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1. Can I file an anonymous complaint?

Yes, although we do not respond to anonymous complaints for wood smoke, dust or odor complaints. Due to the number of complaints we receive, we focus our resources on complaints where the person complaining is willing to provide their contact information for any follow-up questions.

Important: If you provide your contact information, we cannot keep it anonymous. Your complaint will become a public record. Being a public agency, we are required by our regulations (PDF) and state law to provide access to your complaint (and contact information) if someone submits a request. For more information please call 800-552-3565.

2. Why is my contact information required for complaints about odor, dust or wood smoke?

We need your contact information for complaints about odor, dust or wood smoke if we decide to take enforcement action against the offending party and need you as a witness.

However, you may anonymously report a burn ban violation. This is because we receive so many wood smoke complaints during a burn ban that we cannot respond to each individual complaint. Rather, we collect all complaints and use that information to help identify neighborhoods that are being most impacted by wood smoke during a burn ban and focus our enforcement activity. For more information please call 800-552-3565.

3. Why do I call the Fire Department about an outdoor burning complaint?

Fire departments are the main contact for outdoor burning because they know where outdoor burning is allowed and banned. Where it is allowed, they issue burning permits with requirements that certain conditions be met. One of these conditions is that the fire not impact one's neighbors. Therefore, contact your local fire department if your neighbor's outdoor fire, permitted or not, is impacting you. For more information please call 800-552-3565.

4. Who do I contact about idling trains in my neighborhood?

We do not regulate the emissions from trains, so we do not respond to complaints about idling trains. We recommend that you report your complaint to the railroad company.

To identify the owner of the idling train, review a map of Washington's rail system (PDF).