HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20131203
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
December 03, 2013
4:00 PM, City Council Chambers
MEETING AGENDA
I. Sustainability Dashboard
II. Snow Polo
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Ashley Perl, CJ Oliver, and Karen Harrington
DATE OF MEMO: November 27, 2013
MEETING DATE: December 3, 2013
RE: Introduction of Environmental Sustainability Dashboard
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Staff requests Council’s comments on the environmental
sustainability dashboard and recommendations for future development.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: In 2011, City Council set a goal, as part of the Best
Year Yet process, to create a definition of sustainable Aspen. While this definition
provided a starting point, in 2012 staff committed to creating an environmental
sustainability dashboard, a more useful document that Council could use to accurately
gauge the results of the City’s and community’s environmental efforts. This
presentation by staff will be the first time City Council will review and comment on the
dashboard.
BACKGROUND:
Reasoning:
In 2012, the Aspen City Council directed staff to develop a new tool to assist in
understanding Aspen’s environmental sustainability: a dashboard. The draft
dashboard is included as Attachment A. The dashboard has several purposes:
• To define what it means to be environmentally sustainable
• To help Council assess whether the City is making progress toward
environmental sustainability
• To guide Council decision-making regarding initiatives proposed to
enhance environmental sustainability
Defining Environmental Sustainability: Outcomes and Measures of Success
The dashboard defines what it means to be environmentally sustainable through a
combination of outcome statements and associated measures of success across five
areas of environmental sustainability:
• Air
• Energy
• Parks, Trails and Open Space
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• Waste
• Water
These five topics, and the outcome statements created for them, were drawn from a
review of existing City documents (such as the Aspen Area Community Plan) and
sustainability plans and dashboards from other jurisdictions. The intent was to maintain
consistency with existing, adopted policies while also becoming more explicit about the
environment Aspen is seeking to create for now and the future.
The outcome statements included in the dashboard act as descriptive statements that
show the long term picture of what Aspen will be once sustainability is achieved. For
this reason, outcome statements do not contain targets or numbers and do not focus on
actions. Outcome statements tell the story of where Aspen wants to go, or in some
cases, where Aspen is currently and would like to remain. Outcomes should be
referenced regularly to ensure Aspen is on the right track and doesn’t stray away from
the larger priorities for the community. They are the end results we want.
While the outcomes are descriptive, the measures of success for each outcome provide
the hard data needed to understand whether the outcome has been achieved, or if
progress is being made. As progress is made on the individual measure(s),
advancement is also being made towards the overall outcome. As Aspen moves the
needle on the measures, the end outcome comes closer to reality. Future and current
projects can be analyzed using the measures by asking the question “does this project
or action move one of these measures?”.
When selecting the measures to include in the dashboard, staff used a specific set of
criteria. The measures needed to be relevant to the outcome statement and the data
needed to be available to track the measure. The measures were also selected based
on the quality of the measure and the ability of the City or community to take action to
affect the measure. Measures may be added or removed as the City moves forward.
Staff intentionally did not take the next step of setting targets for each measure. Prior to
moving forward with further development of the dashboard, staff wanted to check-in
with City Council. Also, it can be challenging to focus on outcome statements and
measures without jumping ahead to setting targets. Staff wanted to focus the attention
of the community and the larger group on the greater vision for sustainable Aspen prior
to setting numerical goals. Attachments C and D show what the dashboard might look
like with the addition of targets.
Development of the Dashboard
Initially, staff developed drafts outcome statements for each topic. The outcome
statements were subsequently reviewed and adjusted with input from internal and
external subject matter experts.
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In addition, subject matter experts identified draft measures of success in achieving
each of the outcomes during focus group sessions. The focus groups were facilitated
by staff from Brendle Group Consulting. The focus groups were instructed to identify
measures that had community-wide value and that were reflective of results rather than
levels of activity.
Project staff further assessed the recommendations from the focus groups to develop
the set included in this preliminary dashboard. This additional analysis included several
components. First, staff reviewed the proposed measures from the standpoint of the
availability of data, overall data quality and understandability of the proposed measures.
Next, project staff vetted the proposed outcome statements and measures using an
internal City comment period and a community-wide survey. Finally, staff asked
Brendle Group to look at the similarity between Aspen’s measures and those of other
localities. This commonality assessment is included as Attachment B.
