Grantee Research Project Results
2010 Progress Report: Understanding the Cumulative Affects of Environmental and Psycho-Social Stressors that Threaten the Pohlik-lah and Ner-er-ner Lifeway: The Yurok Tribe’s Approach
EPA Grant Number: R833708Title: Understanding the Cumulative Affects of Environmental and Psycho-Social Stressors that Threaten the Pohlik-lah and Ner-er-ner Lifeway: The Yurok Tribe’s Approach
Investigators: Sloan, Kathleen
Current Investigators: Sloan, Kathleen , Steinberg, Steven J , Steinberg, Sheila , Fluharty, Suzanne
Institution: Yurok Tribe Environmental Program
Current Institution: Yurok Tribe Environmental Program , Humboldt State University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2012 (Extended to December 31, 2013)
Project Period Covered by this Report: August 16, 2009 through September 15,2010
Project Amount: $974,389
RFA: Issues in Tribal Environmental Research and Health Promotion: Novel Approaches for Assessing and Managing Cumulative Risks and Impacts of Global Climate Change (2007) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Environmental Justice , Climate Change , Tribal Environmental Health Research , Human Health
Objective:
The project objectives were finalized in the QAPP approved by NCER for this project during Year 1/Phase 1. The attached table details the objectives, tasks and deliverables for the entire project. The original hypotheses, identified in the project proposal have been refined during the planning phase to four primary research questions:
- What are the chemical stressors known to be used in the Klamath River watershed, their pathways, and known adverse health outcomes associated with those chemical stressors and contaminants?
- What contaminants are currently detectable in the river and key aquatic subsistence resources?
- Is there a relationship between environmental health as reflected by resource health and community health?
- How can this study and the data produced from this study be used to identify and reduce risk and improve tribal member and resource health?
Progress Summary:
Tasks Completed in Year 2:
- Primary Data Collection
Primary data collection commenced immediately upon receipt of formal approval of the QAPP. Due to the seasonal nature of subsistence harvesting for the resources selected for testing in this project, YTEP field sampling efforts must follow the seasonal round utilized by Yurok subsistence harvesters. Some species are only available or harvested in winter months (December – March) and as a result were not collected in Year 2 but are targeted for Tier One sampling in Year 3. It is anticipated that Tier 1 sampling will be complete by March 2011, at which time Tier 2 sampling will commence.
PPGIS sessions have been scheduled but not completed yet due to events outside the researchers’ control (cancelled meetings due to other events such as funerals and changes in meeting agendas due to other tribal priorities). An initial meeting was conducted in April 2010 with the Yurok Tribe’s Natural Resources Committee to familiarize the Committee with the project and prepare them for the upcoming PPGIS sessions to be conducted with HSU research partners. Preparation for PPGIS sessions has been completed and tested within the project team. Formal PPGIS sessions with the Natural Resources Committee have been scheduled for October and December 2010. Additional sessions may be scheduled based upon initial results and findings during Year 3.
- Field Sampling
Tier 1 Field Sampling was initiated in April 2010 upon receipt of formal approval of the QAPP from NCER. All samples collected have been collected from Yurok subsistence harvesters who have been informed of the purpose of the sampling and the project and support the analysis being conducted. Many Yurok subsistence harvesters want to know about the health and condition of the species they rely upon. Our sampling efforts are entirely dependent on the support and participation of these Yurok people and we are indebted to them for their help in collection of these species and samples.
Tier 1: Tissue Sampling
The following species were sought for Tier 1 tissue sampling between April and October 2010 and summarized below:
- Pacific lamprey (eel): attempts to obtain eels for Tier 1 sampling were unsuccessful in April 2010 due to the fact that the annual run had ended by this time. This species typically is harvested in winter months (Dec-March). We intend to complete this sampling for Tier 1 this winter (Year 3).
- Green Sturgeon: sampling for green sturgeon was successfully completed in April-May 2010. Fillet samples were obtained from Yurok subsistence harvesters from 6 individual sturgeon to complete the composite sample and sent to the lab for analysis. We are waiting on results from the lab to inform Tier 2 sampling strategy. It is anticipated that Tier 2 sampling for sturgeon will be completed in Year 3, probably between Jan – April 2011.
- Seaweed: sampling for seaweed was completed between April and June 2010. Samples were obtained Yurok subsistence harvesters collecting from 3 different locations within Yurok Ancestral Territory and combined to make a single composite sample and sent to the lab for analysis. We are waiting for those results to come back from the lab.
