Brian Barton
Salt Lake City, Utah, is known for its poor air quality, which poses significant health risks to its residents. The city's unique geographical features, such as its mountainous terrain, often trap pollutants near the surface, leading to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). Various factors contribute to the pollution in Salt Lake City, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, wildfires, and residential heating methods. While efforts are being made to improve air quality, Salt Lake City continues to face the challenge of maintaining healthy air quality standards for its citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main pollutant | PM2.5 |
| PM2.5 concentration | 1.1 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value |
| Percentage increase in fine particle pollution in the Salt Lake City metro area between 2014-2016 and 2021-2023 | 6% |
| Top sources of emissions in the Wasatch Front | Cars, semi-trucks, trains, buses, and airplanes |
| Percentage of mobile source pollution produced by heavy-duty diesel vehicles | Over 30% |
| Percentage of vehicle miles traveled by heavy-duty diesel vehicles | 7.5% |
| Percentage of air pollution in Salt Lake County caused by vehicles | 50% |
| Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem area ranking by the American Lung Association (ALA) in terms of ozone air quality in the U.S. | 9th worst |
| Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem area ranking by the ALA in terms of short-term particle pollution in the U.S. | 19th worst |
| Number of multi-day inversions in a typical winter in Salt Lake City | 6 |
| Number of days of pollution above National Ambient Air Quality Standards caused by a typical winter inversion in Salt Lake City | 18 |
| Main causes of inversions | Mountainous topography, community emissions from gasoline and diesel vehicles, wood fires, industry, and agriculture |
| Fine imposed in Salt Lake County for burning wood fires | $150 for the first offense |
| Maximum fine for idling for more than 2 minutes in Salt Lake City | $210 |
| Number of Utahans hospitalized with severe pneumonia due to particulate pollution each year | 200 |
| Percentage increase in emergency room respiratory-related visits in Salt Lake City during pollution episodes in 2014 | 40% |
| Pollutants of concern from the shrinking of the Great Salt Lake | Particulates and arsenic |
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What You'll Learn
Wildfires and smoke
Wildfires from within the state and neighbouring states, including California, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona, can drastically reduce air quality in Salt Lake City. In August 2020, smoke from California fires caused PM2.5 levels to exceed 90 mg m−3 in Cache County, Utah, 2.5 times higher than the federal threshold level of 35 mg m−3. Smoke from the Bush and Magnum fires in Arizona also blew into Utah in June 2020. On August 6, 2021, smoke from the Dixie Fire and other fires in west coast states caused the PM2.5 level in Salt Lake City to spike to over 100 mg m−3, more than three times the federal standard. The area temporarily had the worst air quality in the world.
In addition to the smoke from wildfires in other states, Utah also experiences wildfires that negatively impact the air quality in Salt Lake City. For example, in July 2021, high episodes of pollution in Salt Lake City were caused by the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon and the Beckwourth Complex Fire in northern California. The Veyo West and Turkey Farm Road Fires in Washington County, Utah, also negatively affected air quality in southern Utah.
The impact of wildfires on air quality in Salt Lake City is a significant concern for researchers and health officials. In 2020, researchers worried that poor air quality caused by smoke from wildfires would worsen symptoms from COVID-19. Emergency room respiratory-related visits in Salt Lake City increased by 40% during pollution episodes in 2014. About 200 Utahans go to the hospital with severe pneumonia due to particulate pollution each year.
To mitigate the impact of wildfires on air quality, Salt Lake County has implemented restrictions on burning wood fires, with fines starting at $150 for first-time offences. Utah legislators have also spoken out against the rollback of fuel standards, citing the negative effects of air pollution on health. Anti-idling ordinances have been passed in Salt Lake City, with fines of up to $210 for idling for more than two minutes. These laws have helped to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the area.
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Geography and weather
Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is situated on the Jordan River at the southeastern end of the Great Salt Lake. It is the world capital of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and the county seat of Salt Lake County, the most populous county in the state. The city is located in north-central Utah, in the United States, and lies at the foot of the Wasatch Range, which rises over 1 mile (1.6 km) above the Salt Lake Valley floor. The Great Salt Lake is separated from Salt Lake City by extensive marshlands and mudflats.
Salt Lake City is a regional trade and transportation hub, with an international airport serving the city. The city is served by two major freeways, I-15 running north-south, and I-80, which connects the airport to the west of the city and exits to the east through Parley's Canyon. I-215 forms a loop around the city, and SR-201 extends to the western suburbs. The city's mass transit system includes a bus network, light rail, and commuter rail, all operated by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA).
The city's geography is characterised by wide, spacious streets, envisioned by Brigham Young and the early settlers. The entire Salt Lake Valley is laid out on a numbered grid system, which becomes more irregular in the suburbs. The grid pattern is disrupted on the East Bench due to the geography of the area. The city's elevation is approximately 4,300 feet (1,300 meters).
Salt Lake City experiences cold winters, during which strong temperature inversions can trap pollutants and decrease air quality. The mountainous topography of Utah contributes to this issue, causing pollutants to build up near the surface. In addition, emissions from gasoline and diesel vehicles, wood fires, industry, and agriculture further exacerbate poor air quality. Wildfires in the state and neighbouring regions, such as California, Idaho, and Nevada, can also significantly impact air quality.
