DEQ leads the way in efficient use of energy and receives EPA’s Energy Star designation. Two DEQ buildings perform in the top 25 percent of similar office buildings in the country in energy efficiency. By using energy wisely, DEQ is helping to reduce pollution and energy costs.
DEQ completes work with partners to clean up a petroleum-contaminated site. The west Salt Lake City property is now under construction as an affordable housing and business complex.
DEQ receives recognition from Governor Leavitt and the state Chief Information Officer for its online-enabled Generator Site Access Permit and Renewal System. The interactive system improves the efficiency and delivery of environmental services online.
DEQ completes work with partners to clean up a petroleum-contaminated site. The property now has the opportunity to become Salt Lake City’s first world-class public aquarium.
DEQ and EPA complete their investigation and release the proposed cleanup plan for the Midvale Slag Superfund site. The plan opens the way for clean up of the soil to begin, eliminating health risks and eventually returning the land to productive use.
Utah Air Quality Board announces new Choose Clean Air program to reduce ozone pollution through a system of voluntary actions adults and children can take to curtail pollution. A variety of activities were identified and given points; 10 points daily is the goal to help keep the air clean.
Utah has recycled approximately 2.5 million gallons of “do it yourself” used oil and established 282 “do it yourself” used oil collection centers statewide. Recycling used oil prevents it from polluting precious water resources and landfills.
Governor Michael Leavitt receives the Virtual Frontier Leadership Award from the Utah Chapter of the International Telework Association and Tele2000 for his leadership in deploying innovative technology in schools, launching state government services online, and designing a “digital state” strategy to deliver high-speed Internet access statewide and guarantee Utah’s place in a global economy.
The Environmental Advisory Committee to the Salt Lake Organizing Committee and the Utah Environmental and Public Health Alliance receive Environmental Achievement Awards from EPA for their outstanding work to protect the environment and public health during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Committee and Alliance members include representatives from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Department of Health, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Weber State University, UTA, local health departments, federal agencies, the private sector, and citizens.
DEQ has cleaned up 3,450 leaking underground petroleum storage tank sites statewide. By cleaning up contaminated soil and ground water, health risks have been eliminated and the land may be returned to beneficial use.
The revision of the Salt Lake County PM10 Air Quality Plan provides flexibility in air quality management, sustains federal transportation funding for Salt Lake County, and improves air quality along the Wasatch Front.
Utah takes an important step forward in providing more efficient delivery of environmental services online. Through a $338,944 information technology grant from EPA, Utah will share environmental data with EPA and other partners over the Internet. The project provides Utahns with meaningful, real-time access to information about the condition of the environment where they live and work.
The 1,290th on-farm assessment of Utah animal feeding operations was completed. These assessments are being accomplished through a unique and unprecedented partnership of industry and state officials to assist production agriculture in proper management of manure to reduce nutrient loading to streams and lakes in Utah.
Utah Environmental and Public Health Alliance receives a special citation from the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for outstanding teamwork and commitment to public health during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Alliance members include representatives from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Utah Department of Health, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Davis County Health Department, Salt Lake Valley Health Department, Summit County Health Department, Utah County Health Department, Wasatch County Health Department, and Weber-Morgan County Health Department.
DEQ practices a better way of doing business by making the 1,700th visit to small businesses to help them better understand hazardous waste regulations and provide assistance to ensure they properly manage their waste.
DEQ and EPA complete their investigation and release the proposed cleanup plan for the Intermountain Waste Oil Refinery Superfund site. The plan opens the way for clean up of the soil to begin, eliminating health risks and eventually returning the land to productive use.
Utah has recycled 223,478 tons of tires and removed more than 20 tire piles. Tire recycling provides a good fuel source and removes a potential source of water contamination and breading ground for mosquitoes.
Since disposal operations began on August 22, 1996, Utah has regulated the safe destruction of 44 percent of the chemical weapons stockpiled at Deseret Chemical Depot. Utah’s commitment to solving environmental problems in a responsible manner has significantly reduced associated health risks.
