News Archives

GPS Metals Selected for 2023 Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award

Written by Jeremy on March 22, 2023. Posted in News, Press Release, Success Stories. Leave a Comment

GPS Metals, a small wholesale processor and broker of non-ferrous scrap metals from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, received the 2023 Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award. This award showcases the accomplishments of a small business in the areas of improving environmental performance, pollution prevention, sustainability, and mentoring.

“With EMAP’s help we were able to preserve 7 full-time, good paying jobs with benefits, and continue to contribute to the community by recycling metal products in a responsible manner.”

GPS Metals worked with EMAP to obtain the necessary air quality permits from the Allegheny County Health Department, eliminate fugitive emissions from their wire chopping operation, then made modifications to eliminate and prevent stormwater runoff, and improved indoor air quality for their employees. In addition, GPS Metals reclaims over 2,400 tons of metallic material annually which diverts this waste from going to a landfill.

*GPS Metals with their 2023 SBEAP Award. Pictured are Tim Nickerson (left), Keith Schultz (middle), and Kyle Schultz (right).*

Extension for Medium and Heavy Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles Grant Program

Written by Jeremy on February 27, 2023. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News. Leave a Comment

DEP anounced it is extending the application deadline for grants through the Driving PA Forward Initiative’s Medium and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program. The deadline for applications has been extended from March 1 to March 31, 2023. The intent of the program is to replace aging diesel vehicles with new zero-emission vehicles to reduce air emissions and improve air quality in Pennsylvania. Model year 1992–2009 Class 4–8 local freight trucks that operate predominantly in Pennsylvania are eligible for replacement. Eligible project vehicles must be replaced with new zero-emission trucks of similar class and vocation. For more information, visit the Driving PA Forward MHD-ZEV Fleet webpage.

Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program Deadline Extension

Written by Jeremy on February 25, 2023. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News. Leave a Comment

DEP announced the extension of the Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program which provides funding to eligible agricultural producers for agricultural energy efficiency projects in Pennsylvania. The program provides rebates to assist agricultural producers with the purchase of light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems, efficient ventilation equipment and efficient milk pumping and cooling equipment. The application deadline is being extended from March 31, 2023, to June 30, 2023.

Last Call for Small Business Advantage Grant Applications

Written by Jeremy on February 24, 2023. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News. Leave a Comment

The 2022-2023 Small Business Advantage Grant Program is still accepting applications but time is running short. Approximately $500,000 remains available for projects that help small businesses increase energy efficiency, reduce pollution, or protect our waterways. Many different types of small businesses, from manufacturing to retail to agriculture, may be eligible for funding under this program. Funding is awarded first-come, first served so interested applicants should act fast! The application deadline for this year is March 24, 2023. All program documents are available on the Small Business Advantage Grant Website.

About the Advantage Grant

The Pennsylvania Small Business Advantage Grant is a program designed to help small businesses in Pennsylvania with 100 or fewer employees purchase energy-efficient equipment or adopt pollution prevention measures. The grant provides funding of up to 50% of the eligible project cost, up to a maximum of $9,500. To be eligible for the grant, businesses must be located in Pennsylvania, have been in operation for at least one year, and be current on all taxes and regulatory requirements. The application process is competitive, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Revised General Permit for Small Combustion Units

Written by Jeremy on February 6, 2023. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates, Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

Pennsylvania DEP revised the General Plan Approval and/or General Operating Permit, commonly known as the GPA/GP-1, for Natural Gas and and No. 2 Oil Fired Small Combustion Units. The issuance of the new permit took effect upon publication of the January 28, 2023 version of the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The primary change of the GPA/GP-1 was to increase the size or rated capacity of the combustion units covered by the general permit from 50 million Btu per hour to 100 million Btu per hour. This new rated capacity of 100 million Btu/hr widens the size range of small combustion units allowed for GPA/GP-1 applications and helps modernize the emissions acceptable under the permitting process. Small business can find copies of the new GP-1 general permit applications, instructions, and additional information here.

EPA Issues Final Risk Evaluation for TCE

Written by Jeremy on January 12, 2023. Posted in News. Leave a Comment

EPA has found that trichloroethylene (TCE) poses and unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. The next step is for EPA to develop a risk management rulemaking to identify and require an implementation of measures to manage these risks.

Next steps on TCE

EPA plans to soon take public comments on risk management actions as they may propose regulations which could prohibit or limit the manufacturing, processing, distribution, use in commercial operations, and disposal of TCE as applicable. Stay tuned for more information. Small businesses can review EPA’s Final Risk Evaluation for TCE or signup to get email alerts via EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act page.

