The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Ombuds Program helps you with questions, concerns, or suggestions about DTSC’s work. The Ombuds Program provides information, helps you understand DTSC’s processes, and works to address your concerns.
If you want to report a suspected environmental violation, the Ombuds Program can help direct you to the appropriate resource. Environmental complaints are handled through DTSC’s Environmental Complaint Program.
In this OmbuDesk Directory entry, you can find information about the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Ombuds Program and the Environmental Complaint Program, as well as how to contact them.
What are their purposes?
The Ombuds Program helps you:
- Understand DTSC’s processes and services.
- Find information about DTSC programs and requirements.
- Raise questions, concerns, or suggestions about DTSC’s work.
- Find the appropriate DTSC office or resource for your issue.
The Environmental Complaint Program helps you:
- Report suspected environmental violations involving hazardous waste or toxic substances.
- Submit environmental complaints so they can be reviewed and routed to the appropriate office.
Who can ask for help?
You can contact the Ombuds Program if you:
- Have questions about DTSC.
- Have concerns or suggestions about DTSC’s work.
- Need help finding the right DTSC office or service.
You can use the Environmental Complaint Program if you want to report a suspected environmental violation.
What kinds of problems can you bring?
You can contact the Ombuds Program if you:
- Need information about DTSC.
- Have questions about DTSC’s programs or processes.
- Have concerns or suggestions about DTSC’s work.
- Need help finding the right contact or resource.
You can use the Environmental Complaint Program to report:
- Suspected environmental violations.
- Concerns involving hazardous waste or toxic substances.
What does the Complaint Offices do?
The Ombuds Program can:
- Answer your questions.
- Provide information and guidance.
- Help you understand DTSC’s processes.
- Help you find the right office or resource for your issue.
- Review your concerns and work with DTSC offices to help address them.
The Environmental Complaint Program can:
- Receive environmental complaints.
- Review complaints.
- Route complaints to the appropriate office for follow-up.
How can you contact them?
DTSC Ombuds Program
You can submit an inquiry to the Ombuds Program in the following ways:
- Phone: 833-832-0542
- Email: Ombuds@bes.dtsc.ca.gov
- Online: Submit an inquiry using the online intake form.
- In person: Speak with the Ombuds Program at Board of Environmental Safety public meetings.
Environmental Complaint Program
You can submit a suspected environmental violation through the CalEPA Environmental Complaint System.
If you are following up on a previously submitted environmental complaint, you can email EnvironmentalComplaints@dtsc.ca.gov.