Report Odors and Environmental Concerns
Call the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
484-250-5103
A single phone call can make a real difference.
If you experience strong odors, excessive flies, runoff concerns, or other environmental issues, reporting them to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) creates an official record that can be reviewed by regulators. Community reports help agencies identify patterns, prioritize inspections, and evaluate whether additional action is necessary.
Even if you believe someone else has already called, your report still matters. Multiple complaints documenting similar conditions at different times and locations help regulators understand the scope, frequency, and impact of a problem.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection relies on community complaints to identify patterns, conduct inspections, and enforce regulations when needed.
Why Reporting Matters
Community complaints play an important role in environmental oversight.
Reports submitted by residents can:
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Create an official record of ongoing conditions
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Help identify recurring patterns and trends
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Provide information that may support inspections
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Document impacts on nearby residents and neighborhoods
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Assist regulatory agencies in evaluating compliance
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Help protect local air quality, waterways, and quality of life
What Information Should You Provide?
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When contacting PA DEP, try to include as much detail as possible:
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Date and time of the observation
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Your location
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Description of the odor or environmental issue
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Intensity of the odor (faint, moderate, strong, overwhelming)
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Wind direction, if known
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Weather conditions
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Duration of the event
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Any visible conditions such as flies, runoff, uncovered material, or unusual activity
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Specific details help investigators better understand what was occurring at the time of your report.