Utah sweeps top five cities with filthy air, Provo No. 4

Caleb Warnock - Daily Herald

Posted: Feb 6, 2013, 12:03 AM

Utah swept the top five spots for dirtiest air in the nation on Tuesday, with Provo coming in fourth.  ∆  According to airnow.gov, which is the federal air quality monitoring site, Brigham City had the nation's filthiest air, followed by Logan, Ogden, Provo and Salt Lake City in fifth place.  ∆  In all five areas, the air quality was rated as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" defined as "Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected." Air quality in Provo was forecast to get worse, with the federal monitoring site predicting that Provo would move into third place for the nation's dirtiest air on Wednesday.  ∆  Bryce Bird, director of the Utah Division of Air Quality, did not return calls for comment on Tuesday.  ∆  On Tuesday, Jim Westwater, chairman of the Utah Valley Earth Forum, blasted the state government and local representatives for their lack of interest in clean air.  ∆  "Unfortunately, we don't see our governor or state Legislature taking this health and economic threat seriously," he said. "This is too bad for us, our children, our families, our economy and our future."  ∆  Utah's deplorable air quality will cost Utah jobs and economic growth, he said.  ∆  "Provo and Utah Valley would benefit greatly if we got the reputation of being a healthy as well as beautiful place to live," Westwater said. "Conversely, it will hurt our economy and our health if we continue to have dirty, harmful, sickening air and as the word gets out about our dirty air to the rest of the nation and to prospective families and businesses thinking of relocating."  ∆  As proof that Utah's reputation for horrible air is already spreading, he pointed to a recent report on NBC Nightly News focusing on Utah's smog. The show quoted visitors to Utah who said they were shocked by the pollution.  ∆  "In one of the prettiest spots in the nation the problem is dirty air and lots of it," NBC news anchor Brian Williams said in the piece [view video], which aired in late January. "They are used to it, this kind of thing happens every year. But this year it is the worst anyone can remember, making life outside the home downright dangerous."  ∆  NBC called Utah's air "toxic" and "choking."  ∆ "It's not the kind of story about Utah that will help our economy and the well-being of people and our otherwise beautiful state," Westwater said. "If we don't take action -- both citizen, business and governmental action -- matters will only get worse in these inversions when we are forced to inhale the harmful stuff we discharge into our air. Doctors tell us it's like we are all -- adults and children alike -- becoming smokers. This needs to change."  ∆  Provo and the Wasatch Front's lousy air won't go away anytime soon because no major effort is under way to change it, he said.  ∆  "It's past time for baby steps," he said. "We need substantial, serious, constructive actions that actually have or will have a significant beneficial impact on this very serious problem."

Utah's Dirty-Air Secret Draws National Attention

This story about our horrible air quality on NBC Nightly News was featured a few days ago in late January. It's not the kind of story about Utah that will help our economy and the well being of people and our otherwise beautiful state. If we don't take action (both citizen, business and governmental action) matters will only get worse in these inversions when we are forced to inhale the harmful stuff we discharge into our air. Doctors tell us it's like we are all—adults and children alike—becoming smokers. This needs to change. Please join with the UVEF to help make a difference for the better. To join send your email request to membership@uvef.us. Thank you.

Time For Citizen Action

The UVEF Stewardship Appreciation Survey 2012

How "green" is your Utah County city?

Introduction:
Around Utah County, cities and towns are doing many things that reflect good stewardship of the environment and help make our communities healthier and more livable for present and future generations. From citywide recycling to energy conservation, from “smart growth” to gradually switching to clean, safe, renewable sources of energy—progress is being made toward better stewardship. To identify, encourage and commend these efforts, and to help educate and inspire communities and their residents to do even more, the Utah Valley Earth Forum (UVEF)—the valley’s independent, volunteer, citizen environmental organization—invited all cities and towns in the county to participate in the first annual UVEF Stewardship Appreciation Survey.

The UVEF is delighted to report that most of the cities and towns—communities representing over 77% of Utah County’s urban population—took part in the survey. Every city and town that participated is to be commended for its efforts to improve the environment in which we all live—the air, the water and the land. Being a good steward not only makes our communities healthier and more livable for both present and future generations, it is the right and responsible thing to do, and often saves money and valuable resources in the process.