Air Emission Inventory Reports due March 1, 2023

Written by Jeremy on January 11, 2023. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates. Leave a Comment

Small business facilities that are required to submit annual air emissions inventory reports, often referred to as AIMS, need to do so by March 1, 2023. Those small business facilities that asked to report are often classified as Synthetic Minor facilities of air emissions.

How to Report

Paper reporting for Air Emission Statement (AES) reports has been discontinued. Thus, reporting is done through AES Online which one needs to have an account with DEP’s GreenPort to access. Facilities in Allegheny County no longer report their annual emissions using GreenPort as these facilities should now use Allegheny County Health Department’s (ACHD) Regulated Entities Portal (REP).

Reporting Assistance

Pennsylvania DEP has created a booklet of Instructions for Submitting the Air Quality Emission Inventory Reports. In addition, DEP has available an Introductory/Presentation and a Training/FAQ page to help answer questions. Small businesses in Pennsylvania can also contact EMAP for technical assistance.

Residual Waste Biennial Report due March 1, 2023

Written by Jeremy on January 9, 2023. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates. Leave a Comment

Any Pennsylvania small businesses that generated more than 13 tons of residual waste in calendar year 2022 is required to submit the residual waste biennial report by March 1, 2023.

What is “residual waste”?

In Pennsylvania, residual waste is considered any type of waste that is not otherwise considered hazardous or municipal waste. Examples of residual waste include contaminated soil, rubber, glass, industrial equipment, filters, excess grindings and shavings, etc. To help address further questions please see EMAP’s Residual Waste Brochure.

How to submit the Residual Waste Biennial Report

This year, it is being highly encouraged for those who need to submit the report to do so electronically through GreenPort. Small businesses who need to file the residual waste biennial report can access paper copies of the Generator’s Residual Waste Biennial Report for 2022 along with the Instructions Packet by visiting Pennsylvania DEP’s site for the Residual Waste Biennial Report.

Compliance Checklist for Radiation-Producing Machines

Written by Jeremy on January 5, 2023. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates. Leave a Comment

EMAP has created a Radiation-Producing Machines Compliance Checklist intended for small offices and small business owners in Pennsylvania who possess, provide services, or needs to register a radiation-producing machine. The checklist is intended to help these small businesses to comply with registration requirements in the Pennsylvania Code Chapter 216.

EPA Seeking Public Comment on the Inflation Reduction Act

Written by Jeremy on December 21, 2022. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News, Public Comment. Leave a Comment

EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation is seeking public comment on a set of non-regulatory dockets on various programs and grants related to the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. The public, including small businesses, may comment on these dockets through January 18, 2023. More information on this Request for Information can be found here. Topics of the non-regulatory dockets include the following the areas:

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
Funding to Address Air Pollution
Methane Emissions Reduction Program
Funding for Implementation of American Innovation and Manufacturing Act
Low Emissions Electricity Program & Greenhouse Gas Corporate Reporting

Emergency Air Quality Regulation for Existing Conventional Oil & Gas Sources Adopted

Written by Jeremy on November 30, 2022. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates. Leave a Comment

The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) adopted an emergency rule limiting volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and methane emissions from existing conventional oil and gas sources earlier today. The emergency rulemaking establishes the VOC emission limitations for existing conventional oil and gas sources based on Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements consistent with EPA’s recommendations. These sources include natural gas-driven continuous bleed pneumatic controllers, natural gas-driven diaphragm pumps, reciprocating compressors, centrifugal compressors, fugitive emissions components and storage vessels installed at conventional well sites, gathering and boosting stations and natural gas processing plants, as well as storage vessels in the natural gas transmission and storage segment. The rulemaking is final and effective as of December 2, 2022.

Applications for Medium & Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Grants now open

Written by Jeremy on November 28, 2022. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News. Leave a Comment

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for grants through the Driving PA Forward Initiative’s Medium and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program. The deadline for applications is March 1. The intent of the program is to replace aging diesel vehicles with new zero-emission vehicles to reduce air emissions and improve air quality in Pennsylvania. Model year 1992–2009 Class 4–8 local freight trucks that operate predominantly in Pennsylvania are eligible for replacement. Eligible project vehicles must be replaced with new zero-emission trucks of similar class and vocation. For more information, visit the Driving PA Forward MHD-ZEV Fleet webpage.

