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1. How can you get involved?

If you detect a compost odor call the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) hotline at 408-793-6938 or fill out LEA's complaint form

For all other odors call Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)'s toll free hotline 800-334-6367 (ODOR) or fill out BAAQMD's complaint form (these reports are shared with City Staff)

Help Describe the Smell

Because there are multiple possible sources of odor, it is helpful if you can describe the odor you are smelling. Use our Odor Wheel to help accurately describe what you are smelling when you submit an odor complaint.

Does it smell like soap? Sulfur? Skunk? How does it feel on your nose? Sharp or pungent? Metallic or irritating? Each type of odor has a different cause. The more information you can give, the easier it will be for inspectors to track down the source.

2. How does this study differ from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's South Bay Odor Attribution Study?

The City's study focuses on assessing and quantifying odors potentially impacting the community with monitoring locations at different locations in Milpitas. This study will collaborate with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)'s South Bay Odor Attribution Study, which is occurring at generally the same time. The BAAQMD study will focus on odors from targeted facilities and processes in and around Milpitas.

To learn more about the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, please visit the BAAQMD website.