So we say, "Good job, participating cities!" Our hats are off to you! Keep up the good work! The air, water and land, and current and future generations are grateful for whatever you do to be better stewards of the earth.

The Survey Results:
Please consider the following when viewing the results below:

1. The survey was intended to cover many, if not most, of the main things communities can do to to help improve the environment, but the survey was not intended to be definitive.
2. Thirty-six items were on the survey. Cities were asked to indicate which items they were currently doing. If they were doing things not on the survey, they were asked to indicate those things. Links to appendices are posted below to indicate non-survey responses by participants.
3. The submitted responses on the survey were self-reported by the cities and were not independently verified by the UVEF.
4. Participation was encouraged but voluntary. Non-participation does not necessarily mean a city or town is doing nothing to be a good steward of the environment.
5. Cities were given 3 months to complete and return the survey. Some surveys were completed and returned within one hour.
6. We plan on administering the survey again in January of 2014 to help identify further developments and to encourage cities in Utah Valley to continue improving their stewardship.
7. For a copy of the actual survey, please e-mail your request to Chair@UVEF.us.

To view the SURVEY RESULTS click HERE or on the graphic below: 
 

2012 UVEF Stewardship Appreciation Survey

Appendix #1  (written responses of *cities)

Appendix #2  (written responses for Lindon)

Partial List of UVEF Actions and Events

The UVEF was formed in 2006 to promote good stewardship and improve the environment here in Utah Valley. The following is a partial list of what we do and have done:

1. Host free and open, public, monthly forums at the Provo Library where different environmental topics are covered and discussed.
2. Work with other Utah environmental organizations to promote good stewardship of the earth.
3. Helped defeat the proposed MountainView Corridor highway through the wetlands in Lehi.
4. Helping the effort to stop the proposed toll bridge across Utah Lake.
5. Testify and provide public input on numerous proposed activities adversely affecting the environment.
6. Organized the 2010 Utah Clean Air Conference at UVU.
7. Conducted the first ever environmental “Meet the Candidates” night in Utah Valley.
8. Developed and implemented the first ever in Utah Valley (and possibly anywhere) community-reporting Stewardship Appreciation Survey.
9. We’re told we were principally responsible for Provo Mayor Curtis’s decision to appoint a Sustainability Advisor.
10. Co-sponsored the appearance of nationally renowned climatologist James Hanson at UVU.
11. Developed and posted a UVEF online website and Facebook group page.
12. Present environmental talks to various outside groups.
13. Conduct educational and recreational outings to various sites in Utah.
14. Recognize outstanding efforts to help the environment in Utah and Utah Valley by awarding UVEF Earth Stewardship Awards.
15. Sponsored a special medical sciences and dance arts event at BYU in cooperation with the UPHE and the Repertory Dance Theater company of SLC.
16. Helped the City of Provo promote its programs and actions to conserve energy.
17. Helped save Slate Canyon from proposed development.
18. Helped prod the Provo School District to upgrade the efficiency of their school bus fleet and reduce unnecessary idling.
19. Organized and conducted a tree-planting in Provo for Native American young people.
20. Helped get Provo City Council to pass an opt-out program of citywide recycling.
21. Adopted a section of Utah highway to clean up on an ongoing volunteer basis. 
22. “Table” at the Provo Farmer’s Market and the Utah Lake Festival to increase UVEF exposure and add people to our email lists.

FEBRUARY 18th MEETING: Sustainable Architecture

Click on calendar above for Feb. 18th meeting time and place.

Jörg Rügemer, Dipl.-Ing. M.Arch. Architect AKNW, Assistant Professor

Jörg Rügemer graduated with a master’s degree of architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. Additional studies include his architectural diploma at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, Germany, as well as meteorology at the University of Cologne. Mr. Rügemer is a licensed architect in Germany and Europe. He has taught in Germany at the University of Karlsruhe, as well as the Brandenburg University of Technology, where he was the chair of Architectural Design and CAD. Other assignments include Florida International University in Miami, where he served as the Director for Digital Design. He now teaches sustainable architecture and urban design theory at the College of Architecture and Planning, at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. Jörg Rügemer has received numerous awards and scholarships; exhibitions include displays at the BEA International Gallery in Miami, the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museum in Mannheim, Germany, the Art Museum of Western Virginia, the Bauhaus University Weimar, and the 2001 Forum of Current Architecture in Cologne, both Germany. Among other things, Jörg Rügemer’s portfolio includes 12 placements in international competitions, 3 built projects, several scholarly publications, and many international lectures on sustainable architectural and urban design, design strategies, and virtual design.

