Small-Biz EPA
Small Business Ombudsman Bulletin
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3 • EPA /180/N-09/001
Welcome & Introduction
News for the Small Business Community
IN THIS ISSUE:
Welcome & Introduction ... 1
Welcome to the third edition of the SmallBiz@EPA Bulletin-Fall 2009. The
intent of this quarterly web publication is to highlight recent Agency activities
and State Small Business Ombudsmen/Small Business Environmental
Assistance Program (SBO/SBEAP) initiatives. * Contact Lists.. . 1
This is a "special" edition bulletin, devoted entirely to the assistance
• Background and History.... 2
programs set up in Section 507 of the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990,
commonly called the 507 Programs. This issue focuses on the background * Regulation Updates 4
and history of the 507 Program, along with special highlights and success
stories from states and regions to share with our readers the incredible
work and contributions this Program offers to the small business community
• Reaching Small Business .... 6
nationwide.
We hope you enjoy this edition and remain on our distribution list to receive
future Bulletins.
• Green Business 12
DO YOU have News for the SmallBiz@EPA Bulletin? • Inquiries and Interviews .. 12
Want to reach the small business community? Send a brief synopsis of your
• The ASBO Team 16
success stories, technical and regulatory updates, and other news to Paula
Zampieri (zampieri.paula@epa.gov). Include your web site link. Submissions
must be received by the third Tuesday of March, June, September and Small Business Ombudsman:
December to be included for the next edition. Joan Rogers, Asbestos and
Small Business Ombudsman
Contact Lists
Need to find the right person to contact for a comment or question within
your state, region, or program?
Go to the ASBO's EPA Small Business Contacts and Projects list:
www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/contacts.aspx.
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 10460
Rogers.JoanB@epamail.epa.gov
202-566-2075
For More Information on Small
Business Environmental Compliance:
www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org
Hotline: 1-800-368-5888
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Background and History
of the 507 Program
Congress decided to give small businesses a helping
hand when they amended the Clean Air Act (CAA)
in 1990. Compliance with environmental laws is a
significant burden for small businesses, especially
when compared to larger firms. It is especially
challenging for smaller companies to comply with
complex environmental regulations such as the 1990
CAA Amendments. To address this issue, Section 507
of the CAA required the states to establish programs,
called Small Business Stationary Source Technical and
Environmental Compliance Assistance Programs (or 507
Programs), to help small businesses comply with the
CAA.
507 PROGRAM continued on page 13
WHAT WE DO
The three components of the 507 Program work
together to help small businesses comply with the
CAA regulations and improve their environmental
performance. Program staff fill a vital role as facilitators
between small business owners/operators and
regulatory agencies. They improve communication to
promote a better understanding by regulatory agencies
about the concerns of small businesses. They also
assist small businesses with permits, regulations, and
environmental requirements, and provide education
for business owners and operators to improve their
environmental performance.
WHAT WE DO continued on page 14
Federal Asbestos Small Business Ombudsman
(EPA ASBO)
Established in 1982, the EPA SBO serves as an
effective conduit for small businesses to access
the EPA, and facilitates communications between
the small business community and the Agency.
The SBO reviews and facilitates disputes between
small businesses and EPA. The SBO also works
with EPA personnel to increase their under-
standing of small businesses to enable adequate
consideration for them during the development
and enforcement of environmental regulations.
EPA ASBO continued on page 14
State Small Business Ombudsmen (SBOs)
The state SBOs are small business community
representatives. The SBOs' key responsibilities
include:
SBO continued on page 14
State Small Business Environmental Assistance
Programs (SBEAP)
The state SBEAPs work with small businesses and
provide specialists to help with specific technical
needs to help businesses comply with regulations
and improve environmental performance. Services
include:
SBEAP continued on page 15
(Background and History continued on page 3)
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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Background and History
(continued)
Compliance Advisory Panels (CAPs)
The third element of the 507 Programs are the
CAPs, which are comprised of at least seven
legislatively appointed members to:
CAPs continued on page 15
The 507 Program has evolved and expanded
over the last 19 years and added two
additional components to help strengthen the
Program. The National Steering Committee
(NSC) was established shortly after the
inception of the Program, then the National
Compliance Advisory Panel (NCAP) was put
into place several years later. Both additions
have played a pivotal role in the leadership
and development of the 507 Program.
