SMALLBIZ@EPA A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ASBESTOS AND SMALL BUSINESS OMBUDSMAN Fostering Partnerships • Improving Advocacy and Accessibility • Ensuring Compliance Assistance National Small Business Environmental Assistance Program 2020 Annual Training Join us for this year's virtual SBEAP Annual Training event, scheduled to take place on September 8-11. 2020. This event will provide learning and networking opportunities, including updates from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leadership and Program Offices, as well as collaborative activities that impact environmental assistance across the country. For ongoing and up-to-date information or to view the draft training agenda, go to: https://nationalsbeap.org/training EPA Coronavirus Guidance Now Available in Spanish EPA's Coronavirus updates and information, as it relates to the Agency's COVID- 19 response and resources are now available in Spanish. Go to: https://espanol.epa. gov/espanol/enfermedad-del-coronavirus-2019-covid-19. For EPA's COVED-19 website in English go to: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus Regulation.gov Site Soon to be Replaced The eRulemaking program plans to formally decommission the existing Regulations.gov site in September 2020 and replace it with the newer version that is currently available for evaluation at beta.regulations.gov. To maximize the exposure to the new interface and collect public feedback, all users visiting Regulations.gov (classic) will be automatically redirected to beta.regulations.gov with increasing frequency leading into September 2020. For questions contact the eRulemaking Help Desk, available during normal working hours at 1-877-378-5457 (toll free) or 703-454-9859 (locally) or contact the eRulemaking Program Management Office at eRulemaking@gsa.gov. JUNE 2020 Coming Soon: We listened to your feedback. SmallBiz,@EPA will be debuting its new look and utility in an upcoming edition. Stay tuned! Sm alIBiz@EPA Welcomes your Submissions Potential Submission Topics: Upcoming Events Success Stories New Assistance Tools Technical Updates Regulatory Updates Stories to Reach the Small Business Community • Updated Contact Information Submission Guidelines: Submit articles or subscribe/unsubscribe by the 15th of each month to ASBO@epa.gov. EPA's Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman | Washington, D.C., 1-800-368-5888 ------- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Grants for Reducing Ethylene Oxide Emissions Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless gas and hazardous air pollutant used in the sterilization of equipment and plastic devices that are moisture and heat sensitive, such as medical equipment. It is also used to sterilize spices and cosmetics or as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of antifreeze, textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, solvents, medicine, adhesives, and other products. New information about ethylene oxide shows that it is a more potent carcinogen than originally thought. MPCA grants are now open for organizations, government entities, educational institutions, tribes, and small businesses across Minnesota to reduce their emissions from ethylene oxide. The maximum award is $25,000 and applicants must provide at least a 25% cash match of the total project cost. Projects will be prioritized based on project type, with additional preference given to projects located in areas that are disproportionately affected by pollution, small businesses and organizations, and small organizations that are veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged, or a targeted group business based on ownership. Application deadline is August 28, 2020. To review grant materials, application, and answers to applicant questions go to the https://www.pca.state.mn.us/reaulations/grants-reduce-ethylene-oxide-emissions SBA's Office of Advocacy Releases 2020 Small Business Profiles for The States and Territories SBA's Office of Advocacy's Small Business Profiles are an annual portrait of each state's small businesses. Included in each are snapshots into each state's small business health and economic activity. Some economic data is also supplied for U.S. territories. This year's profiles report on state economic growth and employment. The data included in each profile answers the following questions: • How many small businesses are in my state? • How many jobs do they create? • Which industries have the most small businesses and small business jobs? • How many establishments opened and closed? • How many exports are small businesses responsible for? • Which counties in my state have the most small businesses? Visit Advocacy's website to view your state's profile here: https://advocacv.sba.gov/category/research/state-profiles/ SBA Resources for Small Businesses in Response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic For the most up to date small business information, SBA's Office of Advocacy has created a Coronavirus website. For more information go to:https://advocacv.sba.gov/2020/06/08/resources-for-small-businesses-in-response-to-the-novel- coronavirus-pandemic/ and to view SBA's COVID-19 Small Business Loans and Guidance Programs go to: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources. EPA's Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman | Washington, D.C., 1-800-368-5888 ------- EPA Makes it Easier for Consumers to Find Safe, Effective Disinfectant Products to Use Against the Novel Coronavirus On May 12, 2020 EPA released its List N Tool a new web-based application (app) that allows smart phone users and others to quickly identify disinfectant products that meet EPA's criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The agency also announced new actions to ensure that new disinfectant products that are safe and effective to use against SARS-CoV-2 can be added to EPA's List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 as quickly as possible and can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against- sars-cov-2-covid-19 "In support of President Trump's plan to reopen America, EPA is working to ensure that all Americans can easily access the best information on surface disinfectants as we work together to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "This new app will help put important information in the hands of businesses, governments, and American consumers when they are making decisions about how best to clean and disinfect buildings." For more than two months, EPA has provided the public with List N, a list of more than 400 surface disinfectant products that meet the agency's criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2. The agency has now transformed the data from the List N webpage into a browser-based web app that allows users to rapidly identify the disinfectant products best suited for their needs. Users can search by use site (e.g., home, business, health care, etc.), surface type (e.g., hard, non-porous surfaces like countertops; porous surfaces like fabrics), contact time (i.e., the time the product needs to be visibly wet), EPA