DISCUSSION:
Options for the Use of the Dashboard:
The City Council can use the dashboard to guide its decision-making in several different
ways:
· Gap Analysis: The dashboard can be used to identify gaps in key programs for
which the Council may wish to set annual goals - goals to explore the root causes of a
problem, or goals to reduce gaps through City initiatives.
· Priority Setting: The outcomes and measures from the dashboard can be used
throughout the year as a filter through which the value of proposed City initiatives can
be assessed.
· Review: The outcomes and measures from the dashboard can be used to assess
the impact of City initiatives. It can help the City know if the work we are doing and the
actions we are promoting are having the intended result.
· Planning Tool: The outcomes and measures from the dashboard can be used to
prioritize and plan projects for the future, prioritizing those actions that move the needle
on measures included in the dashboard.
· Community Engagement: More broadly, the outcome statements and measures in
the dashboard can be used to focus a community-wide action planning initiative that
aligns multiple organizations toward achieving shared goals, much as the Aspen
Community Foundation is doing with its education initiative. Such an effort would
encourage multiple entities to use the dashboard to guide their priority-setting, leverage
each other’s strengths, partner more effectively and focus their initiatives toward the
accomplishment of shared outcomes.
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FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPACTS: While no funding is currently requested for the
further development of the dashboard, it is possible that funding will be needed in the
future. Budget discussion and amounts will depend on how Council chooses to use the
dashboard and how fully the dashboard needs to be developed. If, for example, City
Council chooses to use the dashboard on a broader community level, it is possible that
funding could be used to engage the community in target setting. Once developed, the
dashboard may be used by Council to analyze budget requests from an environmental
standpoint.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The environmental impacts of the dashboard are far
reaching and numerous. Although the creation of the actual dashboard does not
contribute to Aspen's environmental quality, the sole purpose of the dashboard is to
protect Aspen's environment while enjoying the surrounding environment in a
responsible way. The dashboard can help the Aspen community to ensure our
contribution to the environment is a positive one. This tool provides a reference point
for knowing where we are with respect to environmental sustainability, discussing where
we want to be, and deciding what actions are required to get there.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: City of Aspen Dashboard
Attachment B: Comparative Analysis of Measures
Attachment C: Sample of Aspen’s Dashboard with Targets
Attachment D: Example of Targets and Trends for One Measure
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Environmental Sustainability
Dashboard
City of Aspen
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Air
The Aspen community enjoys clean healthy air.
Aspen’s air quality is one of the factors that distinguish it from other places. Residents and visitors
alike expect and value clear skies and unpolluted indoor and outdoor air. Because Aspen has clean
healthy air, residents can fully enjoy indoor and outdoor activities with reduced concern for their
respiratory health, including reduced incidence of respiratory illness and irritation.
Levels of small particulate matter pollution
Importance: Aspen’s small particulate matter can cause respiratory
irritation and also has an impact on visibility conditions.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen currently measures PM10
pollution (particulate matter smaller than 10 microns in size) and has
plans to begin measuring PM2.5 levels. Data will be reported as a daily
24 hour average throughout the year, highlighting instances of levels
above the standard set in the AACP of 35 parts per million for PM10.
Most Recent Data: In 2012, there were 7 instances of PM10 levels
above the AACP standard, 2 of which were caused by exceptional
weather events.
Castle Creek Bridge traffic counts
Importance: Castle Creek Bridge traffic counts are used to determine the success of traffic reduction measures which
reduce the impact of transportation on Aspen’s air quality.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen currently measures the number and type of vehicles on Castle Creek Bridge. These
numbers are reported as an average monthly count over the year in comparison to the baseline traffic count from 1993
when the average monthly count was 23,670 vehicles.
Most Recent Data: The 2012 traffic count was 21,917/month.
Radon levels and mitigation
Importance: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause among non-smokers. Radon
remediation is relatively affordable to homeowners and is a major step individuals can take to lower their cancer risk if
high levels are discovered.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen currently keeps track of the total number of homes tested for radon levels and those
with high radon levels as well as those homes that remediate to reduce radon levels. Data is reported as the percentage of
homes with current radon levels above the federal action level of 4pc/L.
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Most Recent Data: In 2012 57% (n.53) of homes tested had levels of radon above the recommended action level.
Thirteen percent of that group mitigated for the elevated levels of radon.
