Utah DEQ News

Toxins from Harmful Algal Bloom Found in North Fork of the Virgin River in Zion National Park

Toxins from Harmful Algal Bloom Found in the N. Fork of the Virgin River in Zion National Park

Samples from the site where a dog died on July Fourth show high cyanotoxins. DEQ, the local health department and Zions National Park will continue to sample the North Fork of the Virgin and keep residents aware of potential health risks.

DEQ: Most-Read Blogs You May Have Missed in 2017

Originally published July 10, 2020 By Donna Kemp Spangler Since Earth Day 2014, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality has offered weekly blogs written by our scientists, engineers, and environmental partners that highlight important environmental issues affecting Utahns. A new blog is posted every Monday. Our 2017 blogs focused on a wide range of issues …

Fireworks, Air Quality, and Wildfires, Oh My!

Fireworks are beautiful, but they also produce high concentrations of smoke and particulates (PM) that can harm our air quality and cause wildfires.

Switch to Electric: DEQ’s Electric Lawn Mower Discount Program

DEQ is partnering with Home Depot to expand our popular spring lawn mower exchange to include an online way for homeowners to go green(er). We are offering a $150 discount code to the first 1,200 people who register for the DAQ’s online Electric Lawn Mower Discount Program.

9 Ways To Go-Green This Summer

Come summer, it’s easy to get distracted by cookouts and camp trips. Making eco-conscious efforts while enjoying the sun is easier than you think. Check out this week’s blog for tips on keeping things green this summer.

Ask An Environmental Scientist: What Air Pollutants Does DEQ Test For?

How does DEQ decide what air pollutants to monitor? In this week Utah DEQ Blog we chat with Bo Call about the six criteria pollutants DEQ monitors under the Clean Air Act.

Protect Yourself from Harmful Algal Blooms this Summer

As warmer weather returns to Utah, residents are advised to take certain simple steps to protect themselves from harmful algal blooms and waterborne pathogens while recreating on the water.

UTWARN Supports Rural Utah During COVID-19

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic response, drinking water and wastewater system operators have been on-duty providing vital services to homes, citizens and businesses across Utah. The Utah Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (UTWARN) was set up to quickly respond to events like the coronavirus and ensure seamless operation of water infrastructure.

Impacts on Air Quality During COVID-19

What impact did fewer cars on the road due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, teleworking and social distancing have on Utah air quality? Logan Mitchell, a researcher at the University of Utah, took a look at the data from DEQ’s monitors to find out.

How A $10.95 Radon Test Kit Saved A Utah Resident From Potential Lung Cancer

Susan Dowdle was shocked to learn her stepdaughter’s mother had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. The cause of her cancer—radon gas in her basement. Here is Dowdle’s story of testing her home and installing a mitigation system on a fixed income.

What You Need To Know About 2020’s Ozone Season

Ozone is formed in Utah when NOx and VOCs break apart under intense sunlight and reform. The formation of ozone is most likely to occur on days with calm winds, no cloud cover and afternoon temperatures above 90 degrees. Here are some ways you can protect your health and reduce your emissions.

With Plants, Paints, & Creativity Residents Respond to Utah’s Earth Day Challenge

This year marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, but rather than celebrate it as a community, the current pandemic forced us to get creative from the safety of our homes. Eager to commemorate such a momentous milestone, DEQ challenged Utahn’s to celebrate digitally and submit their creations on social media. Here are a few of the highlights.

Working with Nature: Planting Trees on the Jordan River

The Jordan River Commission has spent the last two years planting 4,000 trees and large shrubs across the Jordan River Parkway. Learn more about these trees and their important role in revitalizing the river in this week Utah DEQ Blog.

Answers to your questions about greenhouse gas and Tier 3 vehicle standards.

Answers to Your Questions about Greenhouse Gas, Tier 3 Vehicle Standards

On March 31, 2020, EPA and NHTSA announced a final rule revising the GHG/CAFE standards. This week’s Utah DEQ Blog takes a deep dive into the rule and how it affects Utah.

Inversion Season 2019-2020

On March 31, DEQ’s Division of Air Quality called an end to the 2019-20 inversion season and stopped issuing its Action Forecasts for PM2.5 pollution. Utah residents have taken air quality seriously. Efforts by citizens and regulators alike have resulted in improved air quality in Northern Utah.

EPA Calls for Enforcement and Compliance Discretion During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Enforcement of regulations that directly affect human health will take priority as Utah DEQ works with regulated communities on a case-by-case basis to determine reasonable exemptions to environmental rules. The department will continue monitoring sources of pollution to protect the safety and health of Utah residents.

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