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Wright receives Federal Inspector credentials for
the Underground Storage Tank Program
Sho-Ban News April 12, 2007
Submitted by Shoshone-Bannock Tribes CERCLA/RCRA Program

In 2003, EPA Region 10 Underground Storage Tank Program and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes began building a relationship based upon technical coordination and communication. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes entered into a formal Cooperative Grant with EPA in 2004 with the goal of developing and implementing an underground storage tank program on the Fort Hall Reservation. The Tribes hired and trained professional staff began an inventory of abandoned tanks, and conducted outreach sessions and workshops for farmers and residents on the Fort Hall Reservation. The Tribes began developing its own regulations for underground storage tanks and began formal training for one of its employees to become a certified inspector.
In April 2007, Kelly Wright, an employee of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes became the
first tribal employee to receive Federal Inspector credentials for the Underground Storage
Tank Program. This accomplishment by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes is a testament to the
Tribes consistent hard work in building a solid relationship with EPA's Underground Storage
Tank Program. Not only is this accomplishment a great credit to the Shoshone Bannock Tribes and EPA working together to accomplish an improved partnership, it's also paying dividends in protecting the environment. Since this effort began, EPA and the Shoshone-Bannock have been instrumental in removing abandoned tanks, closing facilities that could
not operate properly, cleaned up releases from leaking tanks and gained appreciation from
the residents and regulated community on the Fort Hall Reservation. The Tribes have also taken a vital role in the development of EPA's new Indian Lands Strategy currently being developed. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are working to improve training on reservations and garner a better understanding of the need for Underground Storage Tank inspections on Indian Lands to further protectTribal resources throughout the country. This is the first of many programs we look to obtaining federal credentials for, stated Alonzo Coby, Chairman of the Fort Hall Business Council. It furthers the Tribal goal of self-governance, and provides the respect deserved of our staff. The Tribes have always been careful stewards of the land and worked to control pollutants that could contaminate the reservation said LeeJuan Tyler, member of the Business Council. By providing the Tribal staff that is scientifically qualified to obtain federal inspector credentials, it opens the doors for a better working relationship with EPA and provides for added environmental protection of our invaluable resources here on the Fort Hall Reservation commented Blaine Edmo, member of the BusinessCouncil.