|
Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
Illinois Dept. of Commerce
& Economic Opportunity
500 East Monroe R-5
Springfield, IL 62701 |
|
Click to Visit our Program website |
Publication
Spotlight
The form is now fillable and can be used for notifying IEPA, IDPH, and Cook County Environmental Control
|
Autobody Shop Training Opportunities!
Autobody shops were required to be in full compliance with the federal regulations on autobody painting by January 10, 2011. The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program is working to help shops meet the compliance requirements by offering some of the mandatory training to autobody shops. The next workshop will cover the environmental and hands on requirements of the rule - this will be held at the Carl Sandburg Community College campus in Galesburg on February 16th.
For more information on this and future training dates please contact Erin Conley at 217/785-4557. |
|
|
|
|
|
 Illinois Regulatory Updates
Illinois EPA Seeks Auto Body Industry Comments on Proposed Rule Changes for Allowable Spray Gun Technologies in the Nonattainment Areas
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is considering proposing a change to the state Organic Material Emission Standards for Motor Vehicle Refinishing under Subpart HH of 35 Illinois Administrative Code 218.780-218.792 and 219.780-219.792. The state rule change would impact only auto refinishing operations located in the Chicago area counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will and townships of Aux Sable and Goose Lake in Grundy County and Oswego in Kendall County and Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Counties in the Metro-East St. Louis area.
The Agency is considering making changes to the equipment specifications to allow auto body shops in the nonattainment areas to use USEPA approved high volume low pressure (HVLP) equivalent spray gun technologies in addition to the electrostatic or high volume low pressure (HVLP) spray gun equipment currently required under Illinois' rule. The rule change is being considered to allow for advances in spray gun technologies while still ensuring emissions are being limited through equipment options.
Comments regarding the proposed rule change and the inclusion of these technologies may be directed to: EPA.VOMcomments@illinois.gov
Construction Industry, Code Officials, Architects, & Engineers Urged to Attend Environmental Workshops
The Illinois Small Business Environmental Assistance Program along with other state and federal agencies will be hosting workshops around the state in February and March to raise awareness of regulatory requirements in the construction, demolition, and property management industries. Topics will include regulations regarding mercury, asbestos, lead, radon, stormwater, endangered species review, OSHA as well as, energy efficiency incentives. Small businesses as well as local officials are encouraged to attend. In addition, the course will satisfy requirements for professional development hours/continuing education units for professional engineers, architects and radon professionals.
Locations include:
· McHenry: February 8, McHenry County College's Shah Center
Kankakee: February 9, Kankakee Community College
Quincy: February 22, John Wood Community College
Olney: March 3, Olney Central College
For more information visit: www.ienconnect.com/enviro or call 800/252-3998.
Recycling the Original "Green" Industry
Everyone knows that recycling is good for the environment, but did you know that it is also an important contributor to the economy of Illinois? The recycling industry provides a substantial impact on local jobs through a network of public and private collection programs.
A new study commissioned by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) found a total of 74,000 Illinoisans are employed (directly or indirectly) in the recycling and reuse industry. Additionally, workers in the recycling industry support another 37,500 jobs in their communities because of their local spending.
"This report shows that recycling and waste reductions are paying big dividends for the Illinois economy, as well as for our environment," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "As we step up our efforts to keep Illinois on the cutting edge of the green jobs revolution, this data will guide the efforts of state and local governments as well as the entrepreneurs who are seizing the opportunities in the recycling sector."
The study shows that Illinois' Recycling, Recycling Reliant and Reuse Industries are roughly responsible for:
· A total of 111,500 jobs
· Payroll of $3.6 billion
· $30.3 billion in additional gross receipts
· Over $1 billion in state and local taxes
The Division of Recycling and Waste Reduction in DCEO's State Energy Office provides technical assistance and access to capital for projects involving source reduction, waste reduction, recycling and reuse. DCEO's four core recycling and waste reduction programs are: the Illinois Recycling Grants Program (IRGP); the Recycling Expansion and Modernization (REM) Program; the Food Scrap Composting Revitalization & Advancement Program (F-SCRAP); and the Zero Waste Schools Grant Program.
To see the full report and for more information about DCEO's recycling programs, visit: www.illinoisrecycles.com.
Illinois EPA Proposes Changes to Vehicle Emissions Inspection Rules
The Illinois EPA has filed rulemakings with the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and the Secretary of State's Office (SOS) to revise rules for the standards and procedures used in the Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program in the Northeastern Illinois and Metro-East St. Louis ozone non-attainment areas. The vehicle emissions inspection program test approximately 1.8 million vehicles per year on a biennial cycle, and is an important component in Illinois' effort to improve and protect air quality.
The rulemakings are intended to reflect adoption of the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005, as amended, (VEIL of 2005), and to reflect improvements to the program. The rulemaking filed with the PCB (amendments to 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 240) relates to vehicle emissions standards, and the rulemaking filed with the SOS (amendments to 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 276) relates to vehicle emissions inspection procedures.
