The Earth,
Our People,
Our Work
Environmental Restoration
& Waste Management
Environmental Restoration and Waste Management is a division within the Nez Perce Tribe's Natural Resource Program that is involved in the clean-up efforts of the Hanford Nuclear Site, which contaminated many natural resources. The Hanford Site is located within the Tribe's Usual and Accustomed Areas in the mid-Columbia River region of Washington state. ERWM works to protect and restore Nez Perce cultural and natural resources in this area according to the provisions of the 1855 Treaty.
Hanford Nuclear Site
The Hanford Nuclear Site is a 586-mile facility located in Southeastern Washington state along the Columbia River. From 1943 to 1990, the primary mission of the Hanford Site was the production of nuclear materials (plutonium) for national defense. In July 1989, the Hanford Site was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. i.e Superfund. The Hanford Site currently includes three NPL sites consisting of the 100, 200, and 300 Areas.
Basis For Nez Perce Involvement
The Nez Perce Tribe recognized in the Treaty of 1855 with the United States retains its right to take fish and hunt at “usual and accustomed” places in areas ceded to the U.S. government. The treaty encompasses areas of land and water in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, including the Columbia, Snake, and Salmon River regions. All these regions are impacted by DOE activities. This solemn exchange of lands for promises is the impetus for the Nez Perce involvement at Hanford.
ERWM Projects
The Nez Perce Tribe’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through two of its divisions, the Environmental Restoration and Waste Management Program (ERWM) and the Cultural Resources-Hanford Cultural Resources (HCR), work in coordination with other tribal programs to preserve Nez Perce culture and treaty rights by protecting and enhancing our environment and human health. The ERWM and HCR Staff have divided the work scope to achieve our participation in the remediation of the Hanford Site into seven project areas: Administration, Cultural Resources, Groundwater Protection, Columbia River Corridor, Central Plateau, Health Effects/Risk Assessment, and Long Term Stewardship.
“The earth is part of my body;
I belong to the land out of which I came. The earth is my mother.”
— Tuxulxulc’uut
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
antonios@nezperce.org
Phone
(208) 843-7375
