Africa Dorame-Avalos, Environmental Specialist
Elaine Wilson, Environmental Quality Programs Director
PROJECT PERIOD:
October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2010
FUNDING SOURCES:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, Pesticide Section
PURPOSE:
The Pesticides & Water Quality project allows work with one tribal program to determine the presence or absence of pesticides in ground/surface water through data collection, database development, data analysis, and limited sampling.
The project also conducts public outreach to raise awareness among tribal communities on the potential contamination of ground water sources by persistent pesticide residues capable of migrating through multi-layers of sub-surface soils and various geologic strata.
WORKPLAN OBJECTIVES:
Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) Development: Project staff coordinates with the participating tribe to accomplish the following objectives necessary for the development of a sampling and analysis plan:
Collect and verify all tribal specific information required by the SAP
Produce a GIS map comprised of data layer elements indicating ground water sources selected by the tribe
Ground Water Sampling Event: Following protocols outlined in the SAP, program staff and tribal personnel collect samples for analysis by an EPA-approved analytical laboratory using EPA Methods for residual pesticide contaminants.
Analysis of Sampling Results: The staff will analyze and interpret laboratory results and provide the participating tribe with a summary report that includes data analysis, identification of problem areas, and follow-up recommendations, if any. The participating tribe will retain the original data and analysis report and a copy will be forwarded to EPA.
Global Positioning System (GPS): If needed, program staff is able to assist tribal staff in collecting GPS data needed to produce a ground water sampling map which is included in the SAP.
CONTACT INFORMATON:
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, request additional information on the Pesticides and Water Quality Working Group, or on the Pesticides and Ground Water Protection Project, please contact Carmenlita Chief, Pesticide Environmental Specialist, or Elaine Wilson, Environmental Quality Programs Director. Either person can be reached at (602) 258-4822.