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Vehicle emissions
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles specifically have a disproportionate impact on air quality. While they account for only 7.5% of vehicle miles traveled, they are responsible for over 30% of mobile source pollution. This is due to the high levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emitted by diesel engines, which have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.
The unique geography of the Wasatch Front exacerbates the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality. During winter, periodic temperature inversions trap cold air under a layer of warm air, causing particulate pollution to double daily. This "lid" effect can lead to dangerous levels of pollution, with fine particle pollution in the Salt Lake City metro area increasing by about 6% between 2014-2016 and 2021-2023.
To address vehicle emissions and improve air quality, Salt Lake City has implemented several measures. Anti-idling ordinances, with fines of up to $210 for idling for more than 2 minutes, have been in place since 2011. These laws have helped reduce idling and raise awareness about the negative impacts of vehicle emissions. Additionally, the city encourages carpooling, the use of public transit, and the adoption of newer, cleaner fuel vehicles.
Wildfires and wood-burning for home heating also contribute to air pollution in Salt Lake City. Wildfires in nearby states, such as California and Arizona, can significantly impact air quality, leading to spikes in PM2.5 levels. Homes heated with wood contribute about 3000 times more pollution than those using natural gas. To mitigate this, restrictions on burning wood fires have been implemented in Salt Lake County, with fines for non-compliance.
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Industrial and commercial sites
Salt Lake City, Utah, faces significant air quality challenges due to a combination of geographical factors and emissions from industrial and commercial sites. The unique geography of the Wasatch Front, where the city is located, leads to temperature inversions that trap cold air underneath a layer of warm air, acting like a "lid" on the valley and causing particulate pollution to concentrate. This natural phenomenon, known as inversion, is a major factor in the city's poor air quality.
Industrial sources contribute significantly to the pollution in Salt Lake City. Power plants, boilers, turbines, and other industrial facilities emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions react with other compounds in the atmosphere, particularly during hot summer days, to form ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant that damages human health and vegetation. According to the Utah Department of Air Quality’s 2022 Annual Report, mobile sources, including cars, trucks, trains, buses, and airplanes, are the greatest source of emissions in the Wasatch Front, contributing to about 39% of the annual man-made pollution. However, heavy-duty diesel vehicles, which account for only 7.5% of vehicle miles travelled, produce over 30% of this mobile source pollution.
In addition to transportation emissions, industrial facilities in Salt Lake City have been identified as significant contributors to air pollution. One notable example is the US Magnesium refinery, which was found to be responsible for a significant fraction of the fine particles that form the dense winter brown clouds over the city. Analysis of measurements taken during research flights in 2017 revealed high emissions of chlorine and bromine, known as halogenated compounds, from the refinery. These emissions were estimated to contribute 10% to 25% of the regional PM2.5 pollution during winter. While large industries in Utah have reduced emissions by 47% since 1995 due to state and federal regulations, more work is needed to address specific industrial sources and improve air quality in the city.
Commercial sources also play a role in Salt Lake City's pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released during the manufacture or use of everyday products, are common pollutants. These compounds, found in items such as fuels, personal hygiene products, cleaning agents, paints, and solvents used commercially or in homes, contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone when they interact with NOx and sunlight. Additionally, population growth, increased travel, and more newly built homes have collectively contributed to the changing atmosphere and air quality in Salt Lake County.
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Home heating
Salt Lake City, Utah, has some of the worst air quality in the United States. The city's unique geography and topography contribute to this issue. The Wasatch Front, a mountain range located near the city, causes temperature inversions during the winter. This phenomenon traps cold air under a layer of warm air, creating a "lid" over the Salt Lake Valley and doubling the amount of particulate pollution daily.
In the summer, pollution from cars, industry, and chemical products, coupled with high temperatures and sunlight, lead to harmful ozone levels. Mobile sources, including cars, trucks, trains, buses, and airplanes, are the greatest contributors to annual man-made pollution. Diesel vehicles, in particular, produce over 30% of this mobile source pollution, despite accounting for only 7.5% of vehicle miles travelled.
Wildfires from California, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona have also been known to drastically reduce air quality in Salt Lake City. In August 2020, smoke from California fires caused PM2.5 levels to exceed the federal threshold, leading to health concerns for those with COVID-19. More locally, the shrinking of the Great Salt Lake has researchers concerned about particulates and arsenic blowing off the lake bed into urban areas.
To improve air quality, Salt Lake City has implemented anti-idling ordinances with fines of up to $210 for idling for more than two minutes. These laws have helped to reduce the social acceptability of idling gasoline and diesel vehicles. Additionally, residents are encouraged to carpool, use public transit, and reduce vehicle idling to decrease emissions and improve air quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Mobile sources, including cars, trucks, airplanes, and semitrailers, are a significant source of air pollution in Salt Lake City. In fact, about 50% of air pollution in Salt Lake County is from vehicles.
Long-term exposure to poor air quality is harmful to health. About 200 Utahans go to the hospital with severe pneumonia due to particulate pollution each year. Emergency room respiratory-related visits in Salt Lake City increased by 40% during pollution episodes in 2014.
Salt Lake City is taking action to support air quality and reduce pollution across the community. Anti-idling ordinances were passed in 2011 with fines of up to $210 for idling for more than 2 minutes. There are also restrictions on burning wood fires, with fines starting at $150 for first-time offenses in Salt Lake County.
