Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention

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The Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention is a non-regulatory program that provides information and resources to help small businesses comply with environmental regulations.

OCAPP also helps customers identify and implement pollution prevention measures that can save money, increase business performance and benefit the environment. Services of the office include a toll-free hotline, on-site compliance and P2 assessments, workshops/training, plain-English publications library and assistance in completing permit application forms.

Ohio EPA has developed a new program to recognize organizations committed to environmental excellence at all levels; it is open to a wide variety of participants. The Encouraging Environmental Excellence (εз) program has a three-level approach to provide recognition to Ohio businesses and other organizations completing environmentally beneficial activities, and escalates to higher levels of recognition for those who exceed regulatory requirements or commit to future environmental stewardship efforts.

Ohio EPA will host the Seventh Compliance Assistance Conference- May 21 & 22, 2013 Columbus, OH. Organizations will gain valuable information and contacts to help with environmental compliance responsibilities. Some of the topics include: air permitting basics and reporting; preparing for an Ohio EPA inspection; hazardous waste requirements overview; used oil and SPCC requirements; reporting when things go wrong; solid waste basics; wastewater discharge permits, new source review and Title V permitting, Ohio EPA’s enforcement process, and storm water and wetland requirements for construction. Click here for more details.

Encouraging Environmental Excellence (εз) Program - 2014 Silver Level Application Deadline June 28, 2013

The εз program at Ohio EPA recognizes organizations committed to environmental excellence at all levels; it is open to a wide variety of participants. The program targets those who reduce waste, improve efficiency and work to continuously improve as an environmental steward. The silver level recognizes businesses and others that have a good environmental compliance record and have completed environmental stewardship activities. Any business or other type of organization in Ohio may be nominated. Nominations for the 2014 silver level are requested by June 28, 2013.

The bronze level is designed to recognize any entity completing environmentally beneficial activities. Any business, non-profit, government entity or other organization in Ohio may apply. Applications are accepted on a continual basis for the bronze level. Exceptional bronze-level participants may be asked to apply for silver-level recognition.

Click here for more information about the εз program. Contact Howard Dong at howard.dong@epa.state.oh.us or 614-644-2130 or 800-329-7518 with any questions.

Workshop - Safe Products, Made Safely: Tools for Businesses- May 30, 2013 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Columbus, OH.. This day long workshop will provide a framework for evaluating the best approach and tools for your business in meeting goals to eliminate or reduce the use of toxic chemicals in products and processes throughout the supply chain. Increasingly companies are looking at the chemicals used in their products and processes with an eye to reducing their environmental impacts. Many are using green chemistry and life cycle assessment as frameworks for increasing the sustainability of their products and processes and assuring the use of safer chemicals throughout their supply chains. These businesses recognize the value and cost savings from reducing toxic inputs, including regulatory compliance, reduced liability, and meeting consumer demand for safer products. Ohio EPA is a co-sponsor of this training. Click here for more information and registration.

Credible Data Methods Training

The City of Columbus is offering the following training opportunities covering the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) and the Fish Index of Bio-integrity (IBI).   This training will be conducted by Chris Yoder and Ed Rankin, Midwest Biodiversity Institute and Ohio EPA-approved Credible Data trainers.   The training will be held at the Columbus Watershed Management Section Offices, Hoover Reservoir, 7600 Sunbury Road, Westerville, OH  43081. 

1) Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) Level 2 (with ability to get QHEI Level 3) Cost:  $360 2 day training, June 3-4, 2013.

2) Fish Index of Biological Integrity (Fish IBI) Level 3 and QHEI Level 2 (with ability to get QHEI Level 3) Cost: $1,765 June 3-7, 2013. 

Level 3 Fish applicants need to arrive at the training with the ability to identify Ohio fish to species level. Interested parties should contact: Elayna M. Grody, Water Protection Coordinator, emgrody@columbus.gov, (614) 645-3304.

