CIEA would like to thank the Confederated Villages of Lisjan and Sogorea Te Land Trust for providing us with this beautiful Chochenyo phrase to welcome the fall equinox. The phrase translates to "the leaves have begun to fall."

The CIEA office is still physically closed until further noticed. Staff is still available via email and through out telephones.

Again, we are so happy to be able to provide you with monthly announcements about training, capacity building, Tribal Self-Advocacy and funding opportunities, as well as water related news. Readers are more than welcome to send information about upcoming events, training, or news that you think would be beneficial for other Tribal members in other regions to know to our Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, Joel Sedano at [log in to unmask]

1. Source Water Protection | Online

Part 1: October 6th at 10:00am | Register at https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2739

Part 2: October 6th at 2:00pm | Register at https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2740



2. Planning for (Un)expected Impacts to Your Water System: Vulnerability Assessments, Climate Change, Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Response | Online

Part 1: October 7th at 10:00am | Register at https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2738

Part 2: October 7th at 2:00pm | Register at https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2741


3. Understanding Bacteriological Water Quality Standards | Online

October 12th at 10:00am | Register at https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2747

4. Utility Bookkeeping 101: From Shoebox to Financial Statements | Online

October 13th at 10:00am | Register at https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2749

As part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
the Climate Program Office (CPO) is seeking applications for eight individual
competitions in FY22. Several of these components are relevant to four high priority climate risk areas CPO is focusing on to improve science understanding and/or capabilities that result in user-driven outcomes: coastal inundation, marine ecosystems, water resources, and extreme heat. Applications are due on October 18, 2021. For information, please hit the read more button below.

EPA is releasing its draft biological evaluations (BEs) for clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, which are part of a group of insecticides known as the neonicotinoids, for public review and comment. These neonicotinoids are used on a variety of crops, turf, and ornamentals, among other residential and commercial indoor and outdoor uses.

EPA evaluated clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam to determine whether they may affect one or more species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or their designated critical habitats. The draft BEs find that each of these chemicals is likely to adversely affect certain listed species or their designated critical habitats.

The “likely to adversely affect” (LAA) determination means that EPA reasonably expects that at least one individual animal or plant, among a variety of listed species, may be exposed to the pesticide at a sufficient level to have an effect, which will be adverse. The LAA threshold for a BE is very sensitive because the likely “take” of even one individual of a species, which includes unintentional harm or death, triggers an LAA determination. This is the case even if a species is almost recovered to a point where it no longer needs to be listed. As a result, there are often a high number of “may effect” and LAA determinations in a BE. An LAA determination, however, does not necessarily mean that a pesticide is putting a species in jeopardy. Jeopardy determinations are made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (collectively “the Services”) in the course of a formal consultation that evaluates any effects of the pesticides on entire species.

A BE is a document that contains EPA’s analysis of the effects of a pesticide on federally threatened or endangered species and their designated critical habitat, and any conclusions that the pesticide may affect, and is likely to adversely affect, any of these species or habitats. The BE is used to initiate consultation with the Services, if needed. This evaluation encompasses all registered uses and approved product labels for pesticide products containing these chemicals.

When formal consultation is necessary, the Services use the information in EPA’s final BE to develop their biological opinions (BiOps). In their BiOp, the Services document their determination of whether a pesticide jeopardizes the continued existence of the species and whether there will be adverse modification to its designated critical habitat. If jeopardy or adverse modification is determined, the Services, with input from EPA, will propose additional protections.

The draft BEs released today were developed after the release of EPA’s proposed interim decisions (PIDs) for the neonicotinoid pesticides in January 2020. As part of the PIDs, EPA has begun the process of proposing mitigation measures, such as annual application rate reductions and application timing restrictions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, which will be finalized after the completion of the final BEs. Additional mitigation measures may be developed through formal consultation on the neonicotinoid pesticides. EPA is interested in finding ways, through discussions with stakeholders, to implement mitigation measures that further protect endangered and threatened species earlier in the ESA consultation process.

Read the draft biological evaluations for clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxamon our webpage. To learn more about these BEs, see the Frequently Asked Questions. EPA is accepting public comments for 60 days upon publication via docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0575 at www.regulations.gov, and will finalize the BEs after reviewing the comments.

