Thursday, AUGUST 21, 2025 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
A Colorado-based environmental consulting firm is requesting authorization to install an air quality monitoring station in Rawlins.
During the August 5th Rawlins City Council meeting, City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave announced that Air Resource Specialists, out of Fort Collins, Colorado, had contacted her office. Attorney Maberry-Nave explained that the contractor, which works closely with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, is requesting authorization to place a temporary mobile air quality monitoring station in the city.
City Attorney Maberry-Nave described the proposed air monitoring station as a trailer outfitted with various external sensors. The City Attorney said Air Resource Specialists would like to place the station behind the Rawlins Family Recreation Center.
Attorney Maberry-Nave said the station will be locked, and Air Resource Specialists do not believe a security fence is necessary. However, if the city approves the arrangement and later requests a fence, the environmental consulting firm will install one.
Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave said the station would be connected to the city’s electrical grid. Air Resource Specialists have offered to cover the cost of the power used by the monitoring equipment. Additionally, the city would receive $150 per month for up to a year and a half.
Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave asked the City Council for its input. If the governing body supports the project, she will draft a licensing agreement for Air Resource Specialists to sign. The City Attorney said the licensing agreement makes it easy to quickly end the arrangement if necessary.
Councilman Steve Sanger asked Attorney Maberry-Nave to explain the services provided by Air Resource Specialists. The City Attorney responded that the Fort Collins-based environmental consulting firm offers air quality monitoring for the states of Colorado and Wyoming.
Attorney Maberry-Nave clarified that the data collected in Rawlins would be used by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Mayor Jacquelin Wells expressed her approval of the proposal. The City Attorney offered to inform the environmental consulting firm about the city’s interest and report back to the governing body with future updates.
