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.
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).
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.
MISSION STATEMENT
To properly plan for the needs, both current and future for the Tribe, to meet the goals of natural resource protection.
IMPORTANT LINKS
ANNUAL TULE BOAT FESTIVAL - check out our logos, themes and pictures over the years.
Current Clear Lake Cyanotoxin results
Current Air Quality Monitoring results
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:
Cal-WATCH Project (with Tracking California)
Cal-WATCH Clear Lake Private Systems Drinking Water Study
Cal-WATCH Recreational Use HABs Survey Results
Cal-WATCH Project published in American Waterworks Association Water Science
Cal-WATCH Project published in Centers for Disease Control MMWR
NUTRENT MANAGEMENT OUTREACH
Nutrient Management in the Clear Lake Watershed (with Elem, Waterboards, LC Water Resources)
Clear Lake Cyanobacteria Pamphlet (with Elem, LC Wtr Resources/Environmental Health/Public Health)
PESTICIDES AND TOXICS
Pesticides in Clear Lake Tules Study with CDFA
EPA STAFF:
Sarah Ryan, Environmental Director (707)263-3924 x132 and (707)349-4040 cell
Alix Tyler, Water Quality Program Manager
Katherine Schrade, Environmental Data Coordinator
Richard White, Pollution Prevention Coordinator
Taylor Woodruff, Fisheries Program Coordinator
Alicia Castellanos, Environmental Assistant
Nijoel McCloud, EPA Technician
Marlon Jack, Fisheries Technician
Jeniece Jack, Fisheries Technician
Environmental Protection Department
Water Resources Protection Program
Shoreline Erosion Control Project
Clear Lake Fish Cyanotoxin Study
Total Mercury Results for Clear Lake Fish, 2015
Water Resource Climate Adaptation Plan for the Clear Lake Hitch, 2020
Clear Lake Cyanotoxin Monitoring Program
Water Quality Objectives for Clear Lake
TRIBAL BENEFICIAL USES SURVEY 1
TRIBAL BENEFICIAL USES SURVEY 2
Climate Change Assessments /other Documents
The Clear Lake Hitch - Chi - Struggling for Survival in Lake County, California
Protect the Clear Lake Hitch/Chi! Here are documents related to the Tribe's efforts to ensure that No Species Go Extinct on Our Watch.
Clear Lake Hitch Rescues (with CDFW)
Here are some topics that we are involved in and are critical for the Lake’s health:
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Triennial Review for Clear Lake https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/water_issues/basin_plans/triennialreviews/2021tr/2021tr_ssj_wrkpln_fnl.pdf
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Update on the Clear Lake Nutrient TMDL https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/water_issues/tmdl/central_valley_projects/clear_lake_nutrients/
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Blue Ribbon Panel for Clear Lake https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Blue-Ribbon-Committee-for-the-Rehabilitation-of-Clear-Lake
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Tribal Beneficial Use Development https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/water_issues/basin_plans/tribal_beneficial_uses/