Workshop-GreenScreen™Training September 2013, IN, and December 2013, Boston, MA. Hosted by U.S. EPA Region 5 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative partners. The GreenScreen™ for Safer Chemicals is a comparative chemical hazard screening method developed by Clean Production Action to encourage the use of greener and safer chemicals. This method is used by Washington State Department of Ecology and Hewlett-Packard to evaluate the hazards associated with specific chemicals and identify safer alternatives. Click here for more information and registration.

If you missed OCAPP's past Webinars - go to HERE to access the recorded webinars or a copy of the slides.

Open Burning - Air Curtain Burners - The Division of Air Pollution Control (DAPC) has completed draft amendments to OAC Rules 3745-19-01 and 3745-19-04. The amendments are intended to establish requirements under which air curtain burners can be installed and operated for the open burning of land clearing wastes. Ohio EPA is accepting comments on the draft language through May 13, 2013. Click here for more information.

Storm Water Program - The Division of Surface Water (DSW) is soliciting input on proposed storm water program rule OAC 3745-39-04. This rule contains the administrative requirements for industries, construction, and large and medium municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). The administrative requirements include: application contents, exempt discharges and "no exposure" certifications. OAC 3745-39-04 has been reviewed and amended pursuant to section 119.032 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Ohio EPA is required to review its rules every five years to determine if the rules need to be revisited. The deadline for comments is May 14, 2013. Click here for more information.

Water Quality Standards - Wetland Antidegradation. - The Division of Surface Water (DSW) is soliciting input on the water quality standards OAC 3745-1-54 rules that protect lakes, rivers, streams and other surface water bodies from pollution. This rulemaking includes amendments to one rule that addresses antidegradation protections and review procedures for wetlands, OAC 3745-1-54. This rule, in conjunction with the all-encompassing antidegradation rule OAC 3745-1-05, establish criteria for the Director to consider when determining whether a lowering of water quality in wetlands will be allowed and what is appropriate mitigation for those impacts. Deadline for comments is May 17, 2013. Click here for more information.

Water Quality Standards - Surface Water Quality (OAC Chapter 3745-1). - The Division of Surface Water (DSW) is soliciting input on this rule package addressing existing rules 3745-1-01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 07, 31-34 and 36-39, and new rules 40-43. These rules define beneficial use designations, establish water quality criteria protective of the use designations and establish antidegradation procedures. NOTE: Draft revisions to the water quality standards rules in OAC Chapter 3745-1 were originally made available for interested party review in August 2008. A subset of the items from the draft rules package was proposed to the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) on December 28, 2011. These rules were withdrawn from JCARR's jurisdiction on February 1, 2012 so the rules could be vetted through the new Senate Bill 2 process. A very focused and limited subset of rule amendments proposed in 2011 is now being made available for a second interested party review. Deadline for comments is May 20, 2013. Click here for more information.

Water Quality Standards Program - Developing Rules to Reduce the Impacts of Nutrients in Surface Waters. - The Division of Surface Water (DSW) is seeking comments on the Water Quality Standards Program Rules OAC Chapter 3745-1. This establishes the uses and criteria for how Ohio’s surface waters will be managed and regulated. This rulemaking will address the need, and the most appropriate means to protect beneficial uses of water from adverse impacts due to cultural eutrophication. Cultural eutrophication is the result of releasing large amounts of nutrients into rivers and lakes. If left unchecked cultural eutrophication can result in harmful algal blooms, the depletion of dissolved oxygen and fish kills. Cultural eutrophication associated with high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen is one of the leading causes of impairment of aquatic life in Ohio’s lakes, streams and rivers. Ohio EPA began working in 2002 to establish scientifically sound criteria and practical tests that will link excessive amounts of nutrients to the water quality problems that nutrients create. Ohio EPA is now ready to begin the process to adopt criteria to address cultural eutrophication, The deadline for comments is May 22, 2013. Click here for more information.

Connection Ban Rules - Division of Surface Water. The Division of Surface Water (DSW) is reviewing the existing connection ban rules in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-11, which define the terms of a connection ban, specify the conditions that warrant a connection ban, and describe connection ban variances. . The deadline for comments is 5:00 p.m. on May 23, 2013. For more information click here. 

