Clean Air Quality Booklet

Utah Air Quality 101Utah Air Quality 101Utah Air Quality 101It’s Everybody’s Business

Air quality is a top concern for the citizens of Utah, and rightly so. The nature of Utah’s climate and geography creates high levels of air pollution for several days a year. Thanks to the work of many, Utah’s air quality is now better than it has been in decades. But in order to keep pace with our growing population and economy, we must press forward.

It is our responsibility to reduce our impact on air quality through community efforts. We must promote behaviors and technologies that will protect our air quality for future generations. A common understanding of air quality causes, effects and improvement measures are the fi rst steps toward becoming compliant with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and improving our present and future air quality.

What We’re Up Against

In order to effectively address the air quality issue, we must fi rst understand the specifi c challenges we have in Utah, especially along the the Wasatch Front:

• The topography and seasonal weather conditions of the Salt Lake Valley region allow for the accumulation

of emissions.

• The population of the Salt Lake Valley is expected to increase by 65 percent

(1.4 million people) over the next 30 years.

• Air quality chemistry is complex and impacts everyone.

• The Salt Lake Valley is currently struggling to meet the EPA

PM2.5 standards.

A Look BackUtahns have been on the forefront of addressing air quality concerns since as early as 1890 when an ordinance was fi rst adopted to regulate the burning of soft coal. By proactively setting standards ahead of national regulations, Utah’s air quality has signifi cantly improved with each decade despite the complexities of a growing economy and community.

The fi rst anti-pollution ordinance was put in place, regulating burning of soft coal.

After extensive research at the University of Utah, residential furnaces were blamed for 75 percent of smoke. Air pollution started to become a primary concern.

States started regulating pollution, which led automakers to start reducing harmful emissions.

18901926 1960s

Utah’s Air Quality Issue

Air quality is more than just an issue of seeing clear skies. It affects our livelihoods and quality of life, with major implications for the future of Utah. Because this issue affects us all personally, it is everybody’s responsibility to learn how it affects you and what you can do about it.

Life ElevatedFrom the best slopes in the nation to the tremendous arches, Utah is known to visitors for its outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes. However, people who live here know that the state’s greatest asset is its vibrant quality of life. In order to continue enjoying Utah’s parks, communities and scenery we take such pride in, we have to keep our air clean.

Business CaseUtah’s air is better now than it has been in decades, but air quality remains a concern for business because of its importance to our economy. Poor air quality hinders corporate relocation efforts, increases health care costs, places Utah’s federal transportation funding at risk and puts additional regulatory burdens on businesses.

Utah is known nationally as having one of the best economies and as one of the best states for business. This favorable business environment makes us attractive to companies looking to relocate. Air quality, however, is one of the factors that companies look at when deciding where to expand. Despite the fact that our air is continually improving, businesses are still concerned that it detracts from our quality of life. Employers must also consider what health ramifi cations poor air quality causes. According to Kaiser Permanente, employer- purchased health plans cover 61 percent of Utah’s insured population. Bad air quality can increase health care costs and ultimately affect a business’ bottom line.

Additionally, if we fall out of compliance, Utah is subject to having the EPA take over permits and compliance responsibilities that the Division of Air Quality currently handles. This would result in greater regulatory burdens and increased costs for business, potentially hurting our reputation as having one of the best business climates in the country. Clearly, clean air plays a part in our ability to recruit new companies and jobs to Utah.

“Many businesses that consider coming here want to talk about quality of life. Clean air is very important for employee retention and for a corporate image–all things businesses consider when they decide to move here.”

Counties that did not pass air quality standards set by Utah legislation were required to start an inspection and maintenance program.

Congress established the EPA and the original Clean Air Act was passed.

The Utah Legislature passed the Utah Air Conservation Act to monitor and control air pollution in the state.

The EPA made signifi cant amendments to the Clean Air Act.

The EPA lowered the PM2.5 standard from 65 micrograms per cubic meter to 35. This triggered nonattainment for most of the Wasatch Front and Cache County.

1980s1970 1976 1990 2006

-Jeff EdwardsPresident and CEO,

Economic DevelopmentCorporation of Utah

Why it Matters

The Clean Air Act is a United States federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level. The EPA develops and enforces regulations that protect the general public from exposure to airborne contaminants hazardous to human health. The EPA has set national air quality standards for common air pollutants:

• Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5)• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)• Ozone (O3)

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2)• Carbon monoxide (CO)

State of Growth As one of the fastest growing states, it is critical that we protect infrastructure funding. If Utah falls out of compliance with the EPA, we risk losing federal transportation funding or, at least, control of how we spend it. Thus far, Utah has done an impressive job of staying ahead of population growth, keeping commerce freely moving throughout Utah and avoiding gridlock on our freeways. Should we lose control over highway funding, we put this thoughtful planning at risk.

