The Uncompahgre Medical Center (UMC), located in Norwood, provides local medical and dental services for the town of Norwood and neighboring communities.  It has a staff of two doctors, a physician’s assistant, and a clinical social worker.  UMC is only open on weekdays; it does not provide emergency services outside of regular business hours.  The nearest hospital is approximately 67 miles away in Montrose, Colorado. 

The Norwood Fire Protection District (District), located in Norwood, provides emergency medical and fire response services.  The District services over 500 square miles to 3,000 residents. The District fleet includes two ambulances, two fire engines, two brush trucks and one water tender respond to structural and wildland fires. www.norwoodfiredistrict.org

The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Department has an office in Norwood.  According to the Sheriff’s organizational chart, the Department has eleven patrol deputies.

Consequences

The proposed Project will increase the local population by an estimated 300 workers for the duration of construction.  The Norwood emergency services, medical clinic, police and fire departments are not equipped or staffed to manage the immediate increase to the population that would occur during Project construction. 

It is anticipated that potential for a catastrophic fire would have severe impacts to the project site and residents of Wrigt’s Mesa.  The Norwood Fire Chief has prepared a separate report to address potential impacts from the proposed Project.