Business Details
19 Years
experience
Environmental Health Solutions for Remote Communities
Founded in 2007, our organization specializes in addressing environmental health challenges faced by remote small communities and tribes. We prioritize community-driven solutions through technical expertise, collaborative research, and capacity-building programs. Our team of Alaska-based scientists and experts works directly with local stakeholders to develop sustainable waste management systems, water quality initiatives, and environmental training programs. We partner with tribal consortia, academic institutions, and government agencies to tackle complex issues like hazardous waste backhaul, plastic pollution, and toxic exposure risks. Our Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training (RACEJT) program provides free technical education and certifications to local residents, achieving over 92% job placement in environmental roles.We advocate for tribal inclusion in federal chemical safety assessments and conduct research that directly informs policy changes. Our approach combines decades of field experience with adaptive methodologies tailored to Alaska's unique logistical and ecological conditions. We maintain transparency through publicly available reports and community-led decision-making processes. Our work has established trusted partnerships across 130+ rural Alaskan communities while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. We measure success through measurable improvements in local environmental health outcomes and community program independence.
Services
Community Assistance
Environmental Training
Backhaul Program
Research Services
Tribal Toxics Work
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We employ Alaska-based scientists with 25+ years of combined experience in rural environmental health
- Our RACEJT program provides free job training with 92% placement in environmental careers
- We partner with University of Alaska and federal agencies for research validation
- We develop solutions specifically designed for Alaska's extreme logistical challenges
- We maintain 100% transparency through publicly accessible technical reports
Services
Community Assistance
We provide free environmental program development for remote communities. Our experts collaborate with local leaders to create customized waste management systems and water quality programs. Services include infrastructure assessment, staff training, and regulatory compliance guidance tailored to Alaska's unique challenges.
Environmental Training
Our RACEJT program offers 260-hour environmental technician training with college credits. Participants gain certifications in hazardous material handling, landfill operations, and emergency response. Graduates receive job placement assistance in roles like water quality sampling and environmental coordination within their home communities.
Backhaul Program
We coordinate removal of hazardous waste and recyclables from remote areas through Backhaul Alaska. This initiative partners with transport providers and tribal organizations to establish sustainable waste removal systems. Services include logistics planning, funding acquisition, and community education about proper waste handling.
Research Services
We conduct applied research addressing rural environmental health challenges. Current projects focus on climate change impacts on waste infrastructure and toxic chemical exposure pathways. Our research incorporates traditional ecological knowledge and informs federal policy through partnerships with tribal councils and academic institutions.
Tribal Toxics Work
We advocate for tribal inclusion in federal chemical risk assessments. Our work with the National Tribal Toxics Council ensures traditional subsistence practices are considered in Toxics Substances Control Act regulations. We provide technical support for tribal participation in EPA chemical safety evaluations and policy development.
People
Dr. Lynn Zender
Executive Director
Civil engineer with 25+ years of experience in rural environmental health. Founded Zender in 2007 after conducting the first statewide waste assessment for Alaska Native villages. Leads technical teams in developing sustainable waste management solutions.
Simone Sebalo
Deputy Director
Co-founder with extensive experience in tribal environmental policy. Manages community partnerships and research initiatives. Specializes in integrating traditional knowledge with modern environmental engineering practices for remote communities.
Questions
What communities do you serve?
We work with remote small communities and tribes across Alaska, focusing on areas with unique environmental challenges.
Are your services free?
Yes, all our technical assistance and training programs are provided at no cost to communities.
How can I get help for my community?
Contact us via phone or email to schedule a consultation with our Alaska-based staff.
Do you offer job training?
Our RACEJT program provides free environmental technician training with college credits and certifications.
How are you funded?
We receive grants from federal agencies including EPA, PHMSA, and BIA for specific programs.
Can you help with waste disposal issues?
We develop customized waste management solutions and coordinate hazardous waste removal through Backhaul Alaska.
