Posted on: June 22, 2020
A Jefferson County judge ordered the City and County of Denver to pay Adams County more than $33 million for violations of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) regarding noise levels at Denver International Airport (DIA) during the years of 2014, 2015, and 2016. DIA was found in violation of 67 Class II noise exposure performance standards (NEPS) during the aforementioned years. NEPS are used to measure noise levels of aircraft flying over Adams County.
“We’re grateful to the Jefferson County judge for taking the necessary time to evaluate this complex case and return a judgement that delivers justice to Adams County,” said Board Chair Emma Pinter. “This is an agreement between Denver and Adams County and we both have an obligation to uphold this agreement.”
The IGA between the two entities allowed Denver to annex land within Adams County to build a new airport, in exchange for Denver’s agreement to monitor and strictly limit the noise exposure levels at DIA. If noise levels exceed the agreed upon limit, and are not remedied within the time allowed, Denver must make a noise mitigation payment for each violation.
“We are pleased with the decision that was made today, and feel it is fair and just,” said Commissioner Mary Hodge. “This has been a tough and unfortunate situation, but it was necessary to ensure quality of life for our residents.”
The IGA provides specific procedures and remedies to be followed and allows Adams County to bring legal action to enforce the NEPS, or may seek noise mitigation payments based upon the NEPS violations.
“While we never want to end up in court with a partner jurisdiction, this judgement validates concerns from Adams County residents.” said Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio.
The county filed the first legal complaint against the City and County of Denver in 1992 based on perceived violations of the IGA that could not be resolved. Subsequent complaints were filed over the years – all relating to noise level monitoring and violations.
“We’re disappointed that Denver wasn’t willing to solve this out of court,” said Commissioner Eva Henry. “We had hoped to partner with them to resolve this in a more amicable manner without having to take these steps.”
Given the recent nature of this decision, the county will take some time to assess how to best use these funds.
“We are thankful the Jefferson County judge upheld the IGA between Adams County and the City and County of Denver,” said Commissioner Chaz Tedesco. “This allows us to move ahead under the conditions of the current IGA.”
In addition, it was determined that Denver must report NEPS compliance based on the Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System (ANOMS) as long as the ANOMS remains as the only noise monitoring system installed at the airport, and Adams County may rely on the data measured by the ANOMS to determine compliance with the NEPS.
Posted on: February 6, 2024
Adams County Health Department (ACHD) Supports Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s Recent Action to Protect Clean Air for All
Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) announced the largest state enforcement package against a single facility for air pollution violations to Suncor refinery in Commerce City. Suncor must pay at least $10.5 million toward penalties and projects due to air pollution violations from July 2019 through June 2021. This action is a step toward holding Suncor more accountable for past violations and requires the refinery to take steps to prevent future violations.
Posted on: January 9, 2024
Commissioner Emma Pinter Elected Board Chair for 2024
Commissioner Eva Henry Selected as Vice-Chair
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, the Adams County Board of Commissioners unanimously elected Commissioner Emma Pinter as board chair for 2024. Pinter first took office to represent District 4 as commissioner in 2019 and won re-election in 2022.
Posted on: December 28, 2023
Adams County, VOA Colorado, DRCOG, and Senior Hub Seek Volunteers to Deliver Meals to Older Adults
The nonprofit Senior Hub recently reported it was running out of funds to continue supporting its Meals on Wheels program in Adams County. To ensure Senior Hub’s existing clients continue to receive meal delivery services, Adams County has partnered with Senior Hub, Volunteers of America Colorado (VOA Colorado), and Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) to fund emergency meals while a long-term strategy is developed to continue these services for older adults into the new year.
Posted on: December 19, 2023
Governor Polis Orders Flags to Fly Half Staff to Honor Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
DENVER - Governor Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings to honor Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman on the Nation’s highest court as directed by President Biden. Flags should be at half-staff from midnight Monday, Dec. 18, to sunset Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Governor Polis previously released a statement on the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
The text of President Biden’s proclamations reads:
Posted on: December 12, 2023
Adams County Commissioners Award More Than $8 Million in Open Space Grants
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) awarded more than $8 million in open space grants for 16 projects thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax. Funding for the fall 2023 grant cycle came from revenues from the first half of the 2023 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999, and in perpetuity in 2020.
Posted on: December 7, 2023
Governor Polis Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff For Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
DENVER - Governor Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, December 7, 2023, in honor of the Americans who died in service of their country at Pearl Harbor, as directed by President Biden.
President Biden’s proclamation reads:
Posted on: December 5, 2023
Governor Polis Orders Flags to be Lowered to Honor Sergeant Michael Moran
DENVER - Governor Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, to honor Sergeant Michael Moran, who was killed in the line of duty last week. Flags should be lowered Dec. 6, the day of the service, from sunrise to sunset on all public buildings statewide.
Posted on: November 21, 2023
Governor Polis Orders Flags to be Lowered to Half Staff in Remembrance of First Lady Rosalynn Carter
DENVER - Governor Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings in honor and remembrance of First Lady Rosalynn Carter as proclaimed by President Biden. Flags should be lowered beginning on Saturday, November 25, 2023, until sunset on the day of the funeral which will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
The President’s full proclamation text states:
Posted on: November 16, 2023
Adams County Celebrates National Adoption Day
On Thursday, Nov. 16, 18 children in Adams County welcomed a new start on National Adoption Day. A special celebration took place at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton.
The Board of County Commissioners, Human Services Department, and the 17th Judicial District hosted the adoptive families. Adams County projects a total of 130 adoptions will be finalized by the end of the year.
Posted on: October 31, 2023