Proposed Changes to Best Available Technology (BAT) Guidance and BAT Rule. On Thursday, May 2, 2013, Ohio EPA issued a proposed revision to the December 10, 2009 guidance document entitled, "Best Available Technology (BAT) Policy for sources installed or modified on or after August 3, 2009".  At the same time, Ohio EPA issued proposed revisions to portions of Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rule 3745-31-05.  Both of these revisions are intended to more fully implement changes to Ohio Revised Code 3704.03 brought about by Senate Bill 265 in 2006.  The Division of Air Pollution Control (DAPC) is asking any interested party to provide comments and suggestions concerning these proposed changes.  These comments are due by Friday, May 31, 2013.  Click here to view copies of the proposed changes. If you have any questions about this proposal, please contact Mike Hopkins at 614-644-3611 or mike.hopkins@epa.state.oh.us.

Asbestos Emission Control - Public Hearing - Request for Comments. Ohio EPA is changing the definition of "Facility" in paragraph (C)(18) and removing the definition of "Residential Exempt Structure" in paragraph (C)(45). A public hearing on these rule changes will be conducted on Friday, June 7, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Ohio EPA Central office, 50 West Town Street, Suite 700, Columbus, Ohio 43215. All interested persons are entitled to attend or be represented at the hearing and give written or oral comments on these rule changes. All oral comments presented at the hearing, and all written statements submitted at the hearing or by the close of business on June 7, 2013 will be considered by Ohio EPA prior to final action on this rule. Click here for more information. Questions or comments about these rules should be directed to Paul Braun at Ohio EPA, Division of Air Pollution Control (DAPC) (614) 644-3734 or paul.braun@epa.state.oh.us

Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization (DERR)

Site Assessment and Brownfield Revitalization March 2013 Newsletter.


Fact Sheet - Division of Surface Water (DSW) - March 2013 - RVs and Manufactured Homes as “Temporary Dwellings”


Compliance & Prevention Quarterly

This popular Calendar helps businesses track all monthly perc receipts, machine maintenance, and solvent usage to comply with EPA air permits and regulations.  Click for the PDF version or call OCAPP at 1-800-329-7518 for a hard copy.

Watch a news broadcast about OCAPP services (Courtesy of WOUB, Athens, Ohio. Broadband recommended.)

View OCAPP brochure - Need Help with Environmental Regulations?

What are the benefits to you in working with OCAPP?

Many businesses that have worked with us have said that they were glad they contacted OCAPP and received assistance.  Benefits include:

  • Saving money and improving business performance;
  • Achieving environmental compliance;
  • Reducing liability and potential for violations or penalties;
  • Protecting your workers' health and safety; and
  • Helping preserve natural resources.

Background

Section 507 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 required each state to establish a Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) and Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) to help small businesses understand and comply with new air pollution regulations. In addition, a seven-member Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) in each state oversees the SBAP and SBO to ensure these programs provide useful services and regulatory guidance to small businesses.
 

Enabling legislation

In Ohio, the SBAP created by ORC 3704.18 is housed within Ohio EPA’s Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention (OCAPP). The SBO created by ORC 3706.19 is housed within the Clean Air Resource Center of the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority.  CAP appointment procedures and duties are outlined inORC 3704.19.  In addition, Ohio’s CAP receives support from a national coalition of state CAPs in communicating small business interests to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Small Business Ombudsman in Washington, DC. 

Current members and contacts

The following fact sheet describes the function, mission, and current CAP members.

The following Summary of Appointments lists the CAP members, appointing authority, represented entity, and term dates.

Meeting schedule and past meeting minutes

The CAP meets quarterly to review the work of the SBAP and SBO offices.  The CAP provides input from a small business perspective on new compliance assistance initiatives, environmental regulations, and Agency actions.

2013 Meeting Schedule 

WINTER:  Thursday, February 14, 2013  via WebEx

SPRING:  Thursday, May 9, 2013  at Ohio EPA, Columbus

SUMMER:  Thursday, August 8, 2013  via WebEx

FALL:  Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Ohio EPA, Columbus  

CAP Meeting Minutes
  Winter Spring Summer Fall
2013 2/14/13 No meeting
 8/8/13 11/14/13
2012 2/9/12
 No meeting No meeting
 No meeting
2011 No meeting
 No meeting 8/11/11 11/10/11

 For more information about the CAP, contact Rick Carleski, OCAPP Supervisor, at (614) 728-1742 or rick.carleski@epa.ohio.gov.

