It’s Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. Happy Wednesday to you.
Today, we’re discussing lead exposure and airports. Boulder residents will likely vote this November on whether to decommission Boulder Municipal Airport for housing. While the conversation has primarily focused on housing availability, new attention is being given to the risk of lead exposure. Commercial jets, like those flying into Denver International Airport, do not burn leaded aviation fuel, but many smaller planes, like those at Boulder, still do.
For years, studies on the impacts of these aircraft have been mounting a case against leaded fuel. Living closer to an airport appears to increase long-term lead levels in the blood, particularly in children, which can permanently decrease their IQs. While unleaded fuel alternatives are becoming available, they are more expensive and often require additional fueling infrastructure that Boulder’s airport lacks.
Also, Boulder has launched a new text messaging service for disaster alerts, so be sure to sign up — details below. And, a new critter was discovered in a cave near the Flatirons and now sports a name that pays homage to Boulder. It seems we still have much to learn about the world around us.
Have a wonderful, awe-inspiring day.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
As Boulder considers closing its municipal airport to address housing shortage, lead concerns also emerge
There has never been a dedicated scientific study on the effects of leaded aviation fuel on children’s blood lead levels in Boulder. But peer-reviewed studies from other communities that found high lead levels in the blood of children near airports are drawing attention. Continue reading…
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In other news
Hot today, hotter tomorrow
Though today’s 90 degrees is hot no matter how you slice it, it seems positively chilly compared to the 100-degree stretch from Friday to Sunday. Take it easy, and make sure you stay cool and hydrated when possible.
Office of Disaster Management launches new text messaging program for community alerts
The Boulder Office of Disaster Management has launched a new text messaging program to keep the community informed during disasters. This initiative enhances current communication methods, which primarily use the ODM website and social media.
The text messaging system will activate when the Emergency Operations Center responds to significant incidents, providing updates on community resources, road closures and shelter information. To receive these texts, users can text BOCOinfo to 888777.
Additionally, messages will be accessible in over 100 languages via the ReachWell translation app translation app.
“We strive to provide a variety of communication methods to the community; adding text messaging capability helps to ensure that more people are in the know when it matters most,” said Mike Chard, emergency management director.
Two fires extinguished in Boulder County
On Monday, July 8, a brush fire at Joder Ranch was quickly contained after a City of Boulder OSMP trail crew observed six to seven-foot flames while cutting brush. The fire spread to about 1 acre before being extinguished by multiple emergency services. The fire, likely caused by the trail crew’s brush cutting, resulted in no injuries or structural damage.
Separately, on July 9, a fire in the 2000 block of Bunce School Road was quickly contained to a 40 x 40-foot section of private property. Investigators found cigarette butts and beer cans at the scene, suggesting a human cause. The incident is under investigation.
New cave pseudoscorpion named after Boulder
Researchers from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science have discovered a new species of cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion near the Flatirons. David Steinmann, a research associate in the Zoology Department, made the discovery alongside his wife, Debbie, and son, Nathan. The new species, Larca boulderica, named after Boulder, is the sixth cave-adapted species of the Larca genus found in North America.
In 2008, the Steinmann family was exploring a small cave west of Boulder when David found an unusual pseudoscorpion clinging to a stone. He sent the specimen to Mark Harvey, a pseudoscorpion expert at the Western Australian Museum, who confirmed it as a new species. Harvey and Steinmann described and named Larca boulderica in a scientific paper published this spring. The specimen will be added to the arachnology collection at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
“David Steinmann’s discovery of new species of pseudoscorpions from Colorado’s cave systems demonstrates how much we still have to discover about this planet’s biodiversity,” said Paula Cushing, senior curator of invertebrate zoology at the museum.
Larca boulderica, about the size of a sesame seed with crab-like pincers, thrives in dry and dusty habitats. Boulder is the only known location for this species. Read on BRL.
Gov. Polis declares disaster emergency for avian flu outbreak
On July 5, Gov. Polis declared a disaster emergency in response to an avian flu outbreak at a commercial poultry facility in Weld County. The declaration means the state can provide essential support and resources to Colorado’s agriculture industry.
The declaration unlocks resources to help affected poultry facilities respond to and contain the avian flu outbreak. Colorado leads in the number of avian flu cases in dairy cattle nationwide, with 27 out of 105 licensed facilities affected, Colorado Public Radio reported. This may be because the state is actively testing for it, while others may not be.
Apply to dole out Boulder County emergency services grants
Boulder County is seeking applicants for three open positions on the Emergency Services Grant Program Advisory Committee.
Established by County Issue 1B in 2022, the Emergency Services Sales & Use Tax provides funds for emergency services such as firefighting and search and rescue, particularly in rural and mountain areas. The nine-member committee advises the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Board of County Commissioners on the allocation of these funds twice a year.
Ideal candidates include those with hands-on emergency services or search-and-rescue experience, as well as trail users, members of the accessibility community and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
The application deadline is Monday, July 15, at 11:59 p.m.
New HVAC at Lafayette Library
The City of Lafayette is installing a new HVAC unit at the library this week. Today, the library, book drops, and parking lot will be completely closed for public safety as a crane removes the old unit and installs the new one on the roof. The library is expected to have A/C restored by Friday, July 12, but timelines may shift.
Residents needing a cooling center can visit the senior center or the rec center.
Catch some catfish
Enjoy a unique fishing experience at Stearns Lake during Summer Catfish Night, when the lake is usually closed. Taking place on July 19 from 7:30 to 11 p.m., the event is perfect for families and friends to enjoy a summer night of fishing.
To participate, ensure you have a current Colorado fishing license, though kids under 16 don’t need one. The event is open to shore fishing only, and both artificial and live bait are permitted. Check-in is required at the trailhead on South 104th Street, accessed via Dillon Road. No registration is necessary. The event will happen rain or shine.
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