Compliance
The responsibilities of ORCAA’s Compliance Section range from complaint response to permitting, to inspections of businesses that emit air pollution. In general, the Compliance Section spends a considerable amount of time in the field performing their duties. As such, the compliance staff is the “face of the agency” to many people. A Compliance Supervisor and four Air Quality Specialists (AQS) make up the Compliance Section.
Promptly responding to public complaints about air quality takes top priority for the Compliance Section. The issues frequently addressed in complaints include concerns about woodstove emissions, outdoor burning, dust and odor. ORCAA uses a consistent approach in enforcing air quality laws and regulations. Typically, education is enough to gain compliance. In some instances civil penalties are issued to gain compliance and deter future violations. In 2008, over 1,025 complaints were received and responded to.
Individuals who would like to file complaints may do so in person at the ORCAA business offices in Olympia, Raymond, or Port Angeles; they may call in their complaint – (360) 586-1044 or 1-800-422-5623; or they may file a complaint online by clicking HERE.
In addition to complaint response, the section performed 866 business inspections during 2008. Businesses within ORCAA’s jurisdiction work hard to comply with environmental laws and it shows. Examples of regulated businesses include auto body shops, boat manufacturers, crematories, gas stations, lumber mills, rock crushers, and the less common aluminum beverage can manufacturer or the Styrofoam cup maker.
The Compliance Section also permits Land Clearing Burns, agricultural burning, asbestos abatement, building demolitions, and fire training exercises. Permitting activity has remained stable this past year with 920 permits being issued. Land clearing permits are obtained by land owners to burn the natural vegetation that has been cleared from their property. The permits require setbacks from structures and standing timber, as well as a constant fire watch throughout the burn. Permit Applications Are Available Here.
In addition to monitoring activities requiring permits, the Compliance Section address air quality problems ranging from nuisance odors to fugitive dust. Information on effective dust control practices can be found here (PDF file at Washington Department of Ecology).