National Steering Committee
(NSC) and NSC Subcommittees
SBO/SBEAP NSC
The SBO/SBEAP National Steering Committee
was created in 1995 to represent the interests
of the Small Business 507 Programs and to provide
a networking and communications tool between
the Programs and the EPA SBO and Office of Air
Quality Planning Standards (OAQPS). One rep-
State Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs
Key Roles and Responsibilities
(Overview) m.
EPA Small Business
' m. Ombudsman . •
National advocate with
oversight of State SBEAPs
and national-level issue
coordinator and facilitator
State advocates, small
business resource, and
state-level issue
coordinators and
facilitators
Providers of technical
assistance, guidance,
and referrals, and
bridge communications
with regulators
Small business owners
providing input and
advice to, and
advocating for, state
SBEAP programs
Small Business
Environmental Assistance
rogram (SBEAP) Staff
Compliance Advisory
Panel (CAP) Members
State Small Business
Ombudsmen (SBO)
* These are the typical roles and responsibilities of these programs; programs may vary slightly.
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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Background and History
(continued)
resentative from each EPA region serves on the
Steering Committee, along with an alternate from
each region. Steering Committee representatives
participate in monthly conference calls, serve
as conduits for information to other assistance
providers in their region, and act as points of
contact to disseminate information to and from
the 507 Program assistance providers.
SBO/SBEAP NSC continued on page 15
NSC Subcommittees
The NSC addresses issues which impact or relate to
all or most of the state Programs. During discussions
on the future of the 507 Programs at the 2002 SBO/
SBEAP National Conference in Chicago, state 507
Programs recommended that the NSC establish
subcommittees to address the issues identified at
the conference. Six subcommittees were formed:
NSC Subcommittees continued on page 15
National Compliance Advisory Panel (NCAP)
The NCAP was created in 2001 to represent the
interests of small businesses and provide a national
coordination vehicle for state CAPs. The NCAP is
supported by the EPA ASBO. NCAP members serve
as conduits for information to other CAPs in their
regions. The NCAP advises the EPA ASBO on small
business issues and the effectiveness of the Section
507 Programs.
NCAP continued on page 16
Regulation Updates
The NSC Technical Subcommittee is tasked to look at
technical issues and rulemakings that are of interest
to and impact small business and consequently to the
SBEAPs. Technical issues and interests are approached
as a basic building block in the early foundation of
the National Steering Committee. Central to the
Subcommittee's goals is the desire to get involved
in EPA's rulemakings, policy decisions, and guidance
development in the representation of small business
interests.
For more Technical Subcommittee information, go to:
www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/NSC/Subcommittees/
technical.aspx.
Success Stories
Maine Small Business Environmental
Assistance Program Hands-On
Training Program
I-STEPS, a powerful automated tool for storing,
reporting, and managing air emissions data, allows
facilities to electronically transmit emissions data to
the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. In
May 2009, the Emissions Inventory Program conducted
Satellite i-STEPS Beginner Training for 25 participants.
The training program provided hands-on i-STEPS
instruction at computer labs in Augusta and Presque
Isle, Maine. The training was warmly received. Eighty-
five percent of participants responding to a survey
said that they felt more confident in using the Satellite
i-STEPS program. This is the fifth and final year that
Satellite i-STEPS training will be offered as the Agency
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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SuCCeSS Stories (continued)
moves to the new MAIRIS emissions inventory program
next year. Formal training on the new MAIRIS reporting
system will begin this fall.
For more information, contact Julie M. Churchill,
Assistant Director (Maine Small Business Ombudsman)
atjulie.m.churchill@maine.gov or go to: www.maine.
gov/dep/innovation/index.htm.
Tennessee Moves to Name
Compliance Advisory Panel Members
After 16 years and several attempts to establish the
Panel, Tennessee has made its first appointments for
non-business owner panel members. Tennessee's
Governor made the first round of appointments to
the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
Compliance Advisory Panel. Ongoing requests have
been made for the Tennessee Legislative appointments
and a meeting of the Panel members will be held
following the completion of Legislative appointments.
