Complying
with air quality rules and regulations can be confusing for businesses
in California. For many small businesses, determining whether or not
the
rules even apply can be problematic. After that determination is made,
a business needs to understand what permits are required, who
issues the permit,
and the specific requirements of the permit. Finally, the
business
needs to find the resources, both financial and technical,
to satisfy the permit requirements.
The
California
Air Resources Board (ARB) Small Business Assistance Program can help.
We're here to help the business community find the resources they need
to comply with the rules.
Getting
started can be confusing. We understand that a small business owner
can't be expected to be a specialist in air quality permitting. Too
often, they're just trying to stay afloat. That is why we're
here.
We can help you determine the rules that apply to you. We can then help
you complete the necessary application forms to get your
permits.
To help guide you through the permitting process, the California
Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) has developed a Bill
of Rights for permit
applicants.
What
is the Business
Assistance Program?
The
federal
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Act) required that all states develop
a program to assist small businesses in meeting the requirements
of the Act. The ARB and the 35 regional/county air pollution
control or air quality management districts (Districts) have developed
a business assistance program to help all businesses understand air
pollution permitting requirements.
Districts
have
the primary responsibility for permitting any regulated source of air
pollution within its boundaries. The ARB does not issue permits
directly. Because of this, you should start your search for the
permitting requirements with your air District.
Who
Coordinates the
Business Assistance Program?
ARB's
Small
Business Assistance Program is run by the Office
of the Ombudsman. One
of the goals is to ensure that everyone has access to the regulatory
process and the information needed to operate within the rules.
If
you need
assistance and are unable to locate the correct person in your
local air District, please feel free to contact the
Air
Resources Board, Office
of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman
will help you reach the correct permitting assistance provider.
ombudsman@arb.ca.gov -- (916) 323-6791
Other
Related
Program Links
Because
this
web page is a resource for small businesses, we would like it to
contain information that is useful to you. If there is information that
you think should be included in the Business Assistance Program's web
page, please feel free to contact us. Send your suggestions to Kathleen
Quetin at kquetin@arb.ca.gov.
Joe Serna
Jr.
Cal/EPA Headquarters