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Utah Department of
Environmental Quality
The 2006 Legislature drew to an end March 1, with the passage of several key environmental-related bills that could become law with the stroke of the Governor’s pen.
Dan English leans forward, scalpel in his gloved hand, ready to slice open a brown trout – one of several species now residing in a deep freeze awaiting mercury tests that will help environmental scientists determine the extent of Utah’s mercury contamination among fish.
Every month, thousands of people visit the Department of Environmental Quality’s Web site, looking to find where they can go to dispose of their household hazardous waste or to check out the latest air quality conditions or a host of other questions.
The vast majority of Utah’s drinking water systems comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new regulations for arsenic levels. And the water utilities that don’t have been getting a helping hand from state environmental regulators, who are working with them to meet the tougher standard that went into effect on January 23, 2006.
When Karen Langley was asked eight years ago to consider serving on the state Department of Environmental Quality’s Radiation Control Board, she had her reservations. After all, the 13-member Board, which oversees radiation issues in the state of Utah, confronts tough regulatory issues. “It’s not an easy job,” Langley admits.
Recycling is up and energy consumption is down, all because more and more Utah businesses are doing their share to help the environment under the Clean Utah program – a voluntary initiative that rewards companies for reducing or preventing pollution.
As the first point of contact with the public, Laurie Leib, who frequently works the reception desk at the Department of Environmental Quality, gets all kinds of questions, and complaints from callers who are irritated, frustrated, or worse.