Brownfields Response Program...

In 1995, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Brownfields Program and has since then, grown into a principal nationwide plan of environmental restoration. In 2003, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes began a Tribal Brownfields Response Program funded by grant monies provided by the EPA.

As you read this, you might say to yourself "we do not have such Brownfields here on the Flathead Indian Reservation" but in fact we may. Brownfields can be almost anywhere and any thing that includes underground storage tanks, Methamphetamine labs, abandoned or under used buildings, and opens dumps.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency State and tribal response programs play a significant role in cleaning up Brownfields. As Congress recognized in the legislative history of the Brownfields Law, "The vast majority of contaminated sites across the nation will not be cleaned up by the Superfund program. Instead, most sites will be cleaned up under State authority." Prior to the passage of the Brownfields Law, EPA developed a framework for negotiations between EPA regions and states regarding State Voluntary Cleanup Programs. This preliminary framework was the precursor to how EPA works with states and tribes today.

The EPA also states that the continued demand for Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment in communities throughout the country, coupled with increasingly limited state and tribal resources, makes access to federal funding critical. The law authorizes EPA to provide up to $50 million in grants to states and tribes to establish or enhance their response programs. Generally, these response programs address the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of Brownfields. In 2003, EPA distributed almost $50 million among all 50 states, 30 tribes, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands. This funding will enable states and tribes to develop or enhance their response program's infrastructure and capabilities. For some recipients, the funding will provide an opportunity to create new response programs to address contaminated properties. States and tribes also can use the new funding to capitalize a revolving fund for cleanup, purchase environmental insurance, or develop other insurance mechanisms to provide financing for cleanup activities. In addition, the funds can be used to establish or maintain the statutorily required public record, to oversee cleanups, and to conduct site-specific activities.

The EPA provides financial assistance to states and tribes, which increases their capacity to meet the Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment challenges. It will also help to ensure that properties are cleaned up safely, according to state and tribal standards. In 2003, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai received grant funds in the amount of $99,000. In 2007 the tribes received grant funds in the amount of $190,633.00.

Fiscal Year 2007
In the beginning of fiscal year 2007, The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have solicited proposals for completion of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and development of a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), field-sampling plans, and the possible conduct of Phase II Environmental Assessments at three Brownfield sites within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Mid year fiscal year 2007, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Brownfield Response Program selected Geomatrix to complete the Brownfield Assessment Project for the two identified potential Brownfields sites. They are charged with completion of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Phase II Sampling Analysis Plans (SAPs), Quality Assurance Project Plan, and Health and Safety Plans.

End Year fiscal 2007, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments were completed for the two Tribal Brownfield sites. Also, the Phase II Sampling Analysis Plans (SAPs), and Health and Safety Plans have been completed. Also, the Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Brownfield Program is complete.

Again, they are:

• North Crow Home Site, 3707 North Crow Road, Pablo MT 59855
• Dixon Agency Home Site Lot 6, #10, Dixon Agency, MT 59831

Phase III assessments have been conducted at the previous *primary Tribal Brownfield sites. These sites are in the public record and can be accessed at the CSKT NRD Solid & Hazardous Waste Program office upon request.

They are:

• Old St.Ignatius /Woodcock Dump, Savine Road, St.Ignatius, MT 59865
• Elmo Cash Store, 77070 Hwy 93 Elmo, MT 59915

Due to final Phase III assessment reports for Elmo Cash Store and Old St.Ignatius Dump sites, it is recommended that additional Phase III Sampling be conducted at Elmo Cash Store; additional shallow perched groundwater wells and one deeper monitoring well near well MW-3.

Highlights of fiscal year 2003 (October 1, 2003-September 30, 2007)

In fiscal year 2003 a Brownfield committee was formed by the tribal council and are charged with prioritizing Brownfield sites. The committee consists of numerous resource professionals, tribal attorneys, tribal council members, concerned community members, and public citizens. The public is invited to attend the monthly meetings. Contact Marlene McDanal for more information and meeting dates and times.

The Brownfield coordinator has also attended numerous training sessions on Brownfield, solid waste, and hazardous waste issues. The tribes also completed of an reservation wide Brownfield inventory with the aid from Portage Environmental, Inc. an Indian owned environmental consulting firm based out of Idaho Falls, Idaho in October of 2004.

The Brownfield program ensures the protection of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes natural resources by inspecting the exterior boundaries of the reservation for illegal or abandoned sites that might comprise of solid and/or hazardous substance such as Illegal dumping that consists of waste materials that are unknown until investigated, these materials may have the probability to contaminate the natural resources of the reservation, and may cause severe health risks to the public.

The Brownfield program conducts inspections through methodology that consist of; sample collection, laboratory and chemical analysis, field investigation, research, observations, documenting, interviews, and inquiries. This assists the program to ensure that the safety of the tribes’ natural resources is met.

If you need to report a potential Brownfield site or would like an environmental site assessment done at a potential Brownfield site or would like information available in the public record please provide the site location and contact information to Marlene McDanal, the Brownfield Coordinator at mmcdanal@cskt.org  , or P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855.

The Brownfield coordinator can also be reached at (406) 675-2700. The Natural Resources Department offices are located at 301 Main Street in Polson, Montana. Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Closed most holidays.