For more information, go to: tennessee.gov/
environment/boards/cap/.
Region 5 State SBEAPs Awarded State
Innovation Grant to Pilot Autobody
Refinishing Shops ERP
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(WDNR), in partnership with the Region 5 State SBEAPs
and with support from EPA Region 5, was awarded
one of two EPA State Innovation Grants to develop
and implement an Environmental Results Program
(ERP) for the autobody refinishing sector affected
by the subpart 6H area source NESHAP. An ERP is an
integrated tool that includes compliance assistance,
facility self-assessment and certification, and statistical
measurement of performance to help business sectors
improve environmental performance.
This figure illustrates the integrated components of ERP.
The ERP project will leverage the Common Measures
ERP for autobody shops already developed in a
previous multi-state/EPA partnership project, led by
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality.
By using many of the same regulatory and best
management questions, we can compare results with
states outside our region as well.
For more information contact, Renee Bashel, a project
co-lead, at renee.bashel@wi.gov or access the
Autobody ERP website at: commerce.wi.gov/bd/BD-
CA-AutobodyERP.html.
Ohio SBEAP Offers MS4 Storm Water
Outreach in Northeast Ohio
With a May 28, 2008 compliance date approaching,
many small communities with municipal separate
storm sewer systems (MS4) needed to understand
and comply with the federal Phase II requirements
for managing storm water. There are approximately
70 MS4's in northeast Ohio. In the spring of 2007,
Division of Surface Water (DSW) staff identified many
miscommunications about the storm water rules among
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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SuCCeSS Stories (continued)
the vast network of service providers designed to assist
MS4s with rule compliance. Many service providers
were competing with each other to provide MS4s with
training for a cost.
The DSW and the Ohio EPA, Office of Compliance
Assistance and Pollution Prevention (OCAPP), facilitated
a planning committee consisting of DSW staff and the
various service providers. The committee agreed on a
series of six half-day workshops, where each workshop
explained one of the six Best Management Practices
required by the MS4 Phase II regulations. All workshops
were at the Ohio EPA district office, providing a neutral
venue for competing training entities. The workshops
were free, with DSW and OCAPP sharing the costs of
mailings, printings, and refreshments.
The six workshops, from September 2007 to May
2008 were very popular, totaling 616 attendees
(some attended multiple workshops). Feedback and
evaluations were extremely positive and rated the
"usefulness of the practical information presented"
very high.
For additional details, contact Rick Carleski, OCAPP
Supervisor, at (614) 728-1742 or rick.carleski@epa.
state.oh.us.
Reaching Small Businesst
Maine SBEAP Partners with
Aggregate Industry to Provide
Assistance
-. • *• *..
T^-f^-^-V-f'^.-^--^--
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection
in collaboration with the Maine Aggregate Association
developed a general permitting process (Chapter 149)
for rock crushers. The permitting process and assistance
provide education and outreach to all facilities
that currently have air licenses and include mineral
processing equipment. The outreach and educational
mailings included a copy of the rule, application forms,
and FAQ documents.
This material is on the Maine DEP website: www.maine.
gov/dep/air/licensing/rkcrusher.htm.
Massachusetts Program Makes a Case
for Resource Conservation
Sika Sarnafil, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-tech
thermoplastic membranes used in roofing and
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
t Disclaimer: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does
not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed
herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
-------
Reaching Small Businesst
(continued)
waterproofing systems, and the Massachusetts Office of
Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA) have
been working together to discuss the regulatory
implications of recycling used roofing materials.
Although the company converts more than 98 percent
of the raw material into product, they were looking to
do more and move further in addressing environmental
impact issues.
OTA was able to clarify for the company that the
profiled roofing membrane would be considered neither
a hazardous waste nor a regulated recyclable material
while also advising Sika Sarnafil on air permitting issues.
Currently the partnership is working on additional
efforts to recycle manufacturing scrap and to address
energy conservation issues.
To review the case study online, go to: www.mass.gov/
Eoeea/docs/eea/ota/case_studies/sika_sarnafil_case_
study.pdf.
