In response to Counselor Chapter Resolution (#COUN-2015-05-004) requesting ambient airmonitoring in the greater Counselor Community, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage28
between Counselor Chapter and NNEPA AQCP was completed on February 16, 2016. Thecompleted signedMOU between Counselor Chapter officials and Chapter residentwill allowstaff to access the residence for air monitoring purposes. The monitoring site is currentlyawaiting installation of electrical connections to support themobile airmonitoring unit. TheunithasbeenpreparedtomonitorforNO2,PM2.5andSO2whicharethreeofsix(6)regulatedairpollutantswithdesignatedNationalAmbientAirQualityStandardsundertheCleanAirAct,pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 7401-7671q. The AQCP completed and submitted the FY17 USEPAClean Air Act (CAA) 105/103Grant Proposal to EPA Region 9 on February 17, 2016. A semi-annual performance audit was conducted February 24 – 26, 2016 with all active criteriamonitors passing the performance audit, except for the TEOM PM10 monitor. All activemonitorswereoperatingwithintoleranceoffederalacceptancecriteriaasoutlined in40CFRPart 58, Appendix A., Quality Assurance Requirements for SLAMS, SPMs, and PSD AirMonitoring. The TEOMmonitor is currently offline with possible permanent removal of themonitor from the network and subsequent reporting requirements to EPA. ARS providedtechnicalservicesonShiprockmeteorologicalmonitorsanddataloggeronFebruary26,2016.AQCP staff assisted with the successful installation of a new solar radiation sensor, windmonitor and data logger at the Shiprock airmonitoring site. The Nazlini airmonitoringmettower is currently under evaluation for replacement/relocation as it does not tilt-over. Thisevaluationshallbedonebeforeinstallationofnewmetequipmentontothetower.ArequestforTAMSCenterindoorairquality(IAQ)monitorswassuccessfullyfulfilledonFebruary3,2016.In addition, a draft Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) to support Indoor Air QualityassessmentstoincludeanIAQAssessmentChecklistwascompletedonFebruary18,2016.IAQassessments are scheduled to begin March 2016 and end in May 2016. The IAQ QAPPsubmission toUSEPARegion 9QAOffice for approval is scheduled forMay 2016 alongwithcomprehensiverevisionstotheQAPPforthegaseousairmonitoringnetworkasoutlinedintheFY16 Work Plan. ARS repaired an ozone lamp within the API 700A Dilution Calibrator andsuccessfully performed an ozone photometer 6x6 certification on March 15, 2016. The API700A ozone photometer is now designated as a Level 3 transfer standard. Lastly, continualuploadoftribalairqualitydataandQAdatatoEPA’sAirQualitySystem(AQS)databasealongwithairqualityoutreachactivitieshaveoccurredinthe2ndQuarter.OpenBurnRegulations:Theprogramhas completed itsupdatesonoutreachmaterial in time for theupcomingburnseason. The program worked with the NNEPA Criminal Enforcement Department and BIAForestryDepartmentandincorporatedsuggestionsfromeachdepartment.Thedisbursementof newoutreachmaterialwill begin this quarter. In addition the programplans on creatingposters to distribute to Chapters regarding the Open Burn Regulations and its registrationprogram.
SURFACEANDGROUNDWATERPROTECTIONDEPARTMENTOPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS:
1.) Moreworkshopsandtrainingsarebeingheldforwaterandwastewateroperatorsand17WaterDistributionCertificateswereissued.Theoperatorswillberequiredtobecomecertifiedasthisensuresqualitymanagementofwaterand
NAVAJONATIONENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONAGENCY|FY2016–2ndQuarterReportPage29
wastewaterfacilities.Complianceincreaseswithknowledge.StaffconductedwillcontinuestoscheduleworkshopsandtrainingsthrutheNN.2.) StaffcontinuetheradiobroadcastofthePWSSP’sconstructionpermit
requirements.
WASTEREGULATORYCOMPLIANCEDEPARTMENTOPERATIONAL&PROCESSIMPROVEMENTINITIATIVESTATUS:
1) StorageTankProgram(UST)willincludethefollowing:• Identifyingstoragetankfacilitiestoconductcomplianceinspections.• WorkingwiththeDEDSmallBusinessDevelopmentRBDOofficesinregardstothe
BusinesssiteleaseinformationandtherenegotiationoftheWesternRefiningLease.IncludingKayentaTownship.
• OngoingagreementwithUSEPAnowknownasMOUtoallowthetribalinspectionsusingtriballawtoenforcestoragetankregulationstofullfillcomplianceinspectionsinthefederalworkplan.ThestatusoftheMOUhasnotbeenfinalized,buttheUSEPAissupportiveofthiseffort.
• ConductOwner/Operatortrainingstoeducatefacilityownersandoperatorsonaquarterlybasisonundergroundstoragetanks.
• WorkingwithandinspectingfacilitiesthathaveAbovegroundStorageTankstoensuretheymeetthereleasedetectionandreleasepreventionrequirements/recommendationsbeforeinstallationandcurrentoperating,pertheproposedamendmentstotheNNStorageTankAct.5facilitieswereinspectedthisquarter.
• ContinuetoinitiateandexercisetheDeliveryProhibitionRegulationsbyaffixingRedTagstonon-compliantstoragetanks,pertheNavajoNationStorageTankActof2012.