Walker Work Plan
Improving Utah Today and Tomorrow Utah Department of Environmental Quality
November 2003
As part of her “Know Your Watershed” Initiative, Governor Olene Walker issues a call to action and challenges Utahns to Adopt-a-Waterbody to protect and enhance Utah’s surface and groundwater resources. This community involvement environmental program promotes water education activities, encourages partnerships, and advocates pollution prevention through personal stewardship.
The Utah Pollution Prevention Association presents achievement awards to eight businesses for reducing the amount of waste or emissions they generate. These awards recognize Utah businesses that are making outstanding efforts to reduce risk to the environment and to public health.
After a full review, Utah receives an overall “satisfactory” rating, the highest grade given, from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for managing radioactive materials and low-level radioactive waste. It a lso found “the Utah program adequate to protect public health and safety and compatible with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s program.”
DEQ partners with Intermountain Health Care’s Women and Newborn Services to raise awareness of the hazards of radon gas. A coupon for a free radon test kit is given to new mothers as they are discharged from an IHC birthing facility. By testing their homes, families can know and reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
December 2003
- Utah makes progress toward cleaner air when Governor Olene Walker signs a letter of submittal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, setting in motion Utah’s plan to improve and protect air quality in national parks in the West. Utah is the first state to have an approved regional haze plan. The plan’s goal is to reduce sulfur dioxide by 50 to 70 percent by 2040.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies all of Utah’s 29 counties in compliance with stricter federal clean air standards regarding ozone pollution. The goal of cleaner, safer air to breathe, especially in populated areas, is being met.
- Utah continues to increase the volume of do-it-yourself used oil recycling. In 1995, 123,586 gallons were recycled. In 2003, 485,212 gallons were recycled. Prior to the enactment of the recycling program, used oil was discarded, contaminating soil and groundwater. Now, used oil is reclaimed and reused, or used as fuel.
- Utah continues to increase the volume of used tire recycling. Tire recycling has increased from 43 tons in 1991 to more than 31,000 tons in 2003. Tire recycling provides a good fuel source and removes a potential source of water contamination and breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Through the Superfund, Brownfields, and Voluntary Cleanup programs, a total of 1,343 contaminated properties, 5,075 acres of contaminated land, and 467 million gallons of contaminated groundwater have been cleaned up and returned to beneficial use. Cleanup of contaminated land and water reduces the threat to public health and the environment, facilitates reuse of previously contaminated properties, encourages revitalization of urban areas, and improves quality of life.
- Through the Underground Storage Tank program, a total of 4,988 Underground Storage Tank sites and 3,622 Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) sites have been cleaned up. In addition, 1,274 LUST sites with groundwater contamination and 2,718 acres of LUST-contaminated ground have been cleaned up. Cleanup of contaminated land and water eliminates a public health hazard, revitalizes land that was once considered “lost” because of contamination, and preserves property values.
- Based on new research, Utah revises water quality standards, saving municipal dischargers millions of dollars while still protecting public health and the environment. Those savings are passed on to wastewater ratepayers.
DEQ improves the way drinking water information is managed by transitioning from a state drinking water database to a national database. The transition allows DEQ to transmit drinking water data to EPA in a more timely and efficient manner. Work is underway to make the database available to the public via the Internet.
January 2004
- Through an initiative to address growth and management of new subdivisions, DEQ participates in an advisory group of state and local government officials. The group completes recommendations to be submitted to planning commissions that will protect water resources and public health while managing growth.
- Utah makes progress in protecting water quality in lakes and streams by reducing or eliminating contamination from concentrated animal feeding operations. During the past two years, 2,893 on-farm assessments have been completed , 56 large operations have been identified and permitted, 380 small- to medium-size operations have been identified as having pollution problems that need to be fixed. Of those operations, 112 have completed pollution prevention plans, 119 have obtained funding to develop a plan, and 49 have implemented their plans. At least 2,054 operations have no pollution problems. This work is being accomplished through a unique and unprecedented partnership of DEQ’s Division of Water Quality, Utah Department of Agriculture, Utah State University Extension Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Bureau, industry, and individual ranchers and farmers.
