Denver, CO

Clock is ticking to clean the Front Range’s dirty air by 2027. The region’s off to a bad start this summer.

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2024

Clock is ticking to clean the Front Range’s dirty air by 2027. The region’s off to a bad start this summer.

Colorado has three years to lower ground-level ozone pollution to meet federal standards, and this summer’s hazy skies — caused by oil and gas drilling, heavy vehicle traffic and wildfire smoke — are putting the state in a hole as it’s already logged more dirty air days than in all of 2023.

“Our state has taken a lot of steps to improve air quality, but you can see it in the skies, you can see it in the air, that we still have work to do,” said Kirsten Schatz, clean air advocate for the Colorado Public Interest Research Group.

Two months into the 2024 summer ozone season, the Front Range already has recorded more high ozone days than the entire summer of 2023. As of Monday, which is the most recent data available, ozone levels had exceeded federal air quality standards on 28 days. At the same point in 2023, there had been 27 high-ozone days.

The summer ozone season runs from June 1 to Aug. 31. However, the region encompassing metro Denver and the northern Front Range this year recorded its first high ozone day in May, and in some years ozone pollution exceeds federal standards into mid-September.

The region is failing to meet two air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The first benchmark is to lower average ozone pollution to a 2008 standard of 75 parts per billion. The northern Front Range is in what’s called “severe non-attainment” for that number, meaning motorists must use a more expensive blend of gasoline during the summer and more businesses must apply for federal permits that regulate how much pollution they spill into the air.

The second benchmark requires the region to lower its average ozone pollution to a 2015 standard of 70 parts per billion, considered the most acceptable level of air pollution for human health. In July, the EPA downgraded the northern Front Range to be in serious violation of that standard as the region’s ozone level now sits at 81 parts per billion. The state must now submit to the EPA a new plan for lowering emissions.

Colorado needs to meet both EPA benchmarks by 2027, or it will be downgraded again and face more federal regulation.

Of the 28 days the state has recorded high ozone pollution levels, 17 exceeded the 2008 standard of 70 parts per billion, according to data compiled by the Regional Air Quality Council, an organization that advises the state on how to reduce air pollution.

That’s bad news for the region after state air regulators predicted Colorado would be able to meet that standard by the 2027 deadline. The EPA calculates average ozone pollution levels on a three-year average, so this summer’s bad numbers will drag down the final grade.

“It’s not a good first year to have,” said Mike Silverstein, the air quality council’s executive director.

Smoke from wildfires near and far

Ground-level ozone pollution forms on hot summer days when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the sunlight. Those compounds and gases are released by oil and gas wells and refineries, automobiles on the road, fumes from paint and other industrial chemicals, and gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

It forms a smog that can cause the skies to become brown or hazy, and it is harmful to people, especially those with lung and heart disease, the elderly and children. Ground-level ozone is different than the ozone in the atmosphere that protects Earth from the sun’s powerful rays.

Wildfire smoke blowing from Canada and the Pacific Northwest did not help Colorado’s pollution levels in July, and then multiple fires erupted along the Front Range over the past week, creating homegrown pollution from fine particulate matter such as smoke, soot and ash. Ultimately, though, the heavy smoke days could be wiped from the calculations from 2024, but that decision will be made at a later date.

Still, June also saw multiple high ozone days, and air quality experts say much of the pollution originates at home in Colorado and cannot be blamed on outside influences.

The out-of-state wildfire smoke sent ozone levels skyrocketing the week of July 21 to 27, Silverstein said, but it’s not the reason the numbers are high. The week prior saw ozone levels above federal standards, too, and wildfire smoke had not drifted into the region.

“Pull the wildfires out and we would probably still have had high ozone,” he said.

Jeremy Nichols, senior advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, also warned that wildfires should not be used as an excuse for the region’s air pollution.

“While the wildfires are out of our control, there is a whole bunch of air pollution we can control,” he said. “I don’t want to let that cover up the ugliness that existed here in the first place.”

Nichols blames oil and gas drilling for the region’s smog. The state is not doing enough to regulate the industry, he said.

