Filing a Complaint
Persons wishing to file an air quality complaint may:
- Send the complaint via electronic mail to complaints@yrcaa.org;
- Submit the complaint using the on-line complaint form below;
- Call the agency at 509-834-2050 option 4 (when calling after business hours or on a weekend, leave a recorded message); or
- Visit the agency office Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Note: Complaints filed with other agencies (e.g. Yakima Health District, Wash. Dept. of Ecology [ERTS]) are not received, processed, or investigated by the YRCAA.
Information Requirements
Complaints should include the following details:
- The first and last name of the person filing the complaint (the complainant);
- One or more of the following: The address, phone number, and/or e-mail address of the complainant;
- The date and time the incident/violation occurred;
- The address or parcel number where the incident/violation occurred;
- The type of incident/violation (e.g. illegal burning, fugitive dust, excessive odor, hazardous emissions, etc.);
- A specific description of the violation (include factual information only);
- The name of the party believed to be responsible for the incident/violation (if known); and
- One or more of the following (if known): The address, phone number, and/or e-mail address of the party believed to be responsible.
Complaints received are reviewed by compliance staff for possible investigation. Complaints with insufficient information cannot be investigated. See "Limitations" below.
Disclosure Notice
Complaint information is subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act as set forth in Chapter 42.56 Revised Code of Washington (RCW). However, the Agency may withhold the identity of persons "who file complaints with investigative, law enforcement, or penology agencies...if disclosure would endanger any person's life, physical safety, or property" or "at the time a complaint is filed the complainant...indicates a desire for...nondisclosure" pursuant to RCW 42.56.240(2). If you prefer your identity not be disclosed, you must state, "I request nondisclosure pursuant to RCW 42.56.240(2)" in your complaint.
Limitations
- Limited Agency resources prevent the investigation of complaints from persons having repeatedly filed complaints for non-existent violations.
- The Agency does not investigate complaints resulting from neighbor-on-neighbor conflicts.
- Complaints must be filed with the YRCAA using the process, and in accordance with the requirements, set forth above.
- Incidents must be significant in impact/effect (how bad it is), duration (how long it lasts), and/or frequency (how often it occurs).
- Noise complaints are handled by applicable county (in unincorporated areas) or city code enforcement.
- Incidents/violations occurring within the boundary of the Yakama Nation Reservation are handled by the EPA or tribal staff.
- Violations of county fire safety burn bans are handled by the county Fire Marshal.
- Incidents involving industrial indoor air quality are handled by the Washington Dept. of Labor and Industries.
- Incidents involving commercial indoor air quality are handled by the Yakima Health District.
- Violations involving emissions from on-road trucks and other vehicles are handled by the Washington State Dept. of Transportation.
