By Brandy Cannon Businesses and other sources that emit pollutants into the air often require permits, which set limits on the amount of pollution they can release. Permit writers at the Division of Air Quality (DAQ) are always looking for ways to improve air quality and reduce emissions, particularly the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute …
Read MoreBy: Amanda Smith Last year, Governor Gary Herbert tasked all state agencies with identifying their core processes and finding ways to increase efficiency and quality. This performance initiative, led by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB), is designed to improve government services. Process improvements through this SUCCESS Framework will provide measurable results that …
Read MoreBy Bo Call As the snow melts, so does our memory of winter inversions and bad air days. But with the spring and warmer temperatures also comes the summer ozone season. DEQ’s Air Monitoring Center is now gearing up to battle Utah’s other air-quality demon—ozone. And it’s a battle that’s harder to fight. Just like …
Read MoreBy Brock LeBaron When we talk about ozone pollution in Utah, we usually think of wintertime ozone in the Uinta Basin and summertime ozone along the Wasatch Front. What we don’t always take into account is the global nature of ozone; what we often view as a localized problem actually comes from a combination of …
Read MoreBy Rik Ombach For those of you who are not familiar with Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky Program, it is a voluntary option on your electric bill that supports renewable energy development. Specifically, the program supports wind and solar energy programs throughout Utah and the region as well as educational programs on renewable energy. Each …
Read MoreBy Glade Sowards I work in the Mobile Sources section at DEQ—we’re the folks who look at emissions from vehicles. A few weeks back, a couple of us from the Mobile section bumped into DEQ director Amanda Smith as we were coming back from a meeting. She told us she was glad to run into …
Read MoreBy Bob Ford Since I work for the Utah Division of Air Quality, I guess I better “walk the walk if I talk the talk” (no pun intended!). Actually, I have a new saying when trying to encourage friends to walk, bike, trip chain, use public transportation, etc. … If Bob can do it, you …
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Air Quality
Drinking Water
Environmental Response and Remediation
Waste Management and Radiation Control
Water Quality
Executive Director’s Office