“We actually need to recognize we are at a point where oil and gas needs to stop drilling on high ozone days,” Nichols said. “Just like we’re told to stay home on high ozone days, business as usual needs to stop. I don’t think we’ve clamped down on them and in many respects they are getting a free pass to pollute.”

Legislation that would have prevented drilling on high ozone days failed during the 2024 session.

However, the air quality council has approved two measures to reduce emissions in the oil fields and is preparing to send those to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for approval.

One proposal would require drilling companies to eliminate emissions from pneumatic actuating devices, equipment driven by pressurized gas to open and close valves in pipelines, Silverstein said. Oil companies already are required to make 50% of those devices emission-free, and the federal government also is requiring them to be 100% emission-free by 2035. But Colorado’s proposal would accelerate the timeline, he said.

The second proposal would tell companies to stop performing blowdowns, which is when workers vent fumes from pipelines before beginning maintenance to clear explosive gases, when an ozone alert is issued, Silverstein said.

“There are thousands of these very small events, but these small events add up to significant activity,” he said.

Gabby Richmond, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, said the industry supports the new regulations. She said operators also were electrifying operations where possible and voluntarily delaying operational activities on high ozone days.

“Our industry values clean air, and we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that protect our environment and make Colorado a great place to live,” Richmond said in a statement. “As a part of this commitment, we have significantly reduced ozone-causing emissions by over 50% through technology, regulatory initiatives and voluntary measures — all in the spirit of being good neighbors in the communities where we live and work.”

“Knock down emissions where we can”

Meanwhile, people who live in metro Denver and the northern Front Range are asked to do their part, too.

When the state health department issues an ozone action alert — which is a forecast for high pollution levels — people are asked to limit driving as much as possible. They also are asked to avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment until later in the day when the sun starts dropping behind the mountains and temperatures fall.

It would be easy to blame Colorado’s ozone pollution on its geography, global climate change that is raising temperatures, and pollution blowing from other countries and states, Silverstein said. But Colorado has a responsibility to do its part.

“We have 4 million people and a big oil and gas field and lots of industrial activity and all of the things related to human activity all in one concentrated location with a great mountain backdrop, but it comes with a bit of a price,” he said. “So it’s up to us to find the strategies to knock down emissions where we can.”

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Originally Published: August 4, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

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Denver, CO

Denver weather: Sunday temp likely 100 degrees yet again, unusual for summer

Published

10 hours ago

August 4, 2024

Press Room

Denver weather: Sunday temp likely 100 degrees yet again, unusual for summer

DENVER – The scorching heat wave continues in Denver’s weather forecast for Sunday as the afternoon high temperature is set to soar to near-record levels most likely reaching 100 degrees yet again this summer, not something normally seen this many times

“Already this year we’ve had four 100-degree days and we could have one more as we get through this weekend,” said Denver7 Meteorologist Stacey Donaldson.

The metro’s official weather gauge at Denver International Airport on average sees only a single 100-degree day per year, added Donaldson.

In 2023, Denver’s high temp never reached 100 degrees. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Boulder,the record high for Sunday, August 4 was 98° set in 2022 and also in previous years.

Sunday’s high temp is forecasted to be around 100 degrees in Denver.

“We’ll still see the smoke and haze across the Front Range as we go through the afternoon and it’ll be sunny and hot,” said Donaldson.

Denver7

A heat advisory is set to take effect for Denver metro communities and the northern Front Range starting at 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. Sunday.

‘Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,’ the National Weather Service (NWS) in Boulder advised.

‘Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,’ it continued.

Fort Collins, Boulder, Greeley, Golden were among many other Colorado communities under the advisory.

The extreme heat is among many other tough conditions facing firefighters working to knock down Colorado’s wildfires. While rain and cooler temps were welcomed, officials on Friday expressed concern lighting could spark fires.

There is relief from the heat in Denver’s 7 to 10-day weather forecast.

“Good news, cooler and wetter weather arrives in Denver by next week – with temperatures, believe it or not, in the 70s and 80s for afternoon highs” she said.