Kentucky SBEAP Launches Successful
Training Program
Summer 2009 marked the exciting start of the
Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance's (DCA)
environmental compliance training program, which
uses the Kentucky Department for Environmental
Protection's new training center. More than 250 people
from across the state participated in four training
events. Topics included Hazardous Waste Management
Boot Camp, Managing Fugitive Dust, Health Care
Hazardous Waste Management, and Environmental
Compliance for Correctional Facilities (which was
a joint partnership with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Region IV). Each event was created
to address specific issues and educate sectors to enable
compliance with environmental regulations.
For a list of future training events, go to: www.dca.
ky.gov/Training-Events/.
For more information about DCA programs or to suggest
training topics, contact Aaron B. Keatley, director, at
envhelp@ky.gov.
Norway comes to the Tennessee
SBEAP
A Norwegian consultant in environmental management
systems has requested to present to the Tennessee
Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
after finding out about their program on the web.
The developer of "Environmental Lighthouse," an
environmental certification framework supported by the
Norwegian Environmental Agency, will meet with the
Tennessee program on October 2nd to learn more about
their services.
For more information, contact Linda F. Sadler, Tennessee
Small Business Advocate: Iinda.sadler@st3te.tn,us.
Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality: Small
Business / Small Community
Assistance Program's Storm Water
Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Seminar
The City of Shreveport and Bossier City requested
help from the Louisiana Department of Environmental
Quality's Small Business Assistance Program (LDEQ/SB)
to develop training for their construction stormwater
inspectors. This was in anticipation of the requirements
of the MS4 permits and heavy construction in Louisiana.
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
t Disclaimer: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does
not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed
herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
-------
Reaching Small Businesst
(continued)
Partnering with EPA, local governments, and
homebuilders associations, the first seminar, held in
May 2007, had 97 attendees. Due to the initial success,
LDEQ/SB held six more seminars statewide through June
2009, with a total of 443 attendees.
Topics covered included Total Maximum Daily Loads-
Where does that Silt Go?; Permit Requirements:
Construction 1-5 Acres and Greater than 5; Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan; and Erosion & Sediment
Control Best Management Practices. Each participant
was given a CD that included all the information
presented in the seminar.
The seminar was free and the class met the
requirements for four hours of continuing education
credit from the Louisiana State Licensing Board of
Contractors.
For more information, contact Jennifer Pelloat at
225-219-0879 or jennifer.pelloat@la.gov.
Kansas SBEAP
NESHAP Webinars
- Past and Planned
The Kansas State University
SBEAP, with funding assistance
from the Kansas Department
of Health and Environment,
has been using Webinars
(Web-based seminars) to
present requirements of national emission standards
for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP). Four Webinars
were held in spring 2009, two on the "6C" (national
emission standards for gas distribution, gas dispensing
facilities) rule and two on the "6H" ( national emission
standards for paint stripping operations, misc. surface
coating, autobody refinishing) rule. The presentations
and slides are archived at: www.sbeap.org/workshops/
futureworkshops.
The Kansas SBEAP will also host two more NESHAP
Webinars during the next state fiscal year. In late 2009, a
Webinar will feature the "6X" area source rule (national
emission standards for hazardous air pollutants: area
source standards for nine metal fabrication and finishing
source categories). In early 2010, the SBEAP will host a
Webinar on Subpart ZZZZ (national emission standards
for reciprocating internal combustion engines), which
the EPA proposed as a rule in March 2009 and should be
promulgated by February 2010.
Specific dates and topics will be posted at: www.sbeap.
org/content/calendar.
For questions or additional information, contact Barb
Johnson at 800-578-8898 or barblj@ksu.edu.
Illinois Workshops for the
Construction Related Industries a
Success
In 2001, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
had identified compliance issues and cited open burning
and the Asbestos NESHAP as a chronic problem among
the construction industry. As a result they asked the
Illinois SBEAP to help.
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
t Disclaimer: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does
not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed
herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
-------
Reaching Small Businesst
(continued)
The IL SBEAP brought together representatives of the
IL Department of Public Health, Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency, and industry trade associations to
produce half-day workshops throughout the state to
educate the industry and the local officials. The premise
of the training has been to educate building and zoning
offices regarding these issues with the hopes that
information would filter down to industry, which is
often diverse and hard to identify on the state level.