registration number, active ingredient, or product name. EPA is also continuing its efforts to ensure that List N is updated as quickly as possible with new disinfectant products that are safe and effective to use against SARS-CoV-2. Building on the agency's previously announced expedited review for EPA-registered disinfectants that do not require review of new efficacy data, the agency has also announced an expedited review process for other products that would like to qualify for EPA's List N. These other products include currently registered products that require a data review and applications for new disinfectant products. EPA's Expedited Review of Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) Submissions for Products Eligible for Inclusion on List N: Submission Information for Registrants also contains important information to submitters on how to submit a product for expedited review. This does not replace the review process of all other submitted antimicrobial products. EPA may also consider expedited review of new active ingredients or new uses for currently registered active ingredients (including higher application rates, new application methods such as fogging and electrostatic sprayers, or use sites such as porous surfaces). When using an EPA-registered disinfectant, follow the label directions for safe, effective use. Make sure to follow the contact time, which is the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet. 4 For more clarity, go to EPA's infographic on how to use these products: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-04/documents/disinfectants-onepager.pdf EPA's Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman | Washington, D.C., 1-800-368-5888 ------- Industry Case Studies The National Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (NSPEAP) has recently posted 160 industry case studies representing sustainability/compliance projects for 40 industry sectors. These case studies come from seven different regions and feature a range of projects from energy reduction to solvent replacement to waste management. Many industries can reduce compliance burdens by reducing emissions at the source, promoting EPA's Strategic Plan for "A Cleaner, Healthier Environment." To view the case studies go to National SBEAP's Sustainability Case Studies website: https://nationalsbeap.org/nationalsbeap.org/info/sectors/sustainabilitv/case-studies Small Business Environmental Assistance Program SBEAP Q's&A's Dear SBEAP, We are trying to plan some sustainability initiatives for our facility but are struggling to find information on projects we know will work for us. We'd be more comfortable investing the time, effort and money into something tested and proven practical for a facility similar to ours, but so many resources seem to be aimed at larger companies. Can you recommend anything for smaller operations? Sincerely, Stan Sustainability Dear Stan, National SBEAP has a collection of sustainability-related case studies for a variety of industry sectors and almost all of them are tailored for projects completed by small businesses. These listings can be applied to a wide range of industries and include energy-efficiency initiatives and recycling programs. You can even find industry-specific strategies such as replacements for cleaning solvents that can reduce your facility's regulated air emissions. Whether you're looking for inspiration or evidence a strategy you're considering will work for you, it's a great place to start your search. Remember, in addition to the resources described above, your state Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, or SBEAP, may also be able to identify additional resources. SBEAPs typically provide free, confidential environmental compliance assistance, but many have experience helping small businesses identify 5 efficiencies that can save money and reduce regulatory burden. Find your state SBEAP contact by clicking on your state or calling 800-578-8898. EPA's Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman | Washington, D.C., 1-800-368-5888 ------- EPA Guidance; Administrative Procedures for Issuance and Public Petitions https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05 /22/2020-11079/epa-guidance-administrative- procedures-for-issuance-and-public-petitions Federal Register: 85 FR 31104 AGENCY: EPA ACTION: May 22, 2020 Proposed Rule SUMMARY: EPA proposes an action for EPA's procedures in developing and issuing guidance documents and to establish a petition process for public requests to modify or withdraw an active guidance document. The purpose is to ensure that the EPA's guidance documents are: Developed with appropriate review; Accessible and transparent to the public; and, Provided for public participation in the development of significant guidance documents. EPA intends that this regulation be interpreted and implemented in a manner that, consistent with the goals of improving the Agency's accountability and the transparency of the EPA's guidance documents, provides appropriate flexibility for EPA to take those actions necessary to accomplish its mission. The comment period for this proposed rulemaking expired on June 22, 2020. For more information go to: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/proposed- rulemaking-epa-guidance-administrative- procedures-issuance-and-public Final Amendments: Miscellaneous Organic NESHAP (MON) SUMMARY: On Friday, May 29th, EPA finalized amendments to the 2003 Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESFIAP), known as MON. EPA evaluated the risks remaining and determined cancer risks from the miscellaneous organic chemical manufacturing source category to be unacceptable. To reduce risks to an acceptable level, EPA is finalizing additional requirements for process vents, storage tanks and equipment (pumps and connectors) in ethylene oxide service. Once these requirements are implemented, EPA has determined that risks will be acceptable and will provide an ample margin of safety to protect public health. EPA is also finalizing amendments for heat exchange systems and equipment leaks that would further reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants. In addition, EPA is finalizing amendments for added monitoring and operational requirements for a subset of flares that control ethylene oxide emissions and flares used to control emissions from processes that produce olefins and polyolefms, and is also allowing facil ities outside of this subset to opt into these flare requirements in lieu of complying with the current flare standards. The final MON amendments are expected to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants from the source category by 107 tons per year, which includes reductions in ethylene oxide emission of approximately 0.76 tons per year. A pre-publication version of the final rule and a summary fact sheet are available at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air- pollution/final-miscellaneous-organic-chemical- manufacturing-risk-and EPA's Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman | Washington, D.C., 1-800-368-5888 ------- |