Many businesses that have worked with us have said that they were glad they contacted OCAPP and received assistance.  Some examples follow:

“Thanks and keep up the good work. The OCAPP has been very helpful to us.”

- An Automotive Parts Manufacturer

“Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to visit our operation. I’m sure the information you have provided will be very instrumental in improving our green programs here in Napoleon.”

- A Small Business

“Great info – Thanks!”

- An Aircraft Business

“Great stuff!! We are in the process now and this is a great follow up piece…”

- A Small Business

“Thanks so much for the quick response! I appreciate your help!”

- An Automotive Parts Manufacturer

“This is a lot of great information. Thank you so much for putting this time in.”

- A Large Business

“I wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU! for all of your help. You helped us in becoming compliant in our new business. Your time spent with us really educated us on our environmental impact. Any business is difficult to begin, but when educated, it lessens the difficulties. We now can start the “growing process” without the fear of not understanding lengthy and difficult rules. OCAPP and you are a tremendous program! You guys keep up the good work!”

- An Automotive Business

“I would like to commend [OCAPP employee] on the depth and timeliness of response to my recent inquiries pertaining to the OEPA’s “views” on certain aspects of RCRA in a hospital pharmacy setting. His responses have been informative, and most of all helpful, which for someone noted experience[d] in legal jargon, can be quite confusing. We tend to only report poor service these days. If he as is busy as the rest of us, and I’m sure he is, then this [is] well deserved.”

- A Local Hospital

“Thanks very much gentlemen. This looks like a “ton” of useful information that we can look into. This will certainly take some time but be assured I will investigate some of these possibilities over time. Again, great information and I appreciate all of your time and efforts.”

- A Paint Manufacturer

“I shared the report you sent out last week with some of our management crew, asked them to look though and get back on it… it was greatly appreciated by all. I am hoping that we can use some of the ideas you had and the many different vendors contact information segments will be real beneficial as well! Some of the things you had listed we already were looking into, but there were many items that I am sure will get us researching into in the near future.”

- A Metal Finisher

“I thank you so much for the advice and assistance you provided in helping us to properly dispose of the dental materials. Not only did your expertise save me considerable expense but it is gratifying to know that some of the materials will be put to good use. I have shared my appreciation with anyone who will listen; it's always helpful for a governmental agency to get unsolicited good reviews.”

- A Dentist’s Office

“I am writing this letter to express to you what a great help your [OCAPP employee] was in helping us to fill out the OEPA forms for pollution control. He is very patient and helpful. He is extremely knowledgeable in his work and is very good to work with.

I cannot express to you our gratitude for having a man of his ability and personality helping us fill out these forms. With sincere regards, we feel you have an exceptional man in [OCAPP employee].”

- A Stone Products Company

“I would like to thank [OCAPP] for all of its assistance. [OCAPP employee] travelled here several times, as well as to Dayton to meet with RAPCA. [OCAPP employee] has been an outstanding representative for [OCAPP]. [OCAPP employee] was very helpful to me in explaining much of the complicated terminology and procedures of the EPA.”

- A Metal Finishing Company

“Thank you for the wonderful information. I always appreciate your e-mails! Could you please forward your slides on green Chemistry? I have been talking with a Biochemist and leader in Nanotechnology here in Columbus about the potential for Green Chemistry. I think he will find this information useful.”

- A Small Business

Many businesses that have worked with us have said that they were glad they contacted OCAPP and received assistance.  Some examples follow:

“Thank you greatly for being able to help…”

- A State Environmental Association

“Thanks very much for your support

- An Academic Institution

“Thanks a lot! You guys did an outstanding job. You guys really make a difference.”

- A State Agency

“Thank you so much for all your help. What a blessing you are. I appreciate your being so kind and giving me this great info.”

