Water systems that serve 25 or more people for more than 60-days annually or have 15 or more residential connections year-round are subject to Utah Public Drinking Water Rules and must obtain a permit known as an approval. DDW regulates over 1,000 public water systems in the state, and the Permitting Section ensures these water systems comply with …
Read MoreDDW works with water-system operators and public-health officials when contaminants threaten drinking-water systems or sources. This spring and summer, DDW provided technical, engineering, and public-health advice when floods, fires, and E. coli contamination jeopardized drinking water supplies. Drinking water contamination can occur when: Harmful bacteria enter the water Accidents, power outages, or heavy water use …
Read MoreCertified Operator training and technical and engineering support, particularly for smaller rural water systems, are critical for the safe delivery of water to residents. Utah has 789 small water systems that serve less than 500 people. Since many operators for small water systems work on a part-time or voluntary basis, they depend heavily on DDW …
Read MoreDDW continues to develop strategies to improve the allocation of resources, improve performance, and implement innovations that advance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Federal funding has decreased in recent years and federal requirements have increased. Optimizing staff time and reducing costs has been a necessity as well as a top priority for the Division and has …
Read MoreThe Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control (DWMRC) helps businesses and residents handle waste properly and plays a critical role in safeguarding Utah residents from harmful exposure to radiation. In 2018, DWMRC accomplished these objectives through: Permitting and compliance for hazardous and solid waste storage, treatment, and disposal facilities Oversight of facilities performing corrective-action …
Read MoreSolid and Hazardous Waste The Division issues permits to solid and hazardous waste facilities to treat, store, and dispose of waste in a manner that protects the land and groundwater from contamination. Permitted solid waste facilities include municipal, commercial, and industrial landfills. The Division issues permits to large commercial and government hazardous-waste facilities and ensures …
Read MoreDWMRC works with companies through its Corrective Action Program to remediate environmental contamination from the improper storage, treatment, or disposal of solid or hazardous waste. Corrective Actions (CAs) ensure that facilities deal with these releases properly to minimize harm to the public and the environment. The Division’s collaborative efforts with businesses and developers on these …
Read MoreEducation and outreach are key components of DWMRC programs. The Division educates businesses and residents on the proper disposal/recycling of solid and hazardous wastes to prevent soil and groundwater contamination from the improper storage or disposal of wastes. The used oil and waste tire programs, for example, have dramatically reduced the health hazards from these …
Read MoreAccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and a serious problem in Utah. One in three homes in the state test above the EPA action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/l) of air, with homes testing at an average of …
Read MoreDWMRC’s X-ray inspection program safeguards patient health by making sure that diagnostic and therapeutic radiological equipment uses the lowest amount of radiation necessary for a given procedure. Highly trained radiological inspectors evaluate the performance of X-ray units and radiation safety practices at these facilities on a regular basis. The Division provides support and guidance to …
Read MoreIn 2009, EnergySolutions requested a license amendment for the disposal of large quantities of depleted uranium (DU) at its facility. DU is a unique form of low-level radioactive waste that becomes more radioactive with time. State rules promulgated in 2010 require the company to complete a performance assessment (PA) to determine whether it can meet federal and state performance standards to protect …
Read MoreDWMRC is committed to continuous improvement to improve performance and implement innovations that advance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Listed below are a few of the proposed and ongoing continuous improvement/SUCCESS Framework process improvements within DWMRC. Upcoming Continuous Improvement Projects Conversion of Used Oil Financial Assurance (FA) forms to writable PDF format These writeable/fill-in forms will …
Read MoreDERR is committed to continuous improvement to improve performance and implement innovations that advance operational quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. DERR employs technological tools to increase public access to information and improve operational efficiencies. Continuous Improvement Spotlight: Support Staff Set — and Achieve — Goals for Exceptional Customer Service As part of DEQ’s continuous improvement efforts, …
Read MoreDERR is committed to effective community outreach and works diligently to involve residents, property owners, elected officials, and health agencies in cleanup decisions for Superfund sites. Listening to community concerns and building strong relationships helps the Division collect and disseminate information about the site and find workable solutions for cleaning up contaminated areas. Public involvement …
Read MoreDERR’s Superfund (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)) Branch performs site assessments of potentially contaminated sites to determine whether or not they pose a threat to human health and the environment and require further action, including possible placement on the Federal Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The Branch also manages or performs oversight …
Read MoreThe Utah Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) was created to promote the voluntary cleanup of contaminated sites and encourage redevelopment of Brownfields and other impacted properties through a streamlined cleanup program. The VCP has been a success, providing communities and businesses with an avenue to partner with DEQ to implement solutions for difficult environmental challenges on …
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Air Quality
Drinking Water
Environmental Response and Remediation
Waste Management and Radiation Control
Water Quality
Executive Director’s Office