Complaints

Clean air is vital to everyone’s health. If you notice an air quality problem in your community, you can submit a complaint using one of the methods below. Because of the number of complaints we receive, we focus our responses on incidents that affect multiple people and properties.

We respond to complaints in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. To submit a complaint in another county, locate the clean air agency for that county using this map.

Complaints become public records. Per RCW 42.56.240(2), when filing a complaint you may request your information to be kept confidential if you believe filing the complaint with a(n) investigative, law enforcement, or penology agency would endanger a person’s life, physical safety, or property. If you wish to remain confidential, you must state this at the time you file the complaint. Please review the RCW for more information.

Have a Question? See our FAQs, for more information, contact our front desk at 360-428-1617 or email [email protected]

File a Complaint Online

The fastest way to submit an air quality complaint to us.

The online form allows you to submit a complaint about:

  • Asbestos
  • Dust nuisance
  • Odor nuisance
  • Smoke
  • Other air quality problems

If you see an illegal outdoor fire, call 9-1-1.

File a Complaint by Phone, Mail, or Email

To file a complaint by phone, mail or email, have the following information ready:

  • Date and time of incident
  • If it is happening right now
  • Describe what the odor smells like
  • Address of incident including city and ZIP code
  • Who you think is responsible
  • Your contact information – name, address and daytime phone number

Phone complaints: Call 360-428-1617 and leave a message with the complaint information when prompted.

You can find other options to contact us here.

Talk to Your Neighbor

Many times, people are unaware of the effect of their behavior is having on their neighbors. So if you feel your neighbor is creating an air quality problem for you, we suggest talking to them first. We find that, in general, neighbor-to-neighbor talks are a helpful way to assist each other in changing behavior and these conversations are often more effective than regulatory action.

Always call 9-1-1 if you or someone else needs immediate medical attention due to an air quality problem. Also, call 9-1-1 if you see an illegal outdoor fire.

Other Complaint Resources
Agricultural (Farm) And Pesticide Use
If an odor is a result of agricultural activities, as defined by law, it may be exempt under RCW 70A.15.4530

Washington State Department of Agriculture: website
Phone: 877-301-4555
Airplanes and Helicopters
Noise
Federal Aviation Administration: noise,
Phone: 202-267-3521
Naval Air Station Whidbey Jet Noise:
Phone: 360-257-6665 
[email protected]
Fuel odors
Federal Aviation Administration: emissions
Message line: 425-227-2000
24-hour staffed line: 425-227-1999
Lead in aviation gas
Federal Aviation Administration: aviation gas and lead
Indoor Air
Workplace:
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: website, 360-902-5316 or 866-219-7321
Mold:
NWCAA indoor air quality resources
Washington State Department of Health: 
website,
Phone: 360-236-4700
American Lung Association: website, Seattle: 206-441-5100 or 800-732-9339 national: 800-548-8252
Lead Abatement
Washington Department of Commerce: website
Email:  [email protected],  
Phone: 360-586-5323
Your local health department: website
Natural Gas Odor
Cascade Natural Gas: For emergencies call 911.  website
Phone: 888-522-1130
Noise Complaints
Contact your local city or county government offices.
Outdoor Burning
Except for small recreational fires, outdoor burning to dispose of residential yard debris and for land clearing is prohibited year-round in city limits and urban growth areas, and during periods of high fire danger.

If you observe illegal outdoor burning within a UGA or during a burn ban, call the local fire department or 911 to report it.

Fire danger burn ban announcements and information for permitting and allowances of outdoor burning are available at the links below. If you are being affected by smoke from outdoor burning that is outside the UGAs, not during a burn ban and not an emergency, call your local fire official listed below.

Island County: website
Verbal burn permits: 360-240-5526
Whidbey Island: 360-221-8880
Camano Island: 360-387-0184

Skagit County: website, 360-416-1841 or Skagit County Outdoor Burning Hotline: 360-416-1840
San Juan County: website
Whatcom County: website, 360-778-5903

Restaurant Smoke and Odors
The Northwest Clean Air Agency has extremely limited ability to regulate restaurant emissions.
Contact your local city or county permit office.
Wood-fired commercial-cooking best practices
Trains
Washington State Department of Transportation Rail System Map
Freight rail contactswebsite
Passenger rail: Amtrak Cascades, website, 800-872-7245

Frequently Asked Questions