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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Weather & Traffic

  • 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 4PM on Thursday, December 21, 2017:

    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, December 22, 2017. 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.

    Cold and stagnant conditions will lead to Poor visibility on Friday.

    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 2PM (MST), Thursday, 12/21/2017 the highest AQI value was 50 for Particulate less than 2.5 micrometers which indicates Good air quality.


    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST:
    Thursday, December 21, 2017, 2:20 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 to Moderate range on Thursday and Friday. Moderate concentrations of fine particulates are most likely in the Denver Metro Area and northward along the Front Range urban corridor into southern Weld County including Greeley. In these areas unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion on Thursday and 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 to Moderate range on Thursday and Friday. Moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are most likely in the Denver Metro Area near busy roadways, particularly between the hours of 5-9 PM on Thursday evening and again between 6-10 AM on Friday morning. In these areas unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion on Thursday and Friday.

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor on Friday.

    COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK:
    Thursday, December 21, 2017, 2:20 PM MST

    Light to moderate smoke is possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires around the state.

    What if there is a wildfire or smoke in your area?

    The focus of the Colorado Smoke Outlook is on large fires (e.g., greater than 100 acres in size). Nevertheless, smoke from smaller fires, prescribed fires, and/or smoke from new fires not yet known to CDPHE air quality meteorologists may cause locally heavy smoke. If there is smoke in your neighborhood, see the public health recommendations below.

    Public health recommendations for areas affected by smoke: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Fine particulates may reach the Unhealthy category where smoke is heavy. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY.

    Winter High Pollution Advisory Program

    The Winter High Pollution Advisory Program is coordinated by the Air Pollution Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

    Winter season air pollution forecasts are issued daily from October 31 through March 31 at 4 p.m. When conditions warrant, forecasts will include information about Action Days and subsequent indoor burning restrictions.

    An Action Day for fine particulates, carbon monoxide or ozone indicates that either current air quality is unhealthy or conditions are expected to worsen later in the day or on the next day. Action Days for air pollutants generally indicate that air quality will be in either the Unhealthy or Unhealthy-for-Sensitive-Groups categories according to the Air Quality Index. Action Days trigger mandatory restrictions that limit indoor burning to approved devices only (see indoor burning below), voluntary driving reductions, and public health recommendations.

    An Action Day for Visibility alone indicates that the Visibility Standard Index for visual air quality is expected to be poor on the current or following day. An Action Day for Visibility will trigger mandatory restrictions on indoor burning and voluntary driving reductions for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area only.

    When no advisories are issued, air quality is good or moderate and is expected to remain so during the effective period of the forecast. No restrictions are in place.

    Additional Information

    ACTION DAYS: An Action Day for fine particulate matter (particulates), carbon monoxide, ozone or other pollutants indicates that either current air quality is unhealthy or conditions are expected to worsen later in the day or on the next day. Action Days for air pollutants generally indicate that air quality will be in either the Unhealthy or Unhealthy-for-Sensitive-Groups categories according to the Air Quality Index. Action Days trigger voluntary pollution prevention measures, which may vary by season, and public health recommendations. In addition, during the winter ‘high pollution day’ season (October 31 to March 31), Action Days trigger mandatory restrictions that limit burning inside the home to approved devices only (see indoor burning below).

    Action Days for Visibility alone are issued during the winter ‘high pollution day’ season (October 31 to March 31), only. At the time they are issued (4 PM), action days for visibility indicate that the Visibility Standard Index for visual air quality is expected to be poor on the following day. Action Days for Visibility trigger mandatory restrictions that limit indoor burning to approved devices only and voluntary driving reductions for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area .

    The VISIBILITY STANDARD INDEX reports the air’s visual quality in the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area. The visibility standard is 0.076 per kilometer of atmospheric extinction, which means that 7.6 percent of the light in a kilometer of air is blocked. The level must exceed the standard based on a four-hour average for a violation to occur. On the Visibility Standard Index Scale, a value of 101 equates to the 0.076/km standard. Values between 0-50 are good, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 poor and 201-plus extremely poor.

