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Business Resources
Frequently Asked Questions-Small Business Assistance
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- How can I contact an AQMD Small Business Assistance staff member?
E-mail –
smallbizassistance@aqmd.gov
Phone – 1-800-CUT-SMOG (288-7664)
– 1-909-396-3529
Fax – 1-909-396-3335
- How can I comment on proposed AQMD rules and regulations that
affect my business?
AQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary
sources of air pollution. AQMD staff drafts
plans and
regulations that are meant to provide healthy air quality levels
throughout the region. The
AQMD Governing Board adopts these plans and regulations and then
submits them to the
California Air Resources Board and
Federal EPA for approval. There are two stages for an interested
party to comment on proposed plans, rules, and regulations before they are
approved by the board. First,
Public Workshops are held weeks before a Governing Board meeting to
discuss newly proposed rules and policies. Attendance at these meetings
can help you to learn more about the new rules and help guide their final
implementation. Second, you can request to testify at
Governing Board Meetings, where the decisions are made on whether or
not to adopt new regulations at a
Public Hearing.
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- How can I find out which rules apply to my particular business or
equipment in the South Coast region?
AQMD has created rules for specific industries such as
Wood Coating Operations,
Graphic Arts Operations, or
Auto Body Shops, where equipment and other related operations have
known air pollution concerns. These “Source Specific” rules are listed by
industry and/or application in
Regulation XI (Rules 1101-1196). In addition to the Source Specific
rules, there are also
New Source Review requirements,
general Prohibitory requirements, and
Toxic and Other Non-Criteria Pollutant requirements. For assistance
with any of these rules and regulations, we recommend you contact a Small
Business Assistance staff member.
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- I have received a Notice of Violation/Notice to Comply. What do I
need to do?
You should start making corrective action to your best ability as
described in the notice. If you are not clear on any issue and need
additional assistance, contact a Small Business Assistance staff member.
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- What can I do to give me some time while I find a solution to
the problem?
There may be good reasons why a business cannot immediately comply
with air pollution control laws. A variance allows a company to continue
operating temporarily not in compliance with AQMD rules without penalty
while it takes appropriate steps to meet air pollution control
requirements. Variances can be granted only by the AQMD
Hearing Board. Small Business Assistance staff can help prepare
variance petition filings with the Hearing Board. For further information,
contact a Small Business Assistance staff member.
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- The city is requiring “clearance” from the AQMD, what do I need to
do?
Download and complete an
Air Quality Permit Checklist. This checklist contains equipment and
operations that typically require an AQMD permit. If the answer to both
questions is “NO”, then the completed checklist serves as “clearance” from
the AQMD. If the answer to any of the questions is “YES”, contact a
Small
Business Assistance staff to provide further assistance. This does not
mean permits are required for your business since your equipment or
operations may be exempt from permits.
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- Do I need to file a permit for my equipment?
Any equipment that emits or controls air contaminants (such as nitrogen
oxides or reactive organic gases) requires a permit from AQMD prior to
construction, installation, or operation unless it is specifically
exempted from the permit requirement by AQMD
Rule 219 (Equipment Not Requiring a Written Permit). It is good
practice to apply for and receive a permit before purchasing new equipment
in order to know exactly what the permit conditions and other requirements
will be before construction, installation, and operation begin.
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- What should I do if I no longer plan on using equipment for which I
have a permit?
Although there is no formal process to surrender a permit to AQMD, a note
can be returned with your annual renewal statement to AQMD’s Customer
Services department indicating that the equipment is no longer in use.
Otherwise, a permit will automatically expire after the annual
renewal fee is not paid. However, if you are planning to transfer
ownership of your business, do not let the permits expire, as the new
owner will need to submit applications for new permits, which will likely
result in higher costs and possibly additional control equipment
requirements.
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- Are there any air quality training classes that I can take that
will help me learn how to keep my business compliant? How do I sign up?
Experienced AQMD inspectors teach classes that promote compliance with
sets of source-specific AQMD rules. A schedule of classes can be found at
the following
link.
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- I am not sure my business is in compliance. How can I get help?
AQMD Small Business Assistance staff are available to give free
on-site technical consultations. These experienced staff will inspect
equipment and operations and review recordkeeping material. These staff
will not issue any tickets nor impose any fines for violations encountered
during these visits. To be eligible for a free consultation, we only ask
that the business agree to correct any violation that is found.
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- I believe the AQMD has made a mistake in my billing. What should I
do?
If there is a problem or concern with your billing, we recommend that
you pay the balance due on the statement. If a billing statement is not
paid, your business may risk letting your permits expire. You may also
contact a Small Business Assistance staff to see if the problem can be
resolved in a timely manner. Another option to resolve billing disputes is
the Fee Review Committee. Businesses may submit a
Fee Review request form along with any supporting information
regarding the dispute. The Fee Review Committee reviews each case for any
District error. However, the Committee cannot change any existing AQMD
Rule or Regulation.
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- I have AQMD fees that are due, but I do not have enough money to
pay for them. What should I do?
The Fee Review Committee can arrange for payment plans in cases where
a company cannot pay for application filing fees or annual fees.
Businesses may submit a
Fee Review request form along with the most recent bank statements to
request a payment plan. The businesses must show a financial need for
such a payment plan before the case is approved.
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