1988-08-31 Char-Koosta News

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A news publication of the Salis h and %ootenai Triées
of the 'Tíathead Indian Reservation
Chief Charlo oí the Salish VOLUME 17, NUMBER 15
MONTH OF THE HUCKLEBERRIES
Chief Koostatah of the Kootenai AUGUST 31,1988
Two Reservation towns are on Montana's bad air quality list
HELENA—Eight Montana communities are in violation of the new state and federal air quality standards for particulates.
According to the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, the communities are Ronan, Poison, Libby, Columbia Falls, Kalis-pell, Missoula, Butte and Lame Deer. Although Columbia Falls was not origi-
nally on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list, it is now considered to be in violation of the standards based on recent air monitoring data.
The new federal particulate standards are based on inhalable particulate (particles in the air with a diameter less than 10 micrometers - "PM-10") instead of the old total particulate standard. The PM-10 standards became effective on July 31, 1987, and established a maximum 24-hour concentration of 150
micrograms per cubic meter (not to be exceeded more than once per year) and a maximum annual average of 50 micrograms per cubic meter.
In establishing the new PM-10 standards, EPA reviewed extensive scientific research comparing atmospheric particulate concentrations with human health effects. The result was a standard based on particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers (approxi-(Concludes on page two)
New training program for GA clients
The Employment Assistance Readiness Network (EARN), a program designed to provide General Assistance recipients with on-the-job training and classroom training, has 50 openings for this fall, beginning Sept. 1 (tomorrow).
SKC's Adult Basic Education (ABE) office is administering the demonstration program funded by the BIA, says ABE director Bob Van Gunten.
Participants in EARN will receive their GA, plus a $215 incentive payment, and work 16 hours per week. They will also be eligible foraPell grant. 'The incentive and Pell won't affect their GA status," said Van Gunten. However, it could affect low-income housing and will affect food stamp allowances.
"EARN provides an opportunity to (Concludes on page two)
Melcher to visit Ronan
According to local reports, Senator John Melcher will be on the Reservation Aug. 31 to tour the irrigation project, and host a public meeting at the Ronan community center from 3 to 4 p.m.