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
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EPA's Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman | Washington, D.C., 1-800-368-5888

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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

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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

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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

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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

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