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ITEP Training:


PO Box 15004, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5004
Fax: (928) 523-1266
itep@nau.edu
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AIAQTP Webinars:

2024 Webinars

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Course Description: This entry-level professional development course is designed to prepare tribal staff to conduct a variety of education and outreach activities that will help tribal members increase awareness about environmental issues and abilities to make informed decisions that protect air quality and human health. Course participants will experience environmental education tools and curricula that can be used in either formal or informal educational settings. The course will include project based learning with participants planning and developing outreach tools for use in their own communities. Participants will receive a Particulate Matter (PM) sensor through a long term loan for conducting air quality outreach activities. During the course, participants will make presentations to demonstrate the skills they are learning. There will be small-group work and evening homework assignments. Participants are required to complete a pre-course online module.

Topics Include:
  • Assessing air quality needs and concerns in the community
  • Developing an effective outreach plan
  • Creating materials for outreach
  • Developing partnerships for outreach
  • Implementing citizen science in Tribal communities
  • Using air quality sensors to increase awareness of air pollutants

Who should attend: This is an entry-level course for all tribal air quality professionals. Preference will be given to those who have an outreach task in their current work plan.

If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
This mid-level professional development course introduces participants to the uses and operations of low-cost air quality sensors. Participants will be able to understand and implement sensors as an air pollutant screening tool for their communities. This will include the ability to create a network design plan, as well as the ability to capture, analyze and present air sensor data.

Pre-Requisite: Participants must attend the in person Fundamentals or Air Monitoring or watch a series of recorded webinars.

Course Topics:
  • Sensors vs. monitors
  • Sensor operation and limitations
  • Data storage, retrieval, and processing
  • Introduction to:
    • Quality assurance and quality control
    • Network design
    • Analyzing data
    • Reporting data

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
This is an entry-level course for environmental staff from Alaska Native Communities who are interested in air quality issues. The content is basic and assumes the participant has no background in science or air quality management. The course provides an understanding of the importance of clean air (outdoors and indoors) for the protection of human health and the total environment. Currently planning for 2 days ambient (outdoor) air and 2 days indoor air. We encourage attendance from environmental, housing, and health departments.

Course Topics:
  • Criteria Pollutants
  • Air Toxics
  • Bioaccumulation
  • Outdoor air quality concerns (road dust, trash burning, etc.) and possible solutions
  • Indoor air concerns in tribal communities
  • Controlling moisture and mold in the home
  • Household hazardous materials and green cleaning
  • Home heating safety
  • Outreach: prevention of AQ/IAQ problems
  • Purple Air Network
  • Air Quality Sensors
Instructors and participants will explore ways in which Alaska Native Communities can take action to solve air quality problems, protect human health, and preserve cultural values. This course consists of lectures, demonstrations, small-group activities, and a building walk-through. There will be hands-on practice with an assessment checklist used to identify IAQ problems.

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
This advanced professional development course provides detailed information for tribes who want a good understanding of “Treatment As a State” and how it applies to air quality management pursuant to the Clean Air Act. After completion of this course participants will be able to: describe the basics of the Tribal Authority Rule (TAR) and how it relates to TAS; explain the relationship among TAS, SIP, TIP, FIP and delegation; describe how tribes can engage in state air programs; explain eligibility determination and the TAS process; describe how a tribe may decide to prepare a TAS application.

Course Topics Include:
  • Relationship among TAR, TAS, SIP, TIP, FIP
  • Steps in preparing a TAS application
  • Options for TAS including delegation
  • EPA’s review process
  • Advantages and disadvantages of TAS/delegation
  • Gaining tribal support
  • Strategic planning for TAS
  • Resources to assist in developing a TAS application

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
This entry-level professional development course is designed to prepare tribal staff to conduct a variety of education and outreach activities that will help tribal members increase awareness about environmental issues and abilities to make informed decisions that protect air quality and human health. Course participants will experience environmental education tools and curricula that can be used in either formal or informal educational settings. The course will include project based learning with participants planning and developing outreach tools for use in their own communities. During the course, participants will make presentations to demonstrate the skills they are learning. There will be small-group work and evening homework assignments. Participants are required to complete a pre-course online module.

Course Topics Include:
  • Assessing air quality needs and concerns in the community
  • Developing an effective outreach plan
  • Creating materials for outreach
  • Developing partnerships for outreach
  • Implementing citizen science in Tribal communities
  • Using air quality sensors to increase awareness of air pollutants

Who should attend: This is an entry-level course for all tribal air quality professionals. Preference will be given to those who have an outreach task in their current work plan.

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.

2023 Webinars

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This course is designed for tribal environmental staff who are NEW to air quality and are interested in learning the basics of air quality management. The course was recently updated with new content. This highly interactive training will include hands-on activities, presentations, and group work. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop to the training.

This course (or equivalent education/training) is a pre-requisite for several AIAQTP training courses and is intended as a foundation for further study.

The course will consist of a pre-course assignment, a live pre-course webinar, a live 3-day course, and follow-up assignments.

Goal:
Develop a basic understanding of air quality, including the Environmental Protection Agency regulatory framework and beyond. Develop or improve a tribal air quality program plan and identify resources (financial and informational) to implement the program.

Topics Include:
  • Sources/issues/concerns of air pollution
  • Health and environmental impacts of air pollution
  • Regulatory and policy tools for addressing air quality
  • Elements of a tribal air program
  • Tribal sovereignty
  • Community engagement and outreach

If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu
This course is structured as an overview of an air monitoring project and will help both new staff and experienced tribal professionals understand the components of initiating an air monitoring project from a site operator’s perspective. The course focuses on providing hands-on operation and maintenance of air monitoring equipment to measure criteria air pollutants to provide basic information about your Tribal air quality.

Course Topics:
  • Common air monitoring equipment/sensors and their basic theory of operation
  • Monitoring system quality control and quality assurance
  • Monitoring system components
  • Monitoring siting criteria and requirements
  • Monitoring project management
  • Requirements for making NAAQS determinations
  • Data logging
  • Working with a contractor
  • Monitoring system stations and sensor stations

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
This is an entry-level course for environmental staff from Alaska Native Communities who are interested in air quality issues. The content is basic and assumes the participant has no background in science or air quality management. The course provides an understanding of the importance of clean air (outdoors and indoors) for the protection of human health and the total environment.

Currently planning for 3 days ambient (outdoor) air and 2 days indoor air. We encourage attendance from environmental, housing, and health departments.

Course Topics:
  • Criteria Pollutants and the NAAQS
  • Air Toxics
  • Bioaccumulation
  • Outdoor air quality concerns (road dust, trash burning, etc.) and possible solutions
  • Indoor air concerns in tribal communities
  • Indoor air quality (IAQ) and asthma
  • Controlling moisture and mold in the home
  • Household hazardous materials and green cleaning
  • Home heating safety
  • Outreach: prevention of AQ/IAQ problems
  • Purple Air Network
  • Air Quality Sensors
Instructors and participants will explore ways in which Alaska Native Communities can take action to solve air quality problems, protect human health, and preserve cultural values. This course consists of lectures, demonstrations, small-group activities, and a building walk-through. There will be hands-on practice with an assessment checklist used to identify IAQ problems.

