FORT COLLINS, Colo.—U.S. Forest Service officials say Fort Collins’ drinking water quality could be at risk for up to three years following a fire that burned on about 12 square miles northwest of the city.
The agency’s Burn Area Emergency Response team surveyed environmental damage from the fire. The Coloradoan reports ( ) the team says increased erosion on burned slopes above the Poudre River could increase the amount of sediment in the river, possibly affecting drinking water quality.
Lisa Voytko of Fort Collins Utilities says the city will be vigilant in monitoring the river’s water quality.
The Forest Service team also says burned trees could pose a public safety concern if they fall on Greyrock Trail in the burn area. The agency is proposing measures to address environmental damage from the fire.
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Information from: Fort Collins Coloradoan,
