When an air quality problem is observed at a stationary source (business, government, or military), please call (858) 586-2650 or email a completed Air Quality Complaint Form. (En Espanol) You can also submit complaints using the Tell Us Now App.

The following information will assist the District in investigating your complaint:

Your name, address, and telephone number

The time and date the air quality incident occurred and whether it is still continuing

The nature of the air quality complaint (smoke, dust, odor, or other)

The name and address of the alleged source and the type of operation causing it, if known

For after-hours complaints, please call (858) 586-2650 and select option 2.

Complaint information is forwarded to a District inspector as soon as possible for investigation and resolution. However, complaints received outside of normal business hours (M-F, 8 AM-5 PM) may be investigated the next business day.

If a business is in violation of any air quality rules or regulations, the District may issue a Notice of Violation. If a Notice of Violation is issued, the business must take action to correct the violation and may pay a monetary penalty to the District.

After the investigation, the inspector contacts the complainant to discuss the findings. The complainant is advised to report any additional instances as they happen. For more information on complaint investigations, please see the Air Quality Complaint Program fact sheet.

District policy strictly prohibits the release of any information that would identify a complainant to an alleged source or to any other non-District personnel without their consent. Information about your complaint will be kept confidential, except where required by a court of law (for example, if a subpoena is issued to the APCD).

The District occasionally receives complaints that meet the criteria of a public nuisance. California Health and Safety Code Section 41700 and District Rule 51 states that no person can discharge air contaminants that cause injury, nuisance or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or the public, or that endanger the comfort, health or safety of such persons. See the Air Quality Complaint Program fact sheet for more information.