Olympic Region Clean Air Agency

Olympic Region Clean Air Agency The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) enforces local, state and federal clean air laws in the 6 counties of Washington's Olympic Peninsula Region

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) is a local government agency charged with regulatory and enforcement authority for air quality issues in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties. ORCAA is one of seven such regional air pollution control agencies in Washington state. Established in 1968 after passage of the Washington Clean Air (RCW 70.94), the agency is

responsible for enforcing federal, state and local air pollution standards and governing air pollutant emissions from new and existing sources. A nine-member Board of Directors establishes the policies and oversees the operations of the agency. The Board comprises a representative from each of the six counties in ORCAA’s jurisdiction, plus representatives of the three largest cities in the territory; Lacey, Olympia and Port Angeles. Board meetings are open to the public and held at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the agency office in Olympia. The Board is responsible for selecting an Executive Director, who serves as the administrative manager of the agency’s professional staff. The Executive Director also enforces the orders, ordinances, resolutions and regulations of the agency. Jurisdiction
ORCAA serves Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties in Washington state.

06/18/2026

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has elevated the fire danger to “Moderate” across all of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties. As a result, Land Clearing Burning is now prohibited in those counties due to fire safety concerns.

Last week was a busy one for ORCAA's air monitoring team. On Thursday, staff drove up to Neah Bay to take the Bahokas Pe...
06/15/2026

Last week was a busy one for ORCAA's air monitoring team. On Thursday, staff drove up to Neah Bay to take the Bahokas Peak NCore and IMPROVE monitoring station offline for the summer while the Army Corps of Engineers completes a soil cleanup project started last year. The trailers were moved about a mile down the road and safely stored out of the way. On Friday, the ORCAA crew headed to Port Angeles to replace the air monitor and get that site functional again. One site up, one site down.

While ORCAA maintains a solid network of air quality monitors in its six counties, there are other monitors and sensors ...
06/08/2026

While ORCAA maintains a solid network of air quality monitors in its six counties, there are other monitors and sensors around our jurisdiction, and in neighboring communities, that you might want to consider. The best tool to see nearly all air quality monitors and sensors nationwide is the EPA’s Fire and Smoke map. You can find both public and privately-maintained sensors on the map. https://fire.airnow.gov/

06/05/2026
Smoke Ready Week, Day 5: Ease Your MindSmoke events aren’t just hard on your lungs—they can take a toll on your mental h...
06/05/2026

Smoke Ready Week, Day 5: Ease Your Mind

Smoke events aren’t just hard on your lungs—they can take a toll on your mental health, too. When the skies turn hazy, take care of yourself and check in on those around you.

Think about what helps you stay grounded and calm:
• Get plenty of rest
• Connect with friends and family
•Try calming practices like meditation, yoga, stretching, or listening to music
• Reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed

Your well-being matters—especially during times of stress.


Smoke Ready Week, Day 4: Keep a PlanWildfire smoke travels thousands of miles from its source. Even if the skies look cl...
06/04/2026

Smoke Ready Week, Day 4: Keep a Plan

Wildfire smoke travels thousands of miles from its source. Even if the skies look clear, tiny particles in smoke — called PM2.5 — can still reach your area and impact your health. Children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other health conditions are especially vulnerable.

• Protect yourself and your family by planning ahead:
• Refill essential medications
• Gather any specialized equipment you might need
• Have an evacuation plan that includes a cleaner air space
• Know who to call for help

You may never need to use your plan, but having one reduces stress and keeps you ready.

ORCAA Inspectors recently visited The Evergreen State College.
06/03/2026

ORCAA Inspectors recently visited The Evergreen State College.

Smoke Ready Week, Day 3: Optimize Your Keeping your indoor air clean is one of the best ways to stay safe during wildfir...
06/03/2026

Smoke Ready Week, Day 3: Optimize Your

Keeping your indoor air clean is one of the best ways to stay safe during wildfire smoke events. You can create a clean room in your home with a few simple steps:

• Close windows and doors
• Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter
• Avoid burning candles, incense, or scented products
• Skip cooking methods that create smoke or strong smells

When you need to shelter indoors, these strategies can make your home more comfortable — for both people and pets. Your heart and lungs will thank you!


06/03/2026

It's Smoke Ready Week, Day 3 – Optimize your Air!

Keeping your indoor air clean is one of the best ways to stay safe during wildfire smoke events. You can create a clean room in your home with a few simple steps:

• Close windows and doors
• Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter
• Avoid burning candles, incense, or scented products
• Skip cooking methods that create smoke or strong smells

When you need to shelter indoors, these strategies can make your home more comfortable—for both people and pets. Your heart and lungs will thank you!

Smoke Ready Week, Day 2: Minimize Exposure!If you or someone in your family is sensitive to air pollution or has a healt...
06/02/2026

Smoke Ready Week, Day 2: Minimize Exposure!

If you or someone in your family is sensitive to air pollution or has a health condition, talk with your healthcare provider before wildfire season begins. You may benefit from using an N95 respirator or other particulate mask during smoky conditions.

Now’s the time to gather protective gear and refill medications so they’re ready when you need them. Planning ahead makes it easier to protect your health when the smoke rolls in.

Learn more at ORCAA's Wildfire Smoke page



The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency enforces clean air laws in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties.

Address

2940 Limited Lane NW
Olympia, WA
98502

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13605397610

Alerts

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