If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
This course is for tribal environmental professionals who want to learn about the impacts of wildland smoke on their communities, tools to assess the impacts, and develop an education & outreach plan to inform various audiences. This course is a hybrid course comprised of a series of online presentations/webinars on health effects/concerns, assessment & monitoring tools, and developing outreach. The course culminates with an in-person course comprised of hands-on activities and a visit to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, ID. Participants will use the knowledge gained about wildland fire risk communication, smoke models, portable air monitors, sensors, and air filters to develop an education & outreach plan for their tribal communities. The course will allow attendees to engage in discussion about best practices for outreach to Tribal communities. Attendees will also visit the NIFC to understand the role the Center plays in assisting tribes, states, and local governments in addressing wildfires and smoke from wildland fires.

Pre-Course: SLMS module completion (4-6 hours self-paced learning) must be completed by Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

Course Topics Include:
  • Wildland fire risk communications
  • Using smoke models
  • Community education and outreach
  • Portable air monitors and sensors
  • Monitoring data and what it tells us
  • Air filters
  • Speaking to various audiences about wildland smoke

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
This advanced professional development course is designed for those gathering data to be used for regulatory purposes (NAAQS comparison) as well as other Tribal Agency objectives for gathering legally defensible data. It will provide participants with an overview of Levels of Data Validation Review to Final Data Validation as well as an Understanding of Independence of Quality Assurance as part of quality management to include strategic planning, allocation of resources and other systematic planning activities (e.g., planning, implementation, tools for assessing and reporting) pertaining to the quality system. This workshop will provide an opportunity for Tribal Agencies to share information and practices.

Course Topics Include:
  • Presentations on the Federal requirements and guidance for collecting data to compare to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
  • Case studies from Tribal Programs and a State/Local Program on their air quality programs with a focus on the quality system.
  • Tribal Case Studies and discussions to develop a strategy to provide guidance to Tribes on working with agency technical reviewers to promote communication during the quality assurance review.
  • Discussions with a focus on an intertribal perspective of CAA implementation of Independent QA data review to meet Tribal air monitoring regulatory reporting requirements.

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
This course is designed for tribal environmental staff who are NEW to air quality. The course was recently updated with new content. This will be a highly interactive training will include hand on activities, presentations, and group work. The course will consist of a pre-course assignment and a live 3-day course. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop to the training.

Goal: Develop a basic understanding of air quality, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory framework and beyond. Develop or improve a tribal air quality program plan and identify resources (financial and informational) to implement the program.

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
  • Identify sources/issues/concerns of air pollution in your community.
  • Describe the health and environmental impacts of air pollution in your community.
  • Describe the regulatory and policy tools for addressing air quality and tribal resources.
  • Explain the basics of air pollution and movement.
  • Name possible elements of a tribal air program that could apply to your community.
  • Identify types of air quality assessment projects.
  • Discuss air quality monitoring activities appropriate for your community concerns.
  • Describe the role of Tribal sovereignty in your Tribal Air Quality program.
  • Describe methods of community engagement and outreach that are applicable to your communities and community leaders.
  • Plan a personal course of study that will meet the needs of your Tribal Air Quality Program.

If you have questions contact Christal at Christal.Black@nau.edu
Course Description: This entry-level course is designed to provide an understanding of common indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in tribal homes and schools. The course includes an overview of indoor air pollutants and their health effects, and tips for solving IAQ problems. There will be hands-on practice with a comprehensive assessment checklist used to identify IAQ problems. This course consists of lectures and a tribal case study, demonstrations, smallgroup activities, and building walk-throughs.

Course Topics:
  • Overview of building science
  • Mold and its health effects
  • IAQ pollutants and cancer
  • IAQ and asthma
  • Combustion products
  • Instruments for assessing IAQ
  • Hazardous materials in homes and schools
  • Outreach: prevention of IAQ problems
  • Instrumentation for assessing IAQ and Data logging
  • Collaboration and resources

If you have questions contact Christal at Christal.Black@nau.edu
Location: TAMS Center, Las Vegas, NV

This mid-level professional development course is structured as an overview of an air monitoring project and will help both new staff and experienced tribal professionals understand the components of initiating an air monitoring project from a site operator’s perspective. The course focuses on providing hands-on operation and maintenance of air monitoring equipment to measure criteria air pollutants to provide basic information about your Tribal air quality.

Course Topics:
  • Common air monitoring equipment/sensors and their basic theory of operation
  • Monitoring system quality control and quality assurance
  • Monitoring system components
  • Monitoring siting criteria and requirements
  • Monitoring project management
  • Requirements for making NAAQS determinations
  • Data logging and remote data acquisition
  • Monitoring system stations and sensor stations
If you have questions contact Christal at Christal.Black@nau.edu
Location: Anchorage, AK

This course is designed for tribal environmental staff who are responsible for managing air quality projects in Alaska Native communities. This will be a highly interactive training. There will be presentations, small-group work, and discussions.

Topics 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
If you have questions contact Christal, at Christal.Black@nau.edu
Location: TAMS Center, Las Vegas, NV

This Mid-Level course will bring together tribal environmental, housing, and facilities staff to learn how to use diagnostic equipment as a tool to assess indoor air quality. After completing this course, participants will be able to use diagnostic equipment, interpret data to assess a home, and educate the occupants about a healthful indoor environment.

Topics include:
  • Managing IAQ in the home- Holistic approach to occupant behaviors
  • Making the building healthier- Holistic Approach to the structure
  • Weatherization and IAQ
  • Building investigations using diagnostic equipment
  • Hands-on use of equipment during site visits to local homes
  • Reporting assessment results to the occupant
  • Moving from interpretation into action
Pre-Requisites:
  1. Completion of ITEP’s Introductory Indoor Air Quality Course (or 30-40 hours of equivalent training/experience)
  2. Completion of "Residential Building Science Review" by November 29, 2023. This short online course provides tribal environmental professionals with a review of basic building science principles and how a home responds as a dynamic system. This online course is equivalent to 0.4 continuing education units (CEUs) and requires approximately four hours of total learning time
If you have questions regarding the pre-requisites or your eligibility for "Diagnostic Tools," please contact Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.

2022 Webinars

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Learning objective:
At the end of the event, participants will articulate their community’s main ambient (outdoor) air quality concerns and identify the resources (e.g., documents, contacts, training) needed to begin addressing air quality issues in their community.

Who should participate:
This workshop is for environmental professionals who are just beginning to address ambient air quality issues in tribal communities. No prior knowledge or background in air quality is needed. Participants should
  • have less than ONE (1) year of experience working in air quality
  • be willing to actively participate in the community-based learning approach, and
  • contribute to the workshop assessment and evaluation activities.

General description of the event:
The workshop includes active participation in conversations, discussions, brain-storming, independent reading, exploring case studies, and conducting independent and collaborative tasks. Using a variety of resources and examples for tribal programs, this workshop will help participants begin to develop:
  • a basic air quality assessment to identify main ambient (outdoor) air quality problems in a tribal community,
  • an action plan of activities aimed to address the main air quality issues identified in a tribal community,
  • communication skills through presentations and guided discussions in an online community-based learning environment, and
  • problem-solving and decision-making skills through independent investigation and exploration.

