State law bans air pollution that threatens communities and public health. The Air District encourages residents to report general air pollution, excessive wood smoke, and smoking vehicles. Resolving air quality problems is one of the District’s highest priorities.
Air Pollution Complaints
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District receives over 12,000 air pollution complaints each year from members of the public. Community members are keenly aware of air pollution events and often provide the first warning of air quality problems. Satisfactory resolution of complaints is one of the most important objectives of Air District staff.
About All Complaints
The names and addresses of complainants are confidential. They are divulged only to Air District staff, except where required in matters pending before a court. It is also possible to file your complaint anonymously.
Complaints are never solicited by Air District personnel. Air pollution complaints should be spontaneous and generated by members of the public.
The Air District accepts three different types of air pollution complaints, each of which is handled differently:
General Air Pollution Complaints
This includes complaints about odors, dust or chemical air pollutants emitted by industrial plants, refineries, neighborhood businesses, gas station nozzles, idling trucks, locomotives and buses. It also includes complaints about smoke from agricultural fires, controlled burns, non-cooking backyard fires and outdoor trash burning.
To file a complaint, complete an online complaint form or call our 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-800-334-ODOR (6367).
Wood Smoke Complaints
This includes complaints about smoke from wood burning devices such as fireplaces, wood stoves and pellet stoves.
To file a complaint, complete an online wood burning complaint form or call our 24-hour toll-free wood burning complaint line at 1-877-4NO-BURN (1-877-466-2876).
Smoking Vehicles
This includes complaints about excessive exhaust from cars, trucks or buses.
To file a complaint, complete an online smoking vehicle report or call our 24-hour toll-free smoking vehicle complaint line at 1-800-EXHAUST (1-800-394-2878).