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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Health & Food Recalls

  • House Passes Oil & Gas Safety Bill

    House Passes Oil & Gas Safety Bill

    Rep. Joe Salazar’s bill to make the protection of public health, safety and welfare the primary consideration in decisions relating to oil and gas development passed the House.

    The game-changing HB18-1071 follows up on Colorado Court of Appeals’ 2017 ruling in Martinez v. Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which found that public health, safety and welfare must come first when the COGCC makes decisions on drilling permits. The bill also follows passage of Question 301, a 2017 Broomfield ballot initiative prioritizing public health and safety in oil and gas siting decisions.

    Public health and safety is the only reasonable standard for drilling for drilling permits. It’s time to reinforce this principle in law and break the stranglehold that the oil and gas industry has on Colorado. —  Rep. Salazar, D-Thornton

    The House’s 34-30 vote sends HB18-1071 to the Senate.

      

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  • Bill Bringing Rural Colorado Psychology Services Over-the-phone — Passes First Committee

    Bill Bringing Rural Colorado Psychology Services Over-the-phone — Passes First Committee

    The 50-Minute Hour, Via Skype

    Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill to allow interstate delivery of mental health counseling and make psychological services far more available to rural Coloradans sailed through the House Health, Insurance & Environment Committee.  

    HB18-1017, sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would bring Colorado into an interstate compact called PSYPACT. The compact would:

    ·        Make continuity of care easier when a patient relocates or travels
    ·        Provide a mechanism for psychologists to practice electronically across state lines
    ·        Certify that psychologists meet acceptable standards of practice, including knowledge of best practices for electronic delivery of care
    ·        Promote cooperation and communication between compact states in areas of licensure and consumer complaints while also offering protection to consumers

    PSYPACT is another important step in advancing the practice of telehealth and expanding access to care for Coloradans, especially rural Coloradans. — Rep. Michaelson Jenet

    The Health, Insurance & Environment Committee voted 11-1 to advance HB18-1017 to the Finance Committee.

     

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  • Families of Colorado’s Fallen Officers get Senate consideration for extension of health benefits

    Families of Colorado’s Fallen Officers get Senate consideration for extension of health benefits

    Senate Bill-148 Gets Unanimous Committee Nod Following Bipartisan Press Conference

    DENVER – In a 5-0 vote, SB-148 has passed through the Health and Human Services Committee. The bill, sponsored by Senator Beth Martinez Humenik (R-Thornton), provides the families of our fallen officers and other state employees with health benefits for up to 12 months as they rebuild their lives and plot a path forward.

    Currently, health benefits for the family expire on the last day of the month the employee passes away.

    Prior to the committee meeting, Senator Martinez Humenik held a press conference in the Capitol, speaking to the importance of this legislation.

    When somebody is going through grief, the last thing they’re thinking about is ‘Oh, I got a letter, I’m going to have to deal with insurance. They’re trying to get through the emotional situation they’ve unfortunately been placed in. They are trying to figure out how to keep things going for their family…This is a very important bill and it will really help those who are struggling. — said Senator Martinez Humenik during the press conference

    Joining Senator Martinez Humenik as sponsors of SB-148 were Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Adams County) and Representative Polly Lawrence (R-Roxborough Park). Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Michael Lewis and Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard also spoke in favor of the bill. Both the Department of Transportation and State Patrol are two of the largest state departments, employing thousands across Colorado.

    The State really needs to back our employees up. As a leader in law enforcement and a leader for the Colorado State Patrol, I want to do more for our employees. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do enough – I know I’ll never be able to do enough – to support them in times like this, but this legislation is a big step. — Chief Packard

    Another special guest that spoke in favor of SB-148 was Velma Donahue, the widow of State Trooper Cody Donahue, who lost his life on November 25, 2016 after he was hit by a tractor-trailer while responding to a crash. Unfortunately, the Donahue family lost their health coverage just five days later.

    Six days after he was killed, before we had his funeral, my daughter got sick and I took her to the doctor, to be told that after 11 years, we had no health insurance. —  Donahue

    The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

     

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  • Denver Metro Action Day for Visibility

    Denver Metro Action Day for Visibility

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect

    This is the Denver Metro Air Pollution Forecast effective 4 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2018:

    An Action Day for Visibility is now in effect for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area . Indoor Burning Restrictions and requests to limit driving are now in effect until at least 4 PM Friday, February 2, 2018. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Friday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect.

    Limited atmospheric mixing on Friday will result in Poor visibility, mainly during the morning hours.

    For statewide conditions, forecasts and advisories, visit:
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx  

    A poorly maintained vehicle pollutes more than a well maintained one. If you must drive, properly maintain your vehicle. We’ll all breathe easier!

    At 2 PM (MST), Thursday, 2/1/2018 the highest AQI value was 36 for Nitrogen Dioxide which indicates Good air quality.

    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST:
    Thursday, February 1, 2018, 2:15 PM MST

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Thursday and Friday.