- A State Agency

“She (OCAPP staff person) has been a fantastic partner over the last two years. She was one of the reasons for the conference success and our ability to continue this project. She helped set-up the speakers and the three sessions that were provided. We will be moving the location and are hoping to have 300 employers attend this conference. I would like to thank her for her advice, professionalism and assistance over the past two years. She is an asset to your agency.”

- A State Agency Field Operations Office

“The timeliness of your presentation was excellent and your detailed discussion on the RACT rule and the impact (or potential impact) on them was very clear and concise. I also had several comments from members about your description of available EPA services.”

- A Regional Printing Association

Many businesses that have worked with us have said that they were glad they contacted OCAPP and received assistance. Some examples follow:

“Thanks so much for your time and ensuring other people are responding! Your responses have been the most detailed and helpful so far.”

- A Private Citizen

“Thanks for the lead… I will follow up with your recommendations.”

- A Private Citizen

“Wow, this is amazing! Thank you so much for compiling this information. I can’t wait to start contacting these groups. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this…”

- A Private Citizen

Frito Lay, a snack food manufacturer in Wooster (Wayne County) generated large quantities of wastewater and solid waste in the form of used process water, packaging, scrap metal and other items. Frito Lay has reduced natural gas usage by 4.9 percent, water usage by 25.8 percent, electricity usage by 13.9 percent and solid waste by 22 percent after implementing several process changes suggested by Ohio EPA. Frito Lay saves over $267,000 annually through these efforts. Ohio EPA offers these on-site assessments free of charge to help companies reduce waste and be more competitive.

Masco Builder Cabinet Group, a cabinet manufacturer in Jackson (Jackson County) generated large quantities of hazardous and solid waste in the form of used solvents, coatings, sawdust and industrial wastes. Masco saved over $1.5 million in 2007 and reduced annual emissions by more than 31 million pounds after implementing several process changes suggested by Ohio EPA. Ohio EPA offers these on-site assessments free of charge to help companies reduce waste and be more competitive.

The Office of Compliance Assistance & Pollution Prevention (OCAPP) provides a variety of on-site assistance services to meet your needs in staying in compliance and implementing pollution prevention.

Click HERE.  (You will be taken to a new window.)

Compliance & Prevention Quarterly - OCAPP's Newsletter

Search for Ohio EPA Publications

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Stevenson, Laurie Chief (614) 644-4405
Kelley, Michael Assistant Chief (614) 644-2930

Compliance Assistance

Provides assistance in permitting, regulatory requirements and other environmental compliance activities
Carleski, Rick Air Permitting, Compliance Advisory Panel, New Regulatory Requirements (614) 728-1742
Carney, Jim Air Permitting, New Regulatory Requirements (614) 728-1796
Sowry, Dan Permitting, Regulatory and Onsite Assistance for Central Ohio (614) 728-8575
LaFavre, Adrienne Permitting, Regulatory and Onsite Assistance for Northeast Ohio (330) 963-1250
Nabors, Ron Permitting, Regulatory and Onsite Assistance for Northwest Ohio (419) 373-3147
Pellegrino, Jim Permitting, Regulatory and Onsite Assistance for Southwest Ohio (937) 285-6439
Witte, Ralph Permitting, Regulatory and Onsite Assistance for Southeast Ohio (740) 380-5241

Compliance and Pollution Prevention Assistance

Provides assistance in pollution prevention, sustainability and environmental stewardship

Basting, Frank Green Venues, Food Scrap Recycling, Regulatory Assistance (614) 644-3544
Dong, Howard Pollution Prevention Assistance, Encouraging Environmental Excellence Silver Level, Publications (614) 644-2130
Foulkes, Dave Sustainability, Onsite Pollution Prevention Assistance, Publications (614) 644-3118
Miller, Helen Answer Place, Web Based Training, Marketing Strategy (614) 644-2817
Narotski, Bill Mercury reduction, Onsite Pollution Prevention Assistance, Sustainability (614) 728-1264
Tolentino, Sean Pollution Prevention Assistance, Encouraging Environmental Excellence Bronze Level, P2 Planning (614) 728-3041