Latest news with #UtahDepartmentofEnvironmentalQuality
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Harmful algae blooms pop up in Utah Lake, Zion National Park
PROVO, Utah () — As we head into the summer months, Utahns will be getting out to enjoy the several bodies of water and reservoirs the Beehive State has to offer. But with warmer temperatures and abundant sunlight comes the risk of harmful algae blooms growing on the water. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has about harmful algae in Utah's water, particularly on Utah Lake and in Zion National Park. Harmful algae have reportedly been found in the middle of Provo Bay at Utah Lake, prompting officials to warn residents not to drink the water. Residents are also advised not to swim, paddle or water ski in areas of algae and to keep dogs and other pets away from the blooms. It is OK to fish in the water, but be sure to throw away any skin and guts. The North Creek and Virgin River areas in Zion National Park have also seen an increased bloom of harmful algae, according to the Utah DEQ. 'Avoid touching or disturbing algae mats. Avoid primary contact recreation (swimming and submerging the head) when recreating in [these areas],' the DEQ warns. 'Do not drink in-stream water anywhere in the park. If you must filter water, do so directly from a spring source.' Also known as blue-green algae, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality said the blooms are not actually algae at all. It is an aquatic bacterium known as Cyanobacteria that photosynthesizes like a plant. The DEQ said these harmful blooms occur naturally in bodies of water all over the world, particularly when nutrient levels are high, there is abundant sunlight, warm temperatures and stagnant waters. If the conditions are right for several days or even months, cyanobacteria can multiply and form large blooms that can cover an entire lake. Blooms generally die and disappear after about a week or two, according to the DEQ, but toxins can linger for days after a bloom dissipates. Harmful algal blooms can cause irritations and illnesses if you come into contact with them. In the worst cases, harmful blooms have been known to cause permanent organ damage or even death. Humans and pets that come into contact with harmful algal blooms can experience irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory systems. Accidental ingestion of harmful algae can lead to abdominal pain, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney or liver damage and neurological symptoms. If your pet has been exposed to harmful algal blooms, the DEQ advises looking for symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, stumbling or muscle tremors, loss of appetite, rashes, difficulty breathing and in serious cases, seizures or paralysis. DEQ said if you or your pet comes into contact with a harmful algal bloom, rinse off with clean fresh water as soon as possible and remove yourself from the source. You are also encouraged to call the Utah Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222, as experts trained in toxicology can answer any questions and advise you on medical or veterinary treatment. To stay up to date on the latest reports of harmful algal blooms in Utah's bodies of water, visit the Thune threatens to nix July 4 recess to finish work on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' EXCLUSIVE: Utah man who underwent 120 surgeries advocates for rare disease awareness in Washington, D.C. Motorcylist seriously injured in crash near major I-15 exit in Salt Lake City Harmful algae blooms pop up in Utah Lake, Zion National Park – what to know Speaker Johnson to address Israeli Knesset Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DEQ executive director Kim Shelley to leave post
The head of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality is leaving her position — an announcement issued after disgruntled employees contacted media outlets asserting Kim Shelley's departure was a force-out. The change takes effect at the end of January. The agency's communications director Ashley Sumner issued this statement on Thursday: 'Under Kim's leadership, DEQ has achieved many significant milestones that will have a lasting, positive impact on Utah's air, land, and water. We are grateful for her leadership and dedication to our mission throughout her tenure, and look forward to her continued focus and success on environmental priorities in her future endeavors.' An engineer by training, Shelley previously served as deputy director of the agency's five divisions. In that role she was responsible for ensuring Utah maintains primacy for the implementation of federal environmental programs and for assuring outreach and coordination with industry, federal, state and local partners. Prior to being named deputy director, Shelley was the assistant director of the Division of Water Quality and manager of the Surface Water Discharge Program. She has also overseen the permitting of complex wastewater and water projects and was previously appointed by Gov. Gary Herbert to represent the state on the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum and Advisory Council. Before joining the Division of Water Quality, Shelley worked in the Division of Environmental Response and Remediation's underground storage tank program. In addition to her public sector experience, Shelley has experience in private industry as a research and development was raised in Salt Lake City and is a graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering. She was appointed as department head in December 2020. Gov. Spencer Cox's office did not immediately have a statement on her departure or who would take her place in the interim.
