Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

About us

DEQ is the state regulatory agency charged with implementing and enforcing state and federal environmental rules and regulations. The agency is made up of five divisions:
- Air Quality
- Drinking Water
- Environmental Response and Remediation
- Waste Management and Radiation Control
- Water Quality
Each division administers programs that protect different aspects of Utah’s environment.
The mission of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) is to safeguard and improve Utah’s air, land, and water. The agency works with businesses, industry, state and local government, and the public to reduce or eliminate pollution. DEQ’s vision — clean air, land, and water for a healthy and prosperous Utah — supports this mission.
What We Do
DEQ’s team of highly trained scientists and engineers use scientific information to protect public health and the environment, balance economic needs, and uphold state and federal environmental laws. 
To do this effectively and efficiently, the agency monitors air quality, water quality, and drinking water and test soils for contaminants. Monitoring environmental conditions helps the agency protect the public from harmful pollutants and ensure that facilities meet pollution requirements under state and federal laws.
Issues permits to facilities that put pollutants into the air, water, and soil. Permits place a health-based limit on how much pollution a facility can emit into the air or discharge into the water or onto the land.
Inspects sources of pollution to make sure they are complying with the law, and if they are not, ensure they correct the problem.
Enforces state and federal environmental laws.