Topics:
  • Identifying air quality sources and concerns in a community
  • Tribal Air Program Case Studies
  • Resources for tribal air quality professionals

Technology Requirements and Recommendations:
  • A computer with access to a stable internet connection.
  • The latest version of Zoom (visit www.zoom.us to download the free software).
  • Video and audio capabilities, which will enhance your learning experience (strongly recommended).
  • Access to GoogleDrive/GoogleDocs applications (participants do not need to have an account but should be able to access through shared links).

Teams:
  • Barbra Valdivieso, Environmental Specialist, Department of Community Development, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
  • Mercedes Kaiser, Air Quality Specialist, CRIT Environmental Protection Office, Colorado River Indian Tribes
  • Mike Natchees, Director, Air Quality Department, Ute Indian Tribe
  • Lydia Scheer, Manager, ITEP
  • Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP
  • Natasha Fulton, Community Program Coordinator, Intermediate, ITEP
  • Nashelly Meneses, Instructional Designer, Intermediate, ITEP

If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
This webinar series will provide tribal professionals basic information on meteorology and meteorological monitoring guidance for in-situ primary meteorological monitoring variables (wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, and solar radiation). The webinars will provide general information on the sensors used for in-situ measurements: measurement quality objectives, verification/calibration, and accuracy criteria, as well as guidance on siting and exposure of meteorological towers.

Webinar 1

Webinar 2

Presenter:
Michael King, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center
Daniel Berc, National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
Alongside masking, vaccination, physical distancing, and sanitation, improving indoor air quality through ventilation and filtration is an important step in any COVID-19 prevention strategy. Improving ventilation and filtration in buildings can be a great strategy to prevent other respiratory illnesses in addition to COVID-19, particularly during seasons when it is necessary to hold events indoors. In addition, evidence shows that better indoor air in schools is even linked to better educational outcomes among students.

The USET TEC is working with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) to provide Tribal Leaders and staff with the tools they need to monitor and improve air quality in their establishments, particularly within Tribal schools. The training is done in three sessions and participants are encouraged to attend each session. School staff, administrators or anyone who maintains infrastructure of Tribal buildings are invited to attend.

After attending the sessions, participant will:

  • Be able to conduct basic assessments of source control, ventilation and filtration in schools.
  • Be able to teach the principles of Layered Risk Reduction for reducing COVID risks to school staff, students and parents.
  • Implement the USET TEC COVID-19 Guidance 2021-02: Recommendations for Re-opening: Improving Indoor Air Quality to Prevent COVID-19

Who should attend:
Tribal administration staff, Tribal environmental program staff, Tribal school staff

Presenter:
Mansel A. Nelson, Program Manager, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals

The After a Wildfire training is a two-part course that will be hosted by ITEP with support from Safeguard EnviroGroup and the Environmental Protection Agency. This training provides tribes with post wildfire safety considerations for "Indoor Air Quality" and a how to "Return Safely." Participants will have the option of attending an additional session about the ACAC Fire and Smoke Damage Certification process.

Part I: Indoor Air Quality (Tuesday, May 17):
  • Module 1 – Monitoring Wildfires and Communicating with your Community (ITEP)
  • Module 2 – Evaluating Your Indoor Air Quality (ITEP)
  • Module 3 – Keeping Indoor Air Clean and Cool (EPA)

Part II: Return Safely (Thursday, May 19)
  • Module 4 – Distribution and Deposition of Wildfire Smoke Residues (Safeguard EnviroGroup)
  • Module 5 – Re-Entry Safety Considerations (Safeguard EnviroGroup)
  • Module 6 – Clean-Up Safety (Safeguard EnviroGroup)

(Optional) Part III: ACAC Fire and Smoke Damage Certification (Tuesday, May 24)
The American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) offers a Fire and Smoke Damage Certification as a Consultant, Technician, or Assistant Technician. For those interested in pursuing certification, the ACAC will share the certification process with participants. Including information about the exam, cost, and available on-line prep-course.

Course Topics:
  • Monitoring Air Quality Index (AQI) during and after a wildfire to make informed safety and health decisions and to communicate risk with your community.
  • The composition of wildfire smoke, particle distribution in indoor environments, and how wildfire smoke poses potential hazards in indoor environments.
  • The investigation process, sampling, and analytical methodologies used to evaluate smoke impact in and outside of structures.
  • The standard of care for cleaning/restoring structures, contents, and personal property to pre-loss conditions and verify the effectiveness of cleaning to prepare for re-occupancy.

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
This webinar will introduce tribal professionals to the world of tribal air quality programs and projects using tribal case studies as a teaching tool to show how different tribes developed their programs/projects and the various ways that effort is being accomplished. The webinar will focus on how Tribes develop air quality programs utilizing the Clean Air Act, the Tribal Authority Rule, and Inherent Tribal Sovereignty. In addition to the case studies, there will be information provided on where specific resources are available.

  • James Payne, Community & Tribal Programs Group, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards
  • Johna Boulafentis, Environmental Specialist, Nez Perce Tribe ERWM Air Quality Program

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
This entry-level course is designed to provide an understanding of common indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in tribal homes and schools. The course includes an overview of indoor air pollutants and their health effects, and tips for solving IAQ problems. There will be hands-on practice with a comprehensive assessment checklist used to identify IAQ problems. This course consists of lectures and a tribal case study, demonstrations, small-group activities, and building walk-throughs.

This course will be held in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Course Topics:

  • Indoor air concerns in tribal communities
  • Overview of building science Mold and its health effects
  • IAQ pollutants and cancer
  • IAQ and asthma
  • Hazardous materials in homes and schools
  • Combustion products
  • Instruments for assessing IAQ
  • Outreach: prevention of IAQ problems
  • Instrumentation for assessing IAQ and Data logging
  • Collaboration and resources

If you have questions contact Christal at Christal.Black@nau.edu
Course Description: This course will focus on permit review (rather than air program implementation). The first day will provide an overview of New Source Review (NSR) and Title V Operating Permits and how they fit together, with some information on Tribal Minor NSR. The remaining three days will go into depth on PSD, Nonattainment NSR, and Title V. There will be presentations with visual aids, as well as tribal case studies, discussions, and a variety of exercises. NOTE: prior to the course, there will be two required webinars that provide background information.

This course will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Course Topics:

  • Purpose and basic requirements of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program
  • Purpose and basic requirements of the Non-Attainment New Source Review Program
  • Purpose and basic requirements of Tribal Minor Source New Source Review Program
  • Purpose and basic requirements of Title V Operating Permit Program
  • Understanding the permit review process of the different permitting programs and how tribes can participate as stakeholders in the process
  • Understanding how a permit is constructed and organized
  • Information on drafting effective comments on proposed permits
  • Resources that can help with the permit review
  • Understand compliance features of Title V

Prerequisites: Watch two prerecorded webinars and submit two listening guides before attending this course.

