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COMPLAINTS
Proper disposal of solid waste is important to protect public health and the environment. In the interests of public health, the Environmental Health Division investigates complaints about improper disposal of solid waste. The Division receives approximately 45 solid waste complaints each year.
The Division responds to all complaints in a timely manner, based on the nature of the complaint, and not on a ‘date received' basis. Junk vehicle complaints are referred to the Department of Community Development Code Enforcement Officers and burning garbage complaints are referred to the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority.
An investigation begins with a visit to the site to assess the problem. If a complaint is determined to be a violation, a letter is written to the property owner and the property occupant. The letter gives 30 days to clean up the property and asks for receipts or other means of verification that the waste was disposed of properly. If there is no response from the letter a second letter is sent to the property owner and occupant. A record of the complaint becomes a part of the property's parcel file.
Complainants are not typically notified of the result of an investigation. However, all County records are public and anyone may request a copy of the investigation findings. The Division treats complaints as confidential unless told by the complainant that this is not necessary. However there are legal procedures that the property owner or others may go through to find out who complained.
If you wish to file a complaint, you may use the Complaint Investigation Request form, or you may call the Division at (360) 417-2258. If you choose to call, please have the information available that is asked for on the request form.
Contact Environmental Health with questions or comments about the information on this page.
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