Index: Environment
Environment - Quality of Environment
Quick Data Links
What's New (updated 11/17/08)
Colorado Air Quality Control Commission Report to the Public 2007-2008 [pdf] (October 2008) - Residential burning, dust from unpaved roads, and agricultural operations all contribute to air pollution in Fort Collins and Greeley. (Colorado Department of Public Health and Enviroment)
Colorado Air Quality Control Commission Report to the Public 2007-2008 [pdf] (October 2008) - Residential burning, dust from unpaved roads, and agricultural operations all contribute to air pollution in Fort Collins and Greeley. (Colorado Department of Public Health and Enviroment)
What We Measured:
Highlights:
- Air quality in LarimerCountyis generally within the compliance standards of the Environmental Protection Agency, with the exception of ozone readings taken near Horsetooth Reservoir. (Air Quality)
- The most recent samples from the Colorado Division of Wildlife shows potential increases in the prevalence of chronic wasting disease among mule deer and elk herds located in portions of Larimer County. Chronic wasting disease has now been detected in wild moose; 2.7% of the moose in the Larimer County herd are currently estimated to be infected. (Chronic Wasting Disease)
- Between 1999 and 2008, Berthoud, Fort Collins, Little Thompson and West Fort Collins were each cited once for health violations. YMCA of the Rockies was cited four times during this time period. (Public Drinking Water Quality)
- Between 2006 and 2007, the percentage of days in Fort Collins not in compliance with the State Visibility Standard decreased by 3.6%. (Visibility)
- According to the Natural Diversity Information Source, there are 413 species found in Larimer County. Of these, 185 are ‘commonly known’ and there are more species of birds than any other taxonomic class. The burrowing owl, which is listed as “fairly common”, was added to the State Threatened List since 2004. (Wildlife Species)
Related Studies:
- 2007 Air Quality Data Report [pdf] (July 2008) - In 2007, visibility in Fort Collins was rated 'Ex Poor' or 'Poor' for 102 days and 'Fair' or 'Good' for 168 days, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division. The missing days were lost due to either high relative humidity (greater than 70 percent) or machine maintenance.
- Pollution on the Rise: Local Trends in Power Plant Pollution [pdf] (January 2005) - This study by the United States Public Interest Research Group, includes local and state measures of carbon dioxide emissions.
- The American Cancer Society's latest State of the Air: 2008 summary gives Larimer County passing marks for particle pollution levels, and a 'D' (out of A-F) rating for ozone levels.
- Water Quality Reports:
- City of Fort Collins Air Quality Trends 2007
- Environment Protection Agency's Latest Findings on National Air Quality: Status and Trends Through 2006 [pdf] (January 2008)
Related issues within Compass:
Additional Resources:
Overall- Colorado Air Quality Conditions - provides current air quality conditions and forecasts for the nation, including the Fort Collins-Greeley area.
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
- Environmental Protection Agency: Information about environmental contaminants and potential health effects.
- Fort Collins Department of Natural Resources
- Larimer County Department of Health & Environment
- Larimer County Division of Natural Resources
- Larimer County Weed Control District
- Scorecard - pollution-tracking website that provides local information based on zip codes
- Sierra Club: Poudre Canyon Group
- City of Fort Collins - Air Quality Department
- Colorado Air Quality Control Commission
- Colorado Ambient Air Quality Standards(see page 7)
- City of Loveland - Solid Waste Division, drop-off recycling and curbside recycling information.
- Larimer County Landfill
- Larimer County - Solid Waste Task Force and the Solid Waste Advisory Group
- Recycling Centers in Fort Collins