The California Climate Investments cap-and-trade program creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged communities and low-income communities and households.
The applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please hit the read more button below.

The California Drought Update is a weekly roundup of conditions, state actions and upcoming developments. It is produced by an interagency team that includes the California Natural Resources Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Public Health. For
the latest on drought, please visit www.drought.ca.gov.

Current Conditions
• California and the West are in severe drought, with impacts accelerated by climate change.
• This is a second dry year for most of California, and conditions are on par with the state’s 1976-77 drought. The next water year begins October 1, and state agencies are actively preparing for a third consecutive dry year.
• Storage in the state’s major reservoirs is low, and some will reach historic lows this fall.
• Fifty of California’s 58 counties are under a drought emergency proclamation.
• Californians are being asked to reduce their water use by 15 percent over 2020 levels to protect water reserves and help maintain critical flows for fish and wildlife wherever possible. That 15 percent reduction could save as much as 850,000 acre-feet of water for future use, or enough to
supply more than 1.7 million households for a year.
• Several urban areas – including parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento area and much of Southern California – have declared water
shortage alerts and are calling residents to reduce water use.
• In the last 30 days, 139 wells were reported dry through the state’s voluntary household dry well reporting system. Eight or more dry wells were reported in the last 30 days in Lake, Madera, Mendocino, Merced and Tehama counties.
• The Water Board and DWR are providing hauled or bottled water to eight separate small water providers experiencing supply outages in Monterey,
Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Tulare, Shasta, and El Dorado counties. The providers together serve a population of less than 1,000 people.
• State and federal water projects have slashed their surface water deliveries, with the State Water Project delivering only 5 percent of contracted amounts and the federal Central Valley Project delivering close to zero. Those cutbacks have caused some farmers to fallow acreage, or to pump additional groundwater from already depleted groundwater basins. Anecdotal reports suggest cutbacks in the state’s annual production of crops such as corn, cantaloupe, rice, tomatoes, and almonds.
• Extreme heat and near-record lack of precipitation are putting unprecedented stress on ecosystems and species, including iconic Chinook salmon.
• Many streams across the state are growing warm, slack, and disconnected. Fish and wildlife managers are monitoring conditions and where possible, relocating native fish and amphibian species and increasing hatchery production to compensate for losses. Some stream sections have
been closed to fishing.
• The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation declared a first-ever water shortage on the Colorado River on August 16 based on record-low water levels in Lake Mead. While California will not see immediate reductions in its share of Colorado River deliveries under a 2019 drought contingency plan, Lake Mead storage is just over 9 million acre-feet, or just under 35 percent of capacity. Officials in seven states and federal agencies are fully committed to managing and adapting to the projected hydrology collaboratively.
• Through Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamations, executive orders and direction, state agencies have been mobilized to rapidly respond to acute shortage conditions, including expediting assistance to communities experiencing dry wells, communities that have lost their supplies, fish
and wildlife rescues and relocation efforts, and more.

Current drought conditions are on par with the state’s historic 1976-77 drought and can be monitored at the California Department of Water Resources Data Exchange Center website. Climate-driven temperatures sharply reduced inflows into rivers and reservoirs this spring, leading to low reservoir supplies and challenging conditions for fish and wildlife. More information can be found here: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/water_cond.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

In response, Governor Newsom has established drought emergency in 50 of California’s 58 counties and expedited a range of actions. Californians are being asked to reduce their water use by 15 percent to protect water reserves and help maintain critical flows for fish and wildlife. Please take action to improve water conservation and help spread the word. For more information, please hit the read more button below.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will establish an Equity Commission and is requesting nominations for membership on the Equity Commission Advisory Committee and Equity Commission Subcommittee on Agriculture. The Notice represents an important step towards implementing President Biden’s commitment to create an Equity Commission and the American Rescue Plan Act provision that directs USDA to "address historical discrimination and disparities in the agriculture sector… [through] one or more equity commissions to address racial equity issues within USDA and its programs."



“USDA is committed to advancing equity throughout our Department,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Equity Commission is an important step in dismantling barriers historically underserved communities have faced in accessing USDA programs and services, especially with regard to access and inclusion in USDA agricultural programs and services. The Equity Commission will be an invaluable advisor on USDA’s continuing march towards justice and equity; we look forward to receiving a wide-ranging and diverse set of nominations from the public to serve on this transformational commission.”



