Greenville Rancheria Resource Guide

Tribal Environmental Protection Agency

The Tribal Environmental Protection Agency maintains a diverse and comprehensive data base for the Tribe. The primary goal is for the department to protect all natural resources past, present, and future. The remaining goals allow the environment to rebuild itself without man made hazards and attempt to control human effects on the environment.

Air Protection

The Environmental Staff are members of the "Region 9 EPA Air Work Group". We work to maintain a correct Air Quality for humans and animals within the aboriginal grounds of the Greenville Rancheria. Tribal members and Tribal Council are informed of unhealthy or high risk days. The Tribal EPA department works in coordination with the Plumas County Public Health Department to ensure that air quality standards are met during projects involving construction and ground disturbance.

Water Protection

Our Environmental Staff coordinates with many agencies to ensure water quality is a top priority. We conduct in house water quality studies and checks to properly maintain drinking water quality. The Environmental Staff also assesses the importance and safety of watercourses during projects. Stream surveys and watercourse assessments are completed within project areas to determine the effects of project activities on the water quality and habitat. Our staff continues to attend trainings to keep updated on the latest information and technologies involved in keeping the region's ground, surface water and drinking water safe and healthy. We strive to enhance the water quality for all Tribal members.

Soils Protection

This region includes many unique soil types. We obtain soil survey information from the United States Forest Service and the National Resources Conservation Service to complete our soils database. Our Environmental Staff works to maintain the quality of Tribal lands for humans and the environment. We try to minimize ground and soil disturbance during projects and develop clean up days for community participation.

Timber Harvesting Plans

The Environmental Staff plays an important role in reviewing Timber Harvesting Plans. The office receives notifications of Timber projects from professional foresters throughout six counties. The Environmental staff then reviews the Timber Harvest Plans and ensures that Native American Cultural and Spiritual Sites are fully protected during all phases of the projects. It is also the Tribe's position that extreme care be taken to preserve all watersheds, all Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas; and in general, the prohibition of any project activities which would diminish water quality. We make comments on each Timber Harvest Plan received and reply back to the foresters. Our staff will complete site visits to ensure that Cultural sites and Natural Resources are protected prior, during, and after the harvesting plan is in effect. We also request to have cultural monitors on site during projects to make sure that the project follows standards.

Safety Programs

The Environmental Staff has safety programs that are in-house and are in coordination with the Tribes safety committee. General guidelines are maintained within the Tribal office. We help develop and maintain new programs within our office. The Environmental Program follows all Federal standards, Department of Homeland Security, Indian Health Services, State Indian Health Program and Federal Emergency Management Agency procedures.

Map Plotting and GIS Data

The Environmental Staff performs all GIS data and entry to enhance the mapping of Tribal grounds and to preserve the data. Staff members attend trainings to update their GIS knowledge and capabilities. We utilize the GIS systems to complete maps of project areas and assessments. This technology allows the Environmental Staff to make maps showing designated parameters such as cultural sites, watercourses, and sensitive habitat areas. All GIS data is maintained in house.

Coordination

The Department sets standards for gaining and maintaining Government-to-Government relations. The Tribe understands the importance and value of working with other agencies. Coordination with other agencies will be accepted by the Tribal Council according to proper documentation presented. MOU's and MOA's that pertain to environmental issues will be prepared and reviewed by the Environmental Staff and presented to Tribal Council for approval.

Land Management

The Greenville Rancheria has made efforts over the years to acquire lands to build Tribal housing for membership. The Tribe would like to assist members in securing land for housing and commercial development.

The Tribe currently holds 1 acre of land in Redding, 10 acres in Greenville, and 15.5 acres in Red Bluff in fee status. The Tribe also holds about 1.25 acres of land in fee status in the city if Greenville where a medical and dental facility are located. The Tribe operates its tribal government from the facility in Greenville.

A small percentage of tribal members live around the Indian Mission. The rest of the tribal members are evenly distributed throughout Plumas, Tehama, and Shasta Counties, with a few members located in other areas of California and the nation.

Environmental Health and Safety

The Greenville Rancheria works in coordination with Plumas and Tehama Counties as well as with the State of California, Indian Health Services, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to address environmental health and safety issues. We work to uphold drinking water and wastewater standards for all membership housing and qualified Native Americans.