The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Environmental Programs Division operates three air quality stations on the Reservation and maintains a website that provides real-time air pollutant and EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) health alerts from data collected at these stations. Ozone forms near ground level when air pollutants (emitted by sources such as cars, power plants, and industrial activities) react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone pollution is more likely to form during warmer months when weather conditions normally needed to form ground-level ozone occur — lots of sun, warm temperatures, and low wind speeds!
Ozone is continuously measured at the Ute 3 monitoring station near Bondad Hill, Ute 1 monitoring station in Ignacio, and Lake Capote monitoring station.
As of 2:00pm today, (8/1/2023) the UTE 1 station is currently reading high ozone concentrations with a corresponding AQI of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
To view the ambient monitoring program website, and for more information about how to understand the AQI forecast, follow the links below:
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Ambient Monitoring Program Website
EPA Air Quality Index Information Website
Health Effects of Ozone Pollution
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
EPD, Air Quality – 970.563.2244