RANGELY, Colo.—Colorado health officials have issued their first “ozone action day alert” for western Rio Blanco County, whose industries include agriculture, mining, energy development and recreation.
The alert Monday was based on information from an air monitor the U.S. Bureau of Land Management installed in the area in August. The alert runs through 6 a.m. Tuesday.
The Denver area’s ozone action day alerts often come in the summer, when sun bakes volatile organic compounds and can create ozone. The alerts mean some people might find it uncomfortable to breathe. The alerts also can trigger pollution control measures or mandatory burning restrictions in winter.
Colorado Air Pollution Control Division spokesman Christopher Dann says health officials have been stepping up efforts to forecast air quality beyond the Denver area.
