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Our Next Meeting
Wednesday, March 17
at 10:00 a.m
Meeting Minutes
- May 12, 2009
If you have a special event or meeting that you believe the Air Quality Task Force should be involved with, please contact us below.
Meeting Location:
Associated General Contractors
280 North 1680 East
Suite. B-1
St. George, UT
Links
Task Force Contacts
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Air Quality in Southern Utah, It's Everybody's Business
 As we all know, Southern Utah is a great place to live, work and play. Dixie has long been known as the place “where the summer sun spends the winter”. As the popularity of Southern Utah and its lifestyle continues to progress, the challenges of growth will follow and we must all work together in solving concerns within our communities. Air quality and its sustainability is presently one of those challenges facing us today. The recent surge of population growth has created intensive development. Large parcels of land continue to be cleared of vegetation, subdivided and prepared for housing construction. Dirt and gravel roads are being used on an increasing basis to support the materials industries in their transportation of products. Former farm land and desert areas continue to be developed at the highest rate in the nation.
As a result of these associated activities, fugitive dust (Particulate Matter less than 10 microns or PM10) has become a problem. The valleys in the area are subject to high winds and these winds often create dust storms. Even the slightest wind can pick up dust from the disturbed areas, where it can become a health hazard. Fugitive dust is a relatively new term for an old problem. Simply put, fugitive dust is a type of air pollution that is made up of small airborne particles that originates in small quantities over large areas. Significant sources include unpaved roads, construction sites, development areas and industrial park operational activities. Many citizens are familiar with the nuisance of fugitive dust associated with these activities. Although generally not toxic, fugitive dust can cause health problems, alone or in combination with other air pollutants. Infants, the elderly and people with respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis are most likely to be affected.
Current efforts are in progress and we are addressing the issue. In July of 2006 City of St. George Mayor Dan McArthur requested that a committee be formed to address the increasing impacts of air quality in the area. This initiated the beginning of the Southern Utah Air Quality Task Force which consists of volunteer members working together in addressing air quality issues within the region. Representatives include citizens from the area, industry management officials and local government personnel. The key to this task force is communication not only from within the organization but in getting the word out on what we can all do to help solve air quality concerns in the area. The task force has identified solutions that are being implemented at this time as a result of their efforts. Meetings and presentations with elected officials and the public have occurred and future education seminars are planned with industry personnel.
Within the near future the City of St. George will be implementing an “Air Quality Ordinance” that will specifically identify guidelines for all owners, contractors and government agencies to follow. Standards will be monitored and violations will be addressed if they occur. Other cities have already expressed interest and will be reviewing this ordinance in order to identify with the standards that they will implement in creating their own ordinances addressing air quality.
We should all work together in sustaining air quality in Southern Utah with the realization that air quality knows no borders and “It’s Everybody’s Business.” Further information on air quality standards and participation in the Southern Utah Air Quality Task Force can be found on the City of St. George web site at www.sgcity.org.
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