The Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 at public hearing today (September 3, 2019) to adopt a new set of regulations for oil and gas facility development in unincorporated Adams County. The new regulations include the process for applying for an oil and gas facility permit as well as significant regulations regarding safety requirements and environmental standards for operation of facilities.
“Since counties and cities have been given authority over oil and gas development, our staff has been hard at work creating a set of regulations that is fair to the industry but also provides for the safety of our residents,” said Board Chair Steve O’Dorisio. “It’s a tough line to toe, but we think these regulations balance the interests of all parties involved.”
The county’s new regulatory process includes two paths for approval of new oil and gas development. The administrative approval requires adherence to all criteria and standards, including a 1,000-foot setback from occupied buildings including schools and residences. If an application cannot meet all the criteria, including the setback, the applicant can move forward through a public hearing process that could result in a waiver of those requirements.
“We understand that every development application is different,” O’Dorisio said. “And with Adams County having such a diverse geography from urban to rural areas, the hearing process allows us to make exceptions when it makes sense to do so.”
The Board approved a resolution placing a temporary six-month moratorium on new oil and gas development in unincorporated areas of Adams County on March 20 in anticipation of the passage of Senate Bill 19-181 (SB 181). In April, Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill, which increased the ability of local governments to regulate the surface impacts of oil and gas development, including regulation of siting of oil and gas facilities.
In the months since, the county has worked to update its oil and gas regulations to be consistent with new legal authority established by SB181. The goal was to establish regulations that allow for reasonable development of oil and gas in unincorporated Adams County while ensuring that facilities are sited in appropriate areas and utilize best practices to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents.
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.
