The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa was the first Tribe in US EPA Region V to be granted tribal authority to administer parts of the Clean Air Act. Administrator Thomas V. Skinner signed the decision document and presented a certificate of recognition to Fond du Lac Band leaders on January 7, 2004.

This designation allows the Band to protect air quality on the Reservation by monitoring the air, reviewing air permits for new and existing facilities, and to develop a program that gives in-house expertise on environmental issues related to air quality and climate change.

Minnesota Public Radio Report on Fond du Lac’s Treatment as a State status

History: The 1970 Clean Air Act (CAA) set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
EPA Criteria Pollution Standards

Primary standards are designed to protect human health, including "sensitive" populations, such as people with asthma and emphysema, children, and senior citizens. Primary standards were designed for the immediate protection of public health, with an adequate margin of safety, regardless of cost.

Secondary standards are designed to protect public welfare, including soils, water, crops, vegetation, buildings, property, animals, wildlife, weather, visibility, and other economic, aesthetic, and ecological values, as well as personal comfort and well-being. Secondary standards were established to protect the public from known or anticipated effects of air pollution.

Ambient Air Monitoring

The Band operates four outdoor monitors that measure ambient air concentrations of air pollutants on the Reservation.

• Ozone monitoring (April through September)
• Nitrogen Oxides (can contribute to acid rain and a precursor to ozone)
• Fine Particulate Monitoring (PM 2.5, detrimental effects on health and visibility)
• Mercury Deposition (precipitation)

Note: Many links can be found on these pages with the intent to educate. Please bear in mind every page has its own perspective and objectives. Keep this in mind when considering the information you gather.

Miigwech!