On April 28, 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amended the requirements for stack testing and opacity observations for the Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Industry. These requirements, known by this industry as OOO standards, will affect facilities that commenced construction modification, or reconstruction after April 22, 2008. This guide is organized in two parts: Part I -Who is Subject to Subpart OOO? and Part II - What are the Old and New Opacity and Stack Emissions Requirements? This guidance provides an overview of opacity and stack testing requirements under subpart OOO.
Direct measurement and characterization of the health and well being of the aquatic community in surface water are critical to determining how effectively Colorado is achieving the ultimate goals of the Colorado Water Quality Control Act ("CWQCA") and the federal Clean Water Act ("CWA"), which are to restore, maintain, protect, and improve the quality of our water resources. These legislative policy statements highlight the importance of having tools and techniques available to evaluate the current aquatic-life conditions in our surface waters, and to set goals for the future.
This report addresses the impact on a regional scale of particulate emissions from the Energy Fuels Resources Corporation (Energy Fuels) proposed Piñon Ridge Mill located in Montrose County, Colorado. The regional dust analysis was completed in response to questions posed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding the possible contribution from the operations of the proposed Piñon Ridge Mill to particulate matter concentrations at regional scale distances. Specifically, the CDPHE requested that Energy Fuels evaluate the effect of uncontrolled dust emissions from the tailings cells on regional concentrations and in particular on concentrations and deposition rates in the Telluride area.
The importance of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition relative to the natural processes and natural character of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) has become better understood over time, as scientific research and monitoring that began in the early 1980's have documented various changes to ecosystems in the park. These changes include forest and soil biogeochemical changes, enhanced microbial activity in soils, increased N in lakes and streams, changes in surface water chemistry, altered tree chemistry, and shifts in species of aquatic plants. The park's unique resources will continue to be harmed if N deposition remains constant or increases. In 2004 a multiagency meeting including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the National Park Service (NPS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was held to address the effects and trends of N deposition in RMNP, and related air quality issues including elevated ozone concentrations and visibility impairment.
