Environment

Index: Environment

Environment - Quality of Environment

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What We Measured | Highlights
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What's New (updated 10/22/07)
Since 1997 Fort Collins has averaged 176 days per year where the visibility was either 'Fair' or 'Good' and only 97 days where the visibility was either 'Poor' or 'Ex Poor', according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division 2006 Air Quality Data Report [pdf] (August 2007). The missing days are lost due to either high relative humidity (greater than 70 percent) or machine maintenance.

What We Measured:

Highlights:

In 2005, all three major air pollutants monitored in Larimer County were well within acceptable limits as determined by the EPA. Ozone levels have been a concern in the past, but seem to be decreasing due to new pollution controls implemented in the Denver Metro area. (Ambient 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 1997 and 2006, Berthoud, Little Thompson and West Fort Collins were each cited once for health violations. (Public Drinking Water Quality)
From 2003 to 2005, the percentage of days in Fort Collins that were not in compliance with the State visibility standard increased by 3%. However, the percentage of days that were designated as "missing" due to high humidity or instrument problems also increased during this time. (Visibility)
From 2001 to 2005, Larimer County rivers and streams met the designation for an "outstanding water" source. This designation indicates rivers and streams meet criteria to support aquatic life and primary recreation. Some recent trends for local rivers and streams include decreasing pH levels and increasing E coli levels. (Surface Water Quality)
413 different species of wildlife have been found in Larimer County; of these, 185 are known to commonly occur. Commonly occurring species include 6 species of amphibians, 9 species of reptiles, 102 species of birds, and 68 species of mammals. (Wildlife Species)