2023 Dry Cleaner Compliance Calendar Available

Written by Jeremy on November 15, 2022. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates. Leave a Comment

The 2023 Dry Cleaner Compliance Calendar is now available for Pennsylvania dry cleaners. You can access a digital copy here or by visiting EMAP’s page for dry cleaners. Hard copy versions are now available – simply contact EMAP for a print version of the calendar. These environmental compliance calendars contain important record-keeping elements designed to assist Pennsylvania dry cleaners comply with state and federal regulations. It is important for dry cleaners to understand that the calendar, once properly filled out and completed, is an annual record of compliance and should be kept for a period of five (5) years.

Pennsylvania DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Now Open

Written by Jeremy on October 10, 2022. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News. Leave a Comment

Pennsylvania DEP officially opened the Small Business Advantage Grant Program on October 8, 2022.

This grant assists small businesses who are looking to make pollution prevention, energy efficiency, or natural resource conservation projects. Here are some important details on the grant:

- The grant program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and provides matching grants which range from a maximum of 50% or $5,000 up to 80% or $8,000. The variation in grant funding amount is determined by whether the project is located in an environmental justice area, it results in significant environmental savings, or both.

- Eligible projects must save the small businesses with a minimum of $500 per year and at least 20% in annual energy consumption or pollution-related expenses.

- Applications must be submitted online through the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application website. Hardcopy applications will not be accepted.

Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Written by mike on September 17, 2022. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News. Leave a Comment

Pennsylvania DEP is once again offering rebates to farms and agricultural producers in the Commonwealth for energy efficiency projects. The DEP Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program is now open in its second year. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis starting September 17, 2022 through March 31, 2023. Implementing energy efficiency measures is typically one of the easiest ways for any small business, farm, or agricultural operation to reduce operational costs, save money, reduce waste, and do good for the environment. Eligible projects for these rebates include LED lighting, variable frequency drives for milk vacuum pumps, ventilation fans, and refrigeration or cooling equipment. Information on eligibility and rebate amounts can be found here.

Update on Control of VOC Emissions from Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (Stage I & Stage II)

Written by Jeremy on August 19, 2022. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates, Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

UPDATE: Effective on August 20, 2022, Pennsylvania DEP is suspending the enforcement of a specific monitoring requirement – the inspection of the gasoline storage tank automatic tank gauge (ATG) cap. The reason for the suspension is that after a review of the rule’s requirements it was determined that the likelihood of the ATG being compromised is very low and the verification of the ATG status after every gasoline truck delivery can be problematic and difficult to access. Please note that the suspension of this specific monitoring requirement does not affect owners or operators of gasoline dispensing facilities relief from other Stage I & Stage II requirements. Additional information can found in the August 20, 2022 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin which can be found here.

About the Stage I & Stage II Rulemaking

The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board finalized a final-form rulemaking that amends air quality regulations related to the control of VOC emissions at gasoline dispensing facilities. The rulemaking went into effect on March 26th, 2022 and targets Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions during the following situations:

Loading of underground gasoline storage tanks (or Stage I vapor recovery)
Filling of motor vehicles at the pump (or Stage II vapor recovery)
During and after decommissioning of Stage II vapor recovery equipment from gasoline dispensing pumps.

The final-form rulemaking also adds and amends definitions related to Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery systems. A copy of the final preamble and regulation can be accessed here.

What is Stage I Vapor Recovery Systems?

“Stage I” refers to a vapor recovery system that controls the emission of gasoline vapors into the atmosphere during the transfer of gas from a gasoline tank truck to a gasoline storage tank at a Gasoline Dispensing Facility (GDF). A properly operating Stage I vapor recovery system returns vapors to the gasoline tank truck. The equipment and controls of a Stage I system also control the emission of gasoline vapors during the storage of gasoline vapors at a GDF.

What is Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems?

“Stage II” refers to the vapor recovery system that controls the emission of vapors during the transfer of gasoline from a gasoline storage tank at a GDF to a motor vehicle fuel tank. A Stage II vapor recovery system also controls emissions into the the atmosphere of vapors during the storage of gasoline at a GDF. Stage II vapor recovery technology uses special refueling nozzles, dispensing hoses and a system that draws refueling vapors in the Underground Storage Tank (UST). A properly operating Stage II system moves the gasoline vapors from the motor vehicle fuel tank druing the refueling of the vehicle into the UST at the GDF.

Who is Affected by This Rulemaking?

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has finalized regulatory requirements for GDF owners and operators to decommission their Stage II vapor recovery system in 12 counties in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas. The compliance date for the decommissioning of Stage II systems is December 31, 2022.

The 12 Pennsylvania counties include: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bucks, Butler, Chester, Delaware, Fayette, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Washington, and Westmoreland.
Owners and operators are those with gasoline throughputs that exceed at anytime >10,000 gallons per month (or 120,000 gallons per year) and independent small business marketers of gasoline that have a monthly throughput >50,000 gallons per month (or 600,000 gallons per year) in the above mentioned 12 Pennsylvania counties.
Persons performing decommissioning procedures, leak testing, and repairs at gasoline dispensing facilities.