    The AIR QUALITY INDEX reports the daily level of air pollution on an hourly basis. The index reports the highest level of either carbon monoxide, fine particulates or ozone depending on which pollutant has the greatest hourly concentration. Values greater than 100 for carbon monoxide, fine particulates and ozone indicate exceedances of the pollutant’s state and federal standards. Air Quality Index values between 0-50 are good, 51-100 moderate, 101-150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy, and over 300 hazardous.

    INDOOR BURNING: On Action Days issued during the winter ‘high pollution day’ season (October 31 through March 31), mandatory restrictions that limit indoor burning to approved devices only generally apply to everyone in the entire seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area below 7,000 feet . The restrictions will be enforced through local ordinances or a state regulation.

    The state regulation applies to any community in the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area that did not have its own mandatory indoor burning ordinance in effect on January 1, 1990. Under this regulation, the only exceptions to the burning restrictions are for residences above 7,000 feet in the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area ; and those who use Colorado Phase III (Phase II EPA) certified woodburning stoves, Colorado approved pellet stoves, approved masonry heaters or those whose stoves or fireplaces are their primary source of heat. For more information on indoor burning, call the Air Pollution Control Division at (303) 692-3100.
    For more, go to: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/woodhome.html

    COLORADO OPEN BURN FORECAST: For those with permits for Open Burning, that is burning of waste materials or vegetation outside, check the following webpage to find out if open burning is allowed today:
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/burn_forecast.aspx

    FOR CURRENT AIR QUALITY INFORMATION AND UPDATES:
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/advisory.aspx
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/air_quality.aspx

    ABOUT THE AIR QUALITY INDEX:
    http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_08-09.pdf

    SOCIAL MEDIA AND AIR QUALITY NOTIFICATIONS:
    http://www.facebook.com/cdphe.apcd
    http://twitter.com/#!/cdpheapcd
    http://www.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm

    Summer Ozone Program

    For an AQI value that considers all pollutants, please click here .

    Ground-level ozone is a summertime air pollution problem that is created when other pollutants from sources like vehicle exhaust, paints, degreasing agents and cleaning fluids react with sunlight. Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause acute respiratory problems, reduced lung capacity and inflammation of lung tissues and can trigger asthma attacks.

    Ground-level ozone should not be confused with the protective stratospheric ozone layer miles above the Earth’s surface. This naturally-occurring ozone layer protects the Earth’s surface from excessive ultra-violet radiation.

    Do your share and be a part of the solution to the Denver-metropolitan area’s summertime air pollution problems. These easy strategies will help reduce the harmful vapors that react in sunlight to create summertime air pollution:

    At Home:

    Tightly cap all solvents (paint thinners and strippers, degreasers, and some cleaning products). Solvents contain pollution-causing vapors. Postpone painting, stripping and refinishing projects to avoid the morning and mid-day summertime heat. Better yet, wait until the Fall or Spring. Use water-based products (paints, stains and sealants).

    In the Yard:

    Delay mowing your lawn to another day. Don’t mow, let it grow! Avoid using high-emitting, gasoline-powered yard equipment. Electric alternatives are an efficient, environmentally-friendly alternative. Use an electric starter or a “charcoal chimney” to start your barbeque grill. Lighter fluid contains a lot of harmful vapors that escape into our air and contribute to summertime air pollution.

    On the Go:

    Stop at the click when refueling your car. Overfilling your tank often results in fuel spills and always allows unnecessary pollution-causing vapors to escape into our air. Refuel in the evenings after dusk. By refueling after the sun goes down, fuel vapors do not have as much of a chance to “cook” in the mid-day sun and become harmful ground-level ozone. Maintain your vehicle. A poorly-maintained vehicle can pollute as much as 25 times more than a well-maintained one.

    To learn more about the summer ozone program, visit:
    http://www.SimpleStepsBetterAir.org

  • Action Day for Visibility

    Action Day for Visibility

    Denver Metro

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect

    This is the Denver Metro Air Pollution Forecast effective 4PM on Monday, December 18, 2017:

    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 Tuesday, December 19, 2017. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Tuesday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect.

    Light winds and stagnant overnight conditions will lead to Poor visibility on Tuesday.