Ozone Levels
Importance: Ground level ozone is a respiratory irritant and illness promoter. High levels of ground level ozone reduce
visibility. High levels of ozone can often be caused by regional activity including traffic, oil and gas development and other
causes.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen currently monitors ozone levels at the intersection of Hwy 82 and Cemetery Lane.
Ozone levels are reported in 8 hour average concentrations. The 8 hour averages are then evaluated against the low end of
the national health standard set by the EPA.
Most Recent Data: In 2012 there were 29 days with 8 hour average concentrations over the standard of 60 ppb.
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Energy
The Aspen community effectively manages
minimizing adverse environmental impacts.
Energy generation and consumption, while integral to a prosperous economy, can result in the
emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants that contaminate land, air and water.
fossil fuel-based energy with renewable resources
sectors – Aspen meets its energy demands in an efficient, clean and affordable manner.
Aspen maintains a thriving economy while reducing the adverse e
energy needs.
Percentage of electrical energy from renewable sources
Importance: By moving towards renewable energy production, Aspen can reduce the pollution and greenhouse gas
generation associated with traditional energy pro
be replaced and are finite.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen Utility Department and Holy Cross both measure the percent of renewable energy
in their portfolios, reported as renewable energy consumed as a percentage of total community energy consumption.
Most Recent Data: In 2011, 33% of community electrical energy
of Aspen’s electricity portfolio was renewable, while 13% of Holy Cr
Greenhouse gas emissions from buildings
Most Recent Data: In 2011, the total greenhouse gas emissions for buildings were 214,718 tons of CO2 equivalent. Of
note, the City’s Parks Department estimates that public trees sequester (remo
year, reduce energy use by 193.9 tons per year, and store approximately 3,411.5 tons of CO2 in the form of biomass.
The Aspen community effectively manages its energy needs while
minimizing adverse environmental impacts.
Energy generation and consumption, while integral to a prosperous economy, can result in the
emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants that contaminate land, air and water.
based energy with renewable resources – and maximizing energy efficiency across all
Aspen meets its energy demands in an efficient, clean and affordable manner.
Aspen maintains a thriving economy while reducing the adverse environmental impacts of its
Percentage of electrical energy from renewable sources
By moving towards renewable energy production, Aspen can reduce the pollution and greenhouse gas
generation associated with traditional energy production. Renewable energy also reduces the use of resources that cannot
The City of Aspen Utility Department and Holy Cross both measure the percent of renewable energy
e energy consumed as a percentage of total community energy consumption.
In 2011, 33% of community electrical energy was from renewable sources. 75%
of Aspen’s electricity portfolio was renewable, while 13% of Holy Cross’ portfolio was renewable.
Greenhouse gas emissions from buildings
Importance: As a location that will be greatly affected by climate
change, Aspen takes interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and the potential for climate change.
Data Collection: Data will be reported as total tons of carbon
dioxide equivalent emitted, and will include emissions from Aspen
Electric, Holy Cross and Source Gas for residential and commercial
accounts within the urban growth boundary. The City of Aspen
Canary Initiative currently collects this community greenhouse gas
data.
In 2011, the total greenhouse gas emissions for buildings were 214,718 tons of CO2 equivalent. Of
note, the City’s Parks Department estimates that public trees sequester (remove) a net of 147.8 tons of CO2 equivalent per
year, reduce energy use by 193.9 tons per year, and store approximately 3,411.5 tons of CO2 in the form of biomass.
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its energy needs while
Energy generation and consumption, while integral to a prosperous economy, can result in the
emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants that contaminate land, air and water. By replacing
and maximizing energy efficiency across all
Aspen meets its energy demands in an efficient, clean and affordable manner. In doing so,
nvironmental impacts of its
By moving towards renewable energy production, Aspen can reduce the pollution and greenhouse gas
duction. Renewable energy also reduces the use of resources that cannot
The City of Aspen Utility Department and Holy Cross both measure the percent of renewable energy
e energy consumed as a percentage of total community energy consumption.
was from renewable sources. 75% percent of the City
oss’ portfolio was renewable.
As a location that will be greatly affected by climate
change, Aspen takes interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Data will be reported as total tons of carbon
dioxide equivalent emitted, and will include emissions from Aspen
Electric, Holy Cross and Source Gas for residential and commercial
accounts within the urban growth boundary. The City of Aspen
iative currently collects this community greenhouse gas
In 2011, the total greenhouse gas emissions for buildings were 214,718 tons of CO2 equivalent. Of
ve) a net of 147.8 tons of CO2 equivalent per
year, reduce energy use by 193.9 tons per year, and store approximately 3,411.5 tons of CO2 in the form of biomass.
