New tool expands access to information about air pollution sources across Colorado
The state health department’s Air Pollution Control Division has launched a new, interactive online map to search for air quality records. The map provides access to thousands of digital air quality records for stationary sources of air pollution. Stationary sources are any building, structure, or facility that generates air pollution. Records can include permits, exceedance reports, inspec- tion reports, and completed enforcement actions. The visual tool allows users to find a facility on a state map and click on it to view its records. Users can also search by coordinates, addresses, identification numbers, and facility names.
“Increasing transparency and access to air quality information is vital to building trust with local communities and people across Colorado,” said Michael Ogletree, director of the Air Pollution Control Division. “This online mapping tool is a major move forward for connecting people, especially frontline communities overburdened by air pollution, with information they want and need to stay informed. This is just one of the many ways CDPHE is listening and responding to community feedback.”
“The Environmental Justice Action Task Force recommended many best practices for transparency to ensure that disproportionately impacted communities can access information about air quality where they live” said Joel Minor, Environmental Justice Program Manager. “This new tool is a significant step towards breaking down barriers to finding information about air quality in Colorado’s communities that are most impacted by air pollution and other environmental challenges.”
This new mapping tool is possible thanks to the department’s online database launched in October 2020, which currently houses more than 550,000 air quality records. The new map integrates with this existing public database and provides an alternative, visual way to find records.
Read the user guide for tips on accessing information in the map. CDPHE welcomes feedback on how CDPHE can continue to improve the mapping tool over time and make air quality information more accessible. Provide feedback on the records database using the online comment form. CDPHE intends to hold a webinar on the mapping tool in the coming months. CDPHE will share additional information when it’s available.
Learn more by visiting the division’s records website or the division’s website on air emissions from business and industry.
