Garfield County Supports Statewide Smog Reductions

Garfield County has taken a stand in support of statewide smog reductions, a move that promises to bring much-needed air pollution relief to communities in this western Colorado county.

The statewide smog reductions call for reductions in emissions of smog forming compounds by 95% from larger condensate tanks and 90% from larger glycol dehydrators, both commonly used during the production of natural gas. The reductions also call for the installation of standard pollution controls on recirprocating internal combustion engines rated at 100 horsepower or greater.

Garfield County has been especially hard hit by natural gas drilling. Gas developments release a 95% of all smog forming compounds in the county. Just since 2002, smog forming compound emissions have increased by 70% in the county. The result is that air pollution has worsened, with brown clouds, hazy skies, and health complains becoming more common. Fortunately, Garfield County is making a move in support of clean air and human health.