Tribal Response

Protecting Our Land and Community from Environmental Hazards

The Colville Tribes Tribal Response Program (TRP) works to identify, assess, and respond to environmental concerns across the Reservation. The program supports the Tribe in protecting human health, safeguarding cultural resources, and maintaining land and water quality by evaluating sites where contaminants may be present, coordinating environmental reviews, and ensuring cleanup activities are conducted safely and in accordance with Tribal and federal regulations.

The TRP operates under the Colville Tribes Environmental Trust Department (ETD), which provides administrative oversight, coordination with Tribal leadership, and integration with broader natural resource, environmental, and public safety initiatives. TRP activities are guided not only by the EPA CERCLA 128(a) program (commonly known as Brownfields), but also by Tribal priorities, historical impacts on trust lands, and the need for long-term environmental stewardship.

MA-8, Manson, WA

How the TRP Fits Within the Environmental Trust Department

The Environmental Trust Department oversees several environmental programs responsible for land stewardship, restoration, resource protection, and compliance. Within this structure, the TRP serves as a central point for:

  • Identifying sites where past or present activities may pose environmental concerns

  • Conducting or coordinating site assessments

  • Managing site inventories, public records, and documentation

  • Providing environmental review support to Tribal departments

  • Maintaining transparency through outreach and public involvement

  • Coordinating cleanup planning or oversight when sites require corrective action

  • Ensuring sites meet cleanup standards appropriate for Tribal land use

This coordination ensures that contaminated or potentially contaminated properties are managed in alignment with Tribal goals, land-use plans, cultural priorities, and environmental protection laws.

History of the Tribal Response Program

The Colville Tribes began developing its Tribal Response Program after recognizing the need to better document, assess, and manage the environmental impacts left by past industries, illegal dumping, abandoned structures, spills, and legacy contamination on the Reservation. Through participation in the EPA CERCLA 128(a) program, the Tribe formalized its response framework, allowing for:

  • More consistent site identification and tracking

  • Standardized environmental review processes

  • Community involvement requirements

  • Access to funding for assessments and planning

  • Support for long-term cleanup and redevelopment goals

Over time, the TRP expanded beyond traditional “Brownfields” work. It now includes site monitoring, spill response coordination, collaboration with enforcement programs, and support for other environmental initiatives within ETD. The program continues to evolve to address emerging concerns and ensure environmental health throughout the Reservation.

Working With Tribal Departments and Local Partners

The TRP collaborates with multiple Tribal programs to ensure environmental concerns are identified and resolved efficiently. Partners include:

  • Natural Resources programs (Fisheries, Wildlife, Forestry, Watershed)

  • Environmental Trust programs (CERCLA, Solid Waste, Water Quality, Restoration)

  • Public Works and Utilities

  • Planning, Realty, and Land Use

  • TOSHA and Public Safety departments

  • Health and Human Services

  • Mount Tolman Fire Center (wildfire-related hazards)

  • Tribal Police and Emergency Management (initial spill reporting)

Externally, TRP works with:

  • EPA Region 10

  • Washington State Department of Ecology

  • Local counties and municipalities

  • Environmental contractors and technical consultants

These partnerships help ensure that environmental concerns are addressed promptly, risks are understood, and cleanup decisions are informed by solid technical data and Tribal priorities.

Why the Tribal Response Program Is Important

The TRP provides essential environmental protection services for the Colville Tribes by:

  • Maintaining an inventory of contaminated or potentially contaminated sites

  • Responding to community concerns and documenting environmental hazards

  • Conducting or coordinating site assessments to determine risks

  • Protecting Tribal members, land, water, plants, wildlife, and cultural resources

  • Supporting responsible land use planning and redevelopment

  • Ensuring regulatory compliance and safe cleanup practices

  • Preserving transparency through public outreach and accessible records

While the Brownfields Program is one component of TRP, the Tribal Response Program extends far beyond it. The program plays a critical role in ensuring environmental risks are identified, documented, reduced, and prevented, safeguarding the Reservation and its people for present and future generations.

 

Help protect our lands and communities by reporting environmental hazards to the Colville Tribes Environmental Trust Department.

Please scan the QR code or fill out this form to report a site.

Taressa Marchand | Response Program Manager | (509) 634-2585 taressa.marchand.env@colvilletribes.com
Andrea Carden | Communications Specialist | (509) 634-2413 andrea.carden.env@colvilletribes.com