  • Webinar #1 will be an overview of the Clean Air Act.
  • Webinar #2 will be an overview of the Clean Air Act Permitting Programs.
If you have questions contact Christal at Christal.Black@nau.edu
This course is designed for tribal environmental staff who are responsible for managing air quality projects in Alaska Native communities. This will be a highly interactive training. There will be presentations, small-group work, and discussions.

  • 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
If you have questions contact Christal at Christal.Black@nau.edu
This mid-level professional development course introduces participants to the uses and operations of low-cost air quality sensors. Participants will be able to understand and implement sensors as an air pollutant screening tool for their communities. This will include the ability to create and implement a network plan, as well as the ability to capture, analyze and present data.

Pre-Requisite: Participants must attend the in person Fundamentals or Air Monitoring or watch a series of recorded webinars.

Course Topics:
  • Sensors vs. monitors
  • Sensor operation and limitations
  • Data storage, retrieval, and processing
  • Introduction to:
    • Quality assurance and quality control
    • Network design
    • Analyzing data
    • Reporting data
If you have questions contact Mansel, at Christal.Black@nau.edu

2021 Webinars

Please click title below to expand and close Webinar information.

This entry-level course is designed to provide an understanding of common indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in Alaska Native homes and schools. The course includes an overview of indoor air pollutants and their health effects, and tips for solving IAQ problems. Instruction will include online video recordings, reading materials, webinars, and live discussion groups. The cohort will have weekly live discussion groups, with supplementary learning activities completed on the participant's own time, and weekly live webinars. Participants will be required to complete group discussions, activities, and assignments in order to receive their certificate of completion. There will be approximately 5 to 6 hours of work per week.

The course will be held in partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension Services, the Alaska Cold Climate Housing Research Center, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). Each participant will receive kits and instruments that will help with implementation of their indoor air quality program.

Topics include:

  • Indoor air concerns in Alaska villages and communities
  • Overview of building science
  • Mold and its health effects
  • Environmental Tobacco Smoke
  • Radon
  • IAQ and asthma
  • IAQ and COVID-19
  • Hazardous materials in homes and schools
  • Combustion products
  • Instruments for assessing IAQ
  • Outreach: prevention of IAQ problems
  • Collaboration, Partnerships and resources
  • Quality Assurance Planning

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.

Please note: This course is a prerequisite for ITEP’s Level 2 course, Indoor Air Quality Diagnostic Tools for Tribal Professionals.

If you have questions regarding the pre-requisites or your eligibility for this course, please contact Christal Black, Program Coordinator Sr. at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
This webinar will introduce the free QREST (Quality Review and Exchange System for Tribes) online data management tool, managed by ITEP. QREST is an open source tool that automatically retrieves data from data loggers (manual import is also a feature), stores it in the cloud for tribal data quality review, and includes an integrated Node Client for data submission to AirNow and AQS. QREST is designed specifically for Tribal Agencies to independently manage their own data, in a way that is consistent with all industry and federal guidance for legally defensible environmental data.

Webinar Topics:
Introduce QREST

  • Built for Tribal Agencies
  • Open source (no license fees, all code public)
  • TAMS Center managed
  • Tribal Agencies are their Agency Admins
  • Flexible: can manually import or automatically poll data, can use QC features or AQS node only
  • Help files, SOPs, videos, and individual assistance

Learn more about your needs

Presenter: Melinda Ronca-Battista, Research Associate, Tribal Air Monitoring and Support Center

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Quality Review and Exchange System for Tribes (QREST) Introduction) [pdf]

Resources:
Establishing QREST User Accounts [Excel]
Add Site by Importing from AQS [Excel]
Add Monitors by Importing from AQS [Excel]
Setting Level 0 (Automated) Validation Limits [Excel]

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu or Christopher.Lee@nau.edu
This webinar will present potential methods used to estimate emissions for common nonpoint sources located on Tribal Lands. We will discuss in detail what data needs to be collected in order to use these methods, as well as how to enter the data into calculators and spreadsheets. The primary focus of this webinar is on estimating emissions using original data gathering, rather than on summarizing emissions data already calculated at the county level in the National Emissions Inventory (NEI) database.

Webinar Topics:

  • Introduction to non-point sources included in an emissions inventory.
  • Emissions estimation methods.
  • Activity data collection and entry.

Presenter: Angelique Luedeker, Technology Specialist II, Tribal Air Monitoring and Support Center

Bio: Angelique started working for ITEP in 2002, and since her first day, she has been working with emissions inventories. She has 18 years of experience of providing tribes assistance with emission inventories. Before working for ITEP, Angelique was part of the Los Alamos National Lab air quality team. She has a BS in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University.

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Nonpoint Emissions [pdf]

Resources:
Traffic Data [Excel]
Non Point Sources Recommended Emissions Method [Excel]

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
This webinar will provide information to tribal professionals on U.S. EPA’s Air Quality System (AQS) database and demonstrate basics of AQS. This database is a computer-based information management system for handling the storage and retrieval of information pertaining to ambient air pollutants and related meteorological data. This introduction will provide information on how to access the database, retrieve data and provide a basic overview of AQS codes and functions need to parameterize air monitoring sites and monitor information for data uploading.

Webinar #1 Topics:

  • Introduction to the AQS database
  • How to gain access credentials and login instructions
  • Overview of basic AQS codes
  • Data retrieval from AQS database

Webinar #2 Topics:

  • Establishing a site and monitor in AQS
  • How to format and load data to AQS
  • Correcting data in AQS
  • How to load QA data to AQS

Presenter:
Michael King, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center
Chris Chapman, EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Michael Brooks, EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Stuart Gray, EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards

Webinar 1 Recording:
Video

Webinar 2 Recording:
Video

Presentation:
Webinar 1[pdf]
Webinar 2[pdf]

Resources:
Establishing a Site in AQS [pdf]
Establishing a Monitor in AQS [pdf]
AQS data upload SOP [pdf]
Transaction Generator [Excel]
AQS Regional Contact List [pdf]
AQS User Guide-2018 [pdf]
Data Coding Manual-2018 [pdf]

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
Join the TAMS Center in a fun and informal webinar on the dreaded but vital QAPP! We will review how QAPPs can save you time and money, and we will show you the easiest ways to get started writing a useful, short QAPP. Learn from our experiences, help ensure that your data is not misused by others, make sure that the results of your work are legally defensible, and play some QAPP trivia! Prizes will be awarded!

Presenter:
Melinda Ronca-Battista, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center
Josephine Kamkoff,, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
QAPPs in Nutshell [pdf]

Resources:
ITEP QA Tools, Courses, Videos [pdf]

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
Improved Indoor Air Quality can result in better health outcomes for your community. Do you have community members with asthma? Do you have elders or young children in your community? Are you aware that Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is generally more polluted than outdoor air?

IAQ is a voluntary program, with limited regulations, statutes or standards, therefore, education and outreach are key to improving indoor environments and environmental health.

Why consider developing a Tribal Indoor Air Quality Program?

  • To protect human health!
  • Immediate return – it’s practical and tangible
  • You learn about your community, build relationships and help your community members.

