EPA Region 10 Mercury Strategy Framework - Environmental ...

EPA Region 107. Implement a Tribal Outreach StrategyWith few exceptions, consumption of contaminated fish isthe single greatest source of human exposure to mercury.Northwest tribes are recognized as having high fishconsumption rates, and as a result are a potential highlyexposed population.All Region 10 states and some tribes (Shoshone-Bannock,Duck Valley) have issued fish advisories. However, manytribes have not issued advisories. We know of no instanceof a comprehensive outreach strategy to tribal residents andothers who fish for subsistence purposes. In addition, webelieve that these advisories may not be a very efficientmeans to educate tribes as to the potential for mercuryexposure from the fish they eat. EPA has a Tribal trustMercury Strategy Frameworkresponsibility, as well as a responsibility to ensure thepublic is well informed as to the health risks associated withconsumption of mercury-contaminated fish.Some Northwest tribes reside in and/or have treaty-reservedrights in areas close to major mercury emitters or mercurydeposition areas. For these reasons, Region 10 initiateddetailed briefings for the Duck Valley and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Idaho. EPA was concerned thatparticularly sensitive subpopulations (women, children,infants) could be exposed without adequate information onthe risks of fish consumption.This activity will develop a more comprehensive outreachstrategy for affected Region 10 tribes.EPA role:EPA will be the catalyst to bring together affected tribesfrom Region 10 to develop a comprehensive outreachstrategy regarding mercury contamination and healtheffects associated with mercury–contaminated fishconsumption. For example, the strategy could involvethree major tasks, as follows:1. Develop generic outreach materials on mercury andfish consumption. The materials will be madeavailable for distribution within impactedreservations, tribal lands, and treaty-reserved rightsareas. These outreach materials will be developedjointly by a tribal/EPA team. They will be sharedwith individual tribes as part of the consultationeffort.2. Invite the governing councils of each affected tribeto meet, consult and discuss the issue and theregional strategy.3. Develop and implement an outreach strategy witheach tribal government that is specific for theirtribe. For example, generic outreach materialscould be “personalized” with the tribal logo andEPA logo. The detailed strategies would outline thetypes of outreach to be conducted, and thedevelopment of reservation-specific materials tosupport the outreach.Should a situation arise where a Tribe elects not to workcooperatively with EPA in providing outreach to thepublic, EPA will then consider whether the issue isserious enough to conduct the outreach without thetribe’s involvement. In this case, EPA will continue toinform the tribe of its activities.Mercury Strategy Framework - Page 12