The first year of workshops proved to be a great success
and has now expanded to include mold, radon, storm
water, flood plains, endangered species, asbestos, lead,
disposal and recycling of C & D debris, and even clean
up and demolition of methamphetamine labs.
The training program has now trained over 3000
participants. The workshops are open to anyone but
are especially beneficial to electricians, plumbers,
carpenters, demolition contractors, code officials,
property managers, architects, engineers, home
inspectors, and realtors.
For more information about the Illinois SBEAP, visit:
www.ienconnect.com/enviro.
Illinois SBEAP Hits a Home Run with
Pizza Companyt
In early 2009, Home Run Inn Pizza Company in
Woodridge, Illinois, contacted the Illinois Small Business
Environmental Assistance Program with questions
about their air permit. A Chicago tradition since 1923,
Home Run Inn operates restaurants and manufacturing
facilities. To keep up with growing demand, Home
Run Inn expanded to add a new oven line to their
operation and needed to make modifications to their
existing operating permit. The Illinois SBEAP worked
with the plant manager to calculate new emissions
limits, everything from the natural gas burning stoves
to the rising of the yeast for the dough. To ensure
everything went smoothly, the SBEAP facilitated
information exchanges between the company and the
Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency to
address any questions
and complete the
permit application.
Home Run Inn's
frozen pizzas are now
sold in over 20 states.
"With the assistance
of the Illinois SBEAP,
~-xJ;*>JOTE we at Home Run Inn
KH^HIH can concentrate on
growing our business knowing we are in compliance
with environmental regulations," said Mike Kelly, Plant
Manager, Home Run Inn Frozen Foods.
For more information about the Illinois SBEAP, visit:
www.ienconnect.com/enviro.
The MDEQ's Environmental
Assistance Program
Wants to Know
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's
(MDEQ's) Environmental Assistance Program (EAP)
continually collects feedback from the businesses,
municipalities, consultants, institutions, and the
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
t Disclaimer: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does
not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed
herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
-------
Reaching Small Businesst
(continued)
public that they serve. Customers are asked to provide
comments on how well staff responds to their questions
about the applicability and specific requirements of
state and federal environmental regulations using a
simple online survey.
Online surveys provide the EAP a continuous reality
check on customer service. Through this vehicle,
proactive actions can be identified and improvements
in services and public perception addressed. Best of all,
these surveys are administered and summarized at no
cost to the program. From January through July of 2009,
38 people completed the online survey. All respondents
said that EAP staff responded in a timely manner,
answered all their questions appropriately, and that
they would recommend EAP's services to others.
For questions or more information, contact Dave Fiedler,
Manager, MDEQ, Environmental Assistance Program,
517-373-0607, fiedlerd@michigan.gov.
Minnesota SBEAP Efforts Top Notch
for Small Manufacturer
Notch Manufacturing, a small Minnesota business
that specializes in the manufacturing of farm and
construction equipment, worked with staff from the
Minnesota SBEAP to eliminate the use of paints and
primers containing Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP).
Switching to HAP-free paints and primers avoided an
annual potential release of 4,780 pounds of these toxic
emissions. This means a healthier workplace for their
employees and a big win for the environment.
The SBEAP also helped the company through the
complex process of determining if an air permit was
required. This process, called a Potential To Emit (PTE)
calculation, can be confusing for small businesses. With
SBEAP's help, Notch was able to understand how to take
credit for essential bottlenecks in their manufacturing
process. As a result of this in-depth analysis, the
company determined they do not need an air permit,
which resulted in reduced regulatory burden and saved
an estimated $3,705 in air permit fees.
For more information, small businesses in Minnesota
can contact the Minnesota SBEAP at (651) 282-6143 or
visit www.pca.state.mn.us/sbeap.
$2 Million in Funding Available for
Wisconsin Truckers to Reduce Engine
Idling
The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is accepting
applications for a grant program to reduce diesel truck
idling. Funding for the program was made available
by the EPA through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The program is designed to
assist common, contract,
and private motor carriers
in the purchase and
installation of idling
reduction technologies.
The technologies include auxiliary power units and
generator sets, battery air conditioning systems, energy
recovery systems (i.e., thermal storage systems), and
fuel-operated heaters. Wisconsin motor carriers are
eligible for up to 50% reimbursement for the purchase
and installation of idling reduction equipment on 1999
or newer long haul diesel trucks. The program's primary
goals are to help Wisconsin motor carriers reduce air
pollution emissions and fuel consumption, as well as to
create jobs.
