Chapter Three: Air

Introduction

Brian Steed

Air quality remains a top concern in Utah. High-pressure events naturally trap air in Northern Utah’s valleys, holding pollutants in the state’s most populated areas. Wildfire and summer ozone have emerged as additional threats to our air quality.

In the Uinta Basin, winter ozone, linked to oil and gas production, has been the main issue. The good news is that both urban and rural Utah have made substantial progress in air quality. PM_2.5 (particulate matter under 2.5 microns) levels have improved, with fewer bad air days, thanks to policy adaptations, new technology, and better public awareness— a reason to celebrate.

That being said, there are emerging concerns about less-measured pollutants. While monitoring of PM_2.5 and summer ozone has increased, the state has under monitored PM₁₀ (particulate matter or dust under 10 microns). Blowing dust from the drying Great Salt Lake seems to be more common along the Wasatch Front, and halogens, ammonia, and other airborne pollutants may be cause for greater vigilance. The solution to these newer concerns is a more robust monitoring network. Although the state has invested in new equipment, further efforts are needed to understand and respond to air quality concerns.

Figure 3.I.1 Air quality monitoring sites near Great Salt Lake

Source: Utah Division of Air Quality

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