Agency History and Description
The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) is a local government agency charged with regulatory and enforcement authority for air quality issues in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties. ORCAA is one of seven such regional air pollution control agencies in Washington state.
ORCAA Executive Director, FranMcNair |
Established in 1968 after passage of the Clean Air Washington Act (RCW 70.94), the agency is responsible for enforcing federal, state and local air pollution standards and governing air pollutant emissions from new and existing sources. A nine-member Board of Directors establishes the policies and oversees the operations of the agency.
The Board comprises a representative from each of the six counties in ORCAA's jurisdiction, plus representatives of the three largest cities in the territory; Lacey, Olympia and Port Angeles. Board meetings are open to the public and held at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the agency office in Olympia. The Board is responsible for selecting an Executive Director, who serves as the administrative manager of the agency's professional staff. The Executive Director also enforces the orders, ordinances, resolutions and regulations of the agency.
ORCAA's Mission
We promote air quality and take actions that protect the health and welfare of people and the natural environment in ORCAA's jurisdiction (Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties).
ORCAA's Vision
All Individuals in ORCAA's jurisdiction-especially children and the elderly-can live, work, and play in a healthful and clean environment, free from the harmful and destructive effects of air pollution.
ORCAA Staff
ORCAA employees 15 people full-time. These professionals provide an array of services, ranging for permitting to compliance. A full description, with staff lists, of the agency's program areas, can be found here.