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Thursday and the Good to Moderate range on Friday. Moderate concentrations of fine particulate matter will be most likely along the Front Range Urban Corridor from Denver northward into central and southern parts of Weld County, including Greeley. In these areas, unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion on Friday.

    Carbon Monoxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Thursday and Friday.

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Thursday and the Good to Moderate range on Friday. Moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide will mainly be confined to locations within the Denver metro area, primarily near busy roadways. Please refer to Fine Particulate matter above for health recommendations.

    Visibility on Friday is expected to be Poor during the morning, then improve to Good to Moderate during the afternoon.

  • Consumer alert – Public Utilities Commission Provides Tips to Avoid Accidents

    Consumer alert – Public Utilities Commission Provides Tips to Avoid Accidents

    Consumer alert – PUC encourages utility customers to keep natural gas meters free from snow and ice

    DENVER — The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), a division of the Department of Regulatory Agencies, is encouraging natural gas customers, especially those in mountain communities with heavy snowfalls, to keep their gas meters clear of snow and ice to prevent accidents.

    The accumulation of snow and ice on natural gas meters is a safety hazard. Snow can block the vents on meters causing a potentially explosive build-up of natural gas that can leak back into the building. — said Joe Molloy, chief of the PUC’s Gas Pipeline Safety Unit

    Damage to natural gas facilities may also result from the impact of snow or ice falling from roofs, ice forming in or on regulators preventing their proper operation, or shoveling snow from roofs to protect dwellings from abnormal snow accumulations.

    The problem of melting snow and ice falling on exposed meters will continue through the spring as daytime temperatures rise and then fall below freezing overnight. Customers who notice ice on their meters or are concerned that meter vents may be blocked should contact their local gas utility.

    Customers should leave their residences immediately if they detect a gas or propane odor and report the odor to their local gas utility, propane operator or designated emergency response officials.

     

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  • Public Health and Safety Advisory: Ethanol found in Marijuana

    Public Health and Safety Advisory: Ethanol found in Marijuana

    January 24, 2018 — Bronnor Corp, in coordination with The Colorado Department of Revenue (“DOR”)

    and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (“CDPHE”), in the interest of public health and public safety, are issuing a health and safety advisory due to the preliminary indication of potentially unsafe levels of residual Ethanol on retail marijuana. Bronnor Corp has informed DOR’s Marijuana Enforcement Division that affected product sold was limited to marijuana contained in vaporizer pens. Further, Bronnor Corp will conduct subsequent tests in an effort to verify acceptable levels of Ethanol in the marijuana remaining in the licensee’s possession.

    Consumers who have these affected products in their possession should return them to the retail store from which they were purchased for proper disposal. All affected marijuana has a label affixed to the container that at a minimum indicates the license number of the retail marijuana business that manufactured the retail marijuana, as well as the production batch number assigned to the marijuana.

    Retail Marijuana Products Manufacturing Facility License 404R-00198

    Production Batch #’s:

    19946

    19942

    20088

    19948

    Mandatory residual solvent testing for the presence of Ethanol begins February 1, 2018. Therefore, screening for Ethanol by licensees is not currently required and was conducted voluntarily by Bronnor Corp. Upon notification of the detection of Ethanol exceeding acceptable limits, Bronnor Corp notified the DOR and communicated the licensee’s intention to conduct additional testing.

  • RECALL: Arthri-D dietary supplement

    RECALL: Arthri-D dietary supplement

    Arthri-D dietary supplement recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination

    Company name: Arthri-D, LLC

    Product: Arthri-D, 120 count, lot 1701-092, manufacturing date March 2017, 225 cc, white plastic HDPE bottles

    Reason for recall: Possible Salmonella contamination

     

    Distribution: Nationwide via mail order

    Usage: Arthri–D is a joint relief supplement formulated with glucosamine. The form of glucosamine used in this product is more efficient than those found in other supplements. It helps with the repair of damaged joints and protects them against further deterioration.

     

     

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  • — Charging Colorado’s Electric Vehicle is Full Steam Ahead —

    — Charging Colorado’s Electric Vehicle is Full Steam Ahead —

    Gov. Hickenlooper announces details of the Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan

    January 24, 2018

    DENVER —  Gov. John Hickenlooper, along with leaders from several state agencies, announced details of the Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan. The plan’s goal is to electrify Colorado’s transportation corridors and support economic development and tourism across the state while reducing harmful air pollution, delivering on a directive set forth in the July 2017 Executive Order, “Supporting Colorado’s Clean Energy Transition.”

    “The Colorado EV Plan serves as a roadmap to build out a fast-charging network, giving Coloradans the ability to travel anywhere in the state in an EV,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “The plan includes a set of goals and strategies that ensure Colorado continues leading in adoption of EVs and leverages the economic development and tourism benefits.”

    The plan was developed in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The agencies and council undertook an extensive stakeholder engagement process with utilities, government entities, non-governmental organizations, and industry representatives.

    The plan details a series of actions supporting EV infrastructure along Colorado’s corridors. It also lays out goals to accelerate adoption of EVs and ensure Colorado remains a leader in the EV market.