- DEQ’s Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste monitors the completion of trial burns of VX nerve agent and destruction of M-55 VX rockets by Deseret Chemical Depot. Utah’s commitment to regulate the safe destruction of chemical munitions has significantly reduced associated health risks to Utah citizens.
- DEQ’s Division of Air Quality streamlines early settlement process to promptly address violations of state and federal air quality regulations. Streamlining facilitates timely resolution of enforcement actions.
February 2004
- DEQ’s Division of Drinking Water receives the “2003 Associate Member of the Year” award from the Rural Water Association of Utah. Through this network of support, Utah rural community water systems provide safe drinking water.
- Governor Olene Walker recommends to EPA that all of Utah’s 29 counties be classified as in compliance with stricter federal clean air standards regarding PM2.5 pollution. The goal of cleaner, safer air to breathe, especially in populated areas, is being met.
- DEQ’s Division of Drinking Water implements three new federal rules that provide cleaner, safer drinking water to Utah citizens and visitors.
March 2004
- Utah County meets federal health standards for carbon monoxide. Utah develops a maintenance plan that removes the oxygenated fuel requirement. The plan also opens the way for Utah County to receive federal funds to improve and maintain roads.
- Utah continues to properly manage solid waste by issuing permits for the Solitude Landfill in Green River and the Peck Brothers Landfill in Saratoga Springs. Governor Walker and the Utah State Legislature sign legislation that approves the projects.
- DEQ receives authority from Governor Walker and the Utah State Legislature to administer a certification program for meth lab decontamination specialists. The program will protect the health of cleanup workers and occupants. It will also ensure that qualified workers clean up properties according to standards developed by the Department of Health.
- The Utah State Legislature appropriates $500,000 to continue to oppose storage of high-level nuclear waste in Utah. Utah is committed to staying the course to oppose storage of spent nuclear fuel rods in the West Desert in order to ensure protection of quality of life, public health, and the environment.
- Natural Resource Damage Trustee establishes a Stakeholder Forum to discuss issues regarding the cleanup of sulfate-contaminated groundwater in the Southwest Jordan Valley area of Salt Lake County. Participation and recommendations from Forum members resulted in changes to the original proposal and led to a better process to clean up contamination.
May 2004
- Water Quality Alliance celebrates 10 years of providing Utahns with exceptionally high quality of drinking water. The Alliance is the fifth largest public drinking water system in Utah. Eighty-five percent of Utah’s population consumes water produced by public drinking water systems that are part of the Alliance.
June 2004
DEQ, in conjunction with the Utah Department of Health and the Salt Lake Valley Health Department, encourages Wasatch Front residents to walk instead of drive for short trips. Walking helps to decrease the amount of vehicle emissions that form ozone pollution, and walking helps to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases.
- DEQ introduces a new online air quality tool called the “Utah Air Quality Index.” Shaped like a speedometer, it shows the level of ozone every hour in Utah’s four urban counties in categories from healthy to hazardous. This new tool makes it easier for people to decide which actions they are going to take each day to protect themselves and the environment from ozone.
- More people than ever before are testing their homes for elevated levels of radon gas thanks to a partnership between DEQ and Intermountain Health Care. During the first seven months of the Radon Public Service Campaign, 787 radon kits were ordered, an increase of 75 percent of the average from previous years. By testing their homes, families can know and reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
Since disposal operations began on August 22, 1996, Utah has regulated the safe destruction of more than 50 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.
July 2004
- With support from the Utah Transit Authority, DEQ issues a call to action to Wasatch Front drivers to help in the fight against summertime air pollution by parking their cars and using public transit at least one day each week. Public transit is providing a reliable alternative to get people where they’re going without a car and without adding to the air pollution problem.
