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Utah

  • Population: 3.051 million (2016)
  • Size: 84,899 square miles
Air

Air Healthy to Breathe

Under the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is required to set and review National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common outdoor air pollutants (also known as “criteria” air pollutants): nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground-level ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb).

Four of these pollutants (NO2, SO2, CO, and Pb) emit directly from a variety of sources. Ozone is not directly emitted, but is formed when oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. PM can be emitted, or it can be formed when emissions of NOx, sulfur oxides (SOx), ammonia, organic compounds, and other gases react in the atmosphere.

It is important for states to regulate these pollutants to minimize harmful health effects to Americans. Learn more.

A girl playing with bubbles in a park

Point Source Emissions

The amount of point source outdoor air pollutants emitted has improved for x out of x metrics since xxxx.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

xx.x%

since xxxx

xx.x

in xxxx

(tons/yr)

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

xx.x%

since xxxx

xx.x

in xxxx

(tons/yr)

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

xx.x%

since xxxx

xx.x

in xxxx

(tons/yr)

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

xx.x%

since xxxx

xx.x

in xxxx

(tons/yr)

Particles 10 micrometers or less (PM10)

xx.x%

since xxxx

xx.x

in xxxx

(tons/yr)

Particles 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5)

xx.x%

since xxxx

xx.x

in xxxx

(tons/yr)

Point source outdoor air pollutants are emitted directly from single identifiable, fixed locations. Common point sources include large industrial facilities like oil refineries, electric power and sewage treatment plants, and airports, as well as small industrial, non-industrial, and commercial facilities like dry cleaners, gas stations, and livestock farms. Not included in this category are nonpoint sources like motor vehicle emissions. 

Learn more about point source air pollution emissions.

Data Updated
  • Sep 01, 2017
Data Source(s)

Ambient Air Pollution

In 1999, X out of x standards measured in Utah were at or below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Ambient (or atmospheric) air quality refers to the concentration of pollutants in the outdoor air. Ambient air is regulated by U.S. EPA and maintained by states through the NAAQS, which is the set of guidelines on acceptable concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ground-level ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb). NAAQS seek to protect the public, especially “sensitive” populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly, from harmful ambient air pollutants. 

For the purposes of ECOS Results, individual states had discretion with regard to the geographical scope of areas reported.

Learn more about the Standards.

Percent Above or Below NAAQS Standard

Data Updated
  • Mar 17, 2020
Data Source(s)
  • U.S. EPA's Report on the Environment (ROE)
    • Land

    Less and Properly Managed Waste

    To adequately protect public health and the environment from hazardous waste contamination, U.S. EPA and states implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the national framework of solid waste control. States employ various metrics to illustrate how waste is managed and whether facilities are complying with regulations.

    The sun setting on a corn field

    Facilities Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

    The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) protects communities and promotes resource conservation through safe management and cleanup of solid and hazardous waste, and encouragement of source reduction and beneficial use. Learn more about RCRA.

    % of Underground Storage Tank Facilities in Significant Operational Compliance Over Time (RCRA Subtitle I)

    An underground storage tank (UST) is a tank connected to piping that has at least ten percent of its combined volume underground. USTs may contaminate groundwater, the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans. U.S. EPA and states collaborate with industry to protect the public health and the environment from potential releases. 

    States and EPA are in the process of implementing new UST standards, which may have an effect on compliance rates.

    Learn more about UST facilities.

    Data Updated
    • Sep 01, 2017
    Data Source(s)

    Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) Cleanups Completed that Meet Cleanup Standards

    Since xxxx, Utah has completed xxxx LUST clean up projects.

    When a leaking underground storage tank (LUST) releases a fuel product, contamination of the surrounding soil, groundwater, surface water, or indoor air can occur. Early detection of the leak, accurate determination of the source and type of fuel released, and appropriate cleanup response is critical for protecting public health and the environment.

    Learn more about LUST cleanup projects.

    Cleanups
    Completed

    xx

    Cleanups
    Remaining

    xx
    xx.x^
    since xxxx

    xxxx Confirmed
    Releases

    xxxx
    xx.x%
    since xxxx

    Cleanups Remaining

    Data Updated
    • Sep 01, 2017
    Data Source(s)
    Water

    Water Clean and Available for All Uses

    U.S. EPA and states have made significant progress in improving water quality since enactment of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) decades ago. Challenges remain, however, in areas like maintaining infrastructure and limiting nutrient pollution. States have different means of assessing water quality, but all report on water quality by measuring the concentration of pollutants and sedimentation from point (direct) and nonpoint (indirect) sources. Water infrastructure funding and compliance with state and federal regulations are primary factors in improving the health of waterbodies. Learn more.

    Boy playing in water outside

    Water Bodies Measured

    xx% of Utah's xx,xxx miles of rivers and streams have been assessed for Water Quality as of xxxx.*

    Of that xx%, xx% are in good condition for aquatic life, fish consumption or recreation.*

    * Read Utah Insights

    This data covers perennial stream miles.

    Data Updated
    • Sep 04, 2017
    Data Source(s)

    Investments in Water Infrastructure

    Wastewater

    $ invested cumulatively

    invested since xxxx

    projects since xxxx

    Drinking Water

    $ invested cumulatively

    invested since xxxx

    projects since xxxx

    States rely on federal funding and collaborative technical support to adequately update and maintain the nation’s aging drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. The federal Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF and DWSRF) are among the most successful and cost-effective environmental programs enacted by Congress and carried out by states with U.S. EPA guidance. The CWSRF has facilitated hundreds of wastewater, stormwater, energy-efficiency, nonpoint source, and green infrastructure projects. The DWSRF assists with the costs of ensuring safe drinking water supplies and helps small communities to meet their responsibilities. These funds account for only a portion of funding for water infrastructure in a state.

    Learn more about investments.

    Data Updated
    • Sep 01, 2017
    Data Source(s)

    Share Utah's progress

    Learn more about Utah's work on protecting human health and the environment at their website.

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