Marshall Fire Environmental Quality Information
BVSD is concerned about both the mental and physical health and well-being of our students and staff following the Marshall Fire. Providing a safe environment that is free of hazards at concentrations of concern is as important to BVSD as it is to our families and staff.
Environmental Quality Update | April 14, 2022
Air Quality
Air monitors have been installed on the eight schools affected by the fire and at other locations in the community. The monitors have been installed by Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) on BVSD buildings. The instruments monitor the level of ultrafine particulate matter in the air. Data is recorded and shared via an online platform. Schools will monitor the air quality information and use it with BVSD’s Outdoor Air Quality Guidelines to make decisions about conducting outdoor activities. Links to the website and other helpful resources are included below:
Links for conditions at each school on the “Love My Air” website:
Air Monitor Live Data by Location
More information about the monitors is available on the BCPH website at:
Boulder County Public Health Marshall Fire Air Quality Webpage
BVSD provides guidance to schools based on EPA guidelines for schools to use in making decisions about outdoor activities:
BVSD Outdoor Air Quality Guidelines
BVSD Outdoor Air Quality Web Page
soil testing
In tandem with soil testing conducted by Boulder County Public Health, BVSD worked with BCPH to conduct testing at several school sites that were closest to the burn area, including Coal Creek, Fireside, Monarch Campus and Superior. Testing protocols were determined in consultation with BCPH and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Each location was tested for 17 metals and asbestos at the surface. All tests at school sites were consistent with surrounding areas that were not impacted by the fire and do not pose a significant health risk. No further action is warranted at this time.
History
BVSD worked with our partners at Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) as well as our restoration contractor ATI and industrial hygiene consultant, Clark Seif Clark, Inc. for guidance related to providing a safe environment for students and staff in the areas affected by the Marshall Fire. BCPH has stated that it “strongly supports the resumption of classes at BVSD schools including those near the burn area, as well as the efforts the district has taken to ensure student safety.” The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control inspected all buildings and deemed them safe to occupy.
Other air quality resources
NOAA & CIRES Air Quality Monitoring Van (video)
Real-time Air Quality Monitoring Available in Superior
Statement from Boulder County Public Health regarding Air Quality Monitoring in Marshall Fire areas | Jan. 14, 2022
Boulder County Public Health Letter Regarding Air Quality | Jan. 8, 2022 (En español)
Boulder County OEM Link to Air Quality Information
BVSD Indoor Air Quality Initiative
Letter from industrial hygienist Clark Seif Clark regarding Indoor Environmental Quality
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Were Schools Cleaned After the Fire?
- What measurement tools were used to determine the air in the school was safe? Did this approach specifically measure for the toxic materials that were released into the air due to the burning of so many man-made things?
- What was done to ensure ceiling tiles are cleared of all embedded debris and toxicity? Was the area above the tiles cleaned?
- I know the air ducts were cleaned, but what about the insulation in the school? I know a lot of people have found piles of soot in their attics.
- How were all the school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, etc.) cleaned? What is the advice on paper products? Do they absorb any of the toxins or should they be safe?
- How could the buildings be sufficiently cleaned in such a short period of time?
- What cleaning was done outside the school? What about the playground equipment?
- Can air quality monitoring be set up inside and around schools that are near the burn areas?
- If outside air intake is reduced in response to outside conditions, will that make it unsafe inside related to COVID?