What type of businesses are applicable?
State and federal air regulations may apply to your business if you emit air pollutants, such as particulates, dust, fumes, gases, mist, smoke, vapors or odors. While this definition covers many different processes, four criteria can often help identify a contaminant source.
Does your business:
- Have something with a stack, dust collector or vent?
Examples: shot blasters, grinders, storage tanks - Use a process that includes paints, solvents, adhesives or other chemicals?
Examples: paint booths, degreasers, solvent cleaning tanks - Use a process that burns fuel (e.g., oil, natural gas, coal)?
Examples: boilers, furnaces, process heaters - Have an area that produces visible dust, smoke or odors?
Examples: unpaved roadways, material handling areas
FAQs
How big does my business need to be to be concerned about DEQ regulations?
At the Idaho SBDC, we advise that any business needs to take inventory of their emissions. It’s better to know than assume.
What’s the first step if I know I’m out of compliance?
The Idaho SBDC can serve as a confidential, no-cost go-between for the DEQ to determine what you need to do to come in compliance.
If my business is on a reservation, do DEQ rules apply?
No, you are responsible to the EPA regulations specifically, but SBDC can assist with compliance.
Who to contact?
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Permitting Hotline
877.5PERMIT
Idaho Small Business Development Center
208.426.1873
environmentalsolutions@boisestate.edu
Why the Idaho SBDC?
The assistance provided to you through our Environmental Assistance Program is federally mandated through the Clean Air Act to support small businesses who want confidential assistance in understanding and complying with state and federal air quality regulations and cannot afford to hire a consultant.
National Resource
National Small Business Environmental Assistance Program manages a very detailed website with resources to assist small businesses in environmental regulation compliance.
