SUBJECT:
Title
Air Quality Monitoring Discussion
Body
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services
Department
PRESENTER(S): David Frank, Director of Environmental Services
Detlev Helmig, Boulder AIR
Brent Buck & Morgan Frazier, Ajax Analytics
First Name Last Name, Title
TIME ESTIMATE: 45 minutes
only required for non-consent items
POLICY ISSUES:
To enhance and supplement monitoring provided by the State, the Town implemented this program four years ago. The data from the program has been valuable in helping identify impacts from oil and gas operations and other emission sources both inside Erie's boundaries and from outside. These data have enabled Town staff to provide compelling information to State regulatory agencies, making the industry more aware of their impact on air quality in Erie, and promoting more effective responses to minimize pollution.
Having collected data for four years, it is time to assess the scope of the program and refine operations to provide more focus. Staff recognizes the budgetary impacts of the program and anticipates a reduction of scope, should this reflect current Council priorities, while minimizing impacts on the effectiveness of the program. Thus, several potential options are here provided to Council for discussion and consideration.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff would appreciate policy guidance from Council to determine the form and scope of the Air Quality Monitoring Program for the second half of 2025 and beyond. All options have both positive and negative aspects for Council to consider, and staff looks forward to a discussion about the programs goals and costs to ensure that a fiscally responsible path is found that best serves the residents of Erie.
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In May 2021, the Board of Trustees for the Town of Erie approved funding for two contracts enabling the deployment of Air Quality Monitoring stations to be operated by Boulder AIR and Ajax/CSU...
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