Notice of Hearing for Water Quality Standards
Notice of Public Hearing
Regarding Adoption of Water Quality Standards for the Waters of the Tribe
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) invites the public to review and comment on the Tribe’s draft Water Quality Standards (WQS). WQS are science-based criteria describing the conditions necessary to sustain healthy human and aquatic life within the Tribe’s waters. These WQS apply only to waters within the boundaries of the Tribe’s trust and reservation lands and are not applicable to public or privately owned waters of the State of Oregon.
The CTCLUSI Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing at 6:00 PM Pacific Time on September 21st, 2022, for the purpose of hearing comments and recommendations on the development of Tribal Water Quality Standards.
Topic: CTCLUSI Water Quality Standards Public Hearing
Time: September 21, 2022, 6:00 PM Pacific Time
There will be time during the public hearing allocated to commenters who wish to make statements, as well as time for unscheduled comments. Written comments will be accepted until Friday, September 30, 2022. To sign up for a scheduled time to speak at the public hearing, submit written comments, or for questions, please email: WaterQualityStandards@ctclusi.org. Comments will be limited to no more than five minutes and may be less depending upon the number of speakers interested. For more information, visit ctclusi.org.
Once the comment period ends, DNR will review the comments and revise the WQS draft to create a final version. Tribal Members will then have an additional opportunity to comment when Tribal Council considers the final version for adoption into Tribal Code. The CTCLUSI DNR is conducting this hearing and accepting public comments pursuant to Tribal Council Resolution 22-084 (June 12, 2022), which directs DNR to initiate a public comment period and submit the final WQS to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review.
Section 518 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) allows federally recognized tribes to implement and administer water quality programs within tribal land in the same manner as states, provided that the tribe is first determined to be eligible by the EPA. On May 3, 2021, the EPA determined that CTCLUSI is eligible to administer a water quality certification program under CWA Section 401 and develop water quality standards in accordance with CWA Section 303(c). Furthermore, the Clean Water Act states that it is the EPA’s responsibility to review new or revised water quality standards, per CWA Section 303(c)(3). The federal regulations at 40 C.F.R. Part 25 govern the public participation requirements for CTCLUSI to meet before receiving WQS approval.
The CTCLUSI Water Quality Standards were developed using the best available science and existing EPA-approved state and Tribal water quality standards. The document contains an anti-degradation policy and implementation plan, designated use categories, and narrative and numeric water quality criteria.
The anti-degradation policy and implementation plan can be found in sections 10-1-14 and 10-1-15. Together, they are meant to ensure that Tribal water quality is maintained sufficiently to meet the needs of plants, animals, and humans that utilize the Tribe’s waters.
The designated uses of the waters of the Tribe, as defined in sections 10-1-25 and 10-1-26, describe the types of activities the Tribe’s waters are used for. Multiple designated uses often apply to a single area. For instance, Big Creek, which flows through the Tribe’s Talbot Tract, is designated for both Cultural and Ceremonial use as well as use by Resident Fish and Aquatic Life. The table of designated uses and what Tribal waterbodies they apply to can be found at 10-1-27(a).
Finally, the draft contains narrative and numeric water quality criteria. Narrative criteria uses descriptive language describing the proper conditions of the Tribe’s waters and can be found from 10-1-16 to 10-1-23. For example, the narrative criteria in section 10-1-16(a) covering floating solids, oil, and grease reads: “All waters shall be free from visible oils, scum, foam, grease, and other floating materials and suspended substances of a persistent nature resulting from other than natural causes.”
Numeric criteria uses numbers, measures and values to express water quality standards, and can be found in sections 10-1-28 through 10-1-32. For example, the numeric criteria addressing dissolved oxygen for areas designated as shellfish growing and harvesting says “In fresh water and estuarine water, dissolved oxygen may not be less than 8.0 mg/l as an absolute minimum. Where natural conditions of barometric pressure, altitude, and temperature preclude attainment of the 8.0 mg/l, dissolved oxygen may not be less than 90 percent of saturation.”
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CTCLUSI Hazard Mitigation Plan
In response to the increasing risks posed by a number of natural hazards, Tribal Council – in agreement with Planning Staff recommendations – selected the consulting team WSP in Portland to lead the effort in creating an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan for CTCLUSI in late 2019. This process included multiple workshops with Tribal Leadership and Staff, and a thorough analysis of the natural hazard threats the Tribe and its members face. Additionally, the Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies goals and strategies to avoid and reduce negative outcomes from identified threats.
In mid-2022, the Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to CTCLUSI Staff and is currently available for public review and comment prior to finalization in August 2022.
