Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Sunshine Canyon

Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Sunshine Canyon

Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

The Resource Conservation processed over 5,748 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Timeline

A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Saturday, May 2 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Eligibility

According to Robert Kim, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 41% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.