Breath of Fresh AirPure air is a mixture of invisible and odorless gases. When pure air is tainted with other chemicals, such as PM2.5 or carbon monoxide, it may affect our health. It has been suggested that poor air quality is linked to asthma, seasonal sicknesses and even strokes and heart attacks.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

1992

487 ug/m3 TSP

Peak Measurement for Salt Lake ValleyEPA Particulate Matter Standards(TSP-260, PM10-150, PM2.5-65, PM2.5-35)

3080 ug/m3 TSP

267 ug/m3 PM10

91.6 ug/m3 PM2.5

19871974 2002

Particulate Matter Standards

Source: Utah Department of Environmental Quality, 2010

EPA’s Clean Air Act

FPOPARK WITH PEOPLE

FPOPARK WITH PEOPLE

Particulate Matter Particulate matter (PM) is made of very small dust and soot particles. PM2.5 is the pollutant of greatest concern to Salt Lake Valley residents, along with PM10. Because of its size–about one-fortieth the size of a human hair–PM2.5 can become trapped in the lungs and exacerbate or cause health conditions. PM is likely to reach unhealthy levels on winter days with little wind when temperature inversions trap emissions in for days at a time.

CausesPM2.5 is composed of both primary and secondary particulate. Primary particulate, which makes up 25 percent of the overall problem, is emitted directly from a source as soot. Secondary particulate, the majority of PM2.5, is created by a combination of precursor emissions that come from tailpipes, smokestacks and chemicals to form PM2.5 during atmospheric mixing. Major sources include power plants, automobiles, diesel engines, fi replaces, dust, construction, mining and agricultural activities.

Volatile Organic CompoundsVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions and are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

Causes Although this is not an exhaustive list, some major sources include gasoline, paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, offi ce equipment, adhesives, permanent markers, char broilers and yeast leaving products.

Sulfur Oxides & Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless, reactive gas and a secondary component of PM pollution.

Causes Sulfur dioxide is produced when fuels containing sulfur are burned, such as coal and oil during metal smelting. Major sources include power plants and industrial boilers. Generally, the highest concentrations of sulfur dioxide are found near large industrial sources.

Nitrogen Oxides & Nitrogen Dioxide Nitrogen oxides (NOX) are highly reactive gases and are a major component of ground level ozone creation and PM. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is also linked with a number of adverse effects on the respiratory system.

CausesNO2 forms quickly from any form of combustion, including emissions from vehicles, power plants and off-road equipment.

Pollutants of most concern in Utah, many of which are regulated by the EPA. Our Air Quality

Primary Particulate

PM2.5

Area Sources

Secondary Particulate (Precursors)

VOC

NOX

SOX

NH3

NitrogenOxides

SulferOxides

Ammonia

Volitile Organic

Compounds

Mobile Sources

Point Sources

Particulate Matter 2.5

Particulate Matter 2.5 Formation

Changing the air quality scene in Utah will take a little bit of effort from everyone. Because area and mobile sources contribute the most to Utah air pollution, it is especially important for individuals, communities and businesses to join this effort. Take a look at how you can reduce your impact.

OzoneTropospheric is known as ground level ozone or smog, but not to be confused with the ozone layer. Ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created from chemical reactions between oxides of NOX and VOCs. Ozone is likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments. Ozone can also be transported long distances by wind. For this reason, even rural areas can experience high ozone levels.

CausesIndustrial facilities, electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOX and VOCs, which react in bright sunlight to create ground level ozone.

LeadLead (Pb) is a metal found naturally in the environment and in manufactured products.

Causes The major sources of lead emissions have historically been from fuels in vehicles and industrial sources.

Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas.

Causes Carbon monoxide forms when the carbon in fuels does not completely burn. Vehicle exhaust contributes roughly 60 percent of all carbon monoxide emissions nationwide and up to 95 percent in cities. Other sources include fuel combustion in industrial processes and natural sources such as wildfi res. Because of today’s cleaner burning automobiles, CO levels in Utah have not exceeded health limits for nearly 20 years.

