Utah's Air Quality Remains an Issue to Address

Four years ago, a press release from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding Utah's air quality violations was -- and remains -- indicative that the air quality in Utah has been a continuous problem. This well-structured press release was, however, written with some conscious and strategic thinking, and is a surprise given the source of the media release.

The last paragraph presented an option for anyone interested in the topic to submit comments within 30 days:

"In addition, for the first time EPA is opening a 30-day public comment period on the recommended nonattainment designations. All interested parties are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to submit comments."

Though it might be a case that the comment request was not really the important part of the release, it does lead one to wonder if there is more behind it's placement at the article's end. Did the EPA wish not to receive comments?

Utah's air quality problem persists to today. It has been acknowledged by staff members from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Office of Energy Development (OED) that air quality is primary issue for the state. It is of little wonder. The online Deseret News published an article recently  focusing on a study that links air pollution to increased health matters, such as strokes, heart disease, and cognitive degeneration.

The article continues to state that the EPA's "safe" levels are still a concern. For Utah legislation this year, H.B. 70 would create an Air Quality Task Force that would be responsible for reviewing efforts to improve air quality in Utah and make recommendations. This Bill does appear to be on route for passing Senate approval.

For Utah, the major cause of air pollution and air-borne particulate matter rests with vehicular traffic. Combine that particulate release with inversion weather days, and it is a recipe for potential health problems. The University of Utah conducted a study on air inversions [also see this link] in 2011. Both DEQ and OED staff acknowledge that the government is very interested in furthering efforts to support compressed natural gas conversions for vehicles, which supposedly burn cleaner than gasoline-powered equivalents.

Would it not be wondrous if the State could provide major incentives for vehicle conversions from gasoline to CNG, or other fuel alternatives?

Is Utah's Stance of Green Energy Becoming More Clear

The percentage and source of energy supply and use for the United States

...Or is it, as the State sits in crosshairs of debate?

2nd installment of a continuing series

(refer to post on January 24, 2012 post)

An article posted on the The New York Times online edition a few days ago titled "Nuclear Power vs. Natural Gas" (http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/natural-gas-vs-nuclear-power/#more-132211) presented a debate whose focus lands close to "home" for Utahns. The state sits in the crosshairs of a debate while it forges ahead on its energy (and ultimately its economic) strategy for the next ten years.

Last month, Blue Castle Holdings -- the company behind developing a nuclear power plant for the Green River area of northeast Utah -- was granted the water rights for the project by the Utah State Engineer's office. It was another key step towards seeing the project to fruition. The implications for Utah are significant. For a state whose future energy demands are rising and whose water supplies are declining, a nuclear generation plant seems an ill-fit for this intermountain state. Numerous environmental organizations share this concern.

An almost iconic image of a nuclear power plant: its cooling towers

Utah is also known for rich natural gas deposits, a resource state officials endorse as an important bridge in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as the sun and wind.  As a result, a number of existing coal-fired electric generation plants are being converted to natural gas-fired in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the air. With coal as present primary fuel source in Utah (as is nationally), and natural gas

A natural gas plant

Engineer, and director of Utah State University's Energy Dynamics Laboratory, Jeff Muhs in a conversation with me last month added that the state is really interested in cleaner transportation within the state, namely by pushing more compressed natural gas conversions for vehicles. This, he says, would lower carbon emissions and clean up the air by reducing particulate pollutants from petroleum driven vehicles.

A demonstration of refilling a natural gas vehicle's tank

For Utah, the energy landscape is purposely meant to be a balance of many energy sources -- from existing fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, to renewable sources such as solar photovoltaic and wind. This balance is endorsed by Utah's Governor Gary Herbert, and by Utah's Office of Energy Development, a department created in 2011 to guide the energy industry wisely as it slowly transitions to cleaner, more sustainable sources. This approach is seemingly in sync with President Obama and his administration as well.

Interesting, and entertaining, with the New York Times article are the reader comments posted after that swing tit for tat blows in efforts to convince an audience. Frankly, it is beyond me why no one mentions the merits of passive solar techniques, as an example, or fails to illuminate the true economics behinds solar photovoltaic (e.g., innovations in the technology are moving so fast that return on investment is presently near impossible).

