How to File an Air Quality Complaint in New York
- 1). Take notes on all of the details of the air quality problem. The Air Quality and Pollution department will need to know whether the air issue involves dust, smoke, soot, a controlled open fire or a chemical. The complaint also must specify whether the quality problem is indoors or outdoors. If the air quality problem has an odor, make a note of what the odor smells like, what general direction it seems to be coming from and if it is worse at certain times of the day or night.
- 2). File an online complaint. Some types of quality problems are routinely handled online. These include dust from construction sites, smoke from residential buildings or vehicles, controlled construction fires, fumes from a dry cleaner and fumes from an idling vehicle or private garbage truck. The form requires detailed information as to the type of quality problem, the precise address, street or neighborhood the gases are coming from and your full identification including address and phone number. All indoor complaints may be filed online as well, including complaints regarding construction, renovation, maintenance or inadequate ventilation.
- 3). Dial 311 or 212-504-4115 for air quality problems that are not handled via online complaint. These include problems with soot, dust emanating from anywhere other than a construction site, smoke emanating from anywhere other than a residential building or vehicle, or a controlled open fire anywhere other than a construction site. Residents who smell chemical odors, odors from an industrial plant or an odor from New Jersey must also call to report these problems.
- 4). Check on the status of your complaint. After a few days, call 311 or 212-504-4115. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to file another complaint. In certain situations, an air quality alert may be issued and residents will be encouraged to stay indoors to avoid inhaling pollutants.
