Bureau of Environmental Quality
Small Business Assistance Program
On November 15, 1990, the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act were signed into law. The amendments reflect numerous studies which concluded that the nation's most serious air quality problems could not be solved without addressing small sources of air pollution. Consequently, thousands of small businesses will be affected by federal clean air control requirements for the first time. However, Congress also recognized that small businesses frequently lack the technical expertise and financial resources necessary to understand and comply with regulations. Therefore, Section 507 of the Amendments requires all state governments to establish a Small Business Stationary Source Technical and Environmental Compliance Assistance Program (hereinafter referred to as Program).
Three Major Components of the Program
A. Small Business Ombudsman (SBO)
Services provided by the SBO include:
- representing small business in government organizations;
- promoting the participation of small businesses in the development of regulations; and
- referring small businesses to the appropriate SBAP specialists for technical assistance.
B. Small Business Technical Assistant (SBTA)
Services provided by the SBTA include:
- providing technical assistance
- determine if regulations apply to a small business;
- assist in preparing permit applications;
- help understand rules that may apply and how to comply; and
- develop pollution prevention programs.
The SBAP also provides the following:
- (confidential) site auditors to help determine compliance;
- a hotline to provide answers to technical questions ((202)
645-6093 ext. 3071); and
- written notice of upcoming workshops and regulation hearings that may affect small businesses.
C. Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP)
The CAP provides advisory opinions on the overall effectiveness of the Program. The CAP consists of representatives from the general public, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and small businesses.
Who will be affected by the new air quality regulations?
Every small business that emits air contaminants needs to be aware of those air quality regulations
that affects it, as well as how to comply with those regulations.
Potential target small businesses include:
- Air conditioning contractors
Auto Body Shops
Dry Cleaners
Gasoline Tank Trucks/Bulk Terminals
General Contractors
Applicators of Asphalt and Tar Paving Mixtures
Degreasing and Part Cleaners
Newspapers/Printing Shops/Graphic Arts
Paint Applicators
Pest Control operators
Photo finishing laboratories
print shops
Refrigeration/Air Conditioning service? Repair shops
Service Stations
Utilities
- Depending on the type of business, air emission permits, and even air pollution control equipment such as carbon canisters and thermal oxidizers may be required.
Who qualifies to receive assistance?
The Program provides the services listed above to businesses that qualify as small business concerns.
A small business is defined as one that:
- has 100 or fewer employees;
- is a small business concern as defined in the Small Business Act;
- is independently owned and not dominant in field;
- emits less than 50 tons per year of any regulated pollutant; and
- emits less than 75 tons per year of all regulated pollutants.