The VEIL of 2005 added definitions relating to the on-board diagnostic (OBD) inspection test, exempted model year 1995 and older vehicles from inspection, replaced the transient loaded mode (IM240) emissions test with the OBD test as the primary vehicle inspection test, maintained the steady-state idle exhaust gas analysis and evaporative system integrity tests as secondary tests, revised waiver provisions, added a provision for vehicles located outside of the affected counties (portions of the Northeastern Illinois and Metro East St. Louis areas), removed the prohibition against repairs made by the testing contractor, and made other minor additions. The law also provided that the owner of a subject vehicle must obtain an emission compliance certificate to demonstrate compliance and established a system of registration denial for vehicles in noncompliance with the inspection requirement.
Small businesses that own vehicles in one of the two ozone non-attainment areas of Illinois may be subject to the VEIL of 2005 and these rules. If you have any questions regarding these rulemakings, please contact Kent Mohr, Illinois EPA Assistant Counsel, at 217-782-5544. To view the full text of the rulemakings, related documents, public hearing information, and the status of the rulemakings, use the following links:
Part 240 Rulemaking: http://www.ipcb.state.il.us/COOL/External/CaseView.aspx?case=13971
Part 276 Rulemaking: http://www.epa.state.il.us/public-notices/general-notices.html#vim-rule-amendments
Tax Break for Illinois Small Business ExpandedEligible wage now $10/hour; Encourages hire of "Put Illinois to Work"-ers
The Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit gives small business owners an extra boost to grow their business. After creating one or more new, full-time positions that meet the newly-expanded eligibility requirements, small businesses can register to receive a $2,500 per job tax credit. Changes have been made to the Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, which will make your business eligible to receive a tax credit if you hire your worker-trainees into full-time positions before June 30, no matter what size of business you operate. This website will provide more details of the change and be ready to accept your registration in early February. Remember that tax credit eligibility begins with the date of hire and registration for the credit may be made at any time until June 30, 2011. Business owners can go online and register for their tax credits, provide substantiating data, and print out their credit certificates, without ever having to leave their office. This law gives employers a strong incentive to continue providing good jobs for workers who need it most. To learn more about this program visit the Jobs Tax Credit website at http://JobsTaxCredit.Illinois.gov, or for a list of Frequently Asked Questions, click here. For questions, send emails to JobsTaxCreditProgram@illinois.gov or call (800) 252-2923 |
Federal Regulatory Updates
Federal Deadlines for Paint Stripping & Miscellaneous Surface Coating January 10 & March 11
Don't forget to submit your Notification of Compliance Status form for the Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating rule, 40 CFR part 63 subpart HHHHHH. This rule affects any area source painting plastic or metal parts and that uses paints containing the target HAPs. Companies regulated under this rule need to be in compliance with new equipment, training, and recordkeeping requirements. For more information on whether your business might be affected, click here.
The compliance deadline was January 10, 2011 and the notification of compliance status form is due March 11, 2011.
Autobody Shop's Certification of Compliance Status Due March 11, 2011
Autobody shops must be in compliance with all applicable requirements of the this U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard that is designed to reduce emissions of HAP metals (chromium, lead, manganese, nickel and cadmium) from spray coating operations and reduce use of methylene chloride paint strippers. For existing sources, compliance with the requirements should have been achieved by January 10, 2011 an initial notification should have been submitted by January 11, 2010 and a certification of compliance status must be submitted by March 11, 2011 to both the USEPA and Illinois EPA. The same form may be used for both notifications. The following new information is available at the Illinois Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Website: www.ienconnect.com/enviro
January 2011 Deadlines for Gasoline Dispensing & Distribution Facilities
40 CFR 63, Subpart CCCCCC
Gas dispensing facilities must be in compliance with all requirements of this U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard that requires gasoline stations to minimize the release of gasoline vapors during the filling of tanks. Existing sources were supposed to submit their Initial Notification by May 9, 2008 and the Notification of Compliance Status by January 10, 2011 to both the U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA certifying their compliance with Subpart CCCCCC. All gas dispensing facilities should be tracking their monthly gasoline throughput by either volume loaded into or dispensed from all tanks based on the revision in the FR dated 1/24/11; the method chosen should be noted on the Notice of Compliance Status. If you load gasoline into fuel tanks other than those in motor vehicles and are subject to the control requirements of 40 CFR 63.11117 or 63.11118, the initial notification is due May 24, 2011. Notifications should be mailed to USEPA Region V and Illinois EPA.
In addition, gasoline bulk plants, terminals, and pieplines must be in compliance with Subpart BBBBBB as of January 10, 2011. For the purpose of determining gasoline throughput, as used in the definition of bulk gasoline plant and bulk gasoline terminal, the 20,000 gallons per day threshold throughput is the maximum calculated design throughput for any day, and is not an average unless there is a federal enforceable limit proposed before the applicable compliance date as stated in the revision, 40 CFR 63.11081 (g). Notifications should be mailed to USEPA Region V and Illinois EPA.