    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 2PM (MST), Monday, 12/18/2017 the highest AQI value was 65 for Particulate less than 2.5 micrometers which indicates Moderate air quality. Respiratory symptoms possible in unusually sensitive individuals, possible aggravation of heart or lung disease in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST:
    Monday, December 18, 2017, 2:30 PM MST

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Monday and Tuesday.

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate category on Monday and Tuesday. Moderate concentrations of fine particulates are most likely in the Denver Metro Area and northward along the Front Range urban corridor, including Fort Collins and Greeley. In these areas unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion on Monday and Tuesday.

    Carbon Monoxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Monday and Tuesday.

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Monday and Tuesday. Moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are most likely for locations within the Denver Metro area near busy roadways, particularly between the hours of 5-9 PM on Monday evening, and again between the hours of 6-10 AM on Tuesday morning. In these areas unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion on Monday and Tuesday.

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor on Tuesday.

     

    COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK:
    Monday, December 18, 2017, 2:30 PM MST

    Light to moderate smoke is possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires around the state.

    What if there is a wildfire or smoke in your area?

    The focus of the Colorado Smoke Outlook is on large fires (e.g., greater than 100 acres in size). Nevertheless, smoke from smaller fires, prescribed fires, and/or smoke from new fires not yet known to CDPHE air quality meteorologists may cause locally heavy smoke. If there is smoke in your neighborhood, see the public health recommendations below.

    Public health recommendations for areas affected by smoke: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Fine particulates may reach the Unhealthy category where smoke is heavy. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY.
     

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  • Don’t miss the Geminid Meteor Shower tonight! — Dec 13

    Don’t miss the Geminid Meteor Shower tonight! — Dec 13

    It’s a good time to bundle up, go outside and let the universe blow your mind! 

    With August’s Perseids obscured by bright moonlight, the Geminids will be the best shower this year. The thin, waning crescent Moon won’t spoil the show. — Bill Cooke with NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office
     
    Not only is it the year’s most prolific, with up to 120 meteors per hour visible from rural skies, the moon is essentially out of the picture. — Sky and Telescope.

    WHEN

    The shower will peak overnight Dec. 13-14 with rates around one per minute under good conditions, according to Cooke. Geminids can be seen on nights before and after the Dec. 14 peak, although they will appear less frequently. Geminid activity is broad, good rates will be seen between 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 and dawn local time the morning of Dec. 14, with the most meteors visible from midnight to 4 a.m. on Dec. 14, when the radiant is highest in the sky.

    HOW

    The Geminids be seen with the naked eye under clear, dark skies over most of the world, though the best view is from the Northern Hemisphere. Observers will see fewer Geminids in the Southern Hemisphere, where the radiant doesn’t climb very high over the horizon.  Just get away from bright lights and look up in any direction! Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. Meteors appear all over the sky.

    “When you see a meteor, try to trace it backwards.. if you end up in the constellation Gemini there’s a good chance you’ve seen a Geminid.” —  Cooke

    If it’s cloudy where you are, NASA will broadcast the Geminid shower live via Ustream starting at sunset Dec. 13 from the Automated Lunar and Meteor Observatory at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. You can also see Geminid meteors on NASA’s All Sky Fireball network page.

    Send Your Pics to Us!

    ABOUT

    The Geminids are active every December, when Earth passes through a massive trail of dusty debris shed by a weird, rocky object named 3200 Phaethon. The dust and grit burn up when they run into Earth's atmosphere in a flurry of shooting stars. "Phaethon's nature is debated - It's either a near-Earth asteroid or an extinct comet, sometimes called a rock comet" — Cooke. Meteor showers are named after the location of the radiant, usually a star or constellation close to where they appear in the night sky. The Geminid radiant is in the constellation Gemini.

    Not all the meteors you might see belong to the Geminid shower, however. Some might be sporadic background meteors, and some might be from weaker, active showers like the Monocerotids, Sigma Hydrids and the Comae Berenicids.

    Submit Your Meteor Shower Photos to the I-70 Scout Here!

