ORCAA's Programs
Air Operating Permits - Title V
Facilities that have the potential for large-scale air emissions are subject to Federal Title V Air Operating Permits (AOPs). There are14 such facilities currently registered with Olympic Region Clean Air Agency. The Permits and Technical Support Documents associated with these facilities are found here.
Asbestos
Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) provides regulations and guidance related to the removal and encapsulation of Asbestos material in ORCAA Regulations, Rule 6.3-Asbestos. Rule 6.3.1 specifies all definitions related to the Removal and Encapsulation of Asbestos Material. More information is available HERE
Business Permits
Businesses within ORCAA's jurisdiction which emit air pollution must be registered with the agency. The primary purposes are to verify and maintain a current and accurate record of air contaminants and their sources and to verify that businesses are fulfilling air pollution control requirements. The registration information also allows ORCAA to determine the effectiveness of air pollution control strategies. More information available HERE
Compliance
Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) enforces federal, state and local air quality rules and regulations with its six-county jurisdiction. The ORCAA compliance staff works with businesses and individuals to enforce those regulations. The compliance staff has the authority to issue Notices of Violation (NOVs) which may carry monetary fines, to individuals and businesses for violations of clean air laws. Individuals may be cited for such infractions as burning without a permit, burning prohibited materials or use of a banned appliance (i.e. burn barrel). Business may be cited for violations ranging from excessive odors to illegal air emissions.MORE
Diesel & School Bus Programs
School kids throughout the Olympic Peninsula will breathe easier this spring, thanks to a bus retrofitting project spearheaded by the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) and other air quality agencies throughout Washington. Under the Washington State Clean School Bus Program, older-model school buses will be outfitted with devices that cut toxic exhaust emissions by as much as 50 percent. MORE
Education & Outreach
People care about the air. The people and businesses served by ORCAA want to preserve and protect the air quality of our region. ORCAA's Education and Outreach programs provides information and services designed help the general public and the business community understand the issues surrounding air pollution. ORCAA produces informational publications (brochures, newsletters, web upates, etc.) covering a spectrum of issues surrounding air quality. The agency also works closely with schools, other government agencies, businesses and community groups to share information about air quality and the role each of us plays in protecting our air. Additional information about some of the current Education and Outreach programs can be found HERE.
Outdoor Burning
Almost all of us take for granted the natural surroundings of the beautiful area we call home--western Washington. Most of us also believe that there's plenty of fresh, clean air to breathe. We also have a cultural tradition of burning yard waste -- its almost an autumn ritual. Yet outdoor burning accounts for approximately 10 percent of the state's air pollution. In 1991, our state legislature amended the Clean Air Washington Act. It's a law that addresses many of Washington's air pollution problems. Chapter 173-425 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) addresses Outdoor Burning. Outdoor burning has already been phased out in many urban areas of our state and additional restrictions take effect Jan. 1, 2007. MORE
Woodstoves
Approximately half the homes in the greater Olympic Peninsula and Coastal area of Washington have some type of wood burning heating device, ranging from wood stoves to fireplaces. There is an increasing body of scientific evidence that associates particulate matter pollution from wood stoves with a variety of health impacts. The very young, the elderly and people who suffer from circulatory and respiratory illnesses are among those most severely impacted. In 1987 the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater urban area was determined to be in violation of federal air quality standards for particulate matter (PM10). Since that time a variety of State and Local Woodstove Regulations have been adopted to help minimize the impact of wood stove emissions on public health. When monitoring data indicate that pollution levels are rising, ORCAA may declare an indoor Burn Ban which restricts certain burning activities in specific areas. MORE