Cloud-based IMPACT to anchor ORCAA digital migration 

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) is preparing to modernize its recordkeeping with a cloud-based database after signing a contract with Unicon International. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the agency confirmed Executive Director Dr. Jeff Johnston finalized the agreement on Aug. 26.  

The contract provides for deployment of Unicon’s IMPACT system — short for Inventory, Monitoring, Permitting and Compliance Tracking — with ORCAA-specific updates to replace its legacy database. 

The new system is intended to strengthen the security of regulatory files, and expand functionality for staff and business partners.  

According to the statement, IMPACT is fully compliant with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule. 

The mentioned compliance enables ORCAA to accept electronic submissions from regulated sources without additional procedural barriers. 

To date, ORCAA currently manages permitting and inspection files for more than 600 registered sources in its jurisdiction. The sources range from small gas stations to large wood processing facilities. 

The agency also issues outdoor burning permits, fields more than 650 burn complaints each year, and tracks other essential compliance information. 

ORCAA said the transition to the new database follows months of research and vendor evaluations under a request for proposals process. 

The agency added the contract aims to modernize business practices and maintain secure, up-to-date records. 

“Unicon will work closely with ORCAA staff in the coming months to develop a customized version of their existing software solution for ORCAA,” the statement reads.