Office of Ecosystems, Tribal and Public Affairs

Programs

Related Resources

In Region 10, the Office of Ecosystems, Tribal and Public Affairs is the organization that ties together ecosystem health and the people who reside in those ecosystems. (Region 10 organizational chart)

An ecosystem is the natural system in which energy and nutrients cycle between plants, animals and their environment. People are a part of that system, and influence the natural processes by our activities.

The office is responsible for a variety of programs dealing with the interaction between people and their ecosystem.

Staff Directory

Aquatic Resources Unit - manages the wetlands program under authority of the Clean Water Act which includes monitoring disturbances to wetland areas, taking action when violations are found, and overseeing restoration projects. The Aquatic Resources Unit also monitors contaminated sediments in waterbodies.
Community Involvement and Public Information Unit - Engages the public in dialog and comment on issues relating to their local environment. Usually, the issues involve proposed or active contaminated sites covered by the Superfund program, but may involve other environmental laws. The Region 10 Public Environmental Resource Center is also included in this unit. The Resource Center is the main avenue for the public to find environmental information. They offer publications, educational material, video loans and the office switch board to route calls on environmental matters to the appropriate specialist.
Ecosystem and Community Health Unit - Several communities in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska are staffed by EPA employees whose job it is to engage the local residents in learning about their environment and engaging in better practices. The Community Liaisons specialize in programs ranging from the Food Quality Protection Act to field burning.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review Unit - Under NEPA, federally funded projects are required to perform an assessment of the environmental impacts that may result from that project. The NEPA Review Unit evaluates those assessments and provides comments and recommendations to the responsible agencies regarding the impacts.
Tribal Trust and Assistance Unit - The United States has a unique relationship and responsibility with regard to federally recognized native tribes and Alaskan villages. As trustees to those tribes and villages the US government provides financial and technical assistance to ensure compliance with federal environmental laws. The Tribal Trust and Assistance Unit administers grants to Pacific Northwest and Alaska native tribes and villages, and maintains a relationship with each to build their capacity to manage their own environmental programs.

Office of Ecosystems, Tribal and Public Affairs

Programs

Related Resources

Local Navigation