Subdivision 1. Creation. The commissioner shall establish a small business air-quality compliance assistance program that incorporates the small business stationary source technical and environmental compliance assistance program required by section 7661f of the Clean Air Act.

Subd. 2. Requirements. The commissioner shall ensure that the program provides at least the following:

(1) direct, timely, one-on-one information and technical assistance to small businesses that are stationary sources on matters including, but not limited to, their legal rights and obligations under federal and state air quality laws and regulations, applicable requirements and alternatives for achieving compliance, permit procedures, preparation of permit applications, sources of technical expertise, consequences of operating in violation, enforcement, fines, penalties, and appeals;

(2) a clearinghouse to provide information and referral to appropriate technical experts concerning Clean Air Act regulatory requirements, compliance methods, and control technologies;

(3) information and assistance on methods of pollution prevention and the prevention and detection of accidental releases;

(4) audits of the operations of small business stationary sources to determine compliance with federal and state air quality laws and regulations, or establishment of a procedure for referring sources to qualified auditors. Audits may include, but need not be limited to, an evaluation of work practices, compliance monitoring procedures, record-keeping requirements, and technical assistance on pollution prevention opportunities and control options;

(5) to the extent permitted by federal and state air quality laws and regulations, procedures for responding to requests from small business stationary sources for modification of work practices or methods compliance because of the financial or technological capability of the source; and

(6) coordination of efforts with trade associations, small business assistance providers, and federal, state, and local governmental agencies that provide information and technical assistance to small businesses, in order to maximize the information and assistance available to small businesses and to prevent duplication of effort and services.

History: 1992 c 546 s 7