The month of November is American Indian Heritage Month and here at UST Training, I want to offer special recognition to the American Indian tribes that I’ve had a good fortune to work with over the years. Looking back, I’ve provided UST training and consulting to many many tribes, including (but hardly limited to):
- Seneca Nation of Indians, NY
- Oglala Sioux Tribe, SD
- Rosebud Sioux Tribe, SD
- San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, CA
- Pechanga Band of Indians, CA
- Navajo Nation, AZ, UT, NM
- Cherokee Nation, OK
- Eight Northern Pueblos, NM
- Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa, ND
- Oneida Nation, WI
- Ho-Chunk Nation, WI
- Shoshone Bannock Tribe, ID
- Fort Belknap Indian Community, MT
- Colville Confederated Tribes, WA
- Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis, WA
- Samish Tribe, WA
- Quinault Tribe, WA
- Spokane Tribe, WA
- Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, WA
- Swinomish Tribe, WA
- Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, WA
- Umatilla Tribe, OR
- And many more (sorry if I missed you!)
Since the mid-2000’s, I’ve also provided training to multiple tribes in classes and webinars through the Intertribal Council of Arizona (ITCA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Tribal Lands & Environmental Forum (TLEF), and the Tribal Convenience Store Association (TCSA). Also included are the many indigenous people I’ve trained over the years from Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Alaska, and Hawaii.
There are about 900 Federally regulated UST systems in Indian Country and operators of those sites must comply with US EPA regulations, including UST operator training. We are proud to have been the first non-government company in the country to offer Indian Country Class A/B and C UST operator training.
Tribes face particular challenges in the management of UST systems: large if not vast geographic areas, rural and remote locations, limited access to professional and technical services, and having to manage an array of environmental programs alongside USTs – all make it difficult to maintain a handle on UST compliance. Fortunately, the US EPA has an extensive list of resources online to help Indian Country operators and inspectors. Learn more
On a personal note, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the many folks who have welcomed me into their communities, and sometimes their homes, and shown me a level of appreciation, gratitude, and friendship that I’ve rarely experienced in my many years in the UST industry. Please help me celebrate American Indian Heritage month by taking some time to learn about the rich traditions and diverse cultures that make up Native America.
— Ben Thomas, UST Training