- Coastal Mussels: sampling for coastal mussels was completed in May 2010. Mussels were collected from Yurok subsistence harvesters collecting from 3 locations within Yurok Ancestral Territory and combined to make a single composite sample and sent to the lab for analysis. We are waiting for those results to come back from the lab.
- Coho salmon: sampling for Coho salmon was completed between September-October 2010. Samples were obtained from Yurok subsistence harvesters who donated whole fish from their subsistence catch for analysis in this project. Whole fish will be sent to the lab for processing and analysis. Tissue not needed for Tier 1 sampling will be saved by the lab and may be used during Tier 2 testing, depending on outcomes from the Tier 1 analysis.
- Freshwater Mussels: sampling for freshwater mussels was conducted in October 2010. Mussels from 3 locations were obtained and combined to make a composite sample.
- Surf Fish: attempts to obtain surf fish for Tier 1 sampling was unsuccessful due to the unavailability of the resource in 2010. Traditionally, surf fish run and are harvested in the late summer (typically August) but this year no surf fish runs were reported along the north coast. Yurok subsistence harvesters reported no surf fish this year and none were obtained for this project. This is a concern to Yurok, the population decline in this species. We will attempt to collect a Tier 1 sample in summer 2011 but may not be able to obtain the sample needed to conduct testing of this species. We will adjust our sampling plan, as needed based upon the availability (or lack thereof) of this species in Year 3.
- Steelhead: this species traditionally is harvested in winter (Dec-Jan) and is scheduled to be collected for Tier 1 in upcoming months.
- Clams: Attempts to obtain clams for Tier 1 sampling was unsuccessful in spring 2010 and due to quarantines and traditional rules against harvesting in summer months were not targeted for collection during those times. Clamming depends on extreme low (minus) tides and available daylight during those tides, so the next available sampling events will have to occur in Jan-Feb 2011 to complete a Tier 1 sampling event for this species. We will attempt to complete this in upcoming months, but if unsuccessful will have to re-evaluate the targeting of these species. We anticipate being able to successfully collect enough clams for a Tier 1 composite sample this winter.
Tier 1: Water Quality Sampling
Water Quality sampling was successfully conducted in early summer and late fall 2010 by YTEP’s Water Division under the direction of Ken Fetcho. Samples have been sent to the lab and we are awaiting results from analysis. The steps taken to complete this component of the study are detailed below:
YTEP staff worked together to refine the Water Quality Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and was incorporated into the QAPP that was finalized and approved by USEPA. Water Division staff spent significant amount of time working with the CDF&G Water Pollution Control Laboratory staff to determine the appropriate parameters to be analyzed and associated water volumes to be collected and submitted to the laboratory in order to meet the study’s reporting limits needs. Consistent with this process staff performed extensive research to determine the appropriate sampling equipment and supplies needed for this study. Sampling equipment and supplies were ordered and obtained during this period to have everything on hand when sampling would commence in June 2010. Staff retrofitted its 19 foot Bolton jet boat in order for depth integrated samples to be collected isokinetically.
YTEP pursued and was successful in being awarded a USGS grant from the “Technical Training in Support of Native American Relations” funding source to hold a three day water quality training. This funding source was pursued to provide high quality training to cover “Clean Hands/Dirty Hands” water quality sampling methods. This 3 day training was held in Klamath, CA at the Tribal Main Office on April 15 – 17. This training was taught by two USGS scientists that were from the Sacramento, CA Water Science Office. This staff was attended by all YTEP Water Division staff responsible for collecting water samples and neighboring Tribes that reside within the Klamath Basin. This training was a great opportunity for staff that is responsible for collecting water samples to learn the most up to date information from USGS on the proper water sample collection and sample handling procedures to eliminate cross contamination of water samples. Staff incorporated these sampling methods to ensure high quality samples were submitted to the laboratory since such low level detection methods were selected for this study.
Water sampling commenced in June 2010 at three locations in the Klamath River. River flow levels in June were above average due to a recent storm event and snow melt conditions which was a highly desirable condition to collect samples due to the relationship between runoff and the potential mobilization of contaminants in the riverine environment. Samples were collected in the Klamath River at Turwar Gage, the Klamath River at Weitchpec (above Trinity River Confluence) and in the Klamath River above Blue Creek. All samples were received by the laboratory in good condition and results are beginning to be received from the laboratory. A majority of the water sample results have been received and communication with the laboratory staff is ongoing related to the pending results. In addition to the samples outlined above, Quality Assurance and Quality Control equipment blank and field duplicate samples were collected according to protocol and were submitted to the laboratory in a blind fashion. The results received to date indicate equipment cleaning and decontamination procedures are effective and the field sampling methods are successfully collecting representative samples.