     

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  • New Study: Forest Regeneration Declines by 33% Post-Fire in wake of Climate Change

    New Study: Forest Regeneration Declines by 33% Post-Fire in wake of Climate Change

    The forests you see today are not what you will see in the future.

    — This sobering statement is no longer a matter of question-ability, it is now a matter of fact. That’s the overarching finding from a new study on the resilience of Rocky Mountain forests, led by Colorado State University.

    Researchers analyzed data from nearly 1,500 sites in five states — Colorado, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho, and Montana — and measured more than 63,000 seedlings after 52 wildfires that burned over the past three decades. They wanted to understand if and how changing climate over the last several decades affected post-fire tree regeneration, a key indicator of forest resilience.

    They found sobering results, including significant decreases in tree regeneration following wildfires in the early 21st century, a period markedly hotter and drier than the late 20th century. The research team said that with a warming climate, forests are less resilient after wildfires.

    We often talk about climate change and how it will affect us in the future, but the truth is we are already seeing those changes. Disturbances like wildfires are a catalyst for change. In many places, forests are not coming back after fires. What we’ve found is dramatic, even in the relatively short 23-year study period. — Camille Stevens-Rumann, assistant professor in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at CSU

    In one-third of the areas studied, researchers found no seedlings growing.

    The hardest-hit sites were the warmest and driest, and those where fires burned so severely that few trees survived to provide seed. One of the big surprises for the team was seeing the data for the average annual water deficit at study sites. Historically, forests change over time. But the research team said their findings suggest that it will take much longer after a wildfire for sites to return to forests, if they return at all.

    Even if we plant trees in those areas, it’s unlikely to be successful. We need to start expecting that these landscapes aren’t going to look the same in the future, whether it’s reduced density of trees or no longer a forest. In my lifetime, you can see these sites becoming substantially hotter and drier. Many forest managers want post-fire years to be cooler and wetter, to help with regeneration, and that’s just not happening anymore, or happening very infrequently. —  Stevens-Rumann

    What can be done to combat or lessen these effects?

    Stevens-Rumann said that ‘while trees similar to the ones that burned have typically been planted on a fire-ravaged site, that may no longer be the smartest approach. She’s been meeting with land managers and foresters to discuss what might be better. Managers may want to plant species that are adapted to the current and future climate, not the climate of the past. There also are areas that could support certain tree species but there isn’t any regeneration currently; these are the ideal places to plant after a fire.’

    The problem could also be addressed when a fire happens.

    Another strategy is to foster fires burning under less extreme conditions, so that more trees survive to provide seed for future forests. When fires are patchy, more areas are within reach of a surviving tree. — Penny Morgan, professor in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho and co-author of the study

    The research team includes scientists from University of Idaho, The Nature Conservancy, University of Montana, University of Washington, University of Colorado – Boulder, Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

     

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  • Action Day for Visibility: 7-County Denver/Boulder Metro Area

    Action Day for Visibility: 7-County Denver/Boulder Metro Area

    Denver Metro Action Day for Visibility

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect

    An Action Day for Visibility is 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 Wednesday, December 13, 2017. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Wednesday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect.

    Light winds and stagnant conditions will lead to Poor visibility on Wednesday.

    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 2PM (MST), Tuesday, 12/12/2017 the highest AQI value was 51 for Particulate less than 10 micrometers which indicates Moderate air quality. Respiratory symptoms possible in unusually sensitive individuals, possible aggravation of heart or lung disease in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category .

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range. Moderate concentrations of fine particulates are most likely in locations within the Denver Metro area, particularly near heavy industrial areas, as well as northward along the Front Range Urban Corridor into southern Weld County including Greeley. In these areas unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Carbon Monoxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category.

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Tuesday and Wednesday. Moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are most likely for locations within the Denver Metro area near busy roadways, particularly between the hours of 5-9 PM on Tuesday, and again between 6-10 AM on Wednesday. See fine particulate matter above for health recommendations.

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor on Wednesday.

    COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK:

    Light to moderate smoke is possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires around the state.

    What if there is a wildfire or smoke in your area?

