Small Business Technical Assistance
Helping small business owners and operators understand and comply with environmental regulations.
The Small Business Technical Assistance Program (SBTAP) was established by NHDES in 1992 to provide small business owners and operators with free assistance to help them understand and comply with air and other environmental regulations. This confidential, non-regulatory program provides information about regulatory requirements and practical, cost-effective technical assistance to encourage compliance with oftentimes complex environmental regulations.
SBTAP meets these goals by providing the following services:
- Business and Industry Outreach.
- Environmental Compliance Assistance.
- On-site Assessment and Consultation Services.
SBTAP, in partnership with other public and private assistance providers, strives to ensure that businesses are operating in compliance with all applicable air and other environmental requirements and providing a safe workplace for their employees, all while maintaining and increasing their competitive edge.
In addition, the Small Business Ombudsperson provides proactive services to business owners to help them avoid unnecessary delays in permit issuance or penalties and fines for non-compliance. The Ombudsperson also represents the interests of small businesses in legislative and regulatory development, facilitates the resolution of complaints and disagreements between business owners and NHDES in a mutually-beneficial manner, and develops and facilitates education and outreach programs on specific regulatory compliance issues.
Auto Body/Collision Repair Compliance Assistance
Through compliance assistance and pollution prevention opportunities, SBTAP can help auto body, collision repair and restoration facilities to reduce emissions and waste, encourage compliance with environmental regulations, and create a healthier environment for workers and the state.
Environmental Assistance for printers
SBTAP can help printers to reduce emissions and waste, encourage compliance with environmental regulations, and create a healthier environment for workers and the state.
Guidance for the wood finishing industry
The coating materials used to protect wood often contain a substantial amount of solvents that can volatilize to the air within the facility and/or are vented to the environment. To learn more about compliance assistance information and pollution prevention opportunities, including how to reduce emissions and generate less waste, contact SBTAP.
How do I dispose of damaged electric vehicle batteries?
Damaged electric vehicle batteries must be managed as hazardous waste. If the facility has not notified as a hazardous waste generator, the facility can request a temporary ID for 30-days. Contact NHDES Reporting for temporary ID. NHDES maintains a list of active hazardous waste transporters.
Further guidance on vehicle batteries:
Automotive Battery Recycling Companies
Motor Vehicle Recyclers: Lead Acid Batteries
How do I dispose of an undeployed air bag?
Once an airbag is removed, and can’t be reused, the airbag needs to be managed as hazardous waste. If the facility has not notified as a hazardous waste generator, the facility can request a temporary ID for 30-days. Contact NHDES Reporting for temporary ID. NHDES maintains a list of active hazardous waste transporters.
Further guidance on air bags:
EPA: Intern Final Rule: Safety Management of Recalled Airbags
EPA: Memo Auto Airbags 2018
My shop power washes muddy ATVs prior to repair work. Vehicle washing is outside on the ground. Do I need to register this wastewater discharge?
Yes, wastewater discharges to the ground from power washing ATVs must be registered with NHDES.
Options:
- Wash in enclosed bay that is connected to sewer.
- Floor drain is connected to registered holding tank.
- Obtain a groundwater discharge registration.
Discharge to surface water or storm drain is prohibited.
Further guidance:
Holding Tank for Floor Drains
Protecting Groundwater from Floor Drains and Other Typical Discharges
Related Content
Did you Know?
Did you Know?
If you own and operate emergency generators and fire pump engines, you may be required to obtain an air permit. The criteria depend on the threshold limits of the engine(s).
Small Business Ombudsperson
The Small Business Ombudsperson acts as the small business community’s representative in matters that affect it under the Clean Air Act Amendments and other environmental issues.