“Today truly is a historic day at USDA. We are serious about our efforts to end discrimination across all areas of the Department and to improving access to services for key stakeholders,” said Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh. “The American Rescue Plan supports USDA’s effort to address equity issues through the creation of an Equity Commission; we understand the importance of involving the public in this process of continuing to build trust among our customers and ensure fair and equitable programming, benefits, and services.”



The Equity Commission will advise the Secretary of Agriculture by identifying USDA programs, policies, systems, structures, and practices that contribute to barriers to inclusion or access, systemic discrimination, or exacerbate or perpetuate racial, economic, health and social disparities. The Subcommittee on Agriculture will be formed concurrently and will report back to the Equity Commission and provide recommendations on issues of concern related to agriculture. Subsequent subcommittees will focus on other policy areas, such as rural community and economic development. The Equity Commission will deliver an interim report and provide actionable recommendations no later than 12 months after inception. A final report will be generated within a two-year timeframe.



USDA is soliciting nominations to consider membership on both the Equity Commission and the Subcommittee on Agriculture. Both seek to reflect a diversity in demographics, regions of the country, background, and in experience and expertise. The Equity Commission and Subcommittee on Agriculture will require substantial representation from those whose mission is to serve or advocate for underserved communities, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, rural communities, and LGBTQI+ communities. Other perspectives to capture include those from the small business community, higher education institutions, farmworker groups, and members of the American population and communities who bring their personal experiences to the discussion.



Nomination for the Equity Commission and the Subcommittee on Agriculture membership is open to the public and any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership. The Equity Commission and the Subcommittee on Agriculture will each be comprised of 15 members. The Deputy and the Secretary will designate a Co-Chair to serve along with the Deputy Secretary as co-chairs of the Equity Commission.



President Biden signed an Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and committed to creating an Equity Commission as part of his rural agenda and commitment to closing the racial wealth gap and addressing longstanding inequities in agriculture. Section 1006 of the American Rescue Plan directed USDA to create the Equity Commission and funded the effort along with an additional $1 billion in funding to support forward-looking activities that will advance equity and opportunity for historically underserved farmers, ranchers, forest land owners. The funding will be utilized to remove gaps that currently exist in USDA program benefits, improve access to resources, and restore trust and confidence in the Department for groups that have not had equal access to such resources through a combination of grants, loans, pilot programs, technical assistance, cooperative agreements, and more. In June, USDA published a Request for Information on Racial Justice and Equity and held over 15 hours of listening sessions with a wide-range of stakeholders to learn about experiences and receive feedback about its programs and services. The information collected will serve as a strong foundation for both the Equity Commission and to ensure these funds are deployed effectively and in response to the needs and priorities of underserved communities.

Opening Paragraphs:

"In California, there will always be droughts. And even in good years, there will never be quite enough water to satisfy the demands of the state’s urban population, its natural environment and an insatiable $50 billion agriculture industry. Climate change has only made the problems worse.

In 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown declared that the state’s last devastating drought was finally over, following a heavy rain season that replenished reservoirs and the crucial snowpack of the Sierra Nevada mountains. “But the next drought could be around the corner,” Brown warned then. “Conservation must remain a way of life.”"

For the article in its entirety, please hit the read more button below.

On October 7, 2021 at 1:05 pm, the Sonoma County Planning Commission will continue the virtual public hearing opened on July 26, 2021 to receive public comment, consider recommendations, and provide policy direction on the Public Review Draft of the Local Coastal Plan. Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission consider additional extensions of this hearing to future dates to allow sufficient time for public input and for staff to respond to policy direction from the Commission as a result of the hearing.

The public is invited to attend and participate in this continued hearing. While there is no deadline for submitting comments, you are encouraged to provide written input as soon as possible to allow staff time to review the comments and provide responses for consideration by the Commission.

