This agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the big pine paiute tribe of the owens valley for the expansion and enhancement of their air monitoring activities

Specifically, the recipient will manage and collect opportunistic air pollution data; collect ground-level ozone data using a personal ozone monitor (POM) to evaluate current ozone levels and inform health risk factors; and comply with EPA clean air act (CAA)/inflation reduction act (IRA) grant requirements. This agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $65,000. Preaward costs are approved back to 10/01/2024. Refer to terms and conditions. Activities:the activities include using an aqlite instrument to collect ozone, carbon and PM10 and PM2.5 data for informational purposes during wildfire smoke events; checking air pollutant data from the aqlite daily to supplement the teledyne T640 daily data collection; managing and archiving all data according to the air program qapp; performing regular quality assurance; performing annual and semi-annual (completed in-house) audits of the aqlite according to qapp; submitting collected PM data to AQS; community outreach events and collaborating with the radio operator to assist with outreach; using the POM to collect ozone data monthly for informational purposes to further assess air quality conditions and trends; evaluating tribal ozone data from other regional monitoring programs and identify possible causes or changing conditions; include relevant information on affected reservation areas and regional sources; assessing local factors that are contributing to air pollution (PM, carbon and ozone) and communicate to residents; following the tribal health advisory system protocols for targeted populations on the reservation during appropriate events (messaging may consist of texting, social media, radio announcements, etc.); having the air program coordinator (APC) prepare semi-annual reports which environmental director (ED) reviews that the APC submits; having the ED and APC review fiscal information monthly and address discrepancies, working with EPA project officer on budget changes if needed; and having ED and APC schedule, coordinate, and review progress, and make recommendations regarding program development. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include 2 new equipment deployed at existing air monitoring sites; 1 existing air monitoring sites and equipment supported and upgraded; development of quality assurance/quality control documentation; and completion of air monitoring related performance testing and/or audits the expected outcomes include increased disadvantaged communities monitored for air quality; problem identification; increased public awareness of ambient air quality; increased access to information and tools that increase understanding and reduction of environmental and human health risks; increased sustainability of ambient air monitoring networks; identification of new ambient air sampling and analysis methods; and benefits for disadvantaged communities. The intended beneficiaries include big big pine paiute tribe of the owens valley residents.