FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 23, 2001
 

TALLAHASSEE – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Air Resource Management’s Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) wants to make Florida’s 800,000 small businesses aware that they may need environmental permits to operate. In response to this need, the SBAP has developed a mailer to be sent to trade associations, Chambers of Commerce, and as many of Florida’s small businesses as possible, identifying potentially-affected industries. The Division wants small businesses to know that the program is available and staff is eager to help them with any questions they may have regarding environmental issues. These issues may range from questions about who needs a permit to environmental inspections, laws or pollution prevention.

The program provides technical and regulatory assistance to small businesses. Although SBAP is primarily air-focused, staff either provide direct assistance on multi-media questions or refer them to other Florida Department of Environmental Protection divisions.  To qualify for assistance as a small business, the business must have less than 100 employees, release less than 75 tons of all regulated air pollutants and release less than 50 tons of any single regulated air pollutant. Most importantly, the service the SBAP provides is FREE and confidential.

"It is amazing how many small business owners don’t know who to turn to for answers to their questions, or are afraid to call for answers if they are currently operating outside guidelines," said Howard Rhodes, Director of the Division of Air Resource Management. "We are pleased to offer this valuable service to help bridge this gap."

As part of the department’s attempt to increase the awareness of the program, the division produced a public service announcement.