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1. What is the Clean Air Agency doing about composting odors?

We take odor complaints very seriously and follow the protocols established through our regulations which state that it is against the law to emit any air contaminant that unreasonably interferes with enjoyment of life and property.

2. How does the Clean Air Agency investigate and respond to odor complaints?

We prioritize our response based on the number of complaints and likelihood of the smell still being present. You must be willing to provide a written statement describing how the smell is impacting your life and or property (at this moment) and agree to testify under oath later if any enforcement action taken by the agency is appealed.

Once on site, our inspector must be able to detect an odor that is distinct, definite and unpleasant, and be able to trace the odor back to its source.

3. What should I do when odor is impacting me at my home or place of business?

When you detect an odor that interferes with your enjoyment of life and/ or property, please register your complaint with us as soon as possible. Our inspectors will evaluate the information and will respond if resources are available. It is important to submit a complaint while the odor is actually occurring. Please visit the Complaint Section of our website for instructions.  Our online complaint process is the most efficient way to file a complaint.

4. Has any enforcement action been taken against Cedar Grove Composting for odor issues?

Yes. We have issued several civil penalties to Cedar Grove for nuisance odor violations at both of its facilities.

5. What is the status of the community odor monitoring study in the Marysville/ Everett area?

The study is complete. View the Report Summary (PDF) or full Final Report (PDF) for details.

6. Does the Agency work with Facts On Composting?

No, but the agency does take interest in organizations that communicate odor related information to the public. The Facts on Composting (FOC) website was funded by a public participation grant from the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE), but is not necessarily endorsed by DOE. According to FOC, the goal of the grant is to provide community outreach to address potential health threats from emissions from large scale composting facilities in Western Washington.