Environmental Air Program
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.
Volkswagen Emissions Settlement: Volkswagen Diesel Emission Environmental Mitigation Trust for Tribes - April 2019 - December 2022
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 three outdoor monitors that measure ambient air concentrations of air pollutants on the Reservation.
- Ozone monitoring (April through September)
- Fine Particulate Monitoring (PM 2.5, detrimental effects on health and visibility)
- Wet Mercury Deposition (precipitation)
- Dry Mercury Deposition (leaf litter)
Additional Resources:
Interpreting Air Quality Messages on Big Lake Road Digital Sign
January 2023 Air Quality Alert Minnesota Stagnation Event
Indoor Air Quality FDL Brochure
Reducing our Air Pollution - EPA
---Life and Breath 2022 Greater MN Cities Brief
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!
Contact Information:
Paige Huhta
Air Program Coordinator
218/878-7108
Email Link
Anthony Mazzini
Air Program Technician, Environmental Outreach Coordinator
218/878-7112
Email Link