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Energy efficiency
Importance: By increasing efficiencies, the Aspen community can reduce the total demand for energy and reduce the
associated environmental impacts of producing energy. One way to measure energy efficiency is to calculate deemed
energy savings each year, which is the amount of energy saved due to known implementation of practices that reduce
energy use (for instance, replacement of incandescent with fluorescent bulbs). This measure provides a conservative
estimate of energy conservation efforts that impact electricity demand.
Data Collection: The data below is reflective of all accounts for Aspen Electric and most Holy Cross accounts. It
includes deemed savings from activities of the city and others for those accounts.
Most Recent Data: For 1/1/12-12/31/12: Total Residential Savings: 60,395 kWh. Total Commercial Savings: 1,093,502
kWh.
Mass transit use
Importance: Vehicle transportation in Aspen is responsible for adverse environmental impacts including air pollution
and the creation of greenhouse gases. By using mass transportation, visitors and residents can reduce the number of
vehicles on Aspen’s roads, reduce the environmental effects of those vehicles, and reduce energy use.
Data Collection: Data will be reported as the total number of one way bus rides per year within Aspen.
Most Recent Data: In 2012, there were 1.064 million rides. Through April of 2013 there were .465 million rides.
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Open Space, Parks, Trails
Aspen’s unique blend of natural resources provides wide-ranging
habitats, recreation opportunities and connected, accessible places.
A myriad of natural resources contribute to Aspen’s singularity as a place. High levels of
biodiversity, native ecosystems, extensive fish and wildlife habitat, and a diverse urban forest
provide ecosystem functions that benefit the community (such as absorbing water runoff and
filtering water for quality, for example), and provide for extensive active and passive recreational
pursuits and personal renewal. Access to nearby parks and open spaces via walkable connections is
an integral part of the city’s appeal.
Acres of parks, trails and open space
Importance: The community greatly benefits from these
kinds of areas being kept open and accessible for a number of
reasons including the preservation of natural habitat, areas for
outdoor recreation, and protection of lands from future
development.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen Parks Departments has
the ability to measure this data with existing software where
they track parks and open space parcels. The data will be
reported as the total acres of parks and open space within
Aspen and the adjacent area.
Most Recent Data: There are currently 1961.5 acres of open space in the current inventory.
Community forest coverage
Importance: Aspen has been named “Tree City USA.” Keeping the community forest healthy and vibrant is critical from
an environmental standpoint as well as from a user experience point of view.
Data Collection: This data is not currently available; however there is interest in collecting and measuring this data if
appropriate time and budget are made available. The City of Aspen could gather this information by conducting a canopy
cover study. The data would be reported as total acreage of the City of Aspen that is covered by the community forest
canopy.
Most Recent Data: No data is currently available.
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Key indicator species (place holder)
Importance: Measurement of a key indicator species is meant to serve as a proxy for overall ecosystem health without
the need to create a new and/or unstandardized index. While an index provides a more comprehensive picture, the use of
an appropriate indicator species can provide good insight to the present conditions and to establish trends over time. The
presence or lack of a key indicator species is often used to determine if conditions in an ecosystem are adequate to support
that species’ existence with that set of conditions being used as the benchmark for success.
Data Collection: An appropriate species would need to be selected by consulting with knowledgeable parties such as
the Roaring Fork Conservancy, Forest Service, DOW, etc.
Most Recent Data: No data is currently available.
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Waste
The amount of waste is minimal, and waste management choices
protect the environment.
The consumption of material resources and the waste generation that accompanies it can result in
contamination of our air, land and water. Wastes are minimized through diversion and reuse
whenever possible, which maximizes the life of the current landfill while avoiding pollution. When
waste must be disposed, it is done so responsibly.
Levels of water and air pollution at landfill
Importance: Processing Aspen’s waste has potential negative effects on the surrounding environment. By measuring the
levels of air and water pollution at the Pitkin County Landfill, Aspen can better manage waste to reduce those impacts on
the environment.
Data Collection: Pitkin County Landfill currently measures water discharged from the landfill for a variety of
pollutants. This data will be reported as an index that includes water and air quality sampling, highlighted instances of
non-compliance with state and federal pollution standards.
