DEH Air Quality Modeling In North Denver

The Denver Department of Environmental Health is currently modeling the mobile source emissions of three air pollutants for a baseline and two potential future scenarios in North Denver. The results of the modeling will be available before the release of the I-70 East Final Environmental Impact statement in January 2016.

Pollutants Modeled

·  Benzene

·  Nitrogen Dioxide

·  Particulate Matter 2.5

Modeling Scenarios

·  2010 Baseline

·  2035 No Action I-70 Alternative

·  2035 Partial Cover Lowered I-70 Alternative

Where

The modeling will be of North Denver, and will definitely include Globeville and Elyria - Swansea neighborhoods. Some adjacent areas will be included, but the exact geographic scope has not been determined.

Why

·  The results will be referenced in the I-70 East Reconstruction Final Environmental Impact Statement

·  To provide stakeholders with accurate and easy to understand information about projected Air Quality in North Denver using maps and charts like these:

(Source: Department of Environmental Health’s 2012 Air Pollution in Denver, Globeville, and Elyria Swansea Report.)

Pollutants Modeled
Pollutant / Major Sources / Potential Health Effects
Benzene / Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial sources. / eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, asthma, risk of cancer, liver, kidney, reproductive, and central nervous system damage.
Nitrogen Dioxide / motor vehicle exhaust, electric utilities, industrial boilers / lung irritation, respiratory infections and illnesses
Particulate Matter 2.5 / mobile and stationary sources including diesel trucks, wood stoves, power plants, dust / damage to lung tissue, cancer, and premature death, especially for those with respiratory illnesses, children, and the elderly