    The focus of the Colorado Smoke Outlook is on large fires (e.g., greater than 100 acres in size). Nevertheless, smoke from smaller fires, prescribed fires, and/or smoke from new fires not yet known to CDPHE air quality meteorologists may cause locally heavy smoke. If there is smoke in your neighborhood, see the public health recommendations below.

    Public health recommendations for areas affected by smoke: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Fine particulates may reach the Unhealthy category where smoke is heavy. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY.

    Winter High Pollution Advisory Program

    The Winter High Pollution Advisory Program is coordinated by the Air Pollution Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

    Winter season air pollution forecasts are issued daily from October 31 through March 31 at 4 p.m. When conditions warrant, forecasts will include information about Action Days and subsequent indoor burning restrictions.

    An Action Day for fine particulates, carbon monoxide or ozone indicates that either current air quality is unhealthy or conditions are expected to worsen later in the day or on the next day. Action Days for air pollutants generally indicate that air quality will be in either the Unhealthy or Unhealthy-for-Sensitive-Groups categories according to the Air Quality Index. Action Days trigger mandatory restrictions that limit indoor burning to approved devices only (see indoor burning below), voluntary driving reductions, and public health recommendations.

    An Action Day for Visibility alone indicates that the Visibility Standard Index for visual air quality is expected to be poor on the current or following day. An Action Day for Visibility will trigger mandatory restrictions on indoor burning and voluntary driving reductions for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area only.

    When no advisories are issued, air quality is good or moderate and is expected to remain so during the effective period of the forecast. No restrictions are in place.

    Additional Information

    ACTION DAYS: An Action Day for fine particulate matter (particulates), carbon monoxide, ozone or other pollutants indicates that either current air quality is unhealthy or conditions are expected to worsen later in the day or on the next day. Action Days for air pollutants generally indicate that air quality will be in either the Unhealthy or Unhealthy-for-Sensitive-Groups categories according to the Air Quality Index. Action Days trigger voluntary pollution prevention measures, which may vary by season, and public health recommendations. In addition, during the winter ‘high pollution day’ season (October 31 to March 31), Action Days trigger mandatory restrictions that limit burning inside the home to approved devices only (see indoor burning below).

    Action Days for Visibility alone are issued during the winter ‘high pollution day’ season (October 31 to March 31), only. At the time they are issued (4 PM), action days for visibility indicate that the Visibility Standard Index for visual air quality is expected to be poor on the following day. Action Days for Visibility trigger mandatory restrictions that limit indoor burning to approved devices only and voluntary driving reductions for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area .

    The VISIBILITY STANDARD INDEX reports the air’s visual quality in the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area. The visibility standard is 0.076 per kilometer of atmospheric extinction, which means that 7.6 percent of the light in a kilometer of air is blocked. The level must exceed the standard based on a four-hour average for a violation to occur. On the Visibility Standard Index Scale, a value of 101 equates to the 0.076/km standard. Values between 0-50 are good, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 poor and 201-plus extremely poor.

    The AIR QUALITY INDEX reports the daily level of air pollution on an hourly basis. The index reports the highest level of either carbon monoxide, fine particulates or ozone depending on which pollutant has the greatest hourly concentration. Values greater than 100 for carbon monoxide, fine particulates and ozone indicate exceedances of the pollutant’s state and federal standards. Air Quality Index values between 0-50 are good, 51-100 moderate, 101-150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy, and over 300 hazardous.

    INDOOR BURNING: On Action Days issued during the winter ‘high pollution day’ season (October 31 through March 31), mandatory restrictions that limit indoor burning to approved devices only generally apply to everyone in the entire seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area below 7,000 feet . The restrictions will be enforced through local ordinances or a state regulation.

    The state regulation applies to any community in the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area that did not have its own mandatory indoor burning ordinance in effect on January 1, 1990. Under this regulation, the only exceptions to the burning restrictions are for residences above 7,000 feet in the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area ; and those who use Colorado Phase III (Phase II EPA) certified woodburning stoves, Colorado approved pellet stoves, approved masonry heaters or those whose stoves or fireplaces are their primary source of heat. For more information on indoor burning, call the Air Pollution Control Division at (303) 692-3100.
    For more, go to: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/woodhome.html

    COLORADO OPEN BURN FORECAST: For those with permits for Open Burning, that is burning of waste materials or vegetation outside, check the following webpage to find out if open burning is allowed today:
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/burn_forecast.aspx

    Summer Ozone Program

    For an AQI value that considers all pollutants, please click here .

