Project background

The Salt Lake Valley is facing increasing air quality burdens associated with its rapidly growing population, the development of the Utah Inland Port, increasing transportation emissions, gravel operations, drying of the Great Salt Lake, and more frequent wildfire events. Because of their proximity to these air pollution sources, westside communities in the Salt Lake Valley are disproportionately affected by particle pollution.

Partnerships

Through close partnership with FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake, Utah Clean Cities, the University of Utah, the Salt Lake County Health Department, and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, we will enhance PM2.5 and PM10 monitoring in underserved westside communities.

Sensor deployment

10 PM10 and 36 PM2.5 low-cost AirU sensors (University of Utah/Tellus Inc.) will provide near real-time measurements in westside communities, with focus on areas of concern identified through community engagement activities.

Air quality alerts and maps

Using location-specific PM sensor measurements, community members can view real-time air quality maps and/or sign up for location-specific air quality alerts.

Community engagement

Throughout the project, community members and partners will guide the project design, sensor siting, data collection, presentation of results, outreach activities, and target mitigation strategies. This will be done through a series of engagement activities:

• Community Steering Committee
• Survey distribution
• Community events and presentations
• Focus groups and listening sessions
• Educational modules
• Sensor hosting and training events