Category: Pollutants

  • Beehive Emission Reduction Plan

    Comprehensive Plan Engagement Opportunities The Comprehensive Plan will build upon the existing Priority Plan and extend our efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality through 2050. This plan will include strategies to address emissions across all sectors of the economy. We are seeking public input on near-term measures and long-term strategies. Whether you have…

  • Drinking Water: PFAS

    New rule for public water systems To help water systems achieve compliance with the initial new PFAS MCLs, we provide sampling support, technical assistance, and funding for treatment. We are also keeping an eye on PFAS levels through the EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5).  Deadlines April 26, 2027 – Initial PFAS Monitoring Due…

  • Regional Haze in Utah

  • Lead: Division of Drinking Water

    Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead corrode, especially if the water is highly acidic or contains a low mineral content. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Lead service lines that connect a building or house to the water main can also be…

  • Lead

    Lead is a heavy metal found naturally in the environment and manufactured products such as lead-acid batteries, lead-based paints, leaded glass, solder, chemicals, and older water distribution systems with lead pipes, solders, and fittings. Lead is a persistent chemical that accumulates in soils, aquatic systems, sediments, and some plants, animals, and other organisms. Since 1990,…

  • Lead in Air

    Lead is a toxic metal that was once used regularly in motor fuel, paint, ceramics, glassware, and other consumer products. The phase-out of leaded gasoline significantly reduced vehicle emissions and lead levels in the environment, but it is still used in some aviation fuels and used or produced in a variety of industrial processes. The…

  • Per- and Polyfluoroakyl Substances (PFAS)

    PFAS and health risks PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals used in many industries and everyday items. They are good at repelling oil, water, grease, and stains, can handle both high and low temperatures and reduce friction. One common characteristic of PFAS is that they break down very slowly and can build up…

  • Air Pollutants

    The Clean Air Act identifies six common air pollutants that are found all over the United States and can injure health, harm the environment or cause property damage. These pollutants include: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for each of these pollutants. If the air quality…

  • Petroleum

    Black and Yellow Wax Black and yellow waxes are thick crude oils with a higher paraffinic content than most crude oils found in North America. These waxy crudes are viscous and have a high pour point, which means they become semi-solid at lower temperatures. The process for refining waxy crudes presents some challenges. Although black…

  • Particulate Matter Overview

    Particulate matter (PM), also known as particle pollution, is a complex mixture of small solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. Some particulate matter, like soot, smoke, dust, or dirt, is large enough to see. Fine particulate matter is so small that it can only be seen through an electron microscope. Particle pollution is…

  • Inversions

    Under normal atmospheric conditions, air is warmer near the ground and colder at higher altitudes. In a temperature inversion, the situation “inverts,” and cold air at the surface gets trapped under a layer of warmer air. During the winter, snow-covered valley floors reflect rather absorb heat, preventing the normal vertical mixing of warm and cold…

  • Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) Overview

    PM2.5 particulates are fine, inhalable particles or droplets with a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller. These fine particulates, which are about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair, can travel deeply into the lungs and cause both short-term and long-term health effects. While larger PM10 particulates can compromise respiratory and cardiac…

  • PM2.5 Moderate Area State Implementation Plans (SIPs) (2009-2014)

    In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tightened the 24-hour PM2.5 standard from 65µg/m3 (microgram per cubic meter) to 35µg/m3. While the state was in attainment under the previous 24-hour standard, all or parts of seven Utah counties did not meet the new 24-hour PM2.5 standard. Utah continues to attain the 2006 annual PM2.5 standard…

  • Area Designations:
    PM2.5 State Implementation Plan Development

    Nonattainment designation is determined by the EPA when an area or areas within a state persistently exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The EPA has designated “nonattainment areas” for Particulate Matter having an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns (μm) or less (PM2.5). The two EPA designated areas include: Utah Nonattainment Map Including nonattainment area…

  • Public Comment:
    PM2.5 State Implementation Plan Development

    Public comments are a critical part of the decision making process. The Department of Environmental Quality and its divisions and boards are committed to using the public notice and comment process to improve the decisions they make. The most effective comments: Request actions the agency has legal authority to make. Provide new information the agency…

  • Area Source Rules:
    PM2.5Moderate SIP

    The following rules were adopted as part of the overall emissions control strategy for the PM2.5 SIPs. The rules themselves can be accessed online.

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