Western Colorado Regional Air Quality Collaboration

Colorado, like many other states, has worked for years to improve air quality in areas where pollution levels have exceeded health standards. Taking what was learned in these areas, Colorado has created a voluntary partnership for communities that are interested in air quality topics. In order to promote consistency and collaboration regarding air quality issues in local communities, cities, and counties, the Division formed the Western Colorado Regional Air Quality Collaboration in January 2012.  The Collaboration started with four counties and now has nine counties and three cities as participants (June 2013).  

The collaboration has fostered projects to address problems such as fine particulate matter, windblown dust, wood smoke, industrial pollution, and odors. The projects rely on collaboration between state and local jurisdictions. All interested local governments west of the Continental Divide are encouraged to participate in the Collaboration.

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Collaboration meetings are held in the form of conference calls approximately every 8 weeks.    Collaboration members have met each other at external conferences and meetings as well and conduct indirect activities beneficial to the Collaboration.   Previous Collaboration Meetings Associated Documents Call #1 - 02-2012 - AirNOW and Communication   The U.S. EPA, NOAA, NPS, tribal, state, and local agencies developed the AIRNow Web site to provide the public with easy access to national air quality information. The Web site offers daily Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts as well as real-time AQI conditions for over 300 cities across the US, and provides links to more detailed State and local air quality Web sites.The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your outdoor air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. Agenda Presentation Guidance on the Air Quality Index and Health Messages Call #2 - 05-2012 - Facebook, Twitter, and Colorado River Valley on AirNOW website Agenda Presentation Call #3 - 07-2012 - Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs)- SEPs are voluntarily after an enforcement action that produce environmental or public health benefits beyond what is required for compliance. Presentation Call #4 - 09-2012 - Air Quality County Inventories Agenda Presentation NOx Emissions Fact Sheet Call #5 - 11-2012 - Open Burn Management (Routt County) Agenda Presentation Colorado Open Burning Fact Sheet Call #6 - 01-2013 - Air Quality Control Commission Proposed Regulatory Changes   The Air Quality Control Commission develops air pollution control policy, regulates pollution sources and conducts hearings involving violations of the state’s air pollution laws. The nine-member citizen board is appointed by the governor, for three year terms, with the consent of the Senate. Agenda Presentation Particle Pollution NAAQS Revisions of 2012 Wood Burning Tips Call #7 - 03-2013 - Energy Development Overview and Air Quality Awareness Week Agenda Presentation CDPHE Oil and Gas Consultation Program Fact Sheet 2013 Air Quaility Awareness Week Summary 06-2013 Air Quality Control Commission Retreat in Grand Junction Air Quality Control Commission Annual Retreat Agenda June 20 & 21, 2013   Other Collaboration-related information:   01-2013 – Colorado Directors of Environmental Health Presentation on County Air Emission Inventories