    Colorado EV Plan Five Key Action Areas:

    1. Create strategies and partnerships to build out EV fast-charging corridors.

    2. Coordinate with Regional Electric Vehicle West memorandum of understanding states on Intermountain electric corridor.

    3. Develop strategic partnerships with utilities, local governments, and other stakeholders.

    4. Update signage and wayfinding requirements to include EV fast-charging.

    5. Ensure economic and tourism benefits and increase access for all Coloradans.

    In October 2017, the governors of eight Western states signed the Regional Electric Vehicle West memorandum of understanding (REV West MOU). The REV West MOU created a framework for collaboration in developing an Intermountain West Electric Corridor. Interstates 70, 76 and 25 are included under Colorado’s commitment to the REV West Plan.

    The Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan will be updated on an annual basis to ensure Colorado remains responsive to a rapidly-changing market.

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  • RECALL: Zero for Him dietary supplement

    RECALL: Zero for Him dietary supplement

     The dietary supplement — Zero for Him — recalled due to possible Salmonella

    Company name: Break Ventures/California Basics

    Product: Zero for Him, 150 count, lot 1710-638, expiration date November 2020, light amber PETE bottle.

    Reason for recall: Possible Salmonella contamination

    Zero For Him product image

    Distribution: Nationwide via Amazon

    Product Usage: Blend of all-natural psyllium husk, flax seeds, and chia seeds are formulated specifically to help men keep their bowel movements regular and clear for clean, stain-free, sleep.

     

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  • EPA sets Gold King Mine spill of Bonita Peak Mining District of Colorado — Priority CleanUp

    EPA sets Gold King Mine spill of Bonita Peak Mining District of Colorado — Priority CleanUp

    Gardner Applauds EPA Decision to Elevate Bonita Peak Mining District as a Priority Superfund Site

    Designation Includes Gold King Mine Area

    Washington, D.C. – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement applauding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to list the Bonita Peak mining district as a top priority superfund cleanup site.

    Secretary Pruitt assured me when I met with him before his confirmation and when we visited the site in August that the EPA would make the right decision for the people of Southwest Colorado, and I appreciate his agency following through on their promise. The Gold King mine spill has had a significant impact on our state and there will continue to be a lot of work done by our elected officials and community. This latest commitment to the Bonita Peak Mining District along with continued attention to Pueblo cleanup actions are important steps in the progress that needs to be made by the EPA at both locations. — Gardner said

    Gardner, along with his colleagues in the Colorado Congressional delegation, has been working since the Gold King Mine spill occurred in 2015 to make sure Southwest Colorado has the necessary resources to clean up abandoned mines and prevent a similar catastrophe from happening in the future. Before voting to confirm Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator, Gardner secured a commitment from Pruitt to work together to address the continued fallout from the Gold King Mine spill. In March, Gardner invited EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to visit Southwest Colorado to hear from Coloradans regarding the Gold King Mine spill.

    According to the EPA, the Bonita Peak Mining District (BPMD) became a Superfund site on Sept. 9, 2016, when it was added to the National Priorities List. The site consists of historic and ongoing releases from mining operations in three drainages:  Mineral Creek, Cement Creek and Upper Animas, which converge into the Animas River near Silverton, Colorado. The site includes 35 mines, seven tunnels, four tailings impoundments and two study areas where additional information is needed to evaluate environmental concerns.

    On Aug. 4, 2017, EPA chief Scott Pruitt, U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper toured the Gold King Mine near Silverton  – Check out footage from the tour now, courtesy of The Denver Post.

    Video credit: The Denver Post August 4, 2017

    What happened exactly?

    The 2015 Gold King Mine waste water spill was an environmental disaster that began at the Gold King Mine near Silverton, Colorado, when EPA personnel, along with workers for Environmental Restoration LLC (a Missouri company under EPA contract to mitigate pollutants from the closed mine), caused the release of toxic waste water into the Animas River watershed. They caused the accident while attempting to drain ponded water near the entrance of the mine on August 5. After the spill, the Silverton Board of Trustees and the San Juan County Commission approved a joint resolution seeking Superfund money.

    Contractors accidentally destroyed the plug holding water trapped inside the mine, which caused an overflow of the pond, spilling three million US gallons (11 ML) of mine waste water and tailings, including heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, and other toxic elements, such as arsenic, beryllium, zinc, iron and copper into Cement Creek, a tributary of the Animas River in Colorado. The EPA was criticized for not warning Colorado and New Mexico about the operation until the day after the waste water spilled, despite the fact the EPA employee “in charge of Gold King Mine knew of blowout risk.”

    The EPA has taken responsibility for the incident, but originally refused to pay for any damages claims filed after the accident on grounds of sovereign immunity, pending special authorization from Congress or re-filing of lawsuits in federal court. Governor of Colorado John Hickenlooper declared the affected area a disaster zone. The spill affects waterways of municipalities in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, as well as the Navajo Nation. As of August 11, 2015, acidic water continued to spill at a rate of 500–700 US gal/min (1.9–2.6 m3/min) while remediation efforts were underway. — Wikipedia

     

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