Most Recent Data: The landfill reported greenhouse gases 40% below the threshold required for EPA reporting in
2012. There were 3 instances of pollutant detection in the 2012 groundwater monitoring. Vinyl chloride levels are above
the statistical minimum. Chloride was detected above minimum levels in one instance. Arsenic was detected, but in levels
below statistical limits.
Waste diversion rate
Importance: For Aspen to responsibly manage waste, the
community must move toward zero waste by burying the
minimal amount of waste in the landfill. Recycling,
composting and reuse rates show Aspen’s progress towards
achieving minimal waste burial.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen currently collects data
from waste haulers and the Pitkin County Landfill. This data
will be reported as a percentage of the total waste stream
that is diverted for reuse, compost, or recycling. Aspen’s
data can be compared to national and state averages.
Most Recent Data: The 2012 waste diversion rate for the City of Aspen was 30% (29% recycling 1% compost).
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Amount of landfill space available
Importance: The Pitkin County Landfill is a finite space. Once the space is full, Aspen will be forced to transport trash to
neighboring landfills. By measuring the years of life remaining on the landfill lifespan, Aspen can gauge the success of
diversion efforts and plan for the future.
Data Collection: The Pitkin County Landfill conducts an aerial survey every three years to calculate the fill rate of the
landfill space. Data will be reported as the number of years of life remaining on the landfill at the current fill rate.
Most Recent Data: In 2013 the Pitkin County Landfill had 25 years until full.
Number of miles waste travels for processing
Importance: Managing Aspen’s waste has associated environmental costs, and many of these costs are associated with
the transportation of waste, including fuel consumption, road traffic, and air pollution. By measuring the transportation
miles of waste within Colorado associated with waste management, Aspen can better manage waste to reduce the
environmental consequences.
Data Collection: Data will be reported by calculating the average number of miles that trash, recycling and compost
are moved weekly. All data will be reported for one-way transportation of materials.
Most Recent Data: In 2012 trash was shipped an average of 144 miles. Recycling was shipped an average of 774 miles
for processing (Ewaste travels twice a year to be recycled for 200 miles each time). Compost was shipped an average of 24
miles to its final destination.
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Water
The Aspen community has a sufficient supply of safe, clean water to
satisfy a full range of municipal and other purposes while maintaining
healthy streams and rivers.
Resources such as the Roaring Fork River and its tributaries are essential to the vitality of the Aspen
area, providing high-quality water for a variety of purposes. Because of its heavy dependence on
this limited resource, it is important for the City to have minimal negative impacts on water quality
and quantity. Only if Aspen has a sufficient supply of clean water for drinking and recreation, will
residents and visitors be able to continue enjoying the life and natural amenities for which the area
is known. Aspen takes responsibility for and minimizes pollutants entering waterways through
storm water and waste water pollution prevention.
Gallons of water consumed
Importance: Aspen has a finite amount of water available for irrigation, drinking and sustaining life. By measuring the
total gallons of water consumed, the City can better understand current usage and future needs.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen Water Department has measured treated water since 1967 and continues to do so
today. Measurements for untreated water are available since 2010. Data will be reported as millions of gallons of treated
and untreated water distributed by the City of Aspen Water Department per year.
Most Recent Data: In 2012, the City of Aspen Water Department distributed 1,182,331,000 gallons of water.
Flow rate in rivers and streams
Importance: The rivers and streams in and around Aspen
are healthiest when the flow rates are kept above the
minimum that is tolerable and when those rates fluctuate
with the seasons, providing peak flows.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen currently measures
flow rates on the Roaring Fork River, downstream of the
Salvation Ditch, on Castle Creek at the Marolt Open Space,
and at the mouth of Hunter Creek. In addition, daily values
are available for Maroon Creek, read every two weeks. Data
would be reported as a separate flow rate for each gauge and
compared to a 30 year average.
Most Recent Data: 2012 data is not currently available.
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Water availability (% of available water supply that is used at peak usage)
Importance: This measure tells Aspen how much water is used compared to how much water is available for use during
peak use times. This allows the City of Aspen to gauge if adequate water supply is available for Aspen’s use levels.
Data Collection: The City of Aspen does not currently publish this information, but can calculate the percentage for a
given year in the past.
Most Recent Data: In 2012 Aspen reached 95% of availability in one weekend.