Toward the end of next week a stormy and wet weather pattern will drop temperatures bringing relief from the scorching heat for the Front Range.Here’s Denver’s forecast afternoon high temps:

Sun: 100°: Few mountain storms
Mon: 93°: Scattered late storms
Tue: 88°: PM storms
Wed: 85°: PM storms
Thu: 80°: PM storms
Fri: 78°: PM storms

Before next week’s cooldown, Donaldson said Sunday will bring a few scattered storms in the mountains. “They will be few and far in between,” she said.

heat advisory front range colorado denver sunday.png

DENVER WEATHER LINKS: Hourly forecast | Radars | Traffic | Weather Page | 24/7 Weather Stream

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Denver, CO

Why Broncos head coach Sean Payton would like to see the NFL move its kickoff rule to a simplified “box foul”

Published

17 hours ago

August 3, 2024

Press Room

Why Broncos head coach Sean Payton would like to see the NFL move its kickoff rule to a simplified “box foul”

The early look at the NFL’s new kickoff rule in Thursday night’s Hall of Fame preseason game didn’t provide much interesting data.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton doesn’t think the preseason as a whole will be much more fruitful. The veteran coach said Denver might use a joint practice with Green Bay to work on the real stuff, but otherwise figures most teams will play coy until the regular season.

“Every team in the league will hold on to some of the things they want to do for Week 1,” Payton said. “I was talking to (former referee) Walt Anderson today and I said, ‘Walt, you’re not going to see in the preseason. You just aren’t.’ … And I would tell you this — when we get to Week 1, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was another tweak or two (to the rules) that they’ve made a change on. Not significant.”

Payton has an idea on that front.

The new rule has three possible starting yardages — the 20 on a ball that hits in the landing zone (from the 20 to the goal line) and rolls into the end zone, the 30 for a traditional touchback and the 40 for a ball that goes out of bounds or lands short of the landing zone.

Payton said he’d prefer any “box foul” — out of bounds, short of the landing zone or touchback — starts at the 35.

That, he said, makes the rule easier to follow for fans.

“I get the box. I like it,” Payton said. “If the analytics tell me that the average drive start or average return is past the 30, well, what do you think is going to start happening? Touchbacks. We’re going to be right back to where we were, and that’s the last thing we want. We’ve got to pay attention to that. And the other thing I think is significant is I don’t like the three different starting spots. … If it’s outside the box, put it at the same spot. I think right now it’ll take a lot of fans a lot of time to figure out the three spots.”

The 35-yard line also would be penalty enough to make teams think twice about touchbacks.

“I’m not going to be comfortable with saying, hey, kick a touchback and give them the ball at the 35,” he said. “Now maybe in the fourth quarter with a two-touchdown lead, but the 30, look, just do the math. If the average return is past the 30 and we’re getting explosives, there’s times where I’m going to look at the scoreboard and say, hey, we’re up 10 here in the third quarter, we might be comfortable with the 30.

“I feel like the 35 would give us what we initially did all this work for. Make a box foul. That’s easy. Make it a box foul and there’s two spots. But right now that’s not where it’s at and we’re pushing.”

Dog days. The Broncos polished off a six-day week of camp practices and now the players are off Sunday before ramping up for another full week. They’ll practice Monday through Thursday in normal camp fashion and then do prep for their preseason opener against Indianapolis Friday and in Saturday’s walkthrough before traveling East.

“All next week we’ve already shelled out all the way through Saturday’s walkthrough and the (bus) to the airport,” Payton said. “Every minute is accounted for for next week.”

While the structure of practice is set, Payton said the staff hadn’t finalized exactly how the quarterbacks will rotate through the week. He also said playing time for the game will be determined later next week.

One step toward those decisions: The staff meets Sunday to talk through the roster, personnel and the coming week.

Fantasy-free TE. Adam Trautman does not care about fantasy football.

You won’t find the Broncos tight end near the top of positional lists while studying for your fantasy draft, nor will you likely throw the ball deep to him often in Madden. But he’s not sweating it.

“Yeah, thanks for asking that. I don’t care,” Trautman said. “I couldn’t care less about fantasy. … (People) gauge a lot of how good you are off of fantasy, but that’s not really how it is.”

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Originally Published: August 3, 2024 at 2:35 p.m.

