Clean Air Assistance

Contact: Clean Air Assistance Program (800) 662-9278

Agency: Environmental Quality

Why does Michigan have Clean Air Assistance?

Section 507 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990requires each state to develop a small business technical and environmental compliance assistance program (Program). The purpose of the Program is to assist small businesses in complying with the federal Clean Air Act. The Program is comprised of three components: a Technical Assistance Program, an Ombudsman and a Compliance Advisory Panel. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451 of 1994, Article II - Pollution Control, Chapter 1 - Point Source Pollution Control, Part 57 (formerly known as the Small Business Clean Air Assistance Act 12 of 1993) is the enabling legislation for Michigan's Program.

In response to the legislative mandate, the Environmental Science and Services Division, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), in cooperation with the MDEQ Air Quality Division, created the Michigan Clean Air Assistance to help small business owners understand and follow the often complicated and sometimes confusing statutes and rules that protect Michigan's air.

Background

Air emissions from large Michigan industries have been regulated by state laws and the federal Clean Air Act for decades. Amendments to the federal Clean Air Act in 1990, however, broadened the scope of this law to control air pollution from additional and often smaller industries. New regulations being implemented as a result of these amendments continue to have a profound effect on thousands of businesses in Michigan, many of which have never been regulated under the Act.

Some small businesses are finding it necessary to apply for air permits for the first time. This results in the need to calculate the amounts of air contaminants emitting from their operations and regularly measure and report these releases. Small manufacturers, dry cleaners, service stations, print shops, and auto body shops are a few of the businesses that are being affected by the new statutes and rules. The creation of the Michigan Clean Air Assistance Program and the Michigan Clean Air Ombudsman demonstrates the commitment of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth's Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to help businesses comply with the expanded and more protective air quality regulations.

Annual Report

Small Business Technical and Ombudsman Program's (SBTCP) 2006 Annual Report  (pdf) - Report to EPA detailing program activities of the technical (CAAP), ombudsman (MEDC), and compliance advisory panel for fiscal year 2005-2006.  (July 2007)

For More Information or Additional Assistance, contact the
Environmental Assistance Program   at 800-662-9278

Do you have an outreach idea or suggestion for our Program?  Please feel free to submit your requests to: fiedlerd@michigan.gov.