What Happens After Decommissioning Takes Place?

For those entities that need to decommission their Stage II vapor recovery system by December 31, 2022, a notification form needs to be completed and submitted to the appropriate DEP regional office, Allegheny County Health Department, or Philadelphia Air Management Services.

Here is a link to the Stage II Vapor Recovery System Decommissioning Notification Form.

Where Can I Learn More about this Rulemaking?

Pennsylvania DEP has put together a Frequently Asked Questions on their website for Decommissioning Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems at Gasoline Dispensing Facilities. In addition, Pennsylvania small businesses can always contact EMAP for further information and assistance if this rulemaking may affect your small business operation. Simply call EMAP’s toll-free environmental hotline at (877) ASK-EMAP or email us at questions@askemap.org.

EPA Amends NESHAP for RICE and NSPS for ICE

Written by Jeremy on August 18, 2022. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates. Leave a Comment

On August 10, 2022, EPA published a final rule amending the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R) to reflect a 2015 court decision regarding the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) and the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Stationary Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). The court vacated provisions in the regulations specifying that emergency engines could operate for emergency demand response or during periods where there is a deviation of voltage or frequency. To learn more, see EPA’s Fact Sheet or the Final Rule.

Inflation Reduction Act and Small Businesses

Written by Jeremy on August 10, 2022. Posted in News, Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is set to address climate change and other environmental issues that could benefit small businesses. $369 billion in incentives is dedicated to target areas of renewable energy, energy efficient products, and electric vehicles over the next ten years. While the bill is still waiting final approval, you can find summaries of the legislation as well as a summary of investments in climate and equity.

2022 DEP Small Business Advantage Grant

Written by mike on August 8, 2022. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News. Leave a Comment

The Pennsylvania DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant program is opening in August and will soon be accepting applications. This is an excellent way for Pennsylvania small businesses to reduce their environmental impact while reducing operating costs and become more efficient. The Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG) is a grant program providing 50 percent matching grants, up to a maximum of $5,000, to enable a Pennsylvania small business to invest in pollution prevention measures, install energy efficient equipment, or implement natural resource protection projects. Well-designed energy efficient or pollution prevention projects can help small businesses cut costs and reduce the risk of regulatory issues, while simultaneously protecting the environment. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the following:

Energy efficient LED lighting,
High efficiency furnaces, boilers and air conditioners,
Digital X-ray equipment,
Water & waste recycling processes,
Solvent recovery systems,
Agricultural BMPs.

Applications are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pennsylvania businesses with fewer than 100 full-time employees are eligible to apply. Applicants must be for-profit entities located in Pennsylvania and registered with the PA Department of State. Eligible projects must save the applicant a minimum of $500 annually and save operating costs by a minimum of 25%. Applications will be accepted for small businesses to implement solar thermal (hot water) projects. Solar hot water systems must function to serve the hot water needs of the small business. Solar projects generating electricity (PV) are not eligible. CLICK HERE to learn more.

EPA Taking Comments on SNAP Program

Written by Jeremy on July 30, 2022. Posted in News, Public Comment. Leave a Comment

On July 28, 2022, pursuant to the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, EPA proposed to list certain substances as acceptable subject to use conditions in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector for chillers – comfort cooling, residential dehumidifiers, non-residential dehumidifiers, residential and light commercial air conditioning, and heat pumps, and a substance as acceptable subject to use conditions and narrowed use limits in very low temperature refrigeration. Through this action, EPA proposes to establish requirements for electrical air conditioners, heat pumps, and dehumidifiers, laboratory equipment containing refrigerant, safe use of flammable refrigerants, and safe design, construction, installation, and operation of refrigeration systems. In addition, EPA proposes to list certain substances as acceptable subject to use conditions in the fire suppression sector for certain streaming and total flooding uses. EPA requests advance comment on potential approaches to SNAP listing decisions for very short-lived substances that have ozone depletion potentials similar to those of ozone-depleting substances scheduled to be phased out. Comments are due September 12, 2022. Learn more.

EPA SBIR Phase I Now Open for Applications

Written by Jeremy on July 27, 2022. Posted in Funding Opportunities, News. Leave a Comment

EPA has opened up their 2022-2023 SBIR Phase I solicitation. The application period opened on June 15, 2022 and will close on August 23, 2022. A list of topics for small businesses to develop environmental technologies can be found here. Learn more about SBIR and be sure to check out EPA’s recent presentation on this year’s SBIR topics and how to apply.