The Planning Commission is only the beginning of the public review process. The Planning Commission hearing is not limited to a specific deadline or date and may take multiple meetings to provide direction to staff and finalize the development of the Planning Commission Recommended Draft to the Board of Supervisors. The draft will be scheduled for public hearing(s) before the Board of Supervisors at a later date. Once the Board reviews and adopts the Local Coastal Plan, the Board adopted Local Coastal Plan will go to the Coastal Commission for review and certification in public hearing.

After certification, the Local Coastal Plan will be implemented though an updated Coastal Zoning Ordinance and revised Administration Manual. These documents are subject to the same public review, hearings, and certification process as the Local Coastal Plan, with opportunities for public input and recommendations at each step.

Materials from the July 26 hearing, including materials being presented on October 7 continued hearing can be found here: Local Coastal Plan Update.

The public notice for the October 7, 2021 is attached and the Planning Commission meeting Zoom link and agenda can be found here: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Planning-Commission/Calendar/Planning-Commission-Meeting-October-7-2021/ Please note that the agenda and meeting link are posted 3 days prior to the meeting.

Please send comments, recommendations, and questions to [log in to unmask] , phone 707-565-2404, or mail Permit Sonoma, Local Coastal Plan Update, 2550 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

Next steps and how to stay involved:

We want to hear from everyone! Please encourage anyone you know that is interested in participating to subscribe to the LCP email list at: https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/CASONOMA/subscriber/new?topic_id=CASONOMA_309.

The Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Program is one of two Department of Water Resources’s (DWR’s) Drought Relief Grant Programs that offers financial assistance to address drought impacts through implementation of projects with multiple benefits:

For communities, including Tribes, facing the loss or contamination of their water supplies due to the drought; and To address immediate drought impacts on human health and safety, and to protect fish and wildlife resources plus other public benefits, such as ecosystem improvements.

Funding:
Funding for the Program was authorized by the Legislature pursuant to the Budget Act of 2021 and its Trailer Bill, Assembly Bill 148; DWR was allocated $100 million for Urban Communities and $200 million for Multibenefit projects. The same Budget Act also authorized $200 million for the Small Community Drought Relief Program. DWR is combining a portion of the Urban Community and the Multibenefit Drought Relief Funding into a $200 Million program. Projects funded under Multibenefit do not need to be in an urban community.

Current Opportunities/Grant Solicitation:
DWR released the draft Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package (GL/PSP) on September 23, 2021 to provide approximately $190 million for grants ($95 million from the Urban Community fund and $95 million from the Multibenefit Projects fund). The remaining Multibenefit funds will be reserved for future awards. The draft can be found by hitting the read more button below.

Draft 2021 Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Grant Program Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package

The (GL/PSP) establishes the procedures that the DWR will use to implement the Urban Community and Multibenefit Drought Relief Program (Program). The GL/PSP is a combined document that provides both general information about the Program and detailed information about the proposal solicitation. This document includes information on Program requirements, eligible applicant and project types, submittal and review of grant applications, and the grant funding award process. To clarify, this GL/PSP does not apply to the Small Community Drought Relief Program.

Public Comment:
The release of the draft Guidelines/Proposal Solicitation Package (GL/PSP) commenced a 15-day public comment period and closes on October 8, 2021. Please submit your comments to DWR by sending an e-mail to the following address: [log in to unmask]

For questions regarding the Program, please contact the program by email at [log in to unmask]

Section 128(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, authorizes a noncompetitive $50 million grant program to establish or enhance state[1] and tribal [2] response programs. Generally, these response programs address the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields and other sites with actual or perceived contamination. Please visit Types of Brownfields Grant Funding for an overview of the State and Tribal Response Program Grants, including program resources and highlights. The link can be found in the read more button below.

Requests for FY 2022 Section 128(a) funding will be accepted from October 1, 2021 – December 17, 2021 and should be sent to the EPA Regional Office contact listed at the end of the guidance (link below).

First-time requestors are strongly encouraged to contact their Regional EPA Brownfields contact, listed on the last page of the guidance, prior to submitting their funding request.

First, thank you for reading our newsletter. We greatly appreciate your subscription to updates as they become available. Second, CIEA invites you to please share anything related to environmental issues such as artworks, writings, photos, words/sayings/phrases in your language, quotes that we can use within our newsletters to help close the message. Third, if you would to submit anything, please do not hesitate to contact Joel, our Communications Coordinator at [log in to unmask]