For more information visit the Small Business Environmental Assistance homepage at
EPA Issues Guidance Regarding PCB-Containing Fluorescent Lights
The U.S. EPA released guidance recommending that schools take steps to reduce potential exposures to PCBs from older fluorescent lighting fixtures. The guidance, part of EPA's ongoing efforts to address potential PCB exposure in schools, is based on evidence that the older ballasts contain PCBs that can leak when the ballasts fail, leading to elevated levels of PCBs in the air of schools that should not represent an immediate threat, but could pose health concerns if they persist over time.
Until the late 1970s, PCBs were used as insulators in electrical equipment because they have a high tolerance for heat, do not easily burn, and are non-explosive. EPA banned the processing and distribution in commerce of PCBs in 1979 pursuant to the Toxic Substances Control Act due to their toxic effects. However, uses of older PCB-containing ballasts were allowed to continue, provided that the ballasts had not failed and the PCBs were not leaking.
If a school was built before 1979 or has not had a complete lighting retrofit since 1979, the fluorescent light ballasts probably contain PCBs. Although intact, functioning ballasts do not pose a health threat, these lighting ballasts will fail in time. For that reason, EPA recommends older PCB-containing ballasts should be removed, whether as part of a previously scheduled lighting retrofit program or a stand-alone project. Schools that have older ballasts should examine them to see if they have failed or if PCB leaks are present. If a light ballast is leaking PCBs, federal law requires the immediate removal and disposal of the PCB-containing ballasts and disposal of any PCB-contaminated materials at an EPA approved facility.
While replacing lighting ballasts requires an upfront investment, there are state, federal and private funding programs available to potentially provide funding. In addition, replacing older ballasts with newer lighting fixtures will result in energy savings that will increase energy efficiency in schools and likely pay for itself in less than seven years. School districts, building owners and others desiring technical guidance should contact the EPA at 1-888-8350-5372 or visit www.epa.gov/pcb. |
|
Environmental Insights
Three Appointed to the Illinois Compliance Advisory Panel
The Illinois Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) is responsible for determining the overall effectiveness of the state's Small Business Environmental Assistance Program. The Panel reviews and renders advisory opinions on the effectiveness of the SBEAP and makes periodic progress reports to USEPA concerning compliance of the small business program with other pertinent federal regulations. The panel also ensures that program information is written in a style that is clear and understandable. Members of the Illinois CAP are appointed by the legislative leaders and the Governor.
The Illinois Small Business Environmental Assistance Program welcomes:
Dr. Roslyn Iasillo, Chairperson, Natural and Health Sciences Department, Mother McAuley High School
Ted Wysocki, Jr., President & CEO, Local Economic & Employment Development Council
Mark Grant, Assistant State Director, NFIB Illinois
The CAP is advisory in nature, and the members of the CAP serve without compensation but can receive reimbursement for quarterly meeting expenses.
Brooke Doggett Joins Illinois SBEAP Staff
The Illinois Small Business Environmental Assistance Program welcomed Brooke Dogget to the staff in December. Brooke has been with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for several years and joins Annette Fulgenzi and Erin Conley in designing and providing assistance to Illinois' small businesses with environmental regulations.
Illinois Organizations Receive Awards for Achievements in Environmental Protection
Since 1987, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center has presented Governors awards to organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices. Any Illinois public or private organization is eligible to apply for an award. Organizations who are winning for the first time received the Sustainability Award. Those organizations that have won in past years and are continuing their environmental efforts are awarded a Continuous Improvement Award.
"These businesses and organizations have shown that it is possible to create and maintain conditions under which people and the environment can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social and economic requirements of present and future generations," said Manohar Kulkarni, ISTC Director.
The 2010 award winners include: Continuous Improvement Award
- Abbott -- Abbott Park
- Ball Food & Household Products - Danville
- Ball Food & Household Products - Elgin
- Baxter Healthcare, Renal -- McGaw Park
- GE Healthcare IT - Barrington
- McDonald's Corporation - Oak Brook
- NOW Foods, Inc.- Bloomingdale
2010 Governor's Sustainability Award (first time winners) - Amcor Rigid Plastics - Batavia
- Autotherm Div. Enthal Systems, Inc. - Lake Zurich
- City of Kankakee - Kankakee
- Cooper B-Line - Highland
- Elmhurst Park District - Elmhurst
- Everlights - Chicago
- Governors State University - University Park
- Hendrickson Bumper & Trim - Crest Hill
- Hendrickson Truck Systems Group - Woodridge
- Mahomet IGA - Mahomet
- PC Rebuilders & Recyclers, LLC - Chicago
- PerkinElmer - Downers GroveSolvair LLC - Naperville
- Southeastern Container, Inc. -- Effingham
- Tasty Catering - Elk Grove Village
- Uncommon Ground - Chicago
- University of Illinois Student Sustainability Committee - Champaign
- Village of Schaumburg - Schaumburg
- Waterman Winery & Vineyards - Waterman
- WW Grainger, Inc. - Lake Forest
Information on the Governor's Sustainability Awards program, lists of previous winners, and information on technical assistance are available from the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, phone 217/333-8940, http://www.istc.illinois.edu/ |
|
|
|
|
