Spokane Tribal Air Quality Program: RADON Twa-le Abrahamson Air Quality Coordinator National Tribal Forum - June 2011

Spokane Indian Reservation 160,000 acres, located in Eastern Washington

Radon: Spokane Reservation Reservation is rich in uranium deposits and has high radon potential (Zone 1) No comprehensive study Previous testing indicated high levels, several times higher than recommended levels No follow-up to completed mitigation efforts

Midnite Uranium Mine Contaminants: radionuclides and heavy metals in acid mine drainage, radioactive decay, and particulate transport in air, surface water, and groundwater. In as soon as two years, millions of tons of contaminated material will be moved using heavy equipment. Remediation is expected to take 8 to 10 years.

Getting off the ground…. Radon testing is an excellent opportunity to implement: –Tools for Schools Program –IAQ Stakeholder Committee –Healthy Homes/Asthma Outreach Collaborations create an opportunity to combine funding, staff training and experience Community participation will increase buy-in and implementation of recommendations

Research – Indian Health Service, County and State Testing Organize –Secure Senior Buy-In –Develop a Systematic Approach –Build an Effective Team –Standard Operating Procedures Available from many EPA sources (Radon, Tools for Schools) Communicate With Everyone All the Time –Be Transparent and Inclusive

Prioritization by accessibility of both entry and access to mitigation funding –1) Rental homes –2) Schools and Tribal offices –3) Individual Homeowners

IAQ Stakeholders Tribal Natural Resources –Air Quality –Superfund Tribal Housing –Director –Maintenance –Inspectors Interested Community Members/Grassroots Indian Health Services Local School District –Teachers –Maintenance –Administration –Students –Parents Energy Assistance Programs

Act to Address Structural, Institutional and Behavioral Issues –Test for Radon –Implement Radon Reduction Plans (Radon Resistant New Construction Building Codes) –Educate Construction and Maintenance Staff about Radon Mitigation (NEHA/WRRTC) Plan Your Short- and Long-Term Activities –Work in Stages –Prioritize Actions Evaluate Your Results for Continuous Improvement –Solicit Feedback –Ensure Continuity of Radon Management Plan

Initial Testing for Radon Short-term (7 day) test Charcoal canisters - provided by EPA Follow EPA Protocols for testing radon in homes and schools Long Term – Eperm –Electret Ion Chambers –Flexibility in Monitoring –Reusable –Reduces shipping constrictions and waiting for results

Lem’lmts (Thank You) Twa-le Abrahamson Spokane Tribal Natural Resources (509)