Tag Archives: Utah

Water in smog may reveal pollution sources

The chemical signature of water vapor emitted by combustion sources such as vehicles and furnaces has been found in the smoggy winter inversions that often choke Salt Lake City. The discovery may give researchers a new tool to track down … Continue reading

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Conservation poll shows Utahns worry about air pollution, water supplies

Utah residents are overwhelmingly more concerned about air pollution and smog than their neighbors in five Western states and, behind Arizona and New Mexico, worry the most about inadequate water supplies. These results and others are findings from the Conservation … Continue reading

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Utah Proposes Winter Wood Burning Ban to Improve Air Quality

In an effort to improve air quality across Utah during the winter season, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has proposed a seasonal wood burn ban, much to the chagrin of many locals. The ban would eliminate solid fuel … Continue reading

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What you need to know about Utah’s air quality

We all know that an inversion traps haze and bad air, but what causes it? What exactly are we breathing in? Bryce Bird, The Air Quality Director of the Department of Environmental Quality explains more about Utah’s air. DEQ’s mission … Continue reading

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Governor’s budget includes $20M to fight air pollution

Gov. Gary Herbert said he wants the state to continue on its path of “significant action” in the fight against air pollution, once again recommending that $20 million be spent to eliminate dirty, diesel-burning school buses. Among his budget recommendations … Continue reading

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Wood burning and air pollution

As we enter into the winter months…some Utahn’s begin to put wood in their fire place or a wood burning stove to generate heat, or just for the ambiance of a wood burning fire.  But some are asking…what’s the impact … Continue reading

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Impact of wood-burning fires on Utah’s air quality

When cold wintry weather rolls in this weekend may Utahns may be tempted to light wood burning fires to stay warm, but that might not be good everyone else. Bryce Bird, the director of the Utah Department of Environmental Air … Continue reading

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New study explains wintertime ozone pollution in Utah oil and gas fields

Chemicals released into the air by oil and gas exploration, extraction and related activities can spark reactions that lead to high levels of ozone in wintertime, high enough to exceed federal health standards, according to new NOAA-led research, published today … Continue reading

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