Webinar Topics Include:

  • Incorporating IAQ into your EPA Tribal Environmental Plan (ETEP)
  • Examples of IAQ topics to consider
  • How to use the I-GAP program for building tribal capacity that addresses IAQ
  • Work Plan Template examples
  • Partnerships and Resources

Presenter:
Alheli Banos-Keener, USEPA Region 9, Indoor Environments and Asthma Coordinator
Mansel A. Nelson,, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Program Manager, Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Developing Tribal Indoor Air Programs [pptx]

Resources:
School & Home Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Newsletter [pdf]
Controlling COVID-19 Airborne Expsosure Infographic [pdf]
EWG Tipsheet COVID Cleaning Products [pdf]

If you have questions contact Mansel at Mansel.Nelson@nau.edu
Course Times: Selected attendees should set aside a minimum of 4 hours daily on June 7 - 10 and 1.5 hours on June 11 to engage in the course.

  • Live Zoom session: 10-11 am AKDT; 11-12pm PDT; 12-1pm MDT; 1-2pm CDT; 2-3pm EDT
  • Homework: SLMS module completion (2-3 hours self-paced learning)

Application Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2021

Course Description: This course is for tribal employees who have some background in air quality and want to learn about the impacts of wildland smoke on their communities and how to minimize exposure. This course will include a 1 hour daily live session via zoom and a series of video recordings that will be view by participants outside of the live session. Much of the course content is conveyed in these recordings. Participants will use the knowledge gained about wildland fire risk communication, smoke models, portable air monitors, sensors, and air filters to develop an educational outreach plan to educate their tribal community about wildland smoke and its health effects. The course will allow attendees to engage in discussion about best practices for outreach to Tribal communities.

Course Topics Include:
  • Wildland fire risk communications
  • Using smoke models
  • Community education and outreach
  • Portable air monitors and sensors
  • Monitoring data and what it tells us
  • Air filters
  • Speaking to various audiences about wildland smoke

Moderators:
James Payne, OAQPS, EPA
Mansel Nelson, EEOP, ITEP
Christopher Lee, TAMS, ITEP
Christal Black, AIAQTP, ITEP

If you have questions contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone (928) 523-8410.
Interested in learning more about Purple Air Sensors!

Mike King from the TAMS Center has been helping interns and others with Data Management from the Purple Air Sensors. We are offering a webinar session to review the following topics:

  • Purple Air installation and connectivity
  • Data download
    • Time Resolution
  • EPA Conversion factors (correction factor)
  • AQI - Interpretation of AQI Breakpoints
  • Calculations with Excel spreadsheet
    • Time Zone conversion
    • Graphing data
  • Questions from participants

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Purple Air Data Management [pdf]

Resources:
How to download and interpret purple air data [pdf]
SOP on connecting your purple air sensor to WiFi [word]

“Many Kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) schools in the United States do not have good ventilation. This is a longstanding problem with demonstrably negative effects on student learning. We can and should act to fix this to ensure good indoor air quality for all students, educators, and school staff. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important that ventilation problems in K-12 schools be addressed now. Along with other mitigation measures, improvements in ventilation in K-12 schools can decrease the risk of SARS-CoV-2 spread.” Presented by Paula Olsiewski, John Hopkins Center for Health Security, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a pioneering leader in policy and scientific research programs in the microbiology and chemistry of indoor environments.

The webinar will review the findings of a recent report that considers the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children, families, and educators and summarizes current ventilation guidelines.
www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/publications/school-ventilation

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Introduction Webinar [pdf]
School Ventilation [pdf]

Resources:
John Hopkins school ventilation [pdf]

If you have questions contact Mansel, at Mansel.Nelson@nau.edu
Course Description: This entry-level course is designed to provide an understanding of common indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in tribal homes and schools. The course includes an overview of indoor air pollutants and their health effects, and tips for solving IAQ problems. This course will include a 1.5 hour daily live session via zoom. Much of the course content is conveyed in video recordings and activities available on the ITEP Scholar Learning Management System (LMS) online learning platform.

Course Topics Include:
  • Indoor air concerns in tribal communities
  • Overview of building science
  • Mold and its health effects
  • Radon
  • IAQ and asthma
  • COVID-19
  • Hazardous materials in homes and schools
  • Combustion products
  • Instruments for assessing IAQ
  • Outreach: prevention of IAQ problems
  • Collaboration and resources

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.

Please Note: This course is a prerequisite for ITEP’s Level 2 course, Indoor Air Quality Diagnostic Tools for Tribal Professionals.

Learning objective:
At the end of the event, participants will articulate their community’s main ambient (outdoor) air quality concerns and identify the resources (e.g., documents, contacts, training) needed to begin addressing air quality issues in their community.

Who should participate:
This workshop is for environmental professionals who are just beginning to address ambient air quality issues in tribal communities. No prior knowledge or background in air quality is needed.

Participants should:
  • have less than ONE year of experience working in air quality,
  • must be willing to actively participate in the community-based learning approach, and
  • contribute to the assessment and evaluation activities.

General description of the event:
This event will focus on developing:
  • a basic air quality assessment to identify main ambient (outdoor) air quality problems in a tribal community
  • an action plan of activities aimed to address the main air quality issues identified in a tribal community,
  • communication skills through presentations and guided discussions in an online community-based learning environment, and
  • problem-solving and decision-making skills.

The workshop includes active participation in conversations, discussions, brain-storming, independent reading, exploring case studies, and conducting independent and collaborative tasks.

Topics:
  • Basics of air quality: sources of pollution, pollutants, and their health effects
  • Tribal Air Program Case Studies
  • Resources for tribal air quality professionals

Technology Requirements and Recommendations:
  • A computer with access to a stable internet connection.
  • The latest version of Zoom installed (visit https://zoom.us/ to download the free software).
  • Video and audio capabilities will enhance your learning experience and are strongly recommended.
  • Course activities will utilize GoogleDrive/GoogleDocs applications (participants do not need to have an account but should be able to access the websites through shared links).

Team:
  • Barbra Valdivieso, Environmental Specialist, Department of Community Development, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
  • Mercedes Kaiser, Air Quality Specialist, CRIT Environmental Protection Office, Colorado River Indian Tribes
  • Mike Natchees, Director, Air Quality Department, Ute Indian Tribe
  • Lydia Scheer, Manager, ITEP
  • Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP
  • Natasha Fulton, Community Program Coordinator, Intermediate, ITEP
  • Nashelly Meneses, Instructional Designer, Intermediate, ITEP

If you have questions contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone (928) 523-8410.

This webinar series will provide tribal professionals an introduction to regulatory air dispersion modeling. The webinars will provide an overview of the air dispersion model inputs and methodology so tribal professionals can have a basic understanding of how regulatory modeling fits into the permitting process. The webinars will feature a tribal case study provided by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Webinar Topics:
  • What is an air quality dispersion model and why are they needed.
  • What general inputs and methodology go into a model
  • Understanding and interpreting a modeling protocol.
  • Permitting and modeling: How does modeling fit into the permitting process.
  • Fond du Lac Tribal Case Study

Presenters:
  • Chuck Buckler, US Environmental Protection Agency, OAQPS
  • Michael King, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center
  • Joy Wiecks, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Webinar Video:
Webinar 1: AQ Modeling for Permitting Programs
Webinar 2: AQ Modeling for Permitting Programs

Handouts:
Introduction to Air Quality Modeling for Permitting Webinar 1 [pdf]
Introduction to Air Quality Modeling for Permitting Webinar 2 [pdf]
Modeling Protocol Template [pdf]

If you have questions contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone (928) 523-8410.

