Edhat StaffSource: Santa Barbara County Grand Jury
The 2017-18 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury received complaints about offensive odors in Santa Maria. The odor problems are an ongoing issue in this community surrounded by agricultural fields, composting and food processing plants, and a wastewater treatment plant. These odors affect the quality of life for some residents and complainants asked the Jury to identify the source(s) of the smells and determine if the odors can be mitigated.
Several agencies in Santa Barbara County respond to odor complaints. There is no clear point of contact for odor complaints on the City of Santa Maria website.
The form and timeframe of the agencies’ responses are required by California Penal Code §933 and §933.05. All Grand Jury reports and responses are posted on the Jury’s website (www.sbcgj.org).
The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury is a basic part of government within the judicial branch. The Grand Jury acts independently, yet is under the general control of the Superior Court Presiding Judge to assure that it acts in accordance with the Penal Code of the State of California.