Click Here to view the CTCLUSI Hazard Mitigation Plan
Click Here to submit comments
Click Here to view the CTCLUSI Planning Department webpage
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan
In response to the rapidly evolving economic environment, Tribal Council – in agreement with Planning Staff recommendations – selected the consulting team Blue Stone Strategy Group to lead the effort in creating an updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for CTCLUSI in 2021. This process included multiple meetings with Leadership, Staff, and community members; as well as a comprehensive survey of member preferences. These efforts culminated in the CEDS plan that provides a thorough analysis of the Tribe’s Strengths and Weaknesses, the identified Tribal economic goals and strategies; and the associated milestones to evaluate progress.
In mid-2022, the CEDS Plan was submitted to CTCLUSI Staff and is currently available for public review and comment prior to finalization in August 2022.
Click Here to view the CTCLUSI CEDS Plan
Click Here to submit comments
Click Here to view the CTCLUSI Planning Department webpage
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribal Youth Pre-college OSU Summer Camp
August 22-25, 2022
New Beginnings for Tribal Students (NBTS) Presents
Tribal Youth Pre-college OSU Summer Camp
August 22-25, 2022
Designed for CTCLUSI, Coquille, Grand Ronde, Siletz, and other Oregon Tribal Youth entering 9th – 12th grades
Learn about going to college and how to get help with financial aid, scholarships, and explore majors!
Explore SWOCC and OSU campuses and visit cultural centers including the OSU Ina Haws Longhouse.
Hands-on FUN field trips about environmental science and careers. Meet science professionals and college students.
Other activities include:
• Sleep in the dorms at OSU
• Snorkeling in the Santiam River with scientists
• Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport
• Visit ecological and cultural restoration sites
• Canoe trip to Waite Ranch on the Siuslaw
Youth will come home having experienced life on the OSU college campus and a packet for how to get help with entering college/community college and the Native American cultural support resources on campus.
A range of environmental sciences and careers are explored but not a required interest for youth.
Camp participation and all meals are FREE.
Campers will be supervised 24 hours per day.
All Covid-19 safety measures in place at the time for CTCLUSI and OSU will be carefully followed.
Last day to sign up August 7th
This event is also co-sponsored by the OSU Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, and Oregon Sea Grant.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Culture Camp 2022
Culture Camp 2022 is being held this year from August 8-12th at the Mapleton School in Mapleton, Oregon. Camp this year is in-person and is available to K-12th graders of CTCLUSI families and Administration Staff. Kindergarten and 1st graders are welcome to attend during the day, while 2nd -12th graders can stay and camp overnight.
Transportation is available from 3 locations this year: Tribal Administration in Coos Bay, the Florence Outreach Office, and the Springfield Outreach Office. Daily Transportation for Kindergarten and 1st graders is limited and available upon request.
Deadline to sign up for camp is July 31st. Upon sign up, you and your youth will receive an email confirmation and a list of suggested items to bring to camp. No later than one week before camp, you and your youth will receive a camp agenda via email.
For more information, please contact Jesse Beers @ 541-297-0748 or Ashley Russell @ 541 888-7511
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribe adopts resolution calling for Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to protect cultural resources
News Release
Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
Last week, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (“Tribe”) submitted comments to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) expressing significant concern about proposed development of offshore wind energy off the Oregon Coast in areas designated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management as the Coos Bay and Florence Call Areas.
“The tribe supports any green economic development project that follows the law and does not harm our environment or tribal cultural resources. Given this, the Tribal Council takes the decision to submit these comments seriously,” said Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper. “These comments follow the passage of a Tribal Council resolution earlier this month that calls upon the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to engage in meaningful government-to government consultation with the tribe and to take action to ensure that offshore wind energy development in any area of interest to the tribe avoids or mitigates impacts to tribal cultural resources to the satisfaction of the tribe.”
In multiple communications with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the tribe raised a number of concerns to BOEM about wind energy development. These comments include a request that important, cultural viewsheds be excluded from the Call Areas, that wind development, including necessary infrastructure such as transmission lines, not impact areas designated as a Traditional Cultural Property (Q’alya ta Kukwis shichdii me)(located in Coos Bay comprised of the estuary features and adjacent shoreline resources), that development not occur in areas containing cultural features located on submerged landforms, and that wind development avoid areas critical to resident and migratory species, including important areas for fishing.