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Denver, CO

Free and cheap things to in August in Denver: 50-cent oysters, local fairs and more

Published

1 day ago

August 3, 2024

Press Room

Free and cheap things to in August in Denver: 50-cent oysters, local fairs and more

Water World’s 45th anniversary celebration

Adventure seekers cool off in the Thunder Bay Wave Pool at Water World in Federal Heights, Colorado Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Water World is making a big splash for its 45th anniversary by celebrating the milestone with a variety of fun activities throughout the park on Aug. 4. Whether you prefer the tranquility of the Lazy River or thrills of the water coaster Roaring Forks, there’s something fun for everyone. The park will be open for the day from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Activities include a meet-and-greet with mermaids, a free concert, appearances by their mascots Walliver and Winnie, free cookies and more. Plus, visitors will have the chance to win an Elite Season Pass for 2025. All of the fun is included with regular gate admission or a Season Pass. waterworldcolorado.com

Parker Honey Festival

Parker is all abuzz for the family-friendly Parker Honey Festival on Aug. 4 at the town’s O’Brien Park (10795 Victorian Drive). From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., learn about the importance of honey bees and how to support the health of bees and other pollinators. See hives up close, sample honey, make crafts, try on a beekeeper’s suit and pick up lots of bee booty, including honey sticks, dippers and recipes. Attendees will also find lots of health and beauty products made with honey and beeswax. New this year, all vendors will offer an interactive and educational activity. Also, enjoy a Kids’ Hive, music performances and artistic displays. Admission is free. Register to attend at parkerarts.org

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar

Aw, shucks! Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar has shucked more than 7 million oysters since first opening in Boulder back in 1994. In honor of its 30th anniversary, Jax is throwing it back to 1994 to celebrate the milestone on Aug. 5. From 4 to 6 p.m., each Jax location will serve 700 Jax proprietary CrackerJax oysters on the half shell at their 1994 price of just 50 cents each. The oysters will be sold by the half dozen with a limit of one dozen per order. Customers can order more, once they have cleaned their plate. (Once all 700 oysters are sold, the price will revert back to the happy hour pricing of $2 each.) Jax has five locations in Colorado. jaxfishhouse.com

A&W Restaurants root beer float giveaway

A frosty glass mug of A&W root beer, topped with a head of foam. — Provided by A&W Restaurants
A&W root beer float. (Provided by A&W Restaurants)

Good deals always float to the top, especially on National Root Beer Float Day. A&W Restaurants started with a tiny root beer stand in 1919. To this day, the chain’s signature beverage is still made with real cane sugar and a proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices and berries. To celebrate, the restaurant is giving customers a free small root beer float on Aug. 6 from 2 to 8 p.m. No purchase necessary. As a part of the celebration, the restaurant chain will also be collecting donations for Disabled American Veterans. awrestaurants.com/national-root-beer-float-day

Washington Park 125th Anniversary Jubilee

In 1899, Denver city landscape architect Reinhard Schuetze drew up the plans for Washington Park. Now, 125 years later, the urban forest is marking its birthday with a blow-out party, and everyone is welcome. The park’s 125th Anniversary Jubilee is Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. On the schedule are a variety of family-friendly activities, including a dog parade, scavenger hunt and visits with live animals. For those feeling active, there’s a yoga class, fishing, tennis clinics, croquet lessons, a climbing wall and more. Plus, enjoy live jazz music, history talks and food trucks. fanswashingtonpark.org/washington-park-celebrates-125th-anniversary

2024 Parade of Homes

The 2024 Parade of Homes features dozens of newly designed and custom homes across the greater metro area, all open to the public for free tours from Thursday to Sunday. The event runs Aug. 8-25 from noon to 5 p.m. No reservations are required. Homes range from luxury show homes to affordably-priced houses, from innovative to elegant, located in neighborhoods across the Front Range. Some people visit with an eye to buy, while others are simply looking for design inspiration for their own homes. If you prefer, virtual tours are also available online. Download a map for directions and to plan your route. paradeofhomesdenver.com