Utah Governor Gary Herbert holding a copy of the state's 10-year Strategic Plan for Energy Development

As Governor Herbert's "sold-out" Energy Summit (http://event.registerat.com/oed12/) is set to take place on Wednesday, February 15, with speakers and discussion panelists representing all energy industries, an entertaining and interesting intellectual melee may be witnessed by about 1000 registrants right here in Utah. Governor Herbert has made it clear the importance of energy for the State's health and economy (http://blog.governor.utah.gov/2011/11/gearing-up-energy-summit/).

Salt Lake City and Utah in recent years have received a lot of attention for how it manages and balances its economic growth [see below] -- energy among those factors. I am hopeful a smart energy development model for the nation will emerge from here.


Some links:
http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/best-cities-2010-salt-lake-city-utah.html
http://www.wannanetwork.com/2010/10/18/forbes-utah-best-place-for-business/
http://business.utah.gov/whyutah/accolades/

There is Just Something About Polynesian Architecture...

...that inspires me. Pictured above is an idea for home, albeit perhaps one sited in locales many of us could not afford (such as in Hawaii, or in the maritime islands of Polynesia). That is not important at this moment. Despite any challenge, the attraction I have for this architecture is one that weds a number of elements that speak toward a philosophy called Organic Architecture. Something also very appealing is that the timeless "style" could fit in any number of eras, lifestyles, and specific locations. The particulars only need change to match the precise climate, precise local materials available, or precise program elements requested of the homeowner.

Some of my own architectural iconic heroes -- Frank Lloyd Wright, E. Fay Jones, and William Bernoudy -- could have easily inspired this design. The visible features include a hip-roofed (note the Asian-influenced corners at the eave line), broad overhangs, and an apparent stepping down on a site (presumably with a vista over and behind the photographer's right shoulder). In lieu of a singular vertical-oriented structure, this design provides a complex of functions spread horizontally we can only surmise, all situated around an outdoor area. Likely a guest house, or a cabana with outdoor living areas, are just some of the functions. The roof designs are hipped to provide gable faces on all four sides. This, combined with the overhangs, gives the structures a sense of repose.

In another Balinese design (pictured above), we see an important principle in Organic Architecture: the openness to the outdoors. Imagine dining here. Glass in lieu of solid wall and exterior materials that continue to the interior (note the columns of stone on both sides of the glass) are two detail methods that work for this idea. Below is an idea that includes a two-story main structure, but note the garden with its variety of elements, both natural and man-made. Verdant foliage, potted plants, an irregularly-shaped water feature or pool -- all a part of the outdoor space that seems to integrate with its buildings.

Expressing the space by use of material and structure is another principle.

Making the home a sacred place is an important idea we seldom forget for our own homes. I have yet to meet a builder who fully understands this idea. What does home mean to you? Hopefully it is more than just a place to park your stuff.   In this case the bedroom is given special attention. In Bali, the link to the outdoors is essential -- also, some protection from unwanted insects. The screened chamber may be closed while sleeping. The ceiling seems to flow past the entry area into the bedroom (note the glazing and/or screening at the ceiling line), much to the effect of extending an interior material to the outside, or an exterior stone into the interior.

The beauty of the Balinese architecture is one that allows for flexible and individualized arrangements and forms, but soulfully speaks to the use of natural materials and the celebration of nature and environment. Sustainability is more than sticks and stones or low carbon footprints, it also is spirit and harmony with our own hearts and mind. If those are not satisfied, how could anyone anticipate living happily in their habitat?

Now for the Rest of the Story

Howard Simons: Did you call the White House press office?
Bob Woodward: I went over there; I talked to them. They said Hunt hadn't worked there for three months. Then a PR guy said this weird thing to me. He said, "I am convinced that neither Mr. Colson nor anyone else at the White House had any knowledge of, or participation in, this deplorable incident at the Democratic National Committee."
Howard Simons: Isn't that what you expect them to say?
Bob Woodward: Absolutely.
Howard Simons: So?
Bob Woodward: I never asked about Watergate. I simply asked what were Hunt's duties at the White House.

Robert Redford, as journalist Bob Woodward, stars in the 1976 film "All the President's Men" that won four Oscars, and numerous other award nominations, for its portrayal of a Washington Post reporter (Woodward) covering initially a minor news story about a break-in at the Democratic Party National headquarters that ultimately follows a trail leading through the Republican Party to the White House. The political manipulations of those in power over the media is well represented in the film, and the above scene depicts the exact premise the "Public Relations and Lobbying Industry" article from Corporate Watch presents.

