EPA

The Environmental Protection Department (Big Valley EPA) operates to sustain and protect human health, cultural resources and animals, water quality and the overall environment.  This is done through research, planning, applying for funding, and implementing projects that protect the Tribe’s environment. The department has received various sources of funding including General Assistance Program (GAP) towards the building of administrative and individual program capacities. The Tribe has approved ordinances for Pollution, Health and Sanitation, Water Quality, Solid Waste and have upheld the role of environmental protection as a core objective and goal in planning and development.

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Activities on Tribal lands are also subject to the provisions of Tribal regulations and policies including the 1995 Big Valley Rancheria Pollution Ordinance, the 1999 Big Valley Rancheria Master Plan, the 2000 Big Valley Rancheria Public Safety Ordinance, the 2004 Big Valley Rancheria Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Control Plan, the 2008 Stormwater Management Program for Konocti Vista Casino, the 2008 Housing Stormwater Management Program, the 2010 Floodplain Management Ordinance for the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the 2015 Big Valley Rancheria Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, and several federal environmental laws, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Clean Water Act (CWA).

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GOALS/OBJECTIVES

To ensure that human health, culturally important plants and animals, Clear Lake water quality, and the overall environment are healthy and thriving, allowing the continued sustainable use of the environment for economic vitality and cultural heritage protection.

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MISSION STATEMENT

To properly plan for the needs, both current and future for the Tribe, to meet the goals of natural resource protection.

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IMPORTANT LINKS

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ANNUAL TULE BOAT FESTIVAL - check out our logos, themes and pictures over the years.

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Environmental Data Collection

Water Quality Dashboard (65 years)

 

Current Clear Lake Cyanotoxin Data

 

Current Air Quality Monitoring Data  

 

Current Met Station Data 

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Total Mercury Results for Clear Lake Fish, 2015

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Clear Lake Fish Cyanotoxin Study, 2010-2018

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COLLABORATING WITH STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

It's important to ensure that Tribal knowledge and values are woven into the decision making process with local state and local agencies.  Our efforts have led to the development of projects including the following: 

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Cal-WATCH Project (A 5 year project with Tracking California)

Cal-WATCH Clear Lake Private Systems Drinking Water Study 

Cal-WATCH Recreational Use HABs Survey Results

Cal-WATCH Year 1 Results 

CalWATCH Year 2 Results 

Cal-WATCH Project published in American Waterworks Association Water Science

Cal-WATCH Project published in Centers for Disease Control MMWR

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CHARM Project  - A 2 year project with Tracking California and Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians to develop an action plan to address harmful algal blooms and extreme heat in Lake County, California.

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NUTRENT MANAGEMENT OUTREACH

Nutrient Management in the Clear Lake Watershed (with Elem Indian Colony, Waterboards, LC Water Resources)

Clear Lake Cyanobacteria Pamphlet (with Elem Indian Colony, LC Water Resources/Environmental Health/Public Health)

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PESTICIDES AND TOXICS

Pesticides in Clear Lake Tules Study with CDFA​​​​