EMAP Program Manager reappointed to DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee

Written by Jeremy on July 18, 2022. Posted in News, Press Release. Leave a Comment

On July 7th, 2022, EMAP Program Manager, Jeremy Hancher, was reappointed to the Pennsylvania DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee by Governor Tom Wolf for four years. In this role as a committee member, Mr. Hancher helps review proposed and existing regulations and programs that may affect small businesses, assists to assure such regulations are written in clear and understandable terms, and advises DEP of the small business perspective on air quality issues.

Commenting on his reappointment Mr. Hancher noted the following, “It is with profound excitement to continue to serve on this very important committee and help be a voice for Pennsylvania small businesses. I am honored with the responsibilities bestowed by Governor Wolf to continue this service to the small businesses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

The Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee was mandated by the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and fulfills the federal mandate as outlined in Section 507 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Meetings of the committee are held quarterly and are open to the public.

EPA seeks small business input on proposed TSCA rule

Written by Jeremy on July 13, 2022. Posted in News, Press Release, Public Comment. Leave a Comment

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking for small businesses to participate on a panel that will focus on the development of a proposed rule that will focus on potential risks from existing chemicals. This rule will collect data in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation and risk management process. To learn more about this opportunity please see this recently published press release by EPA. Small business self-nominations may be submitted through this link and must be received by July 20, 2022.

EMAP Receives 2022 National Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Excellence Award

Written by mike on May 20, 2022. Posted in News, Press Release, Success Stories. Leave a Comment

The National Steering Committee (NSC) of Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAPs) & Small Business Ombudsmen (SBO) have selected the Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) of Widener University with the 2022 Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Excellence Award. This award category recognizes exemplary performance of a state SBEAP in the areas of compliance assistance, sustainability, advocacy, and collaboration at the national level. The SBEAP Excellence Award emphasizes program leadership where they have created resources and work products, promoted policy advancements, developed program innovations, and established new partnerships to build a strong network of small business assistance. Since 1997, EMAP has provided free and confidential environmental technical assistance to the small business community in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Headquartered at Widener University in the School of Business Administration on Widener’s main campus located in Chester, Pennsylvania, EMAP services are available throughout the entire network of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) to any Pennsylvania small business seeking assistance with issues of air quality and environmental compliance. The EMAP team, which includes Lee Ann Briggs, Jeremy Hancher, Charles Haney, and Carrie Wintersteen, was chosen by the SBEAP/SBO for their involvement and leadership with the National Steering Committee, the Technical and Annual Training Subcommittees, and the Environmental Justice Workgroup. In addition, EMAP was recognized for performing small business analyses on several Pennsylvania air quality rulemakings, for collaborating with the SBDCs and the Pennsylvania DEP Small Business Ombudsman to conduct in-person workshops and virtual webinars on environmental resources, and in partnering with other Pennsylvania stakeholder organizations and trade associations. Since 2018, EMAP Program Manager Jeremy Hancher has served as an appointee from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee (SBCAC). This committee provides timely feedback on Pennsylvania air quality regulations and proposed rulemakings, environmental policies and programs, and represents the perspectives and challenges faced by Pennsylvania small businesses. Dale Kaplan, owner of Kaplan’s Careful Cleaners and long-time Chair of the SBCAC, commented on EMAP services and having received the award by saying, “I have been with the DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee for 26 years and EMAP has stepped up to the plate, the whole team, along with the 16 SBDC universities across the state and have served small businesses in a way that is really phenomenal. You deserve what you are getting, thank you.” Several EMAP small business clients have received National SBEAP small business awards of their own including Pennsylvania small businesses Abilene Boot Company in 2022, Dent Design Hardware in 2021, Gate 7 LLC in 2020, and Pik Rite, Inc. in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, EMAP continued to be a reliable and steady presence to Pennsylvania small businesses needing environmental assistance and support. EMAP even pivoted during the early stages of COVID to utilize its connections within the Pennsylvania SBDC to provide firsthand knowledge of economic opportunities so that small businesses could access small business grants and low-interest loans related to COVID related shutdown orders. Always looking to better assist Pennsylvania small businesses in any way they can, the EMAP team recently surveyed their small business clients that received technical assistance in 2021. One small business noted the following in the survey:

“I’ve worked with EMAP for many years. The services they provide to small businesses are exceptional. I have and will continue to work with and support EMAP and continue to recommend and refer them to others as well.”

Abilene Boot selected for the 2022 Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award

Written by Jeremy on May 19, 2022. Posted in News, Press Release, Success Stories. Leave a Comment

The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAPