SRMT Prevention & Outreach Case Study

1. SRMT Prevention & Outreach Case Study Laura J. Weber Solid Waste Project Manager St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

2. Presentation Summary • SRMT History • Moving from Yesterday to Today • Education • Keys for Developing Prevention & Outreach Strategies Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

3. SRMT History of Community Disposal Practices • No solid waste program in place prior to 1995 • 1995 solid waste feasibility study established that: • 60% of residents & 37 % of businesses used either open dumping or burning • SRMT begins executing their solid waste management program in 1998 • 2009 survey showed that: • 19.8% of residents & 12% of businesses used either open dumping or burning Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

4. Moving From Yesterday to Today Infrastructure & Polices Current Program Defined by Goals 1995 Objectives Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

5. Moving from Yesterday to Today • Goals – vision for where you want to go • i.e. from open dumping to using a transfer station • Objectives – provide a roadmap to achieve your vision (how are you going to get there?) • SMART Principle: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timeline • Monitor to gain measurable results • Infrastructure & Policies – nuts and bolts that allow you to achieve your objectives • Infrastructure – buildings & equipment • Policies – SW management plans, regulations, business plans, personal policies, etc • Other important considerations: financial health, community education, staff Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

6. Moving from Yesterday to Today Mission: To promote environmental protection through the use of sound solid waste management practices while contributing to the economic and social progress of the community. Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

7. 4R’s Cultural Educational Component St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Cartoon Characters – Kwis & Diio Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

8. 4 R’s Cultural Education 4 R’s Answer: Respect, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Purpose: Motivate people to respect themselves, the community, & environment. Idea: Respect leads people to take ownership for the overall well-being of their community creating changes in behaviors. Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

9. Make Sure You’re Communicating Your Message Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

10. Keys for Developing a Tribal Prevention Program • Know your community and view them as partners in making a difference • Understand your current situation and how you got there • Set your vision for the future and use the SMART principle to develop your objectives to get you there • Remember your image – just because you work in garbage doesn’t mean you have to look, act, or talk like you do • Educate, Educate, Educate • Don’t give up, enjoy the ride, and have fun Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

11. Laura J. Weber Solid Waste Project Manager St. Regis Mohawk Tribe M-F, 6:30 AM -2:30 PM EST 518-651-9926 Laura.weber@srmt-nsn.gov www.srmtenv.org Questions? Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country