Breathing Easy in Rock Canyon

UVEF takes ACTION on behalf of Utah Lake and the Valley

On Monday, 11/30, a number of UVEF members met with Tim Garcia, Deputy Dir. of the FFSL. We made it very plain that we fully expect there to be a thorough, rigorous, impartial EIS (environmental impact statement) equivalent to a full NEPA-required EIS on all the effects to the environment that any bridge project might have BEFORE any decision is rendered as to approving or disapproving a bridge. We also indicated that we will carefully monitor the process to help ensure that the Lake and its ecosystem are protected and not exploited.

The event was covered by the TRIB, the DesNews and Channel 2. KUER did a 45 minute interview with the UVEF Chair related to the event.

photos © 2009 JNWestwater

360 view north of Pelican Point showing all the homes of the people demanding a bridge across Utah Lake

UVEF Position Paper: A Private Toll Bridge Across a Public Utah Lake -- draft

Basis for Our Thinking
For all life to be healthy and sustainable it must have a healthy, sustainable environment. The Utah Valley Earth Forum is committed to working for a better, healthier, sustainable Utah Valley and world. Our motivation is helping the long-term common good and the good of the environment rather than promoting the short-term personal advantage of individuals, corporations or governments.

Multiple Harms to the Ecosystem
With this in mind, we believe that constructing a bridge across Utah Lake (toll or otherwise) would harm the health and sustainability of the Utah Lake ecosystem, including its watershed, airshed, viewshed and soundshed. Constructing a bridge across the lake would have several detrimental consequences: the loss of significant open spaces and natural area on the west side and a substantial increase in homes, pavement, cars, vehicular traffic and corresponding increases in congestion and harmful air pollution. Utah Valley is already among the worst communities in the nation in spikes of harmful air pollution—especially during inversions and in the winter. The valley is also in “non-attainment” of federal PM 2.5 air quality standards and runs the risk of losing all federal funding if it does not reduce its PM 2.5 pollutant levels. Adding many more thousands of vehicles to our overcrowded roads will increase—not decrease—harmful air pollution and congestion. Would allowing a few private developers and investors to construct a toll bridge across Utah Lake that leads to an increase in automobile caused air pollution be worth the risk of losing all future federal funding for projects in Utah Valley (including I-15 extensions and improvements)? We think most people in Utah Valley would agree with us that the answer is a resounding “NO!” Furthermore, adding many thousands of people on the west side of the lake will undoubtedly place unnecessary stresses on already limited supplies of fresh water available to valley residents and businesses and will add significantly to harmful wastes that are emptied into the lake.

Damage to the Lake
Constructing a bridge across Utah Lake will most likely damage the lake’s fragile ecosystem. The lake is home to the June Sucker, a federally protected endangered species that lives only in Utah Lake. Aside from stirring up excessive levels of phosphorus and other harmful chemical pollutants that have been dumped and flow into the lake, vehicular wastes from traffic on the proposed bridge will be washed into the lake during periods of rain and snow. Aquatic life is sure to suffer from the construction and operation of a bridge across the lake. A heavily used bridge across the lake will reduce the aesthetics of the lake and negatively impact waterfowl use and the nature-related experiences of hunters, anglers, sailors and visitors.

Aesthetic Problems
A bridge across Utah Lake will harm the aesthetics of the lake. No longer would there be an uninterrupted large natural lake in this beautiful valley. If constructed, a bridge would bisect the now open water with a four lane (?) roadway of cars and trucks rumbling across it at 70 mile per hour, generating that freeway-like din of exhaust spewing engines. The prospect of a possible future market in eco-tourism to the lake will be greatly diminished by the presence of trans-lake bridge and the traffic it may facilitate.

