Headlines – June 28, 2023

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Health Officials Monitoring Plague Activity in Southwest Colorado

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is partnering with the Montezuma County Public Health Department to investigate and monitor cases of plague in southwest Colorado. 

One human case of plague has been identified in an adult in Montezuma County, with the exposure likely occurring on private property. 

The primary transmission methods are flea bites and contact with infected animals. During summer, when human-animal interaction increases, the risk of animal-borne diseases rises. 

To minimize plague exposure, avoid fleas, protect pets with flea treatments, steer clear of areas with wild rodents, refrain from touching or feeding them, avoid contact with sick or dead animals, and seek veterinary care for pets showing plague symptoms. 

Plague symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, headache, weakness, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Seek immediate medical attention for flu-like symptoms or potential exposure to rodents or fleas.

Environmental Groups Express Concerns About New Emissions Rules

Several Colorado environmental justice organizations penned a letter to the Air Quality Control Commission this week requesting stronger rules to protect Colorado citizens from pollution. 

The Air Quality Control Commission recently released the Greenhouse Gas Energy and Emissions Management for Manufacturing Phase 2, or GEMM II rules.

Environmental organizations, like 350 Colorado and GreenLatinos, allege these rules do not have strong enough protections. These organizations have cited Colorado’s Environmental Justice Act, which allows the state to modify proposed action to better respond to the public’s concerns about environmental impacts.

Colorado lawmakers passed the Environmental Justice Act to better help Colorado’s marginalized communities, who are often disproportionately affected by pollution.

The environmental justice organizations are asking for the GEMM II rules to include mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from industries and manufacturing, as well as the possibility of trade embargoes with repeat violators.

These organizations say these changes to the rules will help Colorado reach climate goals and protect vulnerable communities from the effects of pollution. 

Boulder Officials Urge Caution Amid Algae Blooms After Warm and Wet Weather

Boulder officials are warning residents to stay away from bodies of water containing algae blooms due to potential toxins. 

Algae blooms, which thrive in warm weather and slow-moving water, can include cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which produce harmful toxins. 

The city does not conduct cyanobacteria testing due to the variable nature of toxin production, so caution is advised around any algae blooms. Cyanobacteria blooms may appear as thick pea soup or bluish-green paint, while long, stringy, bright green or mustard yellow strands are typically harmless. 

Residents are reminded to follow posted regulations and be cautious around water with algae blooms, including areas where dogs are allowed to enter.

Boulder Breaks Ground on New Trail

A new trail is coming to north Boulder. The City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Department has started construction on the North Sky Trail. 

This is a new 3.5 mile trail located north of Boulder and west of U.S. Highway 36. The North Sky Trail is part of the department’s efforts to fulfill past trail planning processes and its Master Plan, with trail maintenance being a priority. 

The trail will provide a connection between OSMP’s Foothills North Trail and the Joder Ranch Trail, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding from Boulder to Left Hand Canyon. 

The city plans to complete the trail in early 2024.

CU Boulder Professor Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against University and Law School Dean

On Friday, University of Colorado Boulder Professor Paul Campos filed a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the university and a law school dean. 

Campos alleges unequal pay based on his Latino ethnicity and punishment for taking paternity leave. 

He claims to have faced retaliation after reporting the discrimination. The lawsuit also references a salary study conducted by the university, indicating Campos received significantly less salary than his peers. Campos also received a low annual performance rating, which Campos alleges came in retaliation to his decision to take paternity leave. 

According to the Daily Camera, Campos has worked at CU Boulder for 32 years. 

Bike to Work Day Incentivizes Pedal Commutes with Free Breakfasts

Today is Bike to Work Day, when thousands of cyclists across the Denver-Boulder region hit the streets, trails, and bike paths.

This annual event encourages commuters to choose biking, public transit, or alternative transportation methods instead of driving.

This initiative seeks to promote health, improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and offer a fun experience. 

Nearly 300 stations along the metro area’s commute routes will provide snacks and merchandise to riders. In Boulder, KGNU is hosting a breakfast station for cyclists.

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