[미국] EPA, 텍사스 학교에 안전한 식수 제공위해 촉토족과 협업

미국 환경보호국(EPA), 촉토족(Choctaw Nation), 인디언 사무국(BIA)은 학교에서 수질문제를 성공적으로 해결하고 학생들에게 보다 안전한 식수를 제공하려는 존스 아카데미를 인정했다. 지난 11월 30일, 그룹은 오클라호마주 하트숀(Hartshorne, Okla) 근처에 위치한 학교에서 개선을 강조했다. 이 프로젝트는 환경정의 목표를 달성하기 위한 5개년 계획인 EPA의 EJ 2020 활동 계획을 지지한다.

2014년 5월 28일, EPA는 소독 부산물 위반을 수정하기 위해 BIA를 통해 존스 아카데미에 행정 명령을 발표했다. BIA는 미국 원주민 청소년의 건강과 복지를 보호하기 위해 학교와 협력했다.

“EPA와 BIA, 촉토족(Choctaw Nation)의 파트너십은 존스 아카데미에서 아이들을 위한 안전한 식수를 확보하는 일이기에 중요했다”고 게리 배튼(Gary Batton) 사장은 말했다. 이어 그는 “계획 단계부터 물 시스템이 완성될 때까지 그 시스템을 향상시키기 것에 헌신한 모든 사람들에게 감사하다”고 밝혔다.

파트너십은 연방정부, 부족, 지역 단체가 지역 청소년에게 안전하고 건강한 환경을 제공한다는 공통의 목표를 성공적으로 달성했음을 보여준다.

EJ 2020은 소수 민족, 저소득층, 원주민이 직면한 환경 및 공중보건 문제와 과제에 중점을 둔다.

[원문보기]

EPA, CHOCTAW NATION COLLABORATE TO PROVIDE SAFE DRINKING WATER TO TEXAS SCHOOL

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Choctaw Nation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) recognized Jones Academy for successfully addressing water quality challenges at the school and providing safer drinking water for their students. Earlier today, the group highlighted the improvements at the school, located near Hartshorne, Okla. The project supported EPA's EJ 2020 action plan, which is the five-year plan for achieving environmental justice goals.

"At EPA, it's our job to help every community have equal access to clean air, water and land," said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "This example shows how tribes, local leaders and EPA develop solutions to make communities great places to live, play and work."

On May 28, 2014, EPA issued an Administrative Order to Jones Academy through BIA to correct disinfection by-products violations. BIA worked with the school to protect the health and well-being of Native American youth.

"The partnership between EPA, the BIA and Choctaw Nation was significant in ensuring safe drinking water for the kids at Jones Academy," said Chief Gary Batton. "I want to thank everyone who was dedicated to improving the water system, from the planning stages until it was complete."

BIA formed a multi-disciplinary team comprised of representatives from EPA, Jones Academy, Choctaw Nation, Eastern Oklahoma tribal schools, and local stakeholders to develop a plan to modify the existing water treatment system. Within a year's time span, the engineering plans were developed, finalized and construction began to improve the system. The aggressive approach allowed system modifications, completion and ultimately federal compliance.

The partnership exemplified federal, tribal and local entities success towards the common goal of providing a safe and healthy environment for local youth.

The EJ 2020 Action Agenda, or EJ 2020, focuses attention on environmental and public health issues and challenges facing the nation's minority, low-income, tribal and indigenous populations. EJ 2020 summarizes EPA's priority areas and significant national environmental justice challenges, objectives, and measures for success. Under EJ 2020, EPA will advance environmental justice to a new level and make a more visible difference in the environmental and public health outcomes for all people in the nation. Strengthening our collaborations with the communities we serve, our governmental partners and interested stakeholders will be key to achieving this vision.

Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income in the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

[출처 = Water World / 2016년 11월 30일]