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.
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)
Ambient Air Pollution
X out of x standards measured in Utah are currently 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
| National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) | NAAQS Value | xxxx Value | % Above or Below NAAQS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Monoxide (CO)8-hours daily maximum concentrations, not to be exceeded more than once per year (ppm) | 9 | xx | xx.x% |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2 AMEAN)Annual Mean (ppb) | 53 | xx | xx.x% |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2 P98V)98th percentile of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations, averaged over 3 years (ppb) | 100 | xx | xx.x% |
| Ozone (O3)Annual 4th highest daily maximum 8-hours concentrations, averaged over 3 years (ppm) | 0.070 | xx | xx.x% |
| Pollution of Particulate Matter 10 μm or less (PM10)24-hours daily maximum concentrations not to be exceeded more than once per year, averaged over 3 years (μg/m3) | 150 | xx | xx.x% |
| Pollution of Particulate Matter 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5 WTDAM) Annual mean, averaged over 3 years (μg/m3) | 12.0 | xx | xx.x% |
| Pollution of Particulate Matter 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5 P98V) 98th percentile of 24-hours daily maximum concentrations, averaged over 3 years (μg/m3) | 35 | xx | xx.x% |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2 P99V) 99th percentile of 1-hr daily maximum concentrations, averaged over 3 years (ppb) | 75 | xx | xx.x% |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2 AMEAN) 3-hour maximum concentrations not to be exceeded more than once per year (ppm) | 30 | xx | xx.x% |
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.
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.
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.
Cleanups
Completed
xx
Cleanups
Remaining
xx
xx.x^
since xxxx
since xxxx
xxxx Confirmed
Releases
xxxx
xx.x%
since xxxx
since xxxx
Cleanups Remaining
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.
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.*
Investments in Water Infrastructure
Wastewater
$ invested cumulatively
invested since xxxx
projects since xxxx
Drinking Water
$ invested cumulatively
invested since xxxx
projects since xxxx