Hazardous Air PollutantsHazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer and other serious health effects, such as birth defects or adverse environmental effects. These pollutants include benzene, methylene chloride, dioxin, asbestos, toluene and metals such as cadmium, mercury, chromium and lead compounds.

Causes Most air toxins originate from human-made sources, including mobile sources (e.g., cars, trucks, buses), stationary sources (e.g., factories, refi neries, power plants) and indoor sources (e.g., building materials and cleaning supplies).

Let’s Make a Difference

Nitrogen Oxides

O3

Sunlight

Ozone

Volatile Organic Compounds

VOC

NOX

Ground Level Ozone Formation

-Jonathan JohnsonPresident

Overstock.com

AreaSources

MobileSources

PointSources

“Clean air is important to all Utahns. We can all do our part to make our air better–in our homes, our vehicles and our businesses. Let’s make the air we breathe a priority.”

Area Sources

Mobile Sources

Point Sources Source: 2012 SIP Models

Take Action

Take Action

Take Action

Area SourcesArea sources are small industrial, commercial or residential establishments. These include small printing shops, restaurants, repair shops and gas stations, as well as personal activities such as house painting, solvent use and home heating.

Mobile SourcesMobile sources include on- and off-road vehicles, machinery, rail trains and garden equipment.

Both businesses and individuals can apply these tips to reduce their environmental impact by driving less.

Point Sources Point sources are large industrial and commercial facilities with 100 points of emissions per year or more. These include chemical plants, refi neries, cement manufacturers, steel mills, surface coating operations and printing operations.

Individuals:• Convert wood-burning stoves and fi replaces

with alternative heat solutions.• Conserve energy.• Keep tight lids on household VOC sources

(e.g., paint, nail polish remover, cleaners).• Phase out pilot lights.

Business/Industry:• Reduce dust from earthwork activities.• Install high-effi ciency fi lter devices.• Use low-VOC content solvents and products.• Use low sulfur fuels.• Use low NOX burners.

• Trip chain by combining trips.• Carpool.• Telecommute.• Work fl exible hours to decrease congestion.• Use public transportation.• Drive alternative fuel vehicles.

• Reduce idling and truck stop electrifi cation.• Reduce vehicle “cold starts.” • Retrofi t or replace diesel vehicles.• Drive and refuel during cooler parts of the day.• Keep vehicles well maintained.

Business/Industry:• Install high-effi ciency fi lter devices.• Implement fugitive dust controls.• Use low-VOC content solvents and products.

• Use scrubbers.• Replace coal and oil burning with alternative

energy solutions.• Use low sulfur fuels.

Take Action

Mobile SourcesMobile sources include on- and off-road vehicles, machinery, rail trains and garden equipment.

Point Sources Point sources are large industrial and commercial facilities with 100 points of emissions per year or more. These include chemical plants, refi neries, cement manufacturers, steel mills, surface coating operations and printing operations.

Area SourcesArea sources are small industrial, commercial or residential establishments. These include small printing shops, restaurants, repair shops and gas stations, as well as personal activities such as house painting, solvent use and home heating.

PM2.5 Emissions by Source

Salt Lake

Ogden

Lindon

Clean Air Champions – This program highlights Utah businesses that have committed to improve air quality. CleanAirChampion.com

Utah Clean Air Partnership – A statewide effort, backed by Governor Herbert, to encourage individuals, businesses and governments to improve air quality. UCAIR.utah.gov

TravelWise – A program that provides strategies and alternatives to driving alone. TravelWise.utah.gov

Clear the Air Challenge – A month-long competition, in partnership with TravelWise, giving Utahns the chance to reduce vehicle emissions and win prizes.ClearTheAirChallenge.org

Idle Free Utah – A collaboration between government and private organizations to reduce vehicle idling across the state. IdleFree.utah.gov

Resources

Salt Lake Chamber – Utah’s largest statewide business association that supports air quality initiatives while serving as a voice for the business community. SLChamber.com/CleanAir

Division of Air Quality – The government organization in charge of issuing construction permits, overseeing compliance and creating a statewide air quality plan. AirQuality.utah.gov

Wasatch Front Regional Council – An association of fi ve counties addressing transportation and air quality issues in the region. WFRC.org

Utah Transit Authority – The organization that runs Utah’s public transportation system.RideUTA.com

Breathe Utah – This program addresses the root causes of air pollution in Utah by engaging local communities, creating partnerships and fostering collaboration. BreatheUtah.org

Agencies:Programs:

WASATCH FRONTREGIONAL COUNCIL