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
t Disclaimer: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does
not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed
herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
-------
Reaching Small Businesst
(continued)
Applications are due by 4:00 P.M. Central Standard
Time on October 23, 2009.
For more information about the program or to
download application materials, visit commerce.wi.gov/
dieselgrantprogram or contact Jean Beckwith of the Wl
Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program at (608)
261-2517 or Jean.Beckwith@wisconsin.gov.
For a listing of other state and federal funding
opportunities, please visit www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
projects.htm.
Innovative Workshop Series Assists
Colorado Printers to Move Beyond
Compliancet
The Colorado Small Business Assistance Program
(SBAP) and Environmental Leadership Program (ELP)
are partnering with the Printing & Imaging Association
Mountain States to deliver a "first in the nation"
Sustainable Management System (SMS) workshop series
titled, "Developing Your Own Sustainable Management
System for the Printing & Imaging Sector." Companies
must first demonstrate compliance with environmental
programs and then learn "hands-on" how to
implement an SMS to help their company move beyond
compliance. Participants stated the series provided a
simpler way to understand SMS criteria.
In 2009, ten participants (Sprint Denver, BC Printing,
Leanin' Tree, Eagle:xm, Vision Graphics, Unique Litho,
Henry Wurst, Johnson Printing, L&M Pressworks, and
Egan Printing) successfully developed SMSs. Seven
companies will be recognized in the Colorado ELP.
For more information about the Colorado Small
Business Assistance Program, visit www.cdphe.state.
co.us/ap/sbap/.
A 2010 SMS workshop series will include the "how to's"
of carbon footprinting.
For more information about the workshop series,
contact Joni Canterbury, Colorado Small Business
Assistance Program (SBAP), (303) 692-3175 or joni.
canterbury@state.co.us.
Technical Updates
Government Partnerships in
Tennessee for Industry Training
Tennessee's SBEAP will partner with EPA, the State and
local air regulatory programs, and the Tennessee Board
of Regent's Technology Centers to conduct training
on the National Emission Standards for Hazardous
Air Pollutants: Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous
Surface Coating Operations (6H) in four cities across
the state. The Technology Centers have agreed to
offer a certificate program to meet the new training
requirements under 6H. Eventually, the training
certificate program may also satisfy the requirements
for the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants Nine Metal Fabrication & Finishing Source
Categories (6X).
For more information, contact Linda F. Sadler, Tennessee
Small Business Advocate at 615-532-0779 or you can
visit the program web page: state.tn.us/environment/
ea/sbeap/.
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
t Disclaimer: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does
not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed
herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
-------
Green Business
Maine Green Certifications
Maine has a growing state environmental green
certification program for the hospitality sector targeting
hotels, motels, and inns. Launched in 2005, this program
has expanded in providing pollution prevention, energy
and regulatory assistance for continued participation
and growth now totaling 100 certified businesses.
Verification audits are performed randomly to ensure
the accuracy of the certifications. Additional educational
outreach includes presenting at several tourism
conferences and half-day workshops. In addition, this
year an oversight board composed of interested parties
from both business and environmental perspectives was
formed to review the certification process.
For more information, go to: www.maine.gov/dep/
innovation/greencert/index.htm.
Inquiries and Interviews
Annette Fulgenzi Bulletin Interview
Q&A-September 21, 2009
In your own words, please briefly tell us about the role
you currently play in the 507 program, also commonly
known as the SBO/SBEAP program.
I currently serve as the Chair of the State Small Business
Environmental Assistance Program/Small Business
Ombudsman's National Steering Committee. In this
role, I try to facilitate dialogue among the state
programs and with EPA and other partners to address
the needs and problems facing the programs and our
small business clients.
How long have you been with the program and how
has it changed over the years since you
have joined?