Not Needed
Currently there is no need for a bridge across Utah Lake. There is no large population center living on the west side of the lake that does not have access to the east side or to Salt Lake County. At the northern end of the lake the citizens of Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain are using existing arteries that are planned for improvement and expansion in the near future. Where are the impartial, in-depth, comprehensive, rigorous projected-traffic studies that show the predicted use of the proposed bridge? Perhaps such studies have not been done or they show predictions that the bridge developers do not want the public to see. Would you invest $600M to $1Billion to finance a toll bridge in Utah Valley that may not be used enough to pay off the investment?

Better Alternatives: Smart Growth
There are better alternatives to a bridge across the lake and the resulting urban sprawl that is likely to take place. The Utah Valley Sierra Forum does not support environmentally unfriendly growth of sprawling, low density, automobile-centered developments that can make a relatively few people wealthy at the expense of the environment and future generations. We do, however, approve of sensible, sustainable, environmentally-friendly growth that permanently protects and preserves nearby open spaces and natural areas, is powered by clean, safe, renewable, domestic energy and relies on highly efficient forms of transit and energy-conserving higher-density housing, plus bicycling and walking to nearby jobs, shopping, services and schools. The UVEF believes that future growth in Utah Valley should be limited to smart, sustainable and environmentally friendly growth. Unrestricted growth is not sustainable, generates problems and harms present and future generations.

Flawed, Troubling Process
Two of the most troubling aspects of this entire bridge proposal situation are that the process allows the parties pushing for the bridge to not fully disclose their identities and worse—that Utah law could permit the construction of a bridge across the Lake without requiring a rigorous, comprehensive, completely independent environmental study (equivalent to a full NEPA required EIS--environmental impact statement) to determine just what impact such a project would likely have on the Lake and its ecosystem and its watershed. If this were to happen--State bridge approval without the kind of fully independent study just mentioned--we believe this our be a violation of the public trust on the part of the State of Utah and would lead to the prospect of serious environmental harm to present and future generations.

Shirking Responsibility, Exploiting the Common Good for Personal Gain
Why should the state of Utah permit the building of a for-profit bridge across a great natural feature that has been entrusted to the state for protection? Doing so would seem to exemplify the exploitation of a public treasure for personal gain? Why don’t we allow private companies to build toll bridges across Zion Canyon, or the Grand Canyon, or private toll roads across Yellowstone or into the heart of Bryce Canyon or Yosemite? Because these places are important, valued natural features which deserve to be protected from commercial development and personal exploitation. Preserving the natural beauty of the region and the health of its ecosystem are more important than allowing a small group of individuals or corporations to make a lot of money. Preserving and protecting our natural heritage and the well being of the ecosystem on which the quality of all our lives depend (both present and future generations) is more important than the short term personal advantage of the few. That’s why we have national and state parks. That’s why we should not allow a private toll bridge to be built across Utah Lake.

What if the private toll bridge fails as a commercial venture?
Suppose the undisclosed private financiers of the toll bridge change their minds and back out of the deal, or they decide that the toll bridge becomes too expensive to build or too costly to operate, either before or after the bridge is completed? Who will pay for the removal of the bridge? A bankrupt group of investors may not have the resources to pay for the cleanup? We could have a quasi “superfund” site blighting the lake for a long time to come. Will the taxpayers be asked to “come the rescue” and buy out a financially defunct toll bridge of be forces to live with a ugly scar across an otherwise unobstructed natural fresh-water lake?

Slippery Slope: If one bridge, why not many bridges?
If the state of Utah permits a private toll bridge to be built across Utah Lake (especially with no requirement to do a thorough, independent scientific study of the possible and likely consequences to the ecosystem of the lake) what will deter other interests from building their own private toll roads across the lake or prevent the state from building a north-south toll way through the lake?

What if the bridge and its consequences harm the environment?
There have been no thorough, legitimate scientific studies of the effects bridge construction and its operation will have on the lake and its ecosystem. Suppose building and operating a toll bridge across the lake produces harmful effects on the lake and its ecosystem, such as increased pollution of the lake, harm to the aquatic life in the lake, harm to the bird populations that use the lake, harm to the air quality of the valley owing to the increased urban sprawl that is planned to follow (not precede) the deployment of the bridge? Who will pay to correct the problems, especially if that entails removing the bridge? Will the bridge proponents pay? What assurances do we have that that will happen? Will Utah Valley taxpayers be asked to foot the cleanup bill?

