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 three Air Quality Specialists (AQS) staff 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, we use education to gain compliance. In some instances civil penalties are assessed to gain compliance and deter future violations.
Individuals who would like to file complaints may do so in person at the ORCAA business offices in Olympia or Port Angeles; they may call in their complaint (1-800-422-5623); or they may file a complaint online by clicking HERE.
In addition to the complaint responses, the section performed 553 business inspections during 2005. Business's 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 perhaps the less common aluminum beverage can manufacturer or the Styrofoam cup maker.
The Compliance Section also permits land clearing burning, agricultural burning, asbestos abatement, building demolitions, and fire training exercises. Permitting activity has remained stable this past year with 866 permits being issued. Land clearing permits are obtained by business and private 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 burning. Though by nature, a smoky activity, these permitted fires have resulted in few complaints. PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THESE TYPES OF FIRES ARE AVAILABLE HERE.