This webinar will introduce the free QREST (Quality Review and Exchange System for Tribes) online data management tool, managed by ITEP. QREST is an open source tool that automatically retrieves data from data loggers (manual import is also a feature), stores it in the cloud for tribal data quality review, and includes an integrated Node Client for data submission directly to AirNow and AQS. QREST is designed specifically for Tribal Agencies to independently manage their own data, in a way that is consistent with all industry and federal guidance for legally defensible environmental data.

QREST Functions Include:
  • Automated Data Validation & Alerting: as data is streamed or imported into QREST, Level 0 validation checks, customizable by each Tribal Agency Admin, flag data and can also alert designated agency operators of exceptions, via email and/or text message.
  • Multi-Phase Data Review: Fulfill the independent quality assurance function by providing a platform for outside-agency two phase data review prior to AQS submission, complete with recorded audit trail.
  • Quality Control: Manage single-point QC, Annual Performance Evaluations, Flow Rate Verifications, Semi-Annual Flow Rate Audits (for particulate matter), and Zero/Span checks, including AQS submittal.
  • AQS Integration: Send data to AQS via an integrated Node Client. ITEP manages QREST and ensures that up to date AQS reference data and other relevant codes and limits when EPA makes changes.
  • AirNow Integration: Tribes can opt to automatically send data from QREST to EPA’s AirNow program.
  • Public Data Sharing: map-based website allowing tribes to share air data with the public, with options to download data reports, summary statistics, and charts.
  • Offers a use-what-you-need, customizable system of downloadable SOPs and QAPP excerpt examples.
  • Online, within-application training in the QREST “sandbox” website using TAMS Center met data or your own data, with individual assistance available, especially on new datalogger connections.

Presenters:
  • Melinda Ronca-Battista, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center

Webinar Video:
Video

Handouts:
QREST PowerPoint Slides [pdf]

If you have questions contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone (928) 523-8410.

2020 Webinars

Please click title below to expand and close Webinar information.

Road dust from unpaved roads is a major air quality concern in many tribal communities. Dust (also called Particulate Matter (PM)) has negative impacts on health, road safety and quality of life. This webinar is the second of a series of four webinars to help tribal environmental and transportation staff to manage road dust, resulting in improved air quality.

Presenters from US Environmental Protection Agency, University of Alaska, Alaska Department Environmental Conservation, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals will provide information to help tribal environmental and transportation staff create community partnerships to:
  1. assess current roads,
  2. develop community education messages leading to behavioral changes,
  3. develop plans to improve road design,
  4. consider appropriate use of dust suppressants,
  5. continue with air quality assessments,
  6. create a dust management plan and
  7. identify potential funding sources.

Participants will also be introduced to a variety of online resources to help with planning for road dust management.
  1. Webinar #1 - Introduction to Managing Road Dust (Completed, Recording available)
  2. Webinar #2 - Introduction to Dust Suppressants (palliatives)
  3. Webinar #3 - Engaging Community Leaders in Road Dust Management
  4. Webinar #4 - Case Studies on Road Dust Management

Webinar #1 covers:
  1. Assessment of roads and capacity
  2. Behavioral changes
  3. Road design and maintenance

While the technical information from this webinar series will apply to any unpaved road, the focus of these webinars will be on Alaska communities.

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
ITEP Dust Webinar [pdf]

Youth activity guides for learning about PM:
Activity AQ-PM [pdf]
I Breath WHAT [pdf]
Up In The Air [pdf]

Presenters:
Presenter bios [pdf]


Webinar Resources:
Webinar Training Certificates and Note Taking Guide [docx]
Rural Alaska Dust Toolkit [pdf]
AQ Related Work Plan Template [pdf]


Road dust from unpaved roads is a major air quality concern in many tribal communities. Dust (also called Particulate Matter (PM)) has negative impacts on health, road safety and quality of life. This webinar is the second of a series of four webinars to help tribal environmental and transportation staff to manage road dust, resulting in improved air quality.

Presenters from US Environmental Protection Agency, University of Alaska, Alaska Department Environmental Conservation, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals will provide information to help tribal environmental and transportation staff create community partnerships to:
  1. assess current roads,
  2. develop community education messages leading to behavioral changes,
  3. develop plans to improve road design,
  4. consider appropriate use of dust suppressants,
  5. continue with air quality assessments,
  6. create a dust management plan and
  7. identify potential funding sources.

Participants will also be introduced to a variety of online resources to help with planning for road dust management.
  1. Webinar #1 - Introduction to Managing Road Dust (Completed, Recording available)
  2. Webinar #2 - Introduction to Dust Suppressants (palliatives)
  3. Webinar #3 - Engaging Community Leaders in Road Dust Management
  4. Webinar #4 - Case Studies on Road Dust Management

Webinar #2 covers:
  1. Dust Suppressants
  2. Dust monitoring

While the technical information from this webinar series will apply to any unpaved road, the focus of these webinars will be on Alaska communities.

This webinar will introduce tribal professionals to the world of tribal air quality programs and projects using tribal case studies as a teaching tool to show how different tribes developed their programs/projects and the various ways that effort is being accomplished. Webinar one will focus on how Tribes develop air quality programs utilizing the Clean Air Act, the Tribal Authority Rule, and Inherent Tribal Sovereignty. In addition to the case studies, there will be information provided on where specific resources are available. This is the first of five webinars hosted by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional’s, American Indian Air Quality Training Program.

Webinar #1 Topics
  1. Introduction to the Clean Air Act and the Tribal Authority Rule.
  2. Introduction to tribal air quality programs.
  3. Case studies of Tribes implementing their tribal air programs.
  4. Q & A session with presenters.
  5. Training and other resources on how to develop a tribal air program.

Webinar Video:
Video

Moderator:
Christopher Lee, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center

Presenters:
James Payne, Community & Tribal Programs Group, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards
Natalene Cummings, Air Program Manager, Forest County Potawatomi Natural Resources
Joe Cebe, Air Monitoring Specialist, Forest County Potawatomi Natural Resources
Harriett BlackHoop, Air Quality Coordinator, Standing Rock Sioux

Presentations:
ITEP Introduction and Resources [pdf]
CAA/TAR Overview [pdf]
Forest County Potawatomi [pdf]
Standing Rock Sioux [pdf]


Road dust from unpaved roads is a major air quality concern in many tribal communities. Dust (also called Particulate Matter (PM)) has negative impacts on health, road safety and quality of life. This webinar is the third in a series of four webinars to help tribal environmental and transportation staff managing road dust, resulting in improved air quality.