Mixed Invertebrate Population in Rivers and Streams
Importance: The health of macroinvertebrates in Aspen’s rivers and streams acts as an indicator of overall stream and
river health. The presence of healthy stream life shows that adequate nutrients are present and also speaks to stream
levels and water quality.
Data Collection: The Roaring Fork Conservancy tracks insect life using a scale called the Pollution Tolerance Index.
The data will be reported as a number on the index.
Most Recent Data: 2012 data is not currently available.
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Aspen Dashboard Summary
Topic
Outcome Statement Measures Criteria for
Comparing
Measures
Air The Aspen community enjoys
clean healthy air.
Levels of small particulate
matter pollution Sometimes Found
Castle Creek bridge traffic
counts Sometimes Found
Radon levels and mitigation Rarely Found
Ozone Levels Commonly Found
Energy The Aspen Community
effectively manages its energy
needs while minimizing
adverse environmental impacts.
Percentage of electrical energy
from renewable sources Commonly Found
Greenhouse gas emissions
from buildings Sometimes Found
Energy efficiency Sometimes Found
Mass transit use Commonly Found
Parks,
Trails,
and Open
Space
Aspen’s unique blend of
natural resources provides
wide-ranging habitats;
recreation opportunities; and
connected, accessible places.
Acres of parks, trails, and open
space Commonly Found
Community forest coverage Sometimes Found
Key indicator species
(placeholder) Sometimes Found
Waste
The amount of waste is
minimal, and waste
management choices protect
the environment.
Levels of water and air
pollution at the landfill Rarely Found
Waste diversion rate Commonly Found
Amount of landfill space
available Rarely Found
Average miles of transportation
to process waste Never Found
Water
The Aspen community has a
sufficient supply of safe, clean
water to satisfy a full range of
municipal needs and other
purposes while maintaining
healthy streams and rivers.
Gallons of water consumed Sometimes Found
Flow rate in rivers and streams Never Found
Water availability (% of the
available water supply that is
used at peak usage)
Rarely Found
Mixed invertebrate population
in rivers and streams
Never Found
Mixed invertebrate population
in rivers and streams
Never Found
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Attachment C
City of Aspen Environmental Sustainability Dashboard
Air
Energy
The Aspen community effectively manages its energy needs while minimizing adverse environmental impacts
P Parks, Trails and Open Space
Aspen’s unique blend of natural resources provides wide-ranging habitats, recreation
opportunities and connected, accessible places
Waste
The amount of waste is minimal, and waste management choices protect the environment
The Aspen community has a sufficient supply of safe, clean water to satisfy a full range
of municipal and other purposes while maintaining healthy streams and rivers
• Acres of parks, trails and open space
• Community forest coverage
The Aspen community enjoys clean healthy air
Levels of small particulate matter pollution
Ozone levels
Radon levels and mitigation
Castle Creek Bridge traffic counts
• Percent of energy from renewable sources
• Energy efficiency
• Greenhouse gas emissions from buildings
• Mass transit use
• Key indicator species
• Levels of air and water pollution
• Waste diversion rate
• Amount of landfill space available
• Average transportation miles
• Gallons of water consumed
• Mixed invertebrate population
• Water availability at peak times
• Flow rate in rivers and streams
Water
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Particulate Matter Pollution
TARGET: PM 10 levels shall not exceed 35 ug/m3 except during exceptional events such as wildfires
and high wind advisories.
Current Status: Current Trend:
PM10- Aspen has had steadily declining levels of PM10 pollution over the past decade as we continue to
increase our control measures surrounding coarse particulate matter pollution. These measures include
increased street sweeping practices during the winter and spring, tighter management of run-off and
debris carryout from construction sites, and industry improvements such as cleaner running diesel
engines. The only readings over 100 ug/m3 we have seen in the past 10 years have been from
exceptional events such as spring dust storms and summer wildfires. The EPA sets a maximum
allowable limit of 150 ug/m3 for pm10, though consistent levels at or near 150 would greatly diminish
the high quality natural environment that our citizens and visitors expect in our community.
The AACP sets forth a very stringent target level of 35ug/m3 which truly embraces the idea of a clean
sustainable environment that Aspen strives for. In 2013 there were no 24 hr. average readings that
exceeded 35 ug/m3 which is a great reflection on the success of our current efforts to control pm10.
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Highest ten
24 hr. PM10
levels by year
from 2009-
2013.
5 year trend
line is shown
in RED
City of Aspen PM 10 Levels
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