I joined the Illinois SBEAP in 1993 as the programs
across the country were first getting their start. Looking
back, it is great to see the progress we have made. Early
on, the programs recognized the value of collaboration
and information exchange between the state SBEAPs
and SBOs and developed its own National Steering
Committee. There are now, in addition to the NSC, seven
subcommittees and a National Compliance Advisory
Panel to help address the various issues facing our
programs. The state programs have not only become a
trusted partner to the business community, but also a
respected source of technical knowledge for EPA air rule
writers as they work to propose practical solutions for
environmental regulations impacting small businesses.
What direction do you see the program heading? How
does your role hope to affect the program's direction?
The role of the SBEAPs will become increasingly critical
as environmental regulation is impacting far smaller
companies than in the past.
Congress did a great thing when they created the
SBEAPs under the Clean Air Act Amendments, but
they did not go far enough. Small businesses need
comprehensive programs to not only assist them with
air issues but also water and waste issues. Many states
have been able to move to comprehensive programs
but many have not. We are currently engaged in
a dialogue with the Compliance Committee of the
Environmental Council of States (ECOS) and EPA to begin
looking at how we can move to a more comprehensive
program model and how best to leverage resources
and collaborate to meet the needs of the small
businesses community.
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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Inquiries and Interviews
(continued)
As both the EPA and state regulatory agencies struggle
to address issues like area sources and climate change
with limited resources, the SBEAPs can play an integral
role in improving efficiency in environmental protection
through coordinated and integrated assistance
approaches throughout the regulatory process, from
rule development to enforcement activities.
By integrating the approaches used by the SBEAPs,
companies will have input into new rule proposals
so they make more sense for their industry, comply
voluntarily, understand how to do it right the first time,
stay in compliance with tools to make recordkeeping
and reporting easier, and have a helping hand to guide
them into compliance if they slip up.
The SBEAPs complement existing enforcement programs
and enhance their abilities to assure compliance with
the rules. Innovative approaches like Environmental
Results Programs (ERPs) will have to be examined as
agencies look for alternative ways to implement and
enforce regulations on thousands of small businesses
and this is a place I foresee our programs playing a
major role.
Finally, how can people new to the program look
to engage with the program and foster a successful
direction for their local or state program?
State programs are constantly looking for industry
partners and I encourage small business groups to
contact their state program if they need assistance with
environmental issues, and if given the opportunity serve
on their state's Compliance Advisory Panel.
Background and History
(continued)
507 PROGRAM continued
The target small businesses are typically those with
fewer than fifty employees and the owner operates
only one business. These are "mom and pop"
businesses, such as bakeries, auto repair shops,
dry cleaners, small manufacturing facilities, and a
host of other establishments. According the Small
Business Administration (SBA), there are over 25
million small businesses in the United States. These
businesses generate over half of the non-farm
private gross domestic product and employ half of
all private sector workers. Clearly small businesses
are a vital part of the nation's economy.
Section 507 mandates that each 507 Program must
include three components:
• Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) who advocates
on behalf of small businesses;
• Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
(SBEAP) that provides detailed environmental and
technical assistance to small businesses; and
* Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) that provides
feedback on the effectiveness of the SBEAPs and
assists with identifying priority small business
issues.
In 1995, the state 507 Programs created a
national group, the SBO/SBEAP National Steering
Committee (NSC), to represent the interests of the
507 Programs and to facilitate communications
between the Programs and the EPA. The state
CAPs created a similar national group, the National
CAP (NCAP).
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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Background and History
(continued)
WHAT WE DO continued
Program activities range from helping with permit
applications to conducting workshops to notifying
small businesses about upcoming regulations.
The 507 Programs use many approaches to reach
out to small businesses to provide information
and training. Specific activities such as hotlines,
site visits, workshops and seminars, virtual
demonstrations, public service announcements,
webinars, and regulatory compliance calendars are
examples of outreach strategies.
Folowing is more detailed information about each
of these components.
EPA ASBO continued
In 1986, the SBO also began serving as the
Agency's Asbestos Ombudsman (ASBO). In this
role, the ASBO focuses on asbestos-in-schools
requirements and handles questions and
complaints regarding asbestos. Information on
asbestos management is available from the small
business hotline at (800) 368-5888.
Additionally, in 2003 the ASBO was designated
EPA's Point of Contact under the Small Business
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002.
