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Understanding Great Salt Lake Dust and Air Quality
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, fed by the Bear, Jordan, and Weber rivers. The lake is a terminal lake, meaning pollutants build up within it rather than flushing downstream. Sediments in the lakebed contain elevated levels of natural and human-caused compounds, such as arsenic. As the lake…
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WestSide AirSense: Empowering communities through enhanced PM monitoring
We want to learn more about the air pollution in underserved neighborhoods on the west side of Salt Lake Valley. To do this, we’re using affordable air quality sensors in those areas to measure levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles. We are developing air quality maps and alerts to provide instant, local air quality information.…
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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…
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Inversions
Find out how Utah’s unique geography traps pollution during inversions and what it means for winter air quality. 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…
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Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) Overview
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of small, solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. PM10 is particulate matter that is 10 microns (μm) or less in diameter. It is a mixture of materials that can include soot, metals, salt, and dust. Major sources include: Air Quality Standards The health-based, National Ambient Air…
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PM10 State Implementation Plans and Maintenance Plans
Explore Utah’s PM10 State Implementation Plans (SIP) strategy to control and sustain reductions in PM10 pollution, keeping communities safe and compliant with federal air standards. Nonattainment Areas In 1987, the EPA set new air-quality standards for PM10 of 150µg/m3 over a 24-hour period and an average of 50 µg/m3 annually. Utah was initially unable to…
