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Air Quality

To improve outdoor air quality to maintain a healthy and pleasant environment.

Services Provided:

  • Enforcing Colorado's air pollution control regulations.
  • Inspecting businesses and other operations that release air pollutants.
  • Measuring levels of particulates, ozone, and carbon monoxide in the air.
  • Issuing open burning permits.
  • Responding to citizen concerns and complaints regarding air pollution.

Through a contract with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division, we perform ambient air monitoring for carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter (PM10 and PM 2.5); make compliance inspections of minor stationary sources permitted through the APCD, perform CFC compliance inspections, issue open burn permits, and investigate air quality complaints including asbestos abatement work, and fugitive dust complaints. Additionally, we provide technical assistance involving issues of radon, lead based paint, and other indoor air quality concerns.

We are not directly involved with the APCD's Mobile Emissions Program - which regulates automobile emissions and other transportation issues (Fort Collins Technical Center 221-5324).

Please refer to the FAQ's or feel free to go to one of the many sites below for additional technical assistance. State APCD air emission forms can be downloaded from their site below.

CDPHE - APCD, Denver, CO.

EPA, Office of Air and Radiation

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who regulates air quality in Larimer County?
    The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission is the state agency responsible for developing and adopting a regulatory air quality management program for Colorado. The commission also oversees the implementation of the programs they adopt. The commission is responsible for hearing appeals of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division's (APCD) enforcement programs, and issuance of permit terms and conditions. Larimer County's air program operates under contract with the State's APCD.
  2. What is Larimer County responsible for under its contract with the State's APCD?
    Colorado's APCD contracts with Larimer County to monitor for certain air pollutants, inspect businesses that have air quality permits, inspect businesses that use or work with freon, respond to asbestos and fugitive dust complaints, and issue burn permits.
  3. Where can I get help if I think my business needs an air quality permit?
    The State's Small Business Assistance Program can help you determine if you need to have a permit for your business. They can also assist you with completing the appropriate permit application forms. For more information go to http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/sbap.asp.
  4. Why do I need a burn permit from the Health Department?
    There are two agencies that review burn permits: the fire authority for fire safety considerations and the health department for air quality considerations. We generally only allow clean, dry slash to be burned; never trash. Certain activities are exempt from needing a burn permit from the health department. For more information on burn permit requirements call 498-6775.
  5. What ambient air pollutants are monitored in Larimer County?
    Monitoring for National Ambient Air Quality standards (carbon monoxide, ozone, particulates-PM10 and PM 2.5) occurs in the Fort Collins area in support of the state air quality monitoring network.
  6. Where can I obtain more information about air quality issues?
    Please refer to the APCD's website at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/aphom.asp
  7. I believe the in-door air in my home is making me sick, what can I do?
    In-door air Quality (IAQ) is not regulated in private residences, although there are several excellent resources to obtain specific information about what we can do to improve the air quality in our homes. Start at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/index.html
  8. I want information about Radon.
    Start at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/index.html
  9. I am concerned about mold growing in my home, where can I get more information?
    Please go to: http://www.epa.gov/oar/indoorair/index.html

Related Internet Sites

Mold, In-door Air Quality

Radon

Lead Based Paint

Other Sites of Interest