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Stratospheric
Ozone
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Air Pollution Control DivisionChlorofluorocarbon Control Program (CFCs)Program DescriptionColorado's Chlorofluorocarbon Program's mission is to reduce emissions of ozone depleting compounds, chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons through an inspection and compliance program. The program is self-supporting through fees and it regulates all air conditioning and refrigeration sources throughout the state of Colorado. The program was authorized by the state legislature in 1992 and the working statute can be found at 25-7-105(11)(a-h), C.R.S. The Chlorofluorocarbon Program is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division, Stationary Sources Program. Air Quality Control Regulation No. 15, "Regulation to Control Emissions of Ozone Depleting Compounds," details the program's requirements for businesses and individuals utilizing ozone depleting compounds. Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Health HazardThe stratospheric ozone layer in the upper atmosphere (10 to 30 miles above the earth's surface) protects the earth from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Ozone depleting compounds that reach the stratospheric ozone layer release free chorine from their chemical structure and destroy atmospheric ozone by oxidation, thereby destroying its ability to filter ultraviolet radiation. Public health concerns that stem from increased ultraviolet radiation include higher rates of skin cancers, cataracts and immune suppression. Damage to plants and aquatic organisms may also occur. Regulatory BackgroundIn 1987, the United States and 22 other countries signed the Montreal Protocol which set in motion plans to reduce atmospheric loading of chlorine and other ozone depleting compounds so as to halt atmospheric ozone depletion. To date, 162 of the world's countries have signed the Protocol. On Nov. 15, 1990, the United States Congress adopted amendments to the Clean Air Act which described what provisions the United States would do to control emissions of ozone depleting compounds in order to abide by the Montreal Protocol. Some of the major CFC components of the Clean Air Act include:
On Dec. 17, 1992, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission adopted Regulation No. 15 in order to meet the statutory requirements for the state Chlorofluorocarbon Program. Major program components in the regulation include:
Program OperationsColorado's Chlorofluorocarbon Program contracts with eight local health departments which perform inspections, respond to complaints and initiate compliance actions in their respective counties. Training and program oversite are conducted by staff members of the state's Chlorofluorocarbon Program in the Air Pollution Control Division. Inspections, compliance and monitoring for the non-contracted portion of the state are performed by the Division's chlorofluorocarbon staff. The Chlorofluorocarbon Program regularly inspects stationary and automotive sources for compliance and responds to general complaints regarding ozone depleting compounds. A Chlorofluorocarbon HOTLINE is available to leave messages, report violations or to request assistance in either the state or federal chlorofluorocarbon programs. The number for the state Chlorofluorocarbon HOTLINE is 303-692-3200. All calls are returned within 24 hours by a staff member. CFC information and material may be obtained from the Division staff or any of the participating local agencies listed in the next two sections. Colorado State ContactsGeneral CFC Mailbox: CFC@state.co.us Tom
Dodd,
(303)
692-3203 - Inspector FAX: (303) 782-0278 Mailing
address: Local Agency Contacts
Boulder
County
Health
Department
Broomfield
Environmental
Health
Department
City
and
County
of
Denver
Environmental
Protection
Division
El
Paso
County
Department
of
Health
and
Environment
Jefferson
County
Department
of
Health
and
Environment
Larimer
County
Department
of
Health
and
Environment
Mesa
County
Health
Department
Pueblo
County
Health
Department
Weld
County
Health
Department
Reference Documents
Registration Forms
Additional InformationColorado Air Quality Control Commission, (303) 692-3476
US
EPA,
REGION
VIII
OFFICE
EPA HOTLINE (800) 296-1996 Stationary Source Home Page I Air Pollution Control Division Home Page
Suggestions and comments regarding the Air Quality Control Division can be forwarded to comments.apcd@state.co.us
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