Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) announced the largest state enforcement package against a single facility for air pollution violations to Suncor refinery in Commerce City. Suncor must pay at least $10.5 million toward penalties and projects due to air pollution violations from July 2019 through June 2021. This action is a step toward holding Suncor more accountable for past violations and requires the refinery to take steps to prevent future violations.
In a separate action, CDHPE ensured more data and transparency in Suncor’s air pollution monitoring around the facility’s fence line. Suncor must double the number of air pollution monitors compared to the refinery’s original fence line monitoring plan.
“Adams County Health Department’s priority is to protect the health and safety of Adams County residents,” Brian Hlavacek, ACHD’s Environmental Health Division Director, said. “We applaud CDPHE for taking action to hold polluters accountable and to protect residents living near the Suncor facility from environmental injustices. ACHD is committed to working with residents, community-based organizations, and local, state, and federal government organizations to bring about change and to address past and ongoing environmental justice issues.”
ACHD has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding to expand its community air monitoring program, called Love My Air, designed to raise awareness of air quality issues in Adams County to protect residents from harmful air pollutants. ACHD is also developing a new multi-year strategic plan with portions of the plan focused on community engagement and environmental justice concerns.
“The Love My Air program expands air-quality monitoring by using low-cost, cutting-edge air pollution sensor technology, equipped with solar, battery storage, and data connectivity,” Hlavacek said. “This program aims to inform, educate, and create changes that will allow all of us to love our air.”
The air monitors measure for a common air pollutant - particulate matter (PM2.5). This is a very fine particle, about 30 times smaller than a strand of hair. PM2.5 comes from vehicle emissions, construction, industries, forest fires, residential burning, and agricultural burning.
CDPHE’s and ACHD’s actions support ongoing work to protect clean air for all to ensure accountability and compliance with air regulations, and to keep local communities informed.
Board of Commissioners Support Gov. Polis Statewide Mask Order
On behalf of the Adams County Board of Commissioners, I want to extend our support to Governor Polis for the statewide mandatory mask order. Incidents have increased 109% in Adams County over the past month, as well as across the state. It’s important to support this initiative to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy and our businesses open. This is a necessary step to halt the spread of this virus that has already disrupted so much of our lives.
Adams County Reopens Mini-Grant Applications to Benefit Small Businesses
As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County is again accepting applications for its mini-grant program to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 situation. Businesses can apply for mini-grants at adamscountycovid19.org/minigrants starting today at noon.
Tri-County Health Department Issues Public Health Order Requiring Face Coverings
July 10, 2020 - Today, Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) issued the Public Health Order Requiring Facial Coverings in Public Where Social Distancing Cannot be Maintained that was approved by its Board of Health on July 8.
Adams County Will Soon Be Under Mandatory Face Covering Order
Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) recently put in place a mandatory face covering order at an online board meeting, citing concerns over the steady increase of coronavirus cases over the past few weeks in the tri-county area, and the effectiveness of face coverings to help prevent the spread. The order will be put in place soon for Adams County for 90 days, with the option to amend, rescind, or extend.
County Updates Small Business Stabilization Program to Expand Pool of Applicants
As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County, through its Community & Economic Development Department, established the Small Business Stabilization Program in May to provide local businesses with grants up to $35,000 to retain jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suncor to Conduct Fire Extinguisher Training
Suncor’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) will conduct fire extinguisher training Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from approximately 1-3 p.m. The fire extinguisher training will take place at the Plant 1 fire training grounds on the western edge of the Commerce City refinery property. During the training there will likely be flames and smoke produced. Local stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and local government officials have been notified.
RTD set to open N Line for passenger service on Sept. 21
DENVER (June 23, 2020) – The Regional Transportation District (RTD) today announced that it will open its newest commuter rail corridor, the N Line, on Sept. 21. The rail line will serve Denver, Commerce City, Northglenn and Thornton and include a stop at the National Western Complex.
The N Line includes six new stations, with a total of 2,480 new parking spaces. As part of a promotional pilot program, RTD will offer a local fare for travel on the entirety of the line during its first six months of operation.
Adams County wins Judgement for Violations of an Intergovernmental Agreement with City and County of Denver
A Jefferson County judge ordered the City and County of Denver to pay Adams County more than $33 million for violations of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) regarding noise levels at Denver International Airport (DIA) during the years of 2014, 2015, and 2016. DIA was found in violation of 67 Class II noise exposure performance standards (NEPS) during the aforementioned years.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Extended
Typically, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) ends on April 30 each year. This year, it’s being extended through July 31 due to COVID-19. Residents can apply for LEAP through Colorado PEAK or over the phone through the Health Helpline: 1.866.432.8435. Paper applications are also available in front of the Human Services Center, 11860 Pecos St., Westminster, and completed applications can be placed in the HSC drop-box located in front of the building.
Building Safety Division Transitions to New Schedule
NEW! Beginning Tuesday, June 23, 2020, Adams County Building Safety Division will transition to a 4-10 schedule for building inspections. Building inspection scheduling will be available Tuesday-Friday, and inspection hours will be 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Electrical inspections will continue to be offered Monday-Friday and inspections will be performed between 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
