PROJECT STAFF:	Deborah Patton, Water Quality Program Administrator Vacant, Environmental Specialist Jerome Clark, Environmental Specialist
PROJECT PERIOD:	October 1, 2002 - October 31, 2007
FUNDING SOURCES:	United States Environmental Protection Program (EPA), Region IX, Public Water Systems Capacity Tribal Utility Support Project

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Tribal Utility Support Project (also referred to as the PWS Capacity Project) is to provide a Water Laboratory Analyst training module and a Wastewater Laboratory Analyst training module based on the latest techniques employed in professional testing laboratories. Accomplishment of this project will include development of a training curriculum and a certification examination for both modules through American Boards of Certification (ABC). ITCA will also develop an addendum to the TWS Database to include the Facility ID number, information that is already gathered from the Tribal operators. An additional objective will include, offering travel reimbursement for Tribal participants outside the Phoenix Area Indian Health Service in order to defray travel cost of more Tribal Operators. Lastly, ITCA will develop Drinking Water System Emergency Response Plan Training for Region IX Tribes.

The goal of the program is to provide each tribal utility with the means to protect the public health and make available training for water and wastewater operators that allows them to operate their systems to the best of that systems capability. This program will continue to prepare the tribal water and wastewater operator for emergencies within their community.

WORKPLAN OBJECTIVES:

• Water Laboratory Analyst Training Module: This new course will provide profession development hours and certification examinations. The Water Laboratory Analyst Training Module will serve to allow for certification as a Laboratory Analyst or provide Professional Development Hours for the Operator. The Association of Boards of Certification recognized ITCA and the Tribal Water Systems program as a certified testing authority, which provides the national level examinations that allow for reciprocity in Arizona and surrounding states to tribal operators.
• Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Training Module: This new course will provide profession development hours and certification examinations. The Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Training Module and Examination will serve to allow for certification as a Laboratory Analyst or provide Professional Development Hours for the Operator. The Association of Boards of Certification recognized ITCA and the Tribal Water Systems program as a certified testing authority, which provides the national level examinations that allow for reciprocity in Arizona and surrounding states to tribal operators.
• Provide Tribal Operator Travel Reimbursements: The PWS program will be able to fund travel for tribes within the Region IX area that are not currently covered by funding from the Indian Health Service, Phoenix Area Office. The increase in funding will allow for a great number of tribes to attend training outside of their communities.
• Develop Drinking Water System Emergency Response Plans: The Tribal Water Systems program staff will work with current Emergency Operating Plans to include the Water Operators and assist in training for Water Emergency Preparedness Workshops for Region IX tribes.

The Public Water Systems Capacity Program offers the following certification and training in the following areas:

• Water Security - Emergency Operation Planning
• Water Laboratory Analyst - Level One
• Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Level One

The Public Water Systems (PWS) program activities will be addressed in the TWS Working Group meets twice yearly (May and November). The group provides a forum to present ideas, suggestions, and input to the Operator Certification Program.

CONTACT INFORMATON:

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, like more information on the Tribal Water Systems Work Group, or require any additional information on the Tribal Water Systems Program, please contact Deborah Patton, Water Quality Program Administrator or Elaine Wilson, Environmental Quality Programs Director. Either person can be reached at (602) 258-4822.