Ozone: A problem for the O&G industry and residents

The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) may be adding to emissions requirements for the oil and gas industry as early as August -- which according to the Greeley Tribune, makes Weld County industry representatives nervous. This has been, "the fifth time in the last eight years that the state has tightened emissions control standards on the industry." A recent study identified the chemical signature of Weld County's O&G operations and attributed 55% of the Front Range's ground-level ozone to the O&G industry -- a finding which has made it difficult to point to other pollution sources.

On the resident side, the Colorado Department of Public Health has sent out multiple action alerts over the past weeks for ozone levels in Fort Collins that ranked among the highest in the nation. According to the American Lung Association, ground-level ozone is a concern to residents because of health impacts primarily related to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems which can lead to premature death. According to their site:

Even low levels of ozone may be deadly. A large study of 48 U.S. cities looked at the association between ozone and all-cause mortality during the summer months.  Ozone concentrations by city in the summer months ranged from 16 percent to 80 percent lower than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently considers safe.  Researchers found that ozone at those lower levels was associated with deaths from cardiovascular disease, strokes, and respiratory causes.¹³

 Ozone levels have finally dropped in Fort Collins, aided by recent rain and winds, but it's a good idea to check ozone levels before engaging in outdoor activities. Even a single day of high ozone can obstruct the airways of healthy adults but children and those with known cardiovascular and/or pulmonary disease should be especially careful. Ozone levels can be found at www.enviroflash.info and clicking on the dot over Fort Collins.

One final note: The APCD is currently accepting public comments on O&G emissions regulations which may be emailed to Mark McMillan.