The tribe has called the coast our home since Time Immemorial. The archaeological record of Oregon tribal nations spans more than 11,000 years. Our religious beliefs, traditional practices, fishing, first foods and relations are interconnected and influenced by all that is encompassed in the greater Ocean. This claim honors our obligations to uphold our sovereignty, perpetuate our unique cultural identity, and promote the intergenerational transference of knowledge. The tribe consistently advocates that any projects, on land or offshore, avoid impacts to sites of traditional and religious significance to the tribe, including the TCP features and other sites, such as viewsheds, resources, and submerged landforms that possess associations with the cultural practices, traditions, beliefs, lifeways, art, crafts, or social institutions of our living community.
“The federal government must engage with the tribe to address our concerns. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has stated that it worked closely with tribe. While there has been engagement with the tribe, this engagement has been a one-way conversation with BOEM providing information to the tribe. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has been nonresponsive to addressing our concerns or requests to date. For example, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management solicited for tribes to provide input on environmental studies, however, BOEM did not invite further conversations with the tribe when we provided study concepts, but we did learn recently that the Bureau met with the State of Oregon extensively to identify prior studies for funding,” said Chair Kneaper.
“The tribe initially asks the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to exclude areas of significant cultural importance to the tribe in a January letter, but BOEM included these areas anyway without engaging in government-to-government consultation with the tribe,” said Chair Kneaper. “Our comments and resolution reiterate that expectation that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management uphold its trust obligation to protect tribal resources and exclude those areas. If BOEM does not, the tribe will need to look at all opportunities to ensure that wind energy development avoid impacts to resources that are important to the tribe.”
“The tribe remains open to working with the the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to resolve the issues raised in our comments,” said Chair Kneaper.
*This CTCLUSI Press Release was also featured on Indian Country Today online at https://indiancountrytoday.com/the-press-pool/tribe-adopts-resolution-calling-for-bureau-of-ocean-energy-management-to-protect-cultural-resources
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Needs Assessment 2022
Tribal Government Programs and Services Needs Assessment 2022
We are requesting feedback from Enrolled CTCLUSI Members.
Our goal is to identify any unmet needs or barriers concerning Tribal Membership. This information will assist various Tribal Government departments to explore future opportunities for programs and services to best serve our people.
Submissions received by July 29th, will be entered in a random drawing.
(Deadline extended from July 15th to July 29th)
Ten (10) winners will be randomly selected, each to receive a $50.00 visa gift card.
(Only one entry in the drawing allowed per person ages 16+)
Contact Debbie Bossley, Enrollment Specialist, if you need assistance. 1-888-280-0726 or 541-888-7538 or call Jeannie McNeil 541-888-9577 for any questions.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Clean Air Program Survey
Timeframe: June – September 30th, 2022
The Natural Resources Department is conducting a Smoke Management Survey for Tribal Members (Age 18+). Our intent is to gather information that will guide development of long-term vision and goals for protecting the health of Tribal Families and enhancing indoor air quality during smoke events. This is made possible through funding by Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). We appreciate your time and participation in this survey
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal News
Oregon Tribal Student Grant
Funding is now available for undergraduate and graduate student college costs for enrolled members of:
• Burns Paiute Tribe
• Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
• Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
• Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
• Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
• Coquille Indian Tribe
• Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
• Klamath Tribes
Eligibility
The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is available to new and existing students. Eligibility requirements are:
• Must be an enrolled member of an Oregon federally recognized tribe
• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an Oregon college or university
• Working towards earning first associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree
Application
• Complete a grant application
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA)
• Priority consideration for applications and FAFSA/ORSAAs received by August 1st at 5pm
• See website for additional information
Funding is available for the 2022-2023 academic year for undergraduate and graduate students. Grant renewal is dependent on funding being allocated for the 2023-2024 academic year by the Oregon State Legislature.
Awards
The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is expected to pay for most or all public college-related expenses not covered by other grants for students pursuing their first Associate, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree. Award amounts will vary depending on where the student attends school and the degree pursuing.
Undergraduate Public Colleges or Universities:
Award will be calculated based on the Average Cost of Attendance (COA) reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships
Undergraduate Private Universities:
Award will be calculated based on the average COA at the highest cost public university reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships
Undergraduate Other Private Institutions:
Award will be calculated based on the average COA at the highest cost public community college reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships
Graduate Student Awards:
Award will be calculated based on the average undergraduate COA at the highest cost public institution reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships
Award amounts cannot exceed the student’s actual cost of attendance.
Additional information can be found on our website:
OregonStudentAid.gov/Oregon-Tribal-Student.aspx
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Youth Camping Kits
*Thank you for your interest. Supplies were limited and application has been closed. (6/21/22).
Reconnect with the Land Through Youth Camping Kits.
Through additional CCDF funds and other resources, we are able to offer Tribal Family youth ages 0-17 camping kits.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News