Greeley-Evans School District 6
School District
Energy & Environment
Consistent with the District 6 Innovation 2030 strategic plan, District 6 endeavors to cultivate a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment for all. District 6 is committed to providing facilities with adequate ventilation, temperature control, water, power and lighting that is optimum for occupants, while striving for energy-efficiency.
District 6 is also committed to providing a learning environment that is reasonably secure from known environmental hazards. In addition to complying with all federal and state regulations regarding the presence of hazardous materials in schools, our Facilities staff works to encourage the use of safe materials and keep track of potentially hazardous materials in our schools, such as asbestos, lead-based paint, and surplus paints and chemicals. We also self-perform or contract testing of radon levels, sampling for lead in drinking water, perform initial air quality investigations, and conduct stormwater inspections as needed.
Energy Use/Utilities
District 6 tracks the use of electricity, natural gas, communications, water and wastewater utilities through the EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Data within this portfolio is used to provide required reporting to the Colorado Energy Office for applicable facilities. District 6 is currently performing a district-wide Energy Audit with the assistance of an Energy Service Company (ESCO). The results of the audit will determine where and how the district might consider energy-saving measures and where specialized projects to achieve greater energy efficiency and utility cost savings might be implemented as part of the district’s facilities master planning process.
Asbestos
Greeley-Evans School District 6 complies with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requirements for managing asbestos in schools. A D6 'designated person' ensures that the asbestos management program is kept up-to-date, in compliance with AHERA (EPA) and Regulation No. 8, Part B (CDPHE). The District performs periodic inspections of buildings with asbestos containing materials in them, and a certified Asbestos Inspector updates the Asbestos Management Plan every three years.
These plans are maintained at D6 Facilities and in each school. The plans will be kept online in the future and will be available at the school. The specific information for each school is available to designated staff at that school and available for review by the public upon request (parents, outside contractors, etc.)
Annual Asbestos Notification - School Year 2025-2026
Greeley-Evans School District 6 AHERA Management Plan is available for public inspection during regular working hours at each school location and at D6 Facilities 2404 5th Ave Greeley, CO 80634. This notification is provided to fulfill the requirement of section 763.93(4) of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, 40 CFR Part 763, October 30, 1987. All interested parents, teachers, employees, or other persons are invited to review the plan which includes the following items:
- Location, amounts, and types of asbestos-contained materials in all schools and support buildings
- Response actions to the asbestos-contained materials
- Plans for re-inspection, periodic surveillance, and operation and maintenance programs
- Public notification procedures
Anyone interested in reviewing this plan should contact D6 Facilities at (970) 348-6400.
Lead
Lead-based Paint
The EPA recommends testing for lead-based paint in homes and schools built before 1978. District 6 completed this testing in 2010. These records are kept in the Environmental Services Office at the Education Center. The specific information for each school constructed prior to 1978 is available to designated staff at that school and available for review by the public upon request (parents, outside contractors, etc.) Anyone interested in reviewing this plan should contact D6 Facilities at (970) 348-6400.
Lead in Drinking Water
HB22-1358, signed into Colorado law in 2022, set a requirement to test drinking water sources by having a state-certified laboratory measure the lead content of water drawn from each drinking water source. Results showing a lead content of 5 ppb (parts per billion) or higher require public notification, immediate action to remove drinking water source from use, and permanent remediation.
Throughout 2023-2024, District 6 was required to test all drinking water sources (drinking fountains, bottle fillers, kitchen faucets and ice machines) in schools serving grades PK-8. PK-5 facilities were tested in 2023 and 6-8 facilities were tested in 2024. Fixtures found to be above the 5 ppb action level have been repaired, filters installed/replaced, or taken out of service.
Radon
District 6 schools were tested for radon and periodic retesting occurs frequently. In addition, all new facilities or facilities that undergo major renovation are tested for radon. Reports for test locations and results are maintained by D6 Facilities and available for review . The Environmental Protection Agency recommends radon levels be kept below 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). District 6 has taken mitigation actions, in rare cases where high levels were found.
Stormwater
Stormwater management requirements for K-12 facilities in Colorado are primarily determined by state and local regulations, specifically the federal Clean Water Act requirements administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). These requirements generally fall under two categories: construction activities and ongoing facility operations.
Construction Stormwater Requirements
Any K-12 construction project (new buildings, additions, parking lots, etc.) that disturbs one acre or more of land is required to obtain a state Construction Stormwater Discharge Permit (COR400000) from the CDPHE. Key requirements include:
- Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP): A site-specific plan must be developed and implemented. It identifies potential pollutant sources and outlines Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce or eliminate water quality impacts.
- Erosion and Sediment Control: Implementation of control measures (e.g., construction entrances, silt fences, proper grading) is mandatory to prevent construction debris and sediment from entering storm drains or local water bodies.
- Inspections and Reporting: Regular self-inspections (often semi-annual or more frequent during active construction) and annual reports are required to ensure compliance and evaluate the effectiveness of the SWMP.
- Onsite Management: Local regulations often require onsite treatment and retention of stormwater, sometimes specifying infiltration of a certain percentage of runoff or control of a specific storm event volume.
Ongoing Operations and Maintenance
For existing K-12 facilities, the requirements focus on general "good housekeeping" practices and pollution prevention to ensure only unpolluted rainwater enters the storm drainage system.
- Pollution Prevention: Facilities must prevent pollutants (e.g., chemicals, trash, pet waste, fertilizers, auto fluids) from being exposed to stormwater runoff.
- Employee Training and Education: Staff awareness and training programs regarding proper waste disposal and spill response are a key component of compliance.
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination: Discharging anything other than stormwater into the storm drain system is generally prohibited, with fines possible for violations.
- Local Municipal Requirements: Many cities and counties in Colorado are covered by a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and may have additional, more specific local requirements or guidance documents that K-12 facilities must follow.
Stormwater Management Program Summary
MS4 Permit Compliance
Greeley-Evans School District 6 maintains coverage under the Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS), Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), General Permit COR070000. The District implements a stormwater management program designed to prevent pollutants from entering storm drains and local waterways.
Program Components
- Routine monitoring and inspection of 40 District facilities
- Facilities meeting MS4 thresholds are inspected at a minimum monthly frequency
- Facilities not meeting MS4 thresholds are monitored as part of District oversight
- Illicit discharge detection and elimination procedures
- Construction best management practices (BMPs) coordination with the City of Greeley
- Post-construction stormwater oversight and tracking
- Pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices
- Nutrient management and controlled fertilizer application
- Annual stormwater training for the District's Grounds Department staff
Inspection Program
The District conducts full inspection cycles at facilities subject to MS4 requirements. In 2025, eighteen (18) inspection cycles were completed. Additional inspections are performed following significant rain or snow events. Minor maintenance items such as debris removal and sediment cleanup are addressed promptly.
Annual Reporting
The District submits and annual MS4 compliance report to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Reports are available upon request.