DPER depends on the public to notify them with complaints and issues. They have limited ability to catch issues since the quarry will be on its best behavior when a DPER official or other agents is present.
There are 24 requirements the quarry must meet to be able to operate. (Download requirements here). However some of these requirements are difficult to observe without visiting the quarry of have the technical expertise. The ones that most of us can observe and report on are:
1. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency - best way to file a complaint is online. They suggested it is most helpful if the dust is on your property and you can show that it is connected to the quarry. Example: Before and after photos that are time stamped, connected to a blast. Calling Puget Sound Clean Air agency during or right after blasting by quarry.
Inspection Department: 800.552.3565
www.pscleanair.org/contact/Pages/complaint.aspx
2. Person to contact regarding the permit expansion at the Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER): Fereshteh Dehkordi fereshteh.dehkordi@kingcounty.gov
Project Manager, DPER - Resource Product Line
3. Person in charge of assuring that the current quarry operates within code regulations at the Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER): Amanda Reeck areeck@kingcounty.gov
Please note that Fred White retired as of January 3, 2017, Joe Barto is no longer managing this project
4. Kathy Lambert, King County Councilperson kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov
It is very important that we let our King County Councilperson know that we are very concerned about the issues raised by the current quarry and their ability to maintain operations within current code ordinances as well as what this could mean should the quarry be allowed to expand.
Please provide as much proof as possible with your observations. DPER will listen to our phone calls and read our e-mail and that is sometimes enough for them to go to the quarry to confirm our observations. However for DPER to avoid a lawsuit by the quarry owner, they need proof. Proof can take many forms, but the better the proof, the more likely they will believe us and take action. Examples include:
Noise: Anyone with a smart phone can load a noise meter and take measurements of the noise. The application Decibel 10 or Sound Meter are free and can be used. These applications measure the average, minimum and peak noise values in db. If you make a measurement, note the time, date, location and the average, minimum and peak noise values in db. The noise must be less than 57 db.
Photo or Video: Please take a photo or video of any issues. Please note the time, date, location and a brief description of your concern.