Summary: A Very Bad Idea
A private toll bridge across Utah Lake is unnecessary and would harm the ecology of both the lake and the valley for current and future generations and generate perhaps irreparable damage to the environment. In essence the proposed private toll bridge is a scheme to exploit the long term common good for the short-term personal advantage of the few. The health of a great natural ecosystem is being put at risk for the expectation of large profits from the sale of undeveloped land on the west side. A bridge across the lake would also permanently scar the pleasing appearance of this beautiful natural feature. To permit the construction of a private, for-profit, toll bridge across a public lake, especially without an independent, high-integrity, rigorous, complete, scientific study of the possible and likely environmental consequences, would be a violation of the public trust to protect the health of Utah Lake and the people, animal and plant life which rely on the health of both its water and air sheds for their well being. In short, it is a harmful, bad idea and should be dropped from consideration.

Food for Thought: "Cap and Trade" vs. "Carbon Fees with Rebates"

UVSF to recognize UV cities that help the environment

The UVSF is asking all UV communities to help us recognize those cities and towns that are trying to help the environment. By October 1st we hope to have their lists of their positive actions to make their communities healthier, sustainable, better places to live.

We plan to recognize all such communities through an award process to be made public as circumstances permit. We beleive that recognizing good, responsible behavior can only help the common good and the good of the planet.
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Recent Decesions of the UVSF

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The UVSF core leadership group recently made a number of important decisions. Here are the results:

1) In order to recognize and honor the communities in the Utah Valley area that are doing the most to help the environment, we will be sending out letters to about 25 area cities asking them to provide a list of what they are doing toward that end. We will then present an award/s accordingly.

2) The UVSF has decided that, as appropriate, we will make public our stances on a number of environmental issues affecting the valley and the planet. The way we will go about this is to be determined.

3) As a community service, we are looking into joining the adopt-a-highway program where the UVSF will be responsible to pick up litter along a 2 mile stretch of federal highway 3 times a year.

4) We are looking into creating a environmental education media program (film, video, YouTube, powerpoint, etc.) to share with schools, clubs, groups and organizations wanting to know more about the UVSF and what we all can do the help the environment.

5) We are proceeding with the process of becoming a non-profit organization under the 501(c)3 section of the IRS code.

6) We have established a membership fee structure of $25/year for adults and $10/year for active students and people facing unusual financial challenges. Membership is not required to attend our meetings or receive our e-mailouts. Membership will be necessary to vote.

7) We are planning to conduct a fund-raising garage or yard sale in the near future.

8) After we become a 501(c)3 organization we will hold elections for officers and appoint committee chairs.

9) We are seeking volunteers to organize fun hikes and educational outings in this area and to other parts of Utah. Anyone interested should contact Jim at uvsf@uvsf.us.

10) We will be making one or more 2009 UVSF "Earth Stewardship Awards" in the near future and welcome your suggestions for candidates for this award. Please submit your suggestions for the person or persons that deserve to be recognized for their contribution/s to helping the environment--along with a statement of explanation--to Jim at uvsf@uvsf.us.

11) We are coming close to selecting a new logo design for the UVSF.

12) We now have a Facebook group page. It is "Utah Valley Sierra Forum (UVSF)."

13) If you have a topic for a future UVSF monthly meeting, and are willing to help organize that meeting, please send your idea/s to Jim at uvsf@uvsf.us.

14) We are planning to publish a UVSF bi-monthly newsletter. The first issue is targeted for 2 months from now.

15) The UVSF is supporting the "350" event in SLC set for October 24th. "350" events will be held around the world on the same day.

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Kayaking on the San Raphael

We had a great time kayaking on the San Raphael River through the "Little Grand Canyon." It's located east of Castle Dale. It took about 6.5 hours to cover the 16 miles from Fuller Bottom to the Swinging Bridge. This included a stop for lunch and a siesta.

