Posts tagged residents
West Nile Virus found in county
Jul 21st
Take precautions
Mosquitoes in the City of Boulder and other Boulder County properties have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Although the majority of mosquitoes being screened for the virus are negative, if bitten by a virus-carrying mosquito, there is a risk of people contracting the disease. There have been no human cases confirmed in the City of Boulder or Boulder County this year.
On June 25, one positive mosquito sample collected was pooled from traps at Christensen Park and Stazio Ball Fields. On July 2, a second positive sample collected was pooled from traps located at Christensen Park, Tom Watson Park, Locust and 10th streets and South Boulder Recreation Center. Pooled samples indicate that positive mosquitoes came from at least one of the sites listed.
To decrease the likelihood of human/mosquito interactions and to help minimize the spread of WNV, the city recommends that residents’ mosquito-proof their properties by:
- Draining any standing water outside your home;
- Not over-watering landscaping or turf (mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of stagnant water); and
- Inspecting properties for any items that can hold water, including toys, tarps and covers, pots, wheelbarrows, tire swings, recycling bins, trash cans and lids. Birdbaths should be changed every 3 to 4 days.
The virus can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. Keep safe this summer and remember the four D’s:
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, 2 percent soybean oil, or oil of lemon eucalyptus;
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
- Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
- DRAIN standing water outside your home.
Beginning in mid-May, the city regularly monitors mosquito number (and type) with a grid of surveillance traps. The city treats mosquito habitats with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Mosquito larval control with Bti is the most effective and environmentally sensitive strategy to control the spread of WNV mosquitoes and reduce the risk of human infections.
For general information about the city’s Mosquito Control program including WNV, visitwww.BoulderColorado.gov/ipm and click on, “Mosquito Control Program.” There is also a WNV Hotline at 303-441-3400 that provides basic information and weekly updates if new information is available. The State of Colorado also provides helpful WSN resources at www.fightthebitecolorado.com.
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No warnings for fireworks’ violators; police will issue tickets (for real)
Jun 22nd
But they still have to catch you in the act
For the second year in a row, Boulder police are announcing a zero-tolerance policy for fireworks violations. It’s illegal to possess or explode fireworks within city limits and violators will be cited — or possibly arrested — depending on the offense. Anyone starting a fire while using fireworks could face additional arson charges.
Fire danger is very high in Colorado, as we have seen recently with the multiple wildfires burning around the state, and Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner says he is concerned about protecting residents. “We are taking a cautious approach again this year, because we want everyone to be safe. Fireworks can be dangerous, and this kind of “fun” can turn into an emergency very quickly,” said Beckner. “Because our focus is community safety, the Boulder Police Department will not tolerate fireworks violations.”
Residents will notice increased patrols leading up to the holiday and on July 4th; extra officers will staff Chautauqua Park, Boulder Reservoir and Folsom Field. The Boulder Fire-Rescue Department is currently conducting additional “severity patrols” on the outskirts of the city, and extra firefighters will be on duty during the fireworks show at Folsom Field.
“Given our recent weather patterns, we know it’s going to be another hot, dry summer,” said Boulder Fire-Rescue Chief Larry Donner. “People should understand that they don’t need to live in a forest to experience a disastrous fire. We want everyone to remember the holiday as a celebration, rather than as a marker for a tragedy.”
Police are asking the public for assistance: anyone who sees a fireworks violation is asked to report it immediately to Boulder police. Officers need the location of the violation and descriptions of the people involved.
The non-emergency number for Dispatch is 303-441-3333. Please call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency or a fire.
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No more geeky hardware in the trash or go to jail
Jun 22nd
Just kiddin’ about jail…
Many Electronics will be Prohibited from Trash Bins Starting July 1
The Electronic Recycling Jobs Act bans electronics from landfills
Boulder County, Colo. – Effective July 1, Boulder County residents can no longer place computers and many other types of electronics at the curb, or in waste bins, for collection and disposal. The Electronic Recycling Jobs Act, signed by Governor Hickenlooper in April of 2012, intends many benefits for the state including job creation through material recovery, diversion of hazardous material from landfills and reduction of energy and raw material resource demands from mining and manufacturing.
Banned devices include:
- television sets
- central processing units (CPUs)
- computer monitors
- peripherals
- printers
- fax machines
- laptops
- notebooks
- ultra books
- net books
- electronic tablets
- digital video disc players
- video cassette recorders
- video display devices with a screen greater than four inches
The law requires that consumers deliver their electronic equipment to collection facilities or collection events. Boulder County will no longer accept waste electronics at the Nederland or Allenspark transfer stations or county recycling drop off centers. Residents of Nederland and Allenspark can expect county-organized collection events on or around Labor Day weekend.
Electronic devices contain a number of hazardous elements that can migrate if disposed in a landfill, potentially contaminating groundwater and soil. Brokers and recyclers with an e-Steward or R2 certification have demonstrated that they meet specific environmental standards and safely manage used electronics. Residents of Boulder County can find a list of certified electronics recyclers and local collection events atwww.bouldercounty.org/env/recycle/pages/ewaste.aspx.
For more information, contact Jeff Callahan, Boulder County Resource Conservation Division at 720-564-2221 orjcallahan@bouldercounty.org.
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