Consider this corporate website copy, taken from an environmental company-focused national public relations firm:

"Effective environment PR specialists won’t just report your news, they’ll help you create it. There are many ways you can contribute to the environment and a savvy and experienced environment pr firm like [omitted] can help. If your product or service isn’t environmentally friendly, environment pr can get you involved in environmentally friendly fundraisers or event affiliations."

Manipulation. Strategy. Spin. Is this a surprise in today's mega-conglomerate, politically motivated, and special-interest controlled media? Not to me.

Even the more light and airy movie "Broadcast News" (1987), starring William Hurt as television news anchor Tom Grunick, portrays a scene in which Grunick says to fellow broadcaster Aaron Altman (played by co-star James L. Brooks): "Just remember that you're not just reading the news, you're narrating it. Everybody has to sell a little. You're selling them this idea of you, you know, you're sort of saying, trust me I'm, um, credible. So when you feel yourself just reading, stop! Start selling a little."

In these two instances, the movies do not stray far from truth about the media industry. Without a doubt, the PR of news spin is meant to attract ratings. Ratings attract advertisers. Advertisers keep the media companies on the air or in print. Investigative reporting and solid journalistic writing is becoming an "art form" skill of the past. Even Corporate Watch's 2003 report preceded the explosion in newspapers transferring their future business stakes to the internet and web broadcasts over the traditional print paper. All major broadcast outlets have presence on the web. Simply put, as the business of journalism evolved over the past two centuries, so too will it evolve with the current changing times. Today, it is social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook, spreading news, tomorrow remains a mystery of the next novel approach. Consider all this carefully when selecting your source on environmental news or matters of energy development.

In today's model -- because of easy access -- almost anyone can create a news site, a news blog, or other presentable format to exchange information. Perhaps just as one does his or how own due research in finding a good doctor or dentist, so too does some burden rest with the public to demand quality in their source of news. Seek out those journalists and news providers that take their craft seriously, those that carry credentialed reporters trained in widely recognized (and accredited) schools of journalism, or those whose recognition is merited beyond popularity alone. Seek quality, balance, well researched, and creative individuality over regurgitated and warmed over monotony. In matters of environmental or ecological content, beware of "greenwashing" or the simple brainwashings from PR and advertising in not only news content, but also in product information from "environmentally-friendly" items.

I can't say that I am apathetic or angry about the current trend in media and public relations, certainly no more or less than with a whole host of other trends in our world (including my own industry of architecture and ecological design). Perhaps I reserve the right to choose -- to choose whether I read a particular columnist or newspaper or not, choose to watch or not a particular television news team or view a certain web source, or to choose to do my homework about a company or product. My naturally analytical and critical-thought oriented mind sees poor attempts in a flash, and my years experience in life and hard lessons taught me to not take everything you read or watch as absolute.

There are always shades of gray. And now, time for me to tune into the "rest of the story."

Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford in "All the President's Men"

Utah's Stance on Green Becoming More Clear

 

The Green River and Flaming Gorge reservoir, Utah, is home to several recent controversial environmental and energy initiatives.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The 1st installment of a continuing story

The State of Utah's transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is well behind the pace of neighboring states, and continues but a trickle of initiative amidst murky public messages by its governing officials. This is all indicative of the weak advocacy of the State government to take a strong environmental position and proceed with action steps that support "green" energy -- steps even outlined in Energy Initiatives and Imperatives: Utah's 10-Year Strategic Energy Plan, released by Utah's governor's office, March of 2011. If someone were to only connect the dots across various initiatives, the position would be quite clear. Yesterday, it was announced Utah approved the water rights use for a proposed nuclear power plant to locate near Green River, Utah, another major step towards realization of that project. Major drivers for that project include the economic development surrounding its construction and operation, but also the move away from coal-generating plants to cleaner sources such as natural gas and nuclear.

Clouding the top brass' stance leading up to this point was recent news reported in The Salt Lake Tribune from last Tuesday, January 17, 2011, with respect to a Colorado developer-proposed 500-mile water pipeline that would deliver 200,000 acre-feet per year water from Flaming Gorge, Utah, across Wyoming, and then south past Denver to Pueblo, Colorado.  The article states officials from Utah Division of Water Rights are analyzing whether the Green River has enough water resource to supply the project, as well as meet Utah's needs, such as a southern state pipeline plan to divert water from Lake Powell to the town of St. George, or proposed needs of additional electrical generation.

