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Cache Valley: PM2.5
The Cache Valley experiences poor air quality events during stagnant wintertime conditions. Persistent high pressure systems that frequently control northern Utah's weather combined with snow covered ground, long nights, and weak winds allow strong temperature inversions to form. The strong temperature inversions trap pollution by acting as a lid on the bowl-like topography of the Valley. During these inversion episodes, the Utah Division of Air Quality PM2.5 monitor located in downtown Logan regularly measures PM2.5 concentrations that exceed the EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
Concern over the elevated winter-time PM2.5 concentrations have resulted in pro-active collaboration between the Utah Division of Air Quality (UDAQ), local elected officials, scientists from Utah State University (USU), and the Bear River Health Department. These groups have been working together to develop strategies for solving the air quality problems. Numerous proactive measures have been already been implemented including:
- Synchronized traffic lights in Logan City.
- Free Logan Rapid Transit Bus during red and yellow air quality days.
- Replacement of USU coal-fired heating plant with a modern natural gas plant.
- Natural gas fueled buses for USU campus shuttles.
- Conversion of the municipal power plant from diesel to natural gas. • Red-yellow-green wood-burning control program.
- Smoking vehicle program.
For more information or questions contact Bill Riess (801-536-4077), or Tyler Cruickshank (801-536-4468).