- Utah Water Quality Board adopts a rule allowing the use of gray water for subsurface irrigation. As an alternative method of conservation, a productive use of gray water can save on upgrades and expansion of water and wastewater facilities, conserve energy, and reduce pollution in waterways.
August 2004
- DEQ, in conjunction with the Utah Department of Health and other community partners, releases “Guidance: When to schedule indoor rather than outdoor activities based on the air quality in your communities.” The guidance, based on EPA’s Air Quality Index for reporting daily air quality conditions, helps students, parents, and school administrators determine when it is better for children to play indoors.
- DEQ launches a Choose Clean Air Listserve to provide more timely information to the public regarding air quality conditions. The Listserve makes it easier for people to decide which actions they are going to take each day to protect themselves and the environment from air pollution.
- Utah receives authority from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to regulate uranium mills and tailings in the state. 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 and EPA release the proposed cleanup plan for the Jacobs Smelter 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 oversees the safe destruction of 22 chemical warfare munitions at Dugway Proving Ground by a new U.S. Army Explosive Destruction System. Utah’s commitment to solving environmental problems in a responsible manner has significantly reduced associated health risks.
- A plan to clean up sulfate-contaminated groundwater in the Southwest Jordan Valley area of Salt Lake County is approved by the Natural Resource Damage Trustee. The plan removes contamination from the aquifer, provides municipal-quality drinking water to residents in the affected area, and prevents the spread of contamination.
- Working with a stakeholder committee, DEQ’s Division of Water Quality begins a process to establish numeric water quality standards for the Great Salt Lake. The initial focus will be on selenium. Standards will prevent impairment of beneficial uses and sustain the natural resources of the lake and associated wetlands.
- In partnership with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Department of Agriculture, and Utah State University , DEQ helps the Governor’s Watershed Initiative reach its community involvement goal of adding 40 new groups to the Adopt-A-Waterbody program in 2004. Since the initiative began in November 2003, more than 70 groups have taken part in 40 projects. These projects protect and enhance the waters of the beautiful state of Utah.
- Water quality in Chalk Creek significantly improves as a result of a decade-long watershed improvement effort. The amount of phosphorus getting into the creek has decreased 10 to 20 percent. The water quality improvement in the watershed is helping the Bonneville Cutthroat trout population in Chalk Creek, and is providing positive benefits for downstream uses that include drinking water and recreation.
- DEQ and EPA release the proposed cleanup plan for the Bountiful/Woods Cross Superfund site. The plan opens the way for clean up of the groundwater to begin, eliminating health risks and eventually returning the water to productive use.
- The State of Utah notices for public comment two proposed agreements, totaling approximately $12 million, to conduct groundwater clean up and to settle the State’s claim for damages to groundwater. Contamination resulted from operations at the Trojan Explosives Plant. Cleanup will allow safe use of this water resource by the public.
September 2004
- Utah remains in compliance with the health-based standards for ozone. During the summer ozone season, there were zero voluntary “no-drive days,” and not a single day was rated as unhealthy.
- DEQ and EPA release the proposed cleanup plan for the Richardson Flat Superfund site. The plan opens the way for clean up of the soil and groundwater to begin, eliminating health risks and eventually returning the land and water to productive use.
- Sharon Steel Superfund site undergoes a five-year review. DEQ and EPA continue to monitor the groundwater and the cap on the tailings pile. Commercial and residential development is underway on the 530-acre site.
- Cleanup at the Geneva Steel property begins after months of negotiation between the State of Utah, Geneva Steel, U.S. Steel, and the bankruptcy court. The cleaned-up property will be used for future development.
- DEQ’s Division of Radiation Control improves database tracking of licensing actions and inspections of regulated radioactive waste facilities. Better tracking results in improved access to information by the public and other stakeholders.
- Utah receives the first national grant to inventory and assess contamination at abandoned gasoline stations statewide. The $200,000 Brownfields grant provides a way for petroleum-based contaminated land to be clean up and eventually redeveloped, restoring a healthy local economy and tax base.
