Nederland Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

Nederland Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

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.

Volunteers contributed over 9,282 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Community Impact

The Public Health processed over 5,281 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 55% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.