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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah officials are seeking an exemption from penalties for air pollution in Ogden caused by fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations.
The Division of Air Quality says the excessive pollution earlier this year should be considered an "exceptional event" under federal guidelines because Utah residents are exuberant about using fireworks.
The division is also seeking exemptions in Ogden and the southern Salt Lake valley for 2010.
The DAQ is currently accepting public comment on the requested exemptions for 2011 through Oct. 17. The division will then accept comments on the 2010 exemptions through Nov. 17.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allows exemptions for spikes in air pollution caused by things such as wildfires, volcano eruptions and firework displays during cultural events.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
