DEP Helps Small Businesses Comply with Environmental Regulations
Among the many programs the Department oversees, one designed specifically for small business owners is the federal Clean Air Act-mandated Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP). The SBEAP provides technical state and federal environmental regulatory assistance to help Florida’s small businesses comply with air regulations.
"The program offers small business owners free
assistance with information needed to comply with the
often-complex environmental regulations that affect
their businesses,” said Joe Kahn, Division Director of
Air Resource Management. “Although the focus is on air
regulations, the program will assist callers with any
environmental question."
Through active partnerships with trade associations, private industry, and state and federal agencies, SBEAP promotes pollution prevention and improved pollution control technologies. By working cooperatively with these usually small, independent businesses to raise environmental awareness, business owners receive an important mechanism for protecting the environment while minimizing the need for increased environmental regulation.
In Florida, the SBEAP is comprised of an Ombudsman, a Technical Program and a Compliance Advisory Panel. The Ombudsman is an advocate for Florida's small businesses whose focus is promoting participation in the development of new regulations and providing information regarding impending or new program requirements.
The Technical Program provides compliance assistance with environmental regulations, permit distribution and the development of plain language materials for regulations and compliance schedules. All services and materials are free and confidential, including: a toll-free assistance hotline (1-800-722-7457); industry-specific mailings; and compliance calendars. View the online library of support materials.
The Compliance Advisory Panel consists of small business owners who help identify and relay difficulties encountered by small businesses to the SBEAP, review materials created for the program and periodically report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information about the SBEAP and how the program can assist small businesses with environmental compliance, contact program Ombudsman
Stephen.McKeough@dep.state.fl.us or 850-921-9539.
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