Operations During COVID-19

Notice of Emergency Rulemaking Regarding the Initiation of Adjudicative Proceedings Before the Department of Environmental Quality – Covid-19 Pandemic. This emergency rulemaking allows the initiation of new adjudicative proceedings via email to the Administrative Proceedings Record Officer at DEQAPRO@utah.gov, provided that paper copies are also served via U.S. Mail. The options of hand-delivery and overnight courier service are retained in the new rule. However, these options are not available until further notice. (163 KB)
To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to encourage the practice of social distancing, the scientists, engineers and staff of Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality are working remotely.

The Department of Environmental Quality’s office building will remain open with a few key employees to answer calls and direct walk-in traffic, all other employees should be available via phone or email. Please find below a handful of resources to help you work effectively with the department at this time.

DEQ’s Regulatory Guidance During COVID19 Pandemic

Below are links to regulatory guidance memos for each division. Regulated entities should contact DEQ with any questions about how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect their compliance with environmental protections.

Division of Air Quality

Division of Water Quality

Division of Drinking Water

Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control

Division of Environmental Response and Remediation

Spill Hotline

The spill hotline number at (801) 536-4123 is for the reporting hazardous substance release to DEQ. The spill line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Air Quality

If you need to submit a Notice of Intent (Air Quality Permit Application) please submit an electronic copy here.

If you have permitting questions please contact:

Minor Sources: Alan Humpherys (ahumpherys@utah.gov) at (385) 306-6520

Major Sources: Jon Black (jlblack@utah.gov) at (385) 306-6511

Air monitoring will continue as usual and forecasts and current conditions are available at air.utah.gov or through the UtahAir app.

Drinking Water

Water operators are essential personnel and should be prepared to address potential impacts to supply due to personnel interruptions tied to COVID-19. Water systems play a vital role in public health and Rural Water Association and the Division of Drinking Water are here to help systems put measures in place that ensure seamless operations during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Please review the following document for additional instructions.

Map of drinking water labs in Utah.

Water operators can find more coronavirus response resources at the Division of Drinking Water homepage.

Water Quality

Utah Water Quality Board Policy – COVID-19 Emergency