Next time, I'd like to get out and hike up some side canyons and explore and photograph some more. If you'd like to see a gallery of photos from the trip, click HERE.

If you go, we were told by the BLM office that the water flow rate needs to be above 150 (?units) otherwise you'll ground at many of the rapids. The river is pretty shallow and the rapids are quite small. There seems to be very little danger in floating or kayaking this pretty river.

So this is "clean coal?"

Check this out for fun:)

UVSF helps bring World Famous Climate Scientist to Utah Valley

With the help of the UVSF, the UVU College of Science and Health hosted a talk ("From Science to Action") by the world renowned scientist, Dr. James Hansen. Dr. Hansen has done a great deal to call the world's attention to the serious treat of climate change and global warming, and the pivotal role of human-produced greenhouse gasses (chiefly from the burning of fossil fuels) in that dynamic. Dr. Hansen skillfully laid out the science related to global warming and added his perceptions of the future course of events for the planet. Photo©2009JNWestwater

UVSF presents 1st UV Outstanding Green Business Award

To help mark Earth Day 2009 and to recognize and encourage good earth stewardship, the Utah Valley Sierra Forum (UVSF) Tuesday (4/21) presented its first "Utah Valley Outstanding Green Business Award" to the South Utah Valley Electric Service District (SESD). The UVSF intends to present this award quarterly in the future and invites business and individuals in Utah Valley to nominate green practicing business in the Valley for consideration of this award. Send nominations to uvsf@uvsf.us.

PHOTO CAPTION: The attached photo (below) is of the presentation today of "The Utah Valley Outstanding Green Business Award" being presented to Mr. Blair R. Hamilton, Board Chairman of SESD (L) by Mr. Ernie Rogers, Energy & Transportation Chair of the Utah Valley Sierra Forum (R). The presentation was made at the SESD offices on 4/21, to coordinate with Earth Day 2009. Photo ©2009 JNWestwater

Gobal Warming Doubts Remain in Utah Valley

BYU Associate Prof. Richard Gill, a noted climatologist and biologist, laid out the case underpinning the current scientific understanding of global warming at last night's Utah Valley Sierra Forum at the Provo Library. Dr. Gill said that according to the science, global warming is not a hoax, a fabrication or merely part of a natural cycle. Global warming is real and highly likely caused by greenhouse gases resulting from our burning of fossil fuels. The record crowd of 80+ people was definitely not the environmental "choir." Most of the audience believed that global warming was mainly or totally part of a natural cycle of global heating and cooling. A show of hands after the forum event suggested that deeply held beliefs were not changed by Dr. Gill's presentation of the science of climate study. None the less, the doubters heard a straight forward presentation of the current scientific understanding by a distinguished BYU professor who has studied this issue for the past 15 years.

None of Professor Gill's assertions were refuted by doubting audience members. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that deeply held beliefs are not easily changed even in the face of clear scientific peer-reviewed evidence to the contrary.

Photos ©2009 JNWestwater

Dear Daily Herald (an open letter to the editor)

Dear Daily Herald:

It continues to be amusing and then simply frustrating to read your irresponsible articles debunking global warming and your lack of support for environmental initiatives. The one-sided and extreme positions that you continue to publish only continue to embarrass Utah County and foster the opinion that we are truly a back-water, anti-intellectual environment.

Perhaps it would be in your best interest to present a more balanced tone; something more reasonable and representative of the current discourse about global warming taking place both nationally and internationally. Perhaps you need to remove the editorial board and re-examine your purpose in this marketplace.

Being consistently reckless with science and moral reasoning can only hurt your circulation as more "normal" folks start to view your paper as a caricature. These current economic times call for newspapers around the country to be vital; to play an important role in providing cutting edge information and reporting the facts and opinions that represent all sides of the issue.

Al Manzi, my friend and former publisher, tried to bring the Daily Herald into the 21st century. Please don't erase that effort with ridiculous commentary by a few ignorant extremists who next may try to argue that the earth is flat after all!

Respectfully submitted,
Lakshmi

Lakshmi Johal-Dominguez, ABR,CRS,CSP,GRI,RRC
Aspen Real Estate & Development, L.C.