    Ground-level ozone is a summertime air pollution problem that is created when other pollutants from sources like vehicle exhaust, paints, degreasing agents and cleaning fluids react with sunlight. Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause acute respiratory problems, reduced lung capacity and inflammation of lung tissues and can trigger asthma attacks.

    Ground-level ozone should not be confused with the protective stratospheric ozone layer miles above the Earth’s surface. This naturally-occurring ozone layer protects the Earth’s surface from excessive ultra-violet radiation.

    Do your share and be a part of the solution to the Denver-metropolitan area’s summertime air pollution problems. These easy strategies will help reduce the harmful vapors that react in sunlight to create summertime air pollution:

    At Home:

    Tightly cap all solvents (paint thinners and strippers, degreasers, and some cleaning products). Solvents contain pollution-causing vapors. Postpone painting, stripping and refinishing projects to avoid the morning and mid-day summertime heat. Better yet, wait until the Fall or Spring. Use water-based products (paints, stains and sealants).

    In the Yard:

    Delay mowing your lawn to another day. Don’t mow, let it grow! Avoid using high-emitting, gasoline-powered yard equipment. Electric alternatives are an efficient, environmentally-friendly alternative. Use an electric starter or a “charcoal chimney” to start your barbeque grill. Lighter fluid contains a lot of harmful vapors that escape into our air and contribute to summertime air pollution.

    On the Go:

    Stop at the click when refueling your car. Overfilling your tank often results in fuel spills and always allows unnecessary pollution-causing vapors to escape into our air. Refuel in the evenings after dusk. By refueling after the sun goes down, fuel vapors do not have as much of a chance to “cook” in the mid-day sun and become harmful ground-level ozone. Maintain your vehicle. A poorly-maintained vehicle can pollute as much as 25 times more than a well-maintained one.

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  • December Holiday DUI Enforcement Begins; Thanksgiving Gobbled 613 Impaired Drivers

    December Holiday DUI Enforcement Begins; Thanksgiving Gobbled 613 Impaired Drivers

    The Heat Is On campaign begins

    It was a busy Thanksgiving holiday on Colorado roads, as residents and tourists traveled to celebrations with friends and family. To increase safety for all drivers, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and statewide law enforcement agencies increased impaired driving enforcement as part of The Heat Is On campaign. From Nov. 17 to Nov. 27, officers arrested 613 drivers, an increase from the 522 drivers arrested during the same period last year.

    According to preliminary data, 193 people have died in impaired driving crashes on Colorado roadways as of October 31 this year. That figure is up from 170 at the same time last year.

    During the Thanksgiving weekend enforcement period, 120 agencies increased patrols.  The Colorado Springs Police Department (56 arrests), Denver Police Department (48 arrests) and Aurora Police Department (34 arrests) recorded the highest arrest totals. In addition, CSP recorded 124 total arrests.

    Traffic fatalities involving impaired drivers have increased this year. Impaired drivers account for roughly one-third of all traffic fatalities in Colorado and DUI-prevention efforts are an effective tool to reduce such crashes. — Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT

    To coincide with holiday parties and related celebrations marked by increased alcohol consumption, another heightened DUI enforcement period began Friday, Dec. 1, and will run through Dec. 11. Last year, 102 agencies arrested 568 impaired drivers during the 10-day enforcement period, an average of 57 per day.  This year enforcement efforts will increase with 119 agencies participating in the crackdown.

    Every impaired driver taken off the road is potentially a life saved. With more troopers on the road, we can be proactive and arrest dangerous drivers before they cause serious harm to themselves or others. — Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of CSP

    Beyond the serious safety risks associated with impaired driving, a DUI can cost a person more than $13,500 after considering fines, legal fees and increased insurance costs. Even if you’ve only had one drink, CDOT encourages Coloradans to designate a sober driver or plan to use alternative transportation.

