Addressing odor concerns in Marysville/Everett and Maple Valley

Everyone has the right to breathe clean, healthy air. This includes air that doesn't smell so bad it affects our ability to enjoy our home and property. That's why we are actively working to address increased complaints from the public about odor in the Marysville/Everett area and in Maple Valley.

Here are answers to your frequently asked questions about the smell, and action we’re taking to protect the air we breathe.

What is the source of the smell?
Some of the complaints received to date have been traced to Cedar Grove Composting facilities (located on Smith Island in Everett, and in Maple Valley). There are also other potential sources of odor in both areas.

What is the Clean Air Agency doing about it?
We take odor complaints very seriously and follow the protocols established through our air quality regulations to protect the air and public health. Per agency Regulation I, Section 9.11:

“it is unlawful for any person to cause or allow the emission of any air contaminant in sufficient quantities and of such characteristics and duration as is, or is likely to be, injurious to human health…or property, or which unreasonably interferes with enjoyment of life and property.” http://www.pscleanair.org/regulated/reg1/1-9.pdf

How does the Clean Air Agency investigate and respond to odor complaints?
Because we cannot respond to all odor complaints, we prioritize our response based on the likelihood of the smell still being present. If the person filing the complaint indicates that the odor is present, we will dispatch an inspector to investigate the intensity of the odor and, if possible, to determine the source. Complainants must be willing to provide a written statement describing the impact the smell is having on their lives. If we can identify the source of the smell while the smell is actually present, we can issue the offending party a citation.

In summary, these three conditions must be met for us to take enforcement action on an odor incident:

1. Our inspector must detect an odor that is, at a minimum, “distinct, definite and unpleasant;”

2. The person complaining about the odor must provide a written statement or affidavit documenting how the odor is interfering with his/her enjoyment of life and property; and

3. Our inspector must be able to trace the odor to its source.

If all three criteria are met, our inspectors can issue the offending party a citation.

If all three criteria are NOT met, we cannot issue a citation under Agency Regulation I, Section 9.11.

Sometimes it smells at night or on the weekend. Will anyone respond to my complaint then?
Recognizing that odors can occur any time of day, or any day of the week, we are expanding our inspection coverage so we can better respond to odor complaints when they are in progress and determine the source of the smell when it’s actually occurring. Our inspectors will be available evenings and weekends to provide added coverage for complaints.

Has any enforcement action been taken against Cedar Grove Composting for odor issues?
We have issued several civil penalties to Cedar Grove for nuisance odor violations at both of its facilities. Cedar Grove has appealed some of the penalties to the Pollution Control Hearing Board, and has not yet responded to the others.

I’ve heard Cedar Grove Composting plans to expand its operations at the Everett facility. What impact will that have on my air quality?
We are working with the City of Everett to prepare for the expected application from Cedar Grove to modify its operations. The Clean Air Agency will be involved in this application process, both with respect to issuing or modifying any required air permits and through review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). 

What should I do when the air reeks?
We want to hear from you! When you detect a foul odor, please register your complaint with us as soon as possible. Our inspectors need to respond at the scene and literally ‘sniff out’ the source of the offending smell in order to take any kind of action. Thus, it is important for complaints to be lodged when the odor is actually occurring. To register a complaint, follow the steps outlined here.