A major revision of the 1994 Utah County PM10 Air Quality Plan establishes new limits for industry and vehicle emissions in Utah County that opens the way for transportation funds that have been frozen since August 2000. The new plan enhances air quality while providing more flexibility to industry and transportation planners.
Directed by local stakeholders, DEQ completes 56 plans to remove pollution and fully restore water quality in Utah's watersheds. Implementation of these plans returns the watersheds to beneficial use as fisheries, recreation spots, and drinking water sources.
DEQ joins a planning partnership of local, state, and federal agencies to enhance statewide emergency preparedness to prevent and respond to acts of chemical and biological terrorism in Utah.
The first chemical phosphorous removal plant in the state of Utah begins operating as part of a watershed restoration plan to remove excess nutrients from East Canyon Creek and Reservoir. This plant, along with other elements of the watershed plan, drastically reduces nutrient pollution of these waters and returns them to healthy fisheries. The plan was developed through a state-local partnership of watershed stakeholders.
Providing sewer service to approximately 4,500 West Haven residents eliminates the largest known public health hazard in the state due to failing septic systems. The financing of this project was possible through a combination of state, federal, and local resources.
The "Clean Air Utah" Web site receives a Golden Spike Award from the Utah chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators and Public Relations Society of Utah. Golden Spike Awards are given to recognize excellence and best practices in communications and public relations in Utah. DEQ launched the interactive Web site in June 2002 as part of the "Choose Clean Air" program in an effort to reduce air pollution.
DEQ collaborates with the Utah Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop a statewide integrated environmental public health tracking network, linking health effects data with exposure and environmental hazard data. The information will be used to identify populations at risk in Utah, and to understand, respond to, and prevent chronic diseases.
The public can access real-time air quality information 24/7/365 at utah.gov, enabling citizens to take appropriate actions to reduce air pollution in communities where they live and work. The interactive application improves the efficiency and delivery of environmental information online.
The State of Utah submits a final application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to receive primacy for regulating Utah's uranium mills and tailings. Primacy of this program means better communication with the public, more public participation, elimination of duplicative regulatory responsibilities, and a more cost-effective program for the regulated community.
DEQ launches the first state online stormwater permitting Web site, allowing contractors, developers, and agencies access to permitting services 24/7/365. The innovative Web site serves as a nationwide model.
The Utah State Legislature passes a bill to make state law consistent with federal provisions regarding criminal penalties for asbestos violations. Handling all asbestos criminal cases in state court saves both time and money.
Envirocare's B and C low-level radioactive waste license application is available for consideration by the Governor and Utah State Legislature following completion of a thorough technical review and responsive administrative appeals process.
DEQ completed the 9,900th leak detection inspection on underground storage tanks to eliminate risks to public health and the environment associated with petroleum contamination.
The Utah State Legislature grants DEQ authority to establish voluntary restrictive covenants on properties where risk-based cleanups have occurred. The covenants protect the integrity of the cleanup and ensure that the property is used according to set cleanup levels.
The first "Open Burning / Open Detonation" permit is issued. Used primarily for military munitions, the permit provides better protection of public health and the environment by ensuring that burning or detonating the material does not harm the public or the environment.
The Water Quality Board commits $30.5 million in financial assistance to modify or construct 19 municipal wastewater systems to meet public health requirements and protect the quality of Utah's streams and lakes.
The 1,700th on-farm assessment of Utah animal feeding operations was completed. These assessments are being accomplished through a unique and unprecedented partnership of industry and state officials to assist production agriculture in proper management of manure to reduce nutrient loading in Utah's streams and lakes.
Utahns are one step closer to preventing high-level nuclear waste from being stored in the state. The Atomic Safety Licensing Board of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission finds that an F-16 crash into the proposed Private Fuel Storage facility is a credible accident and that the facility cannot be licensed as proposed.
Utah's environmental Olympic legacy continues as state agencies collaborate to launch the "Where Life and Landscape Connect" Web site for residents and visitors. The Governor-initiated program promotes a healthy environment, agricultural viability, livable communities, tourism, recreation, and Utah's beautiful natural resources.
Revised: November 2, 2009