The EPA ASBO actively seeks feedback on its
responsiveness to small business inquiries and
ever evolving needs, primarily in the areas of
technical assistance and advocacy. The ASBO
provides plain language information for the most
effective delivery of regulatory and compliance
information through seminars, factsheets, and
position papers. The ASBO also compiles a
summary report, Status of State Small Business
Compliance Assistance Programs, on the
accomplishments and activities of the state 507
Programs. Reports are available at: www.smallbiz-
enviroweb.org/AboutUs/reports.aspx.
For ASBO services to assist the 507 Programs, go
to: www.epa.gov/sbo.
SBO continued
Providing recommendations to EPA and state/
local air pollution control authorities on the
development and implementation of regulations
impacting small businesses;
• Assisting in the dissemination of information
about upcoming air regulations, control
« requirements, pollution prevention, and other
matters relevant
to small businesses;
• Advocating on behalf of small businesses within
the state agencies;
« Facilitating and promoting discussion of issues
between small businesses and the agency; and
•- Developing, or reviewing and commenting on,
materials and guidance about environmental
matters for small business.
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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Background and History
(continued)
SBEAP continued
• Toll-free hotlines;
• Websites;
• Notice of impending impacting regulations;
*• Fact sheets and other informational materials;
• Workshops and seminars;
• Site visits;
• Compliance tools; and
• Permit writing assistance.
For state SBO/SBEAP contact information, go
to: www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/Contacts/
sbosbeap.aspx.
CAPs continued
* Provide advisory opinions on the effectiveness
of the state SBEAPs, difficulties encountered, and
severity of enforcement;
• Make periodic reports to the EPA Administrator
on the compliance of the state SBEAPs with the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and the Equal
Access to Justice Act: and
• Review information for small business
stationary sources to assure such information is
understandable by the layperson.
The SBEAP serves as the secretariat for the
development and dissemination of the CAP reports
and advisory opinions.
For more information on the Compliance Advisory
Panel, go to: www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/CAP/
default.aspx.
SBO/SBEAP NSC continued
The Steering Committee provides a vehicle for
identifying and resolving problems faced by the
507 Program service providers and, through
partnerships with EPA's ASBO and OAQPS, works
towards mutually effective solutions. As the 507
Programs developed and networking between
state and federal programs grew, new assistance
providers requested guidelines for more formal
written documentation on the membership and
organization of the Steering Committee. These
guidelines were developed in an attempt to
provide a frame of reference for all.
For more information on the NSC, go to: www.
smallbiz-enviroweb.org/NSC/default.aspx.
For a contact list of the 2009/2010 NSC members,
go to: www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/NSC/
members.aspx.
NSC Subcommittees continued
Awards Subcommittee, Guidelines Subcommittee,
Measurement Subcommittee, Multi-media
Subcommittee, Promotional Subcommittee,
and Technical Subcommittee. Recently the NSC
created a new subcommittee on Climate Change.
For more information on the mission, history
and status of the subcommittees, go to:
www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/NSC/
subcommittees.aspx.
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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Background and History
(continued)
NCAP continued
It reviews proposed and existing regulations
as they affect small businesses; ensures such
regulations are written in understandable, clear,
laymen's terms; promotes establishment of CAPs
in states where CAPs do not exist and assists states
in strengthening weak CAPs; acts as a unified
voice to the U.S. Congress; assists each state or
territory's CAP, Ombudsman and/or SBEAP as
needed; and advises the Agency of the small
business perspective on environmental issues.
For more information on the mission, history
and status of the NCAP, go to: www.smallbiz-
enviroweb.org/CAP/default.aspx.
For more information on the National Compliance
Advisory Panel members, go to: www.smallbiz-
enviroweb.org/CAP/NCAPMembers.aspx.
The ASBO Team
Joan B. Rogers, ASBO
Angela Suber
Deanna Moultrie-
Jackson
Paula Zampieri
Lester Facey
Esther McCrary
Tom Nakley
Treva Alston
Samar Chatterjee
Mainline
Hotline 1-
(DCarea)
Fax
202-564-6568
202-566-2827
202-564-0168
202-566-2496
202-566-1321
202-566-2824
202-566-2826
202-566-1594
202 566-2815
202-566-2075
800-368-5888 /
202-566-1970
202-566-1505
October 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 3
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