Air Pollution: Who To Report To?

Air pollution is a serious issue, causing an estimated seven million deaths worldwide annually. It is caused by the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by chemical, physical, or biological agents that modify the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Common sources of air pollution include household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities, and forest fires. Pollutants of major concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants lead to respiratory diseases and other health issues. To address this, individuals can report air quality complaints to their local or national authorities. Various organizations, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), provide online and telephone services for reporting air pollution incidents. These organizations investigate complaints, promote awareness, and work with countries to improve air quality and mitigate the risks associated with air pollution.

Report air pollution to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a wide variety of air quality resources, including information on the health effects of air pollutants and research funding opportunities. The EPA also offers a platform for individuals to report environmental violations, including air pollution.

The EPA's website features an "Air Quality Index" (AQI) that provides daily updates on the cleanliness or pollution levels of outdoor air across the nation, along with any associated health effects that may be of concern. The AQI is an excellent resource for individuals to understand the air quality in their specific location. Additionally, the EPA's annual report, "Our Nation's Air," offers a comprehensive summary of the country's air quality status and trends.

To report air pollution to the EPA, individuals can utilize the EPA's online platform, ECHO (Enforcement and Compliance History Online). ECHO allows users to report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations. Information submitted through ECHO is forwarded to EPA environmental enforcement personnel or the appropriate regulatory authority for further investigation and action.

It is important to note that the EPA also works closely with state, tribal, and local air agencies to maintain National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common air pollutants, known as criteria air pollutants. These pollutants can be harmful to health, the environment, and can cause property damage. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to contact their local and state agencies, in addition to the EPA, to ensure effective reporting of air pollution incidents.

In cases of chemical or oil spills, pollution discharge, or waste reports regarding agricultural operations, individuals can contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 or 202-267-2675. The National Response Center also accepts reports of pollution from interstate commerce, including railroads, airports, and maritime shipping hubs. For those whose primary language is not English, the Air District provides language interpretation services in over 150 languages to assist with reporting air quality complaints.

Call the National Response Center to report chemical/oil spills

If you witness a chemical or oil spill, or any other pollution discharge into the environment, you can report it by calling the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC is part of the federally established National Response System and is staffed 24 hours a day by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is the designated federal point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological, biological, and etiological discharges into the environment, as well as railroad incidents, anywhere in the United States and its territories.

The NRC also accepts reports of pollution from interstate commerce, such as railroads, airports, and maritime shipping hubs. Additionally, the NRC takes maritime reports of suspicious activity and security breaches within U.S. waters and its territories. When you call the NRC, you can provide information about the size and nature of the release, as well as the facility or location involved. The NRC staff will then notify the pre-designated On-Scene Coordinator assigned to the area of the incident.

To report a chemical or oil spill to the NRC, you can call 1-800-424-8802 or 202-267-2675. These numbers can be used to reach the NRC at any time, and you can request to speak with a dispatcher in your preferred language. The NRC also maintains a national database of all releases and spills, and tribes with NRC agreements in place receive spill notifications based on their jurisdictional information and selected incident criteria.

It is important to note that, in addition to reporting to the NRC, you may also need to contact your county and/or state agencies to make a complete and effective report. For example, in the state of Pennsylvania, you can report environmental incidents and hazards to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at 866-255-5158.

Report air pollution from railroads, airports, maritime shipping to the National Response Center

Air pollution is a leading threat to human health worldwide. An important source of air pollution in coastal areas is the increasing maritime shipping traffic. In addition to maritime shipping, railroad and airport operations can also contribute to air pollution.

If you witness a chemical or oil spill, or any other type of pollution discharge, you can report it to the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC accepts reports of pollution from railroads, airports, and maritime shipping hubs, as well as waste reports regarding agricultural operations. To contact the NRC, call 1-800-424-8802 or 202-267-2675.

When reporting air pollution from these sources, it is important to provide as much detailed information as possible. Note the specific location, time, and duration of the pollution incident, as well as any identifying information about the source, such as the name or type of the vessel, aircraft, or railroad company involved. If possible, document the incident with photos, videos, or written records.

In addition to contacting the NRC, you may also want to reach out to your local or state environmental agencies. They can provide additional support and resources to address the pollution issue. For example, in the state of Pennsylvania, you can report environmental incidents and hazards to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at 866-255-5158.

By reporting air pollution from railroads, airports, and maritime shipping, you can help raise awareness of the issue and promote accountability for polluters. It is important to remember that air pollution is a serious health concern, and taking action to reduce and prevent it can have a positive impact on the environment and public health.

Contact your county and/or state agencies to make an effective report

If you are based in the United States, you can report violations of environmental laws and regulations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has an online portal where you can submit information about what appears to be a violation. You can also contact the EPA through their dedicated phone line for reporting environmental violations.

Additionally, certain types of pollution reports can be directed to the National Response Center. For instance, you can call them to report chemical or oil spills, pollution discharge, and waste reports regarding agricultural operations. They also accept reports regarding pollution from interstate commerce, such as railroads, airports, and maritime shipping hubs.

To make an effective report and ensure it is promptly addressed, it is important to also notify your county and/or state agencies. Different states and counties may have specific protocols and points of contact for reporting air pollution. Here are some examples:

In California, you can report environmental complaints, including potential violations of air quality requirements and complaints about smoking vehicles, to the California Air Resources Board. They have staff dedicated to investigating tips about non-compliance and other sources of air pollution.

If you reside in an area monitored by the Air District, you can report air pollution complaints by calling their general complaint line at 1-800-334-ODOR (1-800-334-6367). They provide language interpretation services in over 150 languages to assist complainants whose primary language is not English.

For residents of Pennsylvania, you can report environmental incidents and hazards throughout the state to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by calling their designated phone number: 866-255-5158.

By directly engaging with your local and regional agencies, you can ensure that your report receives prompt attention and that the necessary steps are taken to address the air pollution issue.

File a complaint about smoking vehicles with the Air District

If you wish to file a complaint about smoking vehicles with the Air District, you can do so by phone, email, or post. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file a complaint:

Step 1: Collecting Information

When filing a complaint, it is essential to provide as much detailed information as possible. This includes the date, time, and location of the observation, as well as a detailed description of the issue. For smoking vehicles, try to provide the vehicle's type, license plate number, make, and model. If you are reporting an odor, include the type of odor (e.g., rotten eggs, gasoline, smoke, etc.) and whether it is still occurring.

Step 2: Choosing Your Reporting Method

The Air District offers multiple ways to file a complaint. You can submit your complaint online through their website or dedicated complaint portals, such as the California Air Resources Board for smoking vehicles. Alternatively, you can call their 24-hour toll-free complaint line or send an email/letter to the Air District office. The contact information for the Air District can be found on their official website.

Step 3: Providing Your Information

When filing a complaint, you may be asked to provide your personal information, such as your name and contact details. However, rest assured that your personal information will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by state and federal laws. If you are uncomfortable providing personal information, you can still file an anonymous complaint.

Step 4: Follow-up and Investigation

Once your complaint is received, the Air District staff will promptly notify their manager, who will refer the complaint to the relevant department or coordinator, such as the Non-Discrimination Coordinator for complaints involving discrimination. During normal working hours, supervisory staff will identify field staff near the complaint location to investigate. After business hours, your complaint will be directed to on-call inspectors who are available 24/7 to address your concerns and protect public health.

Step 5: Language Assistance

If your primary language is not English, the Air District provides language interpretation services. Over-the-phone interpretation is available in over 150 languages. You can access this service by calling their general complaint line and following the prompts or specifying your preferred language to the dispatcher.

Frequently asked questions