Presenters from Seldovia Village Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, and Ugashik Traditional Village will share experiences with dust management planning and projects. These community experiences will provide information to help tribal environmental and transportation staff create community partnerships to:

  1. Assess current roads.
  2. Develop community education messages leading to behavioral changes.
  3. Develop plans to improve road design.
  4. Consider appropriate use of dust suppressants.
  5. Continue with air quality assessments.
  6. Create a dust management plan.
  7. Identify potential funding sources.
  8. Work with multiple levels in the community to collaborate on road dust management.

Road Dust Webinar Series:

  1. Assess current roads.
  2. Develop community education messages leading to behavioral changes.
  3. Develop plans to improve road design.
  4. Consider appropriate use of dust suppressants.

Webinar #3 will focus on Sharing Community Experiences

While the technical information from this webinar series will apply to any unpaved road, the focus of these webinars will be on Alaska communities.

This webinar will introduce tribal professionals to tribal air quality programs and projects using tribal case studies as a teaching tool to show how different tribes developed their programs/projects and the various ways that effort is being accomplished. Webinar two will focus on how Tribes develop air quality programs utilizing the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) and Clean Air Act Section 103 Grant funds. In addition to the case studies, there will be information and resources shared about air quality training resources, grants, and grant management.

Webinar #2 Topics

  1. Introduction to the GAP, CAA Section 103, and CAA Section105 grant funding.
  2. Case studies of Tribes using GAP and CAA Section 103 grants to develop their tribal air programs.
  3. Q & A session with presenters.
  4. Training and other resources on how to develop a tribal air program.

Moderator:
Christal Black, American Indian Air Quality Training Program

Webinar Video:
Video

Presenters:
Pat Childers, Senior Tribal Program Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation
Wilfred Nabahe, Director, Colorado River Indian Tribes
Mercedes Kaiser, Air Quality Specialist, Colorado River Indian Tribes
Pam Atcitty, Environmental Specialist II, Morongo Band of Mission Indians

Presentation:
ITEP Introduction and Resources [pdf]
Tribal Grants Presentation [pdf]
GAP [pdf]
CAA 103 [pdf]


This webinar will introduce tribal professionals to the world of tribal air quality programs and projects using tribal case studies as a teaching tool to show how different tribes developed their programs/projects and the various ways that effort is being accomplished. Webinar three will focus on how Tribes develop air quality programs utilizing Clean Air Act Section 103 and Clean Air Act Section 105 Grant funds. In addition to the case studies, there will be information and resources shared about air quality training resources, grants and grant management.

Webinar #3 Topics

  1. Introduction to Tribal Air Coordinators/Project Officer.
  2. Case studies of Tribes using CAA Section 103 and CAA Section 105 grants to fund their tribal air programs.
  3. Q & A session with presenters.
  4. Training and other resources on how to develop a tribal air program.
  5. 30 minute live discussion with presenters.

Moderator:
Christal Black, American Indian Air Quality Training Program

Webinar Video:
Video

Presenters:
Pat Childers, Senior Tribal Program Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation
Aunjanee Gautreaux, Region 6 Tribal Air Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
April Hathcoat, Director, Cherokee Nation Environmental Programs/ITEC
Brandy Toft, Environmental Deputy Officer, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Presentation:
ITEP Introduction and Resources [pdf]
Tribal Grants Presentation [pdf]
CAA 103 [pdf]
CAA 105 [pdf]


Improved Air Quality can result in better health outcomes for your community. Do you have community members with asthma? Are you concerned about SARS-CoV-2 exposure? Do you have elders or young children in your community? Do you use wood stoves to heat your homes? Do you experience dust in your community?

The Research Education on Air and Cardiovascular Health (REACH) program:

  1. Citizen Science. Develop authentic research experiences using novel PM2.5 monitors with a focus on environmental health.
  2. Science Communication. Build student skills, confidence and interest in science by providing opportunities for students to translate their research findings to different audiences.
  3. Student Mentoring. Provide engagement and mentoring activities that support student research and expose students to environmental science and environmental health careers.
  4. Teacher Professional Development. Provide multiple learning opportunities for teachers and pre-service teachers in order to facilitate their understanding of environmental health concepts and their successful implementation of the REACH model with students.

This webinar series is intended for environmental professionals seeking introductory information on a wide range of tribal air quality programming topics. We feature tribal case studies as a teaching tool to provide examples of how different tribes have developed and implemented successful air quality programs & projects. Webinar #4 will introduce the important role of systematic planning using the Data Quality Objectives process as a foundation to project planning for developing a successful tribal air monitoring project.

Webinar #4 Topics

  1. Quality System, Data Quality Objectives, and Quality Assurance Project Plans/ Quality Management Plans
  2. Standing Rock Sioux case study
  3. White Mountain Apache case study
  4. Q & A session with presenters
  5. Training and other resources

Presenter:
Michael King, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center
Harriett BlackHoop- Cruz, Air Quality Coordinator, Standing Rock Sioux
Delbert Altaha Jr, Air Quality Specialist, White Mountain Apache

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Planning an Air Quality Project [pdf]

This webinar will provide a brief introduction to emission inventories. We will discuss how tribal professionals can start the process of developing an emission inventory. Significant time will be allotted for questions and comments from webinar attendees. Even if you have already completed an emission inventory, please consider attending this webinar to share your experiences with the emission inventory process.

Webinar Topics

  1. Introduction to Emission Inventories
  2. Benefits of Completing an Emission Inventory
  3. Uses of Emission Inventory Data
  4. Sources Included in an Emission Inventory
  5. Overview of Available Online Emission Inventory Training Options Through ITEP

Presenter:
Angelique Luedeker, Technology Specialist II, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center

Bio: Angelique started working for ITEP in 2002, and since her first day, she has been working with emissions inventories. She has 18 years of experience of providing tribes assistance with emission inventories. Before working for ITEP, Angelique was part of the Los Alamos National Lab air quality team. She has a BS in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University.

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Emission Inventories [pdf]
Emission Inventories Links [pdf]

If you have any questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu
A max of 25 participants: Weekly webinars are 90-120 minutes, once a week.

Webinar Series Description:
The webinar series will provide an overview of the permitting programs of the Clean Air Act, i.e. the New Source Review (NSR) – Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Program and the Non-Attainment New Source Review Program, the Tribal Minor Source New Source Review Program, and the Title V Operating Permit Program. There will be presentations, tribal case studies, question and answer discussions, and other engagement activities in the weekly 90-120 minute webinar. The series is capped at 25 participants. Selected participants will receive a certificate of completion from ITEP for attending all webinars, engaging in discussions and submitting assignments.

Topics Include

  1. Purpose and Basic Requirements of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program
  2. Purpose and Basic Requirements of the Non-Attainment New Source Review Program
  3. Purpose and Basic Requirements of Tribal Minor Source New Source Review Program
  4. Purpose and Basic Requirements of Title V Operating Permit Program
  5. Understanding the permit review process of the different permitting programs and how tribes can participate as stakeholders in the process
  6. Understanding how a permit is constructed and organized
  7. Information on drafting effective comments on proposed permits
  8. Resources that can help with the permit review

Prerequisites: Registrants are required to have taken either the Clean Air Act and Permitting Course (Level 2) or the Tribal Participation in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) Process Course (Level 2). Registrants who have NOT taken either of the level 2 courses indicated will be required to complete two prerecorded webinars before attending this course.

