Based on a recent announcement from Broomfield in the oil and gas snapshot, it’s “all systems go” for a meeting on January 5th, 2022 with the CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) regarding the high levels of Benzene and other critical data that has been consistently recorded by Broomfield’s air quality monitoring systems.
Broomfield has made the following announcement: “Consultation with CDPHE’s Air Pollution Control Division. A date of January 5th (11 AM-12:30 PM) has been set for Broomfield’s consultation with the APCD regarding Broomfield’s observed air quality monitoring data since the resumption of development activities at the Extraction Oil & Gas pads in northern Broomfield. Please review Council questions that have been submitted to the APCD that will be addressed in the meeting and previous questions that have already been answered here. If members of the public have a question that has not already been asked and answered or posed by the City Council, those can be submitted here.“
Of note from Broomfield City members are questions referencing continued reports of health impacts from residents nearby these industrial operations. Another question from council members reference recent data collected by the air quality monitoring program in place in Broomfield:
“Has the CDPHE reviewed Broomfield AQM data from Extraction operations which shows 14 benzene exceedances above federal acute health guidelines over recent months from 9/14 to 12/4?
The 12/16 trigger analysis report for six 12/4 triggers shows that the NW 2 4:06 am trigger during millout (coiled tubing) had the “largest concentrations we have measured” and a 1-hour calculated benzene level of 186.479 ppb. “The acute health guideline standard that Broomfield uses for contextual comparison for benzene is 9 ppb for a 1-hour exposure.”
12/16 Report on 12/4 Six Trigger Canister Notifications:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1deXXP0YfDG1ZvNLoonS74OYbSw8f_VR9/view)
What is the viewpoint of the CDPHE on this data? Does the CDPHE view the Ajax/CSU extrapolations for one hour levels as accurate?
● If not, what could be done to make Broomfield data acceptable as accurate to the CDPHE?
● If not, why would only CAMML readings be accepted as accurate when limited State resources prohibit having the CAMML everywhere and Broomfield has reputable scientists gathering our data?
● Based on the evidence provided by Broomfield’s AQM data and analysis by reputable scientists, will the CDPHE consider bringing the CAMML back to Broomfield?
The CDPHE recently issued a news release where the CAMML detected a 9.9 ppb benzene exceedance near Union Reservoir. CSU scientists calculated a one-hour average estimate for benzene of 186.479 ppb from a Dec. 4 trigger, well above the 9 ppb acute health guideline.”
Benzene, a known carcinogen that has received recent media exposure for its presence and immediate recall in sunscreen and personal hygiene products, has been detected at unprecedented levels in Broomfield’s air. Local impacted residents and council members point out the proximity of these industrial oil and gas operations to homes, schools, and recreation spaces.
To reiterate, if residents have questions that are not covered by the CCOB questions or the FAQ, please submit questions and concerns here.
It is the understanding of BCCN that the CDPHE will pre-screen questions that come from Broomfield council members and, at this time, are not offering to answer questions from the public (though you can submit your questions to Broomfield and they will do their best to get you answers). It’s unclear whether or not this session will be viewable by the public or whether it will be recorded and made available to view. We will update this article as more information becomes available.