Tri-County Health Department is no longer providing COVID-19 services in Douglas County as of today, county leaders said. That announcement, along with news that the state public health department will be taking over those duties, was made during a Douglas County commissioners work session this morning. “I’m disappointed but not surprised that Tri-County is reneging […]
Doug Benevento
Posted inCOVID, Health, News
Douglas County Health Board approves opt-out of masking mandates
The Douglas County Health Department will allow people to opt out of local masking requirements in schools under a new health order aimed at curbing masking mandates for students and staff. But Children’s Health Colorado strongly rebuked the move, along with the board’s attempts to link masking with mental illness in children, and it remained […]
Posted inColoradans, Energy, Environment, Health, News, Outdoors, Politics and Government
EPA announces Colorado-based office dedicated to cleaning up abandoned mines
The Environmental Protection Agency is creating a new office in Lakewood that will focus on cleaning up abandoned hardrock mining sites west of the Mississippi River, including the Bonita Peak Mining District where the Gold King Mine disaster originated in 2015. The Office of Mountains, Deserts and Plains will be located in the EPA’s regional […]
Posted inEnvironment, News, Water
Many hoped the Gold King Mine spill would bring change. Five years later, they’re still waiting.
It didn’t take long after the sludge settled five years ago for the calls for change to begin. In fact, 3 million gallons of orange-gold water that poured out of the Gold King Mine on Aug. 5, 2015, was still flowing through the Colorado River watershed when discussions about the broader issue of thousands of […]
Posted inEnvironment, Opinion, Opinion Columns
EPA regional chief Doug Benevento: Trust-but-verify technique proves Rocky Flats is ready for the public
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge earlier this month opened to hundreds of visitors who came to enjoy the spectacular scenery, wildlife, and recreational opportunities the site offers. The transformation of this property is a marvel and an achievement to be celebrated. The refuge is located on lands that once surrounded the Rocky Flats industrial plant, […]