"The [Green River] project also could supply water to eastern Wyoming, though the state has opposed the project," reported the Tribune, including Wyoming's Governor Matt Mead, along with Wyoming towns of Rock Springs and Green River, as well as a Colorado coalition of nearby businesses. Utah Governor Gary Herbert has yet to oppose the project formally, but was quoted "'If there's not water there, we'll do everything we can to block it,'" and continuing, "'We'll not relinquish one drop -- one molecule -- of Utah water.'" It would seem the supply to Utah's drinking water projects and recreational site needs could be threatened in this arid climate where reservoir levels have been diminishing in recent years should such a proposal advance to fruition; the precise allocation of water volumes rights from rivers complicates the equation further, both legally and practically. Opposition groups to the Wyco Power and Water proposal state that up to a quarter of the river's water flow could be diverted.

The plot thickens as Governor Herbert's pipeline message likely was for allowing the State Engineer's to reserve that water for another controversial Green River project: the proposed Blue Castle Nuclear Power Plant Project for a 1,700-acre parcel four miles west of the river and town of Green River in Emery County, Utah. This 3,000 megawatt plant is claimed could expand Utah's electricity generation by 50% for the next 50 years, but it would require nearly 54,000 acre-feet of water to be diverted from the Green River where "none of the water would be returned to the river," reported a November 22, 2011, article in The Salt Lake Tribune. Blue Castle Holdings announced yesterday (January 23, 2012) that it was granted approval for using the existing water rights for the project, as posted by Power Engineering.  "[Blue Castle Holdings] leased the water over four years ago from the Kane County and San Juan County Water Conservancy Districts for the expected 60 years of plant operations. After a review of the Districts’ applications for changing the points of diversion, places of use, nature of use, and storage of water, Utah’s State Water Engineer approved the 53,600 acre feet of water per year from the Green River for the proposed nuclear electricity generation project," stated the online magazine that focuses on the power industry.

Blue Castle reports only a 1% diversion of the river's annual water flow for the plant.  The Salt Lake Tribune article, however, points out that this water use calculation is based on a "normal" year, whereas in a dry year such as in 2002, the diversion could be up to 4%. Deseret News, in an article published October 30, 2011, reported that the Green River's annual flow of water is 6,048 cubic feet per second, or nearly 4.4 million acre-feet.   A look at the U.S. Geologic Survey's published data, the Green River is discharging approximately 2,120 cubic feet per second (mean). The maximum was 6,600 in 1985. For the past week, the instantaneous discharge has been hovering around 4,000 cubic feet per second. An acre-foot is the volume of water required to cover 1 acre of land (43,560 square feet) to a depth of 1 foot and is equal to 325,851 gallons or 1,233 cubic meters. "An acre-foot is enough water to supply a suburban family's use for a year, and the 53,600 acre-feet the Blue Castle project intends to use is enough for about 230,000 people. So, the water the power plant would use is enough to serve all the residents of Salt Lake City and Draper combined," explained the November article from The Salt Lake Tribune.

A third indicator of the inability of the current state governor's administration to commit toward renewable projects is another Green River area energy resource: oil shale. The Green River formation and Uintah basin contains the largest oil shale deposits in the world -- from 1.5 to 1.8 trillion barrels of oil, of which 800 billion is recoverable with today's technology. This is triple the entire proven reserve amount of Saudi Arabia, and enough to fuel the United States' oil fuel needs for over 200 years. The hitch is that an almost equal amount of water is required to extract and make use of the oil. For an oil shale industry producing 2.5 million barrels per day (400×10^³ m³/d), this equates to 105,000,000–315,000,000 US gallons per day (400,000–1,190,000 m³/d) of water. These numbers include water requirements for power generation for in-situ heating processes, retorting, refining, reclamation, dust control and on-site worker demands. Hence, a 2.5 million barrels per day (400×10^³ m³/d) oil shale industry would require 180,000 to 420,000 acre feet (220,000,000 to 520,000,000 m³) of water per year, depending on location and processes used. In effect, the level of water diversion could reduce the Green River's water flow by up to a third or half.

The Union of Concerned Scientists has a wonderful document to help calculate some of the math. For those inclined, I recommend downloading the PDF.

What will the environmental impact of these projects be on wildlife, vegetation, our own drinking water needs, recreation and tourism?