Category: Air Quality

Back to Dust homeOur Utah Dust Observation and Research Network (UDORN) offers the unprecedented opportunity to uncover the potential health risks and heavy metal contamination of blowing GSL dust, identifying the source and severity of urban dust deposition, and evaluating the impact of anthropogenic dust on Utah communities.How the network works UDORN consists of two types of dust monitoring stations

Back to Dust homeWe are excited to share three new dust science efforts available to the public and Utah scientists.  Project 1 – Expanding Our Monitoring Infrastructure: The Utah Dust Observatory and Research Network (UDORN) Effective policy starts with precise measurement. Over the next five years, we are establishing UDORN, a state-wide network of approximately 20 monitoring stations. This infrastructure

Back to Dust homeThe answers to frequently asked questions on Great Salt Lake dust and the potential for Great Salt Lake dust to harbor toxic pollutants are based on our monitoring data over the last two decades and scientific peer-reviewed research. Note: The air quality around the Great Salt Lake is currently in attainment for particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), which means

Back to Dust homeNeed for a Dust Metal Advisory Panel Unfortunately, much misinformation and disinformation prevails in Utahn’s belief on dust. Our mission is to provide transparent, high-fidelity information so that all Utahns—whether they are managing a household or participating in outdoor athletics—may make informed decisions based on the best available science. To date, there is no published data on

Back to Dust homeWhat and why are we measuring? Air quality concerns related to dust depend on the size and chemistry of the particles. We focus on particulate matter (PM), which are tiny pieces of dust in the air and the metals contained in the dust.Inhalable and respirable dust Airborne dust mostly consists of PM less than 10 microns (PM10)

If you’ve lived in Utah for any length of time, you’ve lived through a dust storm. We know dust is frustrating and Utahns want to know exactly what is in the dust and how dust may impact their health. Right now, there aren’t any national “dust heavy metal health guidelines” to tell us exactly how an afternoon of dust affects

Find recent division updates and announcements from the Utah Division of Air Quality.

Utah DAQ Offers Up to $3,000 to Swap Gas Lawn Equipment for ElectricSALT LAKE CITY — Utah residents and businesses can now receive financial incentives to swap their gas-powered lawn care equipment for clean, electric alternatives through a state program aimed at reducing air pollution. The Utah Division of Air Quality’s (DAQ) “Charge Your Yard” initiative offers residents a $200

The project will analyze air quality and meteorology data collected during the 2024 Utah Summer Ozone Study (USOS) to investigate the role of atmospheric boundary layer dynamics in summertime ozone in the Salt Lake City region. One main task is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of boundary layer dynamics using airborne Doppler lidar measurements and evaluate the NOAA High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model performance. The second task involves using case studies to relate spatial and temporal variations in ozone to its meteorological drivers.

The project aims to improve Biogenic Volatile Organic Compound (BVOC) Emissions Modeling for the Wasatch Front, which is essential for developing effective air pollution control strategies for the region’s ozone nonattainment. The scope of work includes synthesizing an updated BVOC emission factor database, enhancing rural landcover inputs for the MEGAN model using datasets like LANDFIRE and USFS FIA, and updating MEGAN species mappings to chemical mechanisms, including support for CB7 with VCP. Key deliverables and outcomes include improved MEGAN model inputs, a more accurate regional BVOC emissions inventory, and quantification of stress-induced and lawn-mowing BVOC emissions, all to be provided to UDAQ.

The goal of this study is to assess summertime ozone sensitivity to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), as well as the impact of changing conditions like wildfire smoke and drought, on ozone concentrations in the Northern Wasatch Front. The core methodology will focus on the Formaldehyde-Nitrogen Ratio (FNR), derived from TROPOMI and TEMPO satellite data, as a key indicator of whether ozone production is NOx-sensitive or VOC-sensitive. The project will utilize an existing Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and develop new Utah-specific tools within GEE to integrate various satellite and surface data, using machine learning to categorize ozone events and model effects.

The shrinking Great Salt Lake exposes over 750 square miles of potentially metal-contaminated lakebed dust, and this project aims to quantify community exposure to the resulting airborne PM10 in Wasatch Front communities. The methodology involves a combination of continuous PM monitoring, analysis of particle size, oxidative potential, and metal/organic carbon composition. These measurements will be coupled with statistical analysis and HYSPLIT wind trajectory modeling to support the Utah Division of Air Quality’s priority for Great Salt Lake Dust composition measurements and community impact assessments.

Note: The following content is archived, and is being kept for reference, research, or recordkeeping.Halogen Emissions AmendmentsHouse Bill 420 (2025 General Session) allows UDAQ to complete a best available control technology emissions reduction plan for major halogen sources and requires the division to submit an annual report on halogen emissions to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Interim Committee, per 19-2a-107. H.B.

Utah’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will provide incentives of up to $1,000 for onsite residential solar installations to any individual living in Utah. Coming SoonThis program is not open yet. Check back here for updates and sign up for our email newsletter to be notified when it opens.

The E-Bike program offers incentives for residents in Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, and Weber counties to purchase an e-bike from an approved store. Applications opened June 1, 2026 but are now closed Eligible applicants are approved on a first-come, first-served basis Sign up for our email newsletter (choose list DAQ Clean Fleet and Air Quality Grants) to get notification

The Uinta Basin lies in the northeast corner of Utah and is bounded on the north by the Uinta Mountains, on the south by the Tavaputs Plateau, on the west by the Wasatch Range, and on the east by elevated terrain that separates it from Piceance Basin in Colorado. Duchesne and Uintah Counties occupy most of the Basin, and the