- DEQ and EPA finalize a cleanup plan for the Odgen Rail Yard 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.
- DEQ and EPA finalize a cleanup plan for the Intermountain Waste Oil Refinery Superfund site. The plan opens the way for clean up of the groundwater to begin, eliminating health risks and eventually returning the water to productive use.
- Utah and EPA sign a unique Memorandum of Agreement that launches Clean Utah!, a new program that recognizes and rewards business and industry for voluntarily taking steps, beyond those required by law, to prevent and reduce pollution. The action is a significant step forward in protecting and enhancing Utah’s environment and quality of life.
October 2004
- Since 1990, 8,000 homes in Utah have been tested for elevated levels of radon. Radon problems have been fixed in 1,400 homes. Testing a home and fixing a radon problem, if detected, reduces the risk of lung cancer.
- DEQ’s Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste revises inspection and sampling plans and checklists for use in regulating commercial solid and hazardous waste disposal facilities. The revisions result in a more efficient regulatory program.
- DEQ practices a better way of doing business by visiting more than 300 small businesses each year to help them better understand hazardous waste regulations and provide assistance to ensure they properly manage their waste.
- Utah recycles more than 500,000 gallons of used oil each year. Recycling used oil prevents it from polluting precious water resources and landfills.
- Utah recycles more than two million waste tires each year. Tire recycling provides a good fuel source and removes a potential risk of tire fires and breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- The Hazardous Waste Regulation and Tax Policy Legislative Task Force concludes its two-year study of solid, hazardous, and radioactive waste technical and policy issues. DEQ provided information and testified several times before the Task Force. A final report will be issued in November 2004.
- Utah continues to provide high-quality drinking water to Utah citizens. As much as 99.7 percent of Utah’s population drinks water from approved water systems, compared to 99 percent in 1990. Likewise, 95.4 percent of Utah’s water systems have an approved rating, compared to 83 percent in 1990.
- During the Walker Administration, the Utah Drinking Water Board authorized $16.5 million in loans and grants for drinking water system infrastructure improvements to provide cleaner, safer drinking water to citizens.
- During the Walker Administration, and as part of her Watershed Initiative, 66 new Adopt-A-Waterbody groups improved lakes and streams throughout Utah. New environmental education resource books were developed and distributed to all 4 th and 9 th grade classrooms. An estimated 6,000 students received watershed education in the classroom, and an estimated 23,000 people received watershed information through water fairs, expositions, festivals, scouting, and other community events.
- To date, 74 percent of stream miles in Utah meet water quality standards, up from 59 percent in 1985. Water quality improvements allow beneficial uses of surface and groundwater and protect public health.
- The 31-member Environmental Subdivision Work Group makes recommendations to a legislative task force for statutory changes to address the environmental problems associated with growth. The recommendations address problems in old subdivisions that either cannot be properly served by onsite wastewater disposal systems under present-day ordinances, have systems that are substandard, or were approved absent any input from local health department authorities.
- Governor Walker challenges all Utah citizens to learn more about children’s environmental health and work together to improve the environment in our communities, schools, and homes . Utah’s commitment to education and partnerships is protecting Utah children from environmental hazards and improving their quality of life.
- Governor Walker declares October as “Children’s Environmental Health Month.” By taking positive action to improve children’s environmental health, Utah is helping children reach their full potential and laying the groundwork for a healthier future for generations to come.
- DEQ works with various partners to raise awareness of children’s environmental health by hosting a free public fair featuring nearly 30 information booths. Utah is effectively working with partners to make a difference in the lives of children.
- DEQ launches the www.childrenshealth.utah.gov Web site to provide more information to the public regarding children’s environmental health. This site helps the public learn more about children’s environmental issues and connects them with partners in their communities.
DEQ's Milestones Under Former Governor Mike Leavitt's 1,000-Day Plan
