|
Department of Health and Human Services
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
[ATSDR-149]
Consultation and Coordination Policy With Indian Tribal
Governments
Summary: This notice announces the final ATSDR policy
on conducting consultation and coordination with federally recognized tribal
governments. This policy has been finalized after consideration of
comments from Agency tribal consultants. The policy is the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
Supplementary Information: The Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry issues the following policy statement:
Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments
ATSDR's mission is to prevent exposure and adverse human health
effects and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to
hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other
sources of pollution present in the environment.
ATSDR is committed to assisting tribal governments in meeting the
environmental health needs of their people. ATSDR continues to work to
improve its communication and cooperation with tribes. This new policy
is in response to the Presidential Executive Order 13084, Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments, May 14, 1998, and
affirms the current ATSDR Policy on Government-to-Government Relations
with Native American Tribal Governments (61 FR 42255). The policy
focuses on environmental health issues related to the release of
hazardous substances into the environment.
Consultations between ATSDR and tribal governments will continue to
ensure effective collaboration in identifying, addressing, and
satisfying the needs of tribal communities affected by hazardous
substances. Consultation enables ATSDR staff and tribal members to
interactively participate, exchange recommendations, and provide input
on environmental health activities.
As defined by ATSDR, the new policy supports: (1) A consultative
process with tribal nations and their members to work together to
address tribal environmental public health needs; (2) mutual trust,
respect, and shared responsibilities between all participating parties;
and (3) open communication of information and opinions leading to
mutual interaction and understanding.
ATSDR . . .
Respects and honors the sovereignty of the tribes, the
responsibilities and rights to self-governance, and the differences
between tribal nations and individuals.
Consults with tribal governments to ensure community
concerns and impacts are carefully considered before the Agency takes
action or makes decisions affecting tribal communities.
Maintains government-to-government relationships with
tribal governments.
Ensures ongoing communication with tribal governments,
communities, and individual tribal members to define concerns about
possible health impacts from exposure to hazardous substances.
Dated: July 27, 1999.
Donna Garland,
Acting Director, Office of Policy and External Affairs, Agency for
Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
[FR Doc. 99-19677 Filed 7-30-99; 8:45 am]
|