Military & Vets free admission to Colorado state parks

In a show of appreciation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting active duty, veterans and the National Guard to enjoy all state parks for free during the month of August. Military members and veterans, resident and nonresident, can pick up a complimentary August Military Pass at any Colorado State Park or CPW office by showing proof of service. All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, as well as hunting and fishing licenses. cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/MilitaryBenefits.aspx

Boulder County Fair

At 155 years of age, the Boulder County Fair is Colorado’s oldest. Rodeos, a colorful midway with all kinds of entertainment, a slew of kid’s activities, animal barns, a traditional carnival, music, crafts, food and more fill the fair calendar from Aug. 7 to 11. The event takes place at Boulder County Fairgrounds (9595 Nelson Road) in Longmont from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Parking and gate admission are both free, with most special events ranging from $10 to $20 for adults. An unlimited carnival rides wristband is $35 per day. Aug. 8 is Kids’ Day at the carnival from noon to 11 p.m. with unlimited rides for just $20. The discounted wristband is available between noon and 4 p.m. and can only be used that day. bouldercountyfair.org

Lafayette Peach Festival

The 25th annual Lafayette Peach Festival in Old Town turns the city’s main street into one sweet event on Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Morton’s Orchards, Tate Orchards, Green Barn Fruit Co. and Palisade Organic Peach Ranch truck in more than 30,000 pounds of certified organic peaches from Palisade for peach lovers to purchase. Plus, find hundreds of fresh peach pies and pans of peach cobbler at the Festival Plaza. Get there early because the peach treats always sell out quickly. The festival will also showcase crafters, antique dealers and artists from the Front Range and Western states. For kids, there’s free face painting and balloon sculpting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods — just do not block driveways or park in restricted areas. lafayettecolorado.com/special-events

South by Southeast

Southeast Denver is home to a huge summer festival. This year’s South by Southeast is set for Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Bible Park. The free community festival features food trucks, a beer garden, live music, vendors and more. Family-friendly games and activities include corn hole, bubble tower, giant cup pong, kids’ play area, a Denver fire truck, Denver Mounted Patrol, photo booth and more. Parking is limited, so consider walking or biking to the event. They’re also looking for volunteers to assist with the festival. Get a free T-shirt and drink, if you do. denvergov.org

Arvada Days

Looking for some old-fashioned fun before summer ends? Look no further than Arvada Days on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clear Creek Valley Park (3700 W. 58th Place). The event features food trucks, magic shows, train rides, live music, a beer garden, Nerf Zone, games and inflatables, community resources, crafts vendors and more. Admission is free. Adults can quench their thirst at the beer garden with proceeds benefiting Ralston House. There will also be a secure complimentary bike valet on site. arvadafestivals.com/arvada-days

Affordable Arts Festival

CEO Dave Prokupek says Smashburger expects ... — Provided by Affordable Arts Festival
The Affordable Arts Festival features jewelry and more for under $150.

The annual Affordable Arts Festival is unlike any arts fest you have attended because all of the art is priced at $150 or less. The event takes place outdoors on Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Arapahoe Community College (5900 S. Santa Fe Drive). This is the “Black Friday” of art sales, with more than 160 artists from around the country selling their works in a variety of mediums at bargain prices. Art lovers and enthusiasts will find paintings, mixed media, jewelry, glass, photography, sculptures and more – some of which were originally priced at thousands of dollars. Gates open at 9 a.m., but enthusiastic shoppers who line up early at 7 a.m. will enjoy a coffee cart selling java and pastries. Admission is $12 online or at the gate, with proceeds benefitting the Arapahoe Community College scholarship program. Use promo code CHEAP online for a $1 discount. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. affordableartsfestival.com

Art Students League of Denver’s Summer Art Market

More than 175 local artists will bring their wares to the public during the Arts League of Denver’s Summer Art Market (200 Grant St.) in Denver on Aug. 24 and 25. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Whether your home looks like a museum or you’re a novice collector, find lots of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fiber art and mixed media at reasonable prices. All artists are students, faculty or members of the league. Tickets are $5 and valid for the entire weekend. Children 12 and under get in free. Purchase tickets online or at the door. Parking is limited, so organizers recommend carpooling, public transportation or biking/walking to the event. asld.org/show-details/summer-art-market

Send tips to info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.

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Originally Published: August 3, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

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