  1. Webinar #1 will be an overview of the Clean Air Act.
  2. Webinar #2 will be an overview of the Clean Air Act Permitting Programs.
  3. Each webinar will have a listening guide to be completed and submitted to Darlene.Santos@nau.edu at ITEP.

If you have questions regarding the pre-requisites or your eligibility for this course, please contact Christal Black, Program Coordinator Sr. at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.
Road dust from unpaved roads is a major air quality concern in many tribal communities. Dust (also called Particulate Matter (PM)) has negative impacts on health, road safety and quality of life. This webinar is the final webinar in a series of four webinars to help tribal environmental and transportation staff managing road dust, resulting in improved air quality.

Presenters representing the Tribal Communities of Galena, AK and Port Heiden, AK will share their experiences with dust management planning and projects. These community experiences will provide information to help tribal environmental and transportation staff create community partnerships to:

  1. assess current roads,
  2. develop community education messages leading to behavioral changes,
  3. develop plans to improve road design,
  4. consider appropriate use of dust suppressants,
  5. continue with air quality assessments,
  6. create a dust management plan,
  7. identify potential funding sources and,
  8. work with multiple levels in the community to collaborate on road dust management.

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Road Dust Webinar #4: sharing community Experiences (Part 2) [pdf]

Presenters:
Presenter bios

Webinar Resources:
Webinar Training Certificate and Note Taking Guide for Webinar #3 [docx]
Rural Alaska Dust Toolkit [pdf]


This webinar will provide information to tribal professionals on monitoring for the criteria pollutants and a demonstration of a remote Professional Assistance (PA) project provided by the TAMS Center. This webinar will provide an overview of the criteria pollutants, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), monitor types, and theory of operation of air monitors. A case study will be provided by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) Air Quality program highlighting a remote PA project.

Webinar Topics:

  1. Introduction to criteria pollutants and the NAAQS
  2. Overview of FEM & FRM Air Monitors/Samplers
  3. Theory of Operation of Air Monitors
  4. Tribal Presenter – Overview of the MBCI Air Quality Monitoring Program
  5. Demonstration of remote PA

Presenter:
Michael King, Technology Specialist III, Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center
Nicklaus Shumake, Environmental Administrator, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Office of Environmental Protection

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Introduction to Air Monitoring and Remote PA [pdf]

Resources:
Air Monitoring Equipment Operation and Maintenance Tutorial Videos [pdf]
Technical Guidance for the Development of Tribal Air Monitoring Programs [pdf]
ITEP Professional E Application [docx]


If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Program Coordinator Sr. at Christal.Black@nau.edu.
Participants will increase their understanding of health impacts of wood smoke, cultural perspectives of woodburning, and woodstove operation & maintenance. Participants will also obtain ideas, publications, and resources for conducting outreach for the operation and maintenance of woodstoves within their own tribal communities.

Webinar #1: December 1, 2020

  • Wood smoke health effects and impacts to Indian Country
  • Cultural acknowledgment of fuel wood and fire

Webinar #2: December 7, 2020

  • Types of stoves, basic operation, safety, clearances, ventilation
  • Navajo Hybrid stove operation, maintenance, and best burning practices

Webinar #3: December 15, 2020

  • Education and Outreach for Tribal Communities
  • Risk reduction for COVID – the role of wood smoke (Particulate Matter (PM))

Webinar #4: April 21, 2021

  • Safe chimney and wood-burning appliance operation
  • Diagnosing and solving wood-burning chimney problems.

Facilitators:
Webinars #1 & #2: Michael King, Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center
Webinar #3: Mansel A Nelson, Environmental Education Outreach Program

Presenters: BIOS [pdf]
Tony J. Ward, Chair and Professor, School of Public and Community Health Science, University of Montana
Perry H. Charley, Director & Senior Scientist, Environmental Outreach & Research Institute, Dine College
Rick Vlahos, Executive Director, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation, & National Fireplace Institute
Roy Hosteen, Four Corners Project Coordinator, Red Feather Development Group
Johna Boulafentis, Environmental Outreach Specialist, Nez Perce Tribe
Russ Dimmitt,, Director of Education, Chimney Safety Institute of American

Webinar Video:
Video

Presentation:
Woodstove Operation & Maintenance Webinar 1 [pdf]
Woodstove Operation & Maintenance Webinar 2 [pdf]
Woodstove Operation & Maintenance Webinar 3 [pdf]
Woodstove Operation & Maintenance Webinar 3 [pdf]
Woodstove Operation & Maintenance Webinar 4 [pdf]

Resources:
IAQ Framework Perceptions, Cultural, Science [pdf]
Navajo Coal Combustion and Respiratory Health Near Shiprock [pdf]
Navajo Nation Changeout [pdf]
Wet Wood PSA [pdf]
Chimney Maintenance and Safety [pdf]

If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Program Coordinator Sr. at Christal.Black@nau.edu.

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*Note: links below for presentations will redirect to files on Dropbox.com; links to photos are redirected to flickr.com. If you have difficulty accessing these files, please contact ITEP.

2020 TLEF: 2020 Tribal Lands & Environment Forum: Virtual Gathering
Virtual Conference
August 17-27, 2020

2020 TLEF Presentations

2019 TLEF: Palm Springs Renaissance Hotel and Palm Springs Convention Center
Palm Springs, CA
August 19-22, 2019

2019 TLEF Presentations

2019 TLEF Booklet [pdf]

2019 TLEF Highlights video [mp4]

2018 TLEF: Spokane Convention Center
Spokane, WA
August 13-16, 2018

2018 TLEF Presentations

2018 TLEF Booklet [pdf]

2018 TLEF Highlights video [mp4]

2017 TLEF: Cox Business Center
Tulsa, OK
August 14-17, 2017

2017 TLEF Presentations

2017 TLEF Attendee Networking list. [pdf]

2016 TLEF: Mohegan Sun Resort
Uncasville, CN
August 15-18, 2016

2019 TLEF Presentations

2016 TLEF Conference Booklet [pdf]

2016 TLEF Attendee Networking list [pdf]

2013 TLEF: Hyatt Regency Tamaya
Pueblo of Santa Ana
August 19-22, 2013

2013 TLEF Presentations

2013 TLEF Conference Booklet [pdf]

2013 TLEF Attendee Networking List [pdf]

2012 TLEF: Mill Casino and Hotel, Coquille Indian Tribe
Coos Bay, OR
August 20-23, 2012

2012 TLEF Presentations

2012 TLEF Attendee Networking List [pdf]

2012 TLEF Presenter Bios [pdf]

2012 TLEF Agenda Booklet [pdf]

2011 TLEF: Radisson Hotel and Conference Center
Oneida/Green Bay, WI
August 23-25, 2011

2011 TLEF Presentations

2010 TLEF: US Grant Hotel
San Diego, CA
August 24-26, 2010

2010 TLEF Presentations



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