DEQ accepting applications for lead testing in drinking water for school and childcare facilities

On March 2, 2021, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced that they are accepting applications for lead testing in drinking water at schools and child care facilities.Through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant program, this voluntary effort provides water testing resources at Wyoming schools and childcare facilities. Governor Mark Gordon directed DEQ to […]

Pollution emissions continued to decrease in 2020

By Kristine Galloway CHEYENNE – Efforts to reduce air pollution in Wyoming are continuing strong this year on the heels of multiple successes in 2020. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) worked with new and returning partners throughout the year to continue efforts to replace higher-emission diesel vehicles with new ones that are more […]

DEQ Enhances Efforts, Outreach for 2021 Winter Ozone Season

By Mike Morris Understanding and addressing the formation of winter ozone in the Upper Green River Basin (UGRB) is a unique challenge that requires an abundance of planning, strategy implementation, and collaboration each year. Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant that forms when precursor pollution emissions react chemically in the sunlight. Winter ozone formation […]

DEQ names new AML Administrator

Statewide, Wyo. – The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director, Todd Parfitt has named Don Newton as the new Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Division Administrator. Newton’s previous experience includes 10 years as a key member of the AML program, 12 years with the DEQ’s water quality division, and more than 10 years of other management […]

WDEQ celebrates Wyoming Professional Water and Wastewater Operator Week

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon proclaimed this week, Feb. 1-7, as the Wyoming Professional Water and Wastewater Operator Appreciation Week. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is joining him in honoring these essential professionals. Water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment operators are professionals who are vital to Wyoming. They protect public health by […]

DEQ rolls out updated version of its WyVisNet air quality monitoring website

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently released its refurbished WyVisNet website (https://www.wyvisnet.com), providing updates to the existing website and new features for the citizens of Wyoming to use for tracking air quality conditions throughout the state. Since 2002, WyVisNet has enabled the general public to observe near-real-time air quality conditions and live images […]

Lovett, DEQ administrator and compliance proponent, retires

By Kristine Galloway CHEYENNE – A longtime environmental caretaker recently retired from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) but continuing his work for the county. Brian Lovett retired last week from his position as administrator of DEQ’s Industrial Siting Division (ISD). In November, he won election to the seat he already held on the […]

DEQ honors mining industry on National Miners Day

By Kristine Galloway CHEYENNE – Mining is one of Wyoming’s founding industries, and is historically rooted in the state’s culture and economy. December 6 was National Miner’s Day 2020. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is taking the opportunity to honor our Wyoming miners and acknowledge the continued impact of Wyoming’s mining history on […]

DEQ recognizes America Recycles Day 2020

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is recognizing America Recycles Day (ARD) today. DEQ also is celebrating the recycling contributions of Wyoming’s businesses and residents. Recycling and reducing waste are steps to protect the state’s environment in which everyone can participate. But recycling also creates jobs and can lower landfill costs for […]