    The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired-driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 14 specific high-visibility impaired-driving-enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired-driving enforcement.
     

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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 4PM on Wednesday, November 29, 2017:

    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 Thursday, November 30, 2017. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Thursday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect.

    Stagnant conditions with limited mixing will allow visibility to be Poor on Thursday.

    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 2PM (MST), Wednesday, 11/29/2017 the highest AQI value was 58 for Particulate less than 2.5 micrometers which indicates Moderate air quality. Respiratory symptoms possible in unusually sensitive individuals, possible aggravation of heart or lung disease in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST:
    Wednesday, November 29, 2017, 2:20 PM MST

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

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Wednesday and Thursday. Moderate concentrations of fine particulates are most likely for locations in the Denver Metro area and northward along the Front Range urban corridor including Ft. Collins and Greeley. In these areas, unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion on Wednesday and Thursday.

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

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Wednesday and Thursday. Moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are most likely for locations in the Denver Metro area, mainly near busy roadways. Please refer to Fine Particulate Matter above for health recommendations.

    Visibility is expected to be Poor on Thursday.

  • COLORADO — ACTION DAY FOR OZONE

    Denver Metro Action Day for Visibility

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect

    This is the Denver Metro Air Pollution Forecast effective 4PM on Tuesday, November 7, 2017:

    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 Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Wednesday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect.

    Limited mixing and ventilation will allow visibility to be Poor on Wednesday.

    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 2PM (MST), Tuesday, 11/7/2017 the highest AQI value was 40 for Particulate less than 2.5 micrometers which indicates Good air quality.

    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST:
    Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 2:15 PM MST

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Tuesday and Wednesday. Moderate concentrations of fine particulates are most likely in the Denver Metro area. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion in the Denver Metro area on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Carbon Monoxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor on Wednesday.

     

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  • FRONT RANGE — ACTION DAY FOR OZONE

    FRONT RANGE — ACTION DAY FOR OZONE

    Colorado Front Range Action Day for Visibility

    The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an ACTION DAY ALERT at 4PM on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 for the Front Range Urban Corridor from El Paso County north to Larimer and Weld counties, including the Denver-Boulder area, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Greeley.

    Limited mixing and ventilation Wednesday morning will lead to Poor visibility, which will improve during the afternoon hours.

    This Action Day Alert will remain in effect until at least 4 PM Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

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

    At 1PM (MST), Tuesday, 10/31/2017 the highest AQI value was 40 for Particulates 

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  • Celebrate Energy Savings on Weatherization Day

    Celebrate Energy Savings on Weatherization Day

    LITTLETON, CO — Arapahoe County is proud to celebrate Weatherization Day in Colorado and the 41st anniversary of the National Weatherization Assistance Program. Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed Oct. 30 to be Weatherization Day in Colorado. October also is National Energy Awareness Month.

    Arapahoe County’s Weatherization Division has been providing energy conservation services for more than 30 years and has weatherized more than 17,000 homes in Arapahoe and Adams Counties. 

    Through an energy audit of your home, Arapahoe County Weatherization will identify common energy culprits, such as a lack of proper insulation and inefficient furnaces. The audit also identifies any health and safety issues, such as problems with combustion appliances. Weatherization technicians will then provide services needed to fix the identified issues and make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. Energy efficiency improvements also can lower monthly utility bills by 10 percent to 30 percent.

    The program provides services to low-income households in Arapahoe and Adams counties with household incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($4,100 gross per month for a family of four). Weatherization services are available to income-eligible owners and renters who reside in single-family homes, mobile homes and multifamily units.

    For more information or to apply for weatherization services, please contact the Arapahoe County Weatherization Division at 303-636-1982 or visit www.arapahoegov.com/weatherization. Funding for weatherization services is provided by the Colorado Energy Office and the U.S. Department of Energy, Denver Regional Office.

    Connect with Arapahoe County

    Stay informed and give us your input about Arapahoe County Government. Sign up for news releases, agendas and updates to our website via our Notify Me Link at www.arapahoegov.com. Or, connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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