Utah DEQ News

Smoky Vehicles = Smoggy Air: Nothing to Belch About

Tailpipes are the No. 1 cause of air pollution and the problem is a health risk. For that reason, Utah has Vehicle Emissions Control, Inspection and Maintenance programs in five counties: Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber administered by the local health departments.

AG’s Office Supports DEQ’s Mission to Protect Air, Land and Water

The Attorney General’s Office has provided legal support in environmental matters to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality since its inception in 1990. The office delivers legal services that support DEQ’s mission to safeguard and protect Utah’s air, land and water.

Understanding Utah’s Air Quality

Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality often hears from resident who want to know more about Utah’s air quality, the pollutants, the causes, and what they can do to help reduce their emissions.

DEQ Bids Farewell to Brad Johnson

At the end of April, DEQ will bid farewell to longtime Deputy Director Brad Johnson. Brad has been with the department for more than 30 years and contributed immensely to our mission to safeguard and protect Utah air, land and water.

Mobile Monitors Help Pinpoint Wood Smoke Sources

Researchers from across the state gathered at Utah State University on March 28 for the third annual Air Quality: Science for Solutions conference. Jesse Glisson, along with researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah and the Division of Air Quality, presented new research into understanding the contribution of woodsmoke to PM2.5 levels.

Share Your Voice: Help Develop A Unique Outdoor Recreation Experience in the Heart of the Salt Lake Valley

The Jordan River is within a 10-minute drive to well over half of the population of Utah. Although there are big issues facing the river, such as water quality and urban impacts, new development projects aim to address access and safety for recreation.

A Look Back at the 2018-19 Inversion Season

How bad was the air this winter? The short answer, not too bad. Between Nov. 2018 and March 2019, regular storms kept inversions from building and air quality relatively clear.

EPA Takes Aim at PFAS

EPA is working to identify and better understand PFAS contaminants. Research has lead to the development of a six-point action plan which will address the clean up of current PFAS contamination, prevent future contamination, and effectively communicate risk with the public.

2019 Utah State Legislature Roundup

Thursday night marked the end of the 2019 Utah State Legislature. For more than six weeks, lawmakers have worked tirelessly in Salt Lake City setting the state’s budget and passing laws. Here is a recap of all the environment-related happenings.

Gold King Mine

A large snowstorm knocked out power to a pump that was diverting water from the Gold King Mine into nearby treatment ponds. Contaminated water from the mine began to flow into Cement Creek on to the Animas River and is headed toward the San Juan River. The release is expected to reach the San Juan River on Monday.

Who You Gonna Call? Reporting Pollution to DEQ’s Spill Hotline

Utah residents play a vital role in reporting pollution. DEQ has a dedicated Environmental Incident Notification telephone number. This number is sometimes referred to as the “spill hotline.”

Cut Pollution: Mow Electric

Starting Tuesday, residents in Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele and Utah counties will have an opportunity to cut harmful summertime air pollution by participating in the 2019 State of Utah Lawn Mower Exchange. This spring swap your old, dirty lawn mower for a clean electric one. Only $99 (plus tax) with an exchange.

Petroleum Vapors at Intersection of Gentile and Angel
Layton City

DEQ investigators have narrowed down the source of gasoline odors in a Layton City neighborhood to petroleum products in the groundwater.

drinking water

Sandy City Drinking Water Update

DEQ’s Division of Drinking Water (DDW) continues to evaluate drinking-water sample results from Sandy City. Drinking Water Director Marie Owens issued the following update on sampling results on February 24, 2019.

Air Quality Researchers Hunt for PM2.5 Precursors

Researchers from DEQ, EPA, the University of Utah, Utah State University, and BYU joined forces for the Wasatch Front Ammonia and Chloride Observations (WaFACO) study. The study is looking for sources of ammonia on the Wasatch Front—a precursor to PM2.5.

DEQ Employees Take The Clear The Air Challenge

During February, the Salt Lake Chamber sponsors the Clear the Air Challenge. The goal of the Challenge is to help residents learn helpful tools to cut tailpipe emission. Employees at the Department of Environmental Quality shared with us how they took part in this year’s Challenge and why they feel it is an important tool in helping Utahns clear the air.