Archive for News and Information
Weather Pattern Leads to Smog Concerns
Residents Asked to Help Protect Air Quality The high-pressure system over western Washington pushing temperatures into the 90s this week may also create unhealthful levels of air pollution. Stagnant weather and high temperatures bring rising air pollution levels, especially smog-producing ozone. Smog develops quickly as the sun bakes the ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [...]
Fire-Safety Burn Bans now in effect throughout region
Residents who have yard waste to dispose of should look into clean alternatives to burning. Alternatives such as chipping and composting help keep our air clean and healthful. Those alternatives can also be used all summer, unlike burning. Because of wildfire and public safety concerns in our wooded counties, seasonal burn bans are now in [...]
Seasonal Fire-Safety Burn Bans impact all 6 counties
Residents who have yard waste to dispose of should look into clean alternatives to burning. Alternatives such as chipping and composting help keep our air clean and healthful. Those alternatives can also be used all summer, unlike burning. Because of wildfire and public safety concerns in our wooded counties, seasonal burn bans take effect this [...]
DNR bans burning state-wide for summer
ORCAA Supports Fire-Safety Ban Outdoor burning causes significant amounts of air pollution, but it is the fire danger associated with burning that has prompted bans on outdoor burning in many counties in Washington. The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) supports the local fire agencies, as well as the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) [...]
Weather Pattern Leads to Smog Concerns
Residents Asked to Help Protect Air Quality The high-pressure system over western Washington pushing temperatures into the 90s this week may also create unhealthful levels of air pollution. Stagnant weather and high temperatures bring rising air pollution levels, especially smog-producing ozone. Smog develops quickly as the sun bakes the ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [...]
Seasonal Fire-Safety Burn Bans Begin
Residents who have yard waste to dispose of should look into clean alternatives to burning. Alternatives such as chipping and composting help keep our air clean and healthful. Those alternatives can also be used all summer, unlike burning. Because of wildfire and public safety concerns in our wooded counties, seasonal burn bans take effect this [...]
Fireworks Impact Air Quality
Each year we celebrate our national birthday with colorful bursts of black powder – fireworks which ignite around American neighborhoods on the Fourth of July. These pyrotechnical displays provide brilliant light shows each Independence Day, but they also cause spikes in air pollution levels that may be hazardous to the health of some individuals. The [...]
New Permit Applications Received
New Notice of Construction (NOC) permit applications have been received by ORCAA. You may view the details of the applications here.
EPA Sets Stronger National Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Dioxide
First new SO2 standard in 40 years will improve air quality for millions (National Association of Clean Air Agencies) WASHINGTON– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final new health standard for sulfur dioxide (SO2). This one-hour health standard will protect millions of Americans from short-term exposure to SO2, which is primarily emitted [...]
Public Invited to Comment on Draft Air Permit – Sierra Pacific’s Aberdeen Lumber Mill
The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) firmly believes in its motto, “Clean Air is Everyone’s Business.” As such, ORCAA seeks to keep everyone within our jurisdiction well informed about the actions—and proposed actions—we take. Public comment is currently being accepted on an Air Operating Permit (AOP) for Sierra Pacific Industries’ Lumber Mill located in [...]
Preliminary Determination Issued for Interfor Pacific
Public Invited to Comment The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) firmly believes in its motto, “Clean Air is Everyone’s Business.” As such, ORCAA seeks to keep everyone within our jurisdiction well informed about the actions—and proposed actions—we take. Public comment is currently being accepted on a Notice of Construction Application from Interfor Pacific of [...]
Board Work Session planned
The ORCAA Board of Directors will participate in a work study session on June 9, immediately following their regularly scheduled 10 a.m. Board Meeting at ORCAA Headquarters, 2940-B Limited Lane NW, Olympia. This work session will focus on a staff presentation of proposed regulation revisions pertaining to outdoor burning. The meeting will be open to [...]