Small Business Compliance

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Through the Small Business Environmental Ombudsman (SBEO), businesses can receive free confidential assistance to better understand and comply with air quality regulations.

You may qualify for free assistance if your business is independently owned and operated, with fewer than 500 employees. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence. Compliance assistance is available by calling SBEO at (877) 247-2329 or by e-mail at environment@empire.state.ny.us.

Small businesses typically do not have environmental managers, consultants or attorneys on staff to interpret complex air quality requirements or to keep up with regulatory changes and developments affecting their operations. The SBEO provides a wide range of compliance assistance services including:

• Regulatory Assistance - SBEO will help determine which permits or registrations you may need and when to obtain them; your rights and responsibilities once a permit or registration is issued; and which regulation(s) and requirement(s) affect your business operations and how to comply with them. The SBEO will work with your company to develop a plan of action and provide clear explanations to resolve air quality compliance issues.
   
• Referral Services – SBEO is able to refer companies to an extensive network of small business assistance programs that provide technical services at the local, state and federal levels. Please see the link at www.nylovessmallbiz.com/starting_a_business/environmental.asp.
   
• Outreach and Education – SBEO provides updates to small businesses about regulatory news and deadlines, sponsors state-wide information workshops regarding important regulatory developments, publishes and distributes informational materials to help businesses understand relevant regulations and offers access to important publications on related topics.
   
• Advocacy Services – SBEO tracks developments in air quality regulations and represents the interests of small business before federal, state and local agencies in the creation and implementation of environmental policy.

To contact the Small Business Environmental Ombudsman call or e-mail:

Toll free: (877)-247-2329
environment@empire.state.ny.us

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