Category: Air Quality

Utah has great air most of the year, but during the winter we experience “inversions.” Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Utah’s winter air quality.

Utah State University scientists will improve estimates of the magnitude and composition of emissions from natural gas-fueled artificial lift engines in the Uinta Basin. Recent ambient air measurements have implicated natural gas-fueled engines as a large source of reactive organics, including formaldehyde, ethylene, propylene, and other compounds. The results from this project will allow Utah DAQ to better understand and model this source of ozone-forming pollution in the Uinta Basin and develop science-based, effective emissions reduction strategies for wintertime ozone.

• Principal Investigators: Seth Lyman (USU), Huy Tran (USU)
• Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $117,300

The University of Utah will conduct vertical ozone profile measurements from ground level to the mid-stratosphere to develop a better understanding of ozone layers and evolution over Utah. Data collected by drones and balloons will provide information on the vertical distribution of ozone and nitrous dioxide (NO2) among other gases. This data will be used by UDAQ to inform policy and decision makers.

• Tony Saad (UU), John Sohl (Weber State University)
• Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $92,463

Wildfires can significantly enhance summertime ozone and aerosol concentrations, which can degrade air quality and have adverse effects on human health. While air quality has improved across much of the U.S., the Western U.S. has seen a recent increase in wildfire activity. This project will assess the contribution of regional fires and long-range smoke transport to poor air quality in the Salt Lake Valley. This study will also improve our understanding of how wildfires interact with urban plumes, improve air quality modeling capabilities, and guide the implementation of effective regulatory policies.

• Adam Kochanski (San Jose State University), Derek Mallia (UU), Kerry Kelly (UU)
• Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $79,768

The Great Salt Lake Basin is meteorologically and chemically distinct from other regions in the U.S. It is subject to both persistent cold air pools in complex terrain that lead to winter air pollution and potentially large inputs of natural and anthropogenic sources of halogen species. This project will investigate the role of these halogen sources in regulating the severity of winter fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Results from this study will improve estimates of halogen emissions and enhance Utah DAQ’s understanding of winter PM2.5 chemistry.

• Steve Brown (NOAA), Caroline Womack (NOAA)
• Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $83,426

The Salt Lake City region in Utah experiences periods of high particulate levels in the winter months due to the combination of its topography, winter atmospheric inversions and local emissions. Secondary nitrate particles comprise the dominant fraction of the particles in these episodes and are the result of the reaction of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) with ammonia. A significant fraction of NOx emissions in the Salt Lake City area are produced by heavy-duty vehicles operating in or traveling through the area on the interstate highway system. This study will measure wintertime NOx emissions from local heavy-duty vehicle activity in order to improve Utah DAQ emissions inventory estimates and better inform policy.

• Gary Bishop (University of Denver)
• Funded by Science for Solutions Research Grant: $52,000

Utah’s Division of Air Quality examines and requires the implementation of appropriate controls at major point sources of pollution to reduce ozone forming emissions of NOx and VOCs using a Reasonable Available Control Technologies (RACT) approach, as required by the Clean Air Act. This page provides an overview of how this process works. RACT Overview Under the Clean Air Act,

Utah’s Division of Air Quality examines and develops administrative rules to reduce ozone forming emissions of NOx and VOCs using a Reasonably Available Control Measures (RACM) approach, as required by the Clean Air Act. This page provides an overview of how this approach works and what emission reduction rules the state has already adopted. RACM Overview Under the Clean Air

Utah’s ozone and wildfires making it hard to breathe? Try #NoMowDays, switch to electric, upgrade your gas can, and mow later in the day for better air. Utah DEQ has some important tips that can help you reduce your emissions from an unlikely source–your gas-powered lawn mower.

This summer scientists from DAQ have installed two new air quality monitors to measure potential emissions from the inland port.

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

Welcome to the Utah Division of Air Quality Stationary Source Compliance Contacts page. The most often used numbers are listed at the top. Below that, find specific information listed by section and then alphabetically. (801) 536-4000 Main Phone (Reception Desk) (801) 536-4099 FAX Number (801) 536-0091 Eleanor Divver, Business Assistance Coordinator Employee Contact InformationMorris, Jay [email protected] Phone: (801) 536-4079 Section: Compliance Deputy Director Burge, Harold

The Annual Report is intended to provide an overview of Utah’s air quality, as well as the Division of Air Quality’s organization, activities, and progress throughout 2019.View the Annual Report2019 – 2020 Residential Wood Smoke SummaryUtah Administrative Code (UAC) R307-302 establishes visible emission standards & specifies when it is permissible to burn solid fuel burning devices used to provide comfort

Air quality self-audit for small businesses provided by Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) and DEQ’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP). Review each question carefully and if you can answer yes to the bolded questions, please pay close attention because you may need to fill out a permit request form. Does your process release any dust, fume, gas, mist, odor, smoke, and/or vapor to

Perchloroethylene (PCE), also known as “perc,” is the most commonly used chemical solvent in dry cleaners. Dry cleaners in Utah using PCE are subject to federal and state regulations. 40 CFR 63 Subpart M sets national standards for reducing hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions, specifically PCE, from new and existing commercial dry cleaning facilities to protect public health. These MACT