Water sampling occurred in September and October 2010 at three locations in the Klamath River. Water samples were collected at the same locations that were sampled in June 2010. Samples were collected in the Fall to characterize the levels of environmental contaminants present at low flow conditions prior to significant rainfall occurring. Samples were collected in the Klamath River at Turwar Gage on September 30, 2010, the Klamath River at Weitchpec (above Trinity River Confluence) on October 4, 2010 and in the Klamath River above Blue Creek on October 7, 2010. All samples were received by the laboratory in good condition and results are pending. In addition to the samples outlined above, Quality Assurance and Quality Control equipment blank and field duplicate samples were collected according to protocol and were submitted to the laboratory in a blind fashion.
- PPGIS Sessions
Preparation for the Personal Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) sessions to be conducted by HSU partners Dr. Steven and Sheila Steinberg was completed in Year 2. Base maps and questions have been developed and finalized. HSU researchers obtained HSU IRB approval and developed their Informed Consent Form approved by HSU and Yurok Tribe for use to inform Yurok participants of the potential uses of the information obtained during PPGIS sessions. Practice sessions have been completed by the project team. PPGIS sessions were delayed due to no fault of the project team due to cancellations of scheduled meetings by the Yurok Natural Resources Committee (due to funeral) in May and June 2010 and the changing of the meeting agenda by the Yurok Tribe in order to process pressing matters involving the Yurok subsistence and commercial salmon fishery (June-September 2010). PPGIS sessions with the Natural Resources Committee have been scheduled for October and December 2010 and it is anticipated these meetings will be completed as planned. Additional PPGIS sessions may be scheduled to be held during Year 3 based upon the results of the sessions to be held in upcoming months.
- Eco-toxicological Modeling (GIS)
The Eco-Toxicological Assessment tool is in development and is primarily the product of HSU graduate student, Nicolas Ramirez, who is working on the grant under the direction of Co-PI Dr. Steven Steinberg. The conceptual model is near completion and is being populated with real data specific to this project at this time. Existing and available data on targeted contaminants has been and continues to be collected, QA’d and input into the model currently in development. In May 2010, Nicolas participated in a poster session on his work at HSU and presented the conceptual model. A copy of the poster is attached to this report. It is important to note that NO actual Yurok data was included or presented in this poster, but rather was deliberately generalized to be consistent with the terms of data use for this project. The purpose of the presentation was to present on the model & the GIS theory and applications utilized in the development of the model and was not intended to present any project-specific data on Yurok or actual pesticide applications. This was done to protect the confidentiality of Yurok data and also to honor the data use agreement between the Tribe and HSU in this project (any presentations or publications on this project, or use of data shared or obtained during this project requires prior approval by the Yurok Tribal Council).
Future Activities:
Year 3 Activities will include:
Continuation of Phase 2: Primary Data Collection
Field sampling
Complete Tier 1 Sampling
Initiate Tier 2 Sampling
- Analysis of lab results (Tissue and Water samples)
- Complete PPGIS
- Testing of Eco-Toxicological Assessment Tool currently in development
- Conduct Community Health Profile (California Rural Indian Health Board, Tribal Epidemiology Center) with United Indian Health Service.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 17 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Microcystis, microcystin, contaminants, pesticides, diabetes, cancer, endocrine disruptors, flame retardants, PBDEs, PCBs, DDT, dioxins and furans, PAHs, organophosphates, mercury, methyl mercury, metals, salmon, surf fish, Pacific lamprey, freshwater mussels, coastal mussels, clams, seaweed green sturgeon, steelhead, Yurok Tribe, Pohlik-lah and Ner-er-ner, community-based participatory research, subsistence resources, Klamath River, Pacific Coast, bioaccumulation, California Rural Indian Health Board, Tribal Epidemiology Center, Community Health Profile, United Indian Health Service, GIS, Risk Assessment.Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.
Project Research Results
- Final Report
- 2013 Progress Report
- 2012 Progress Report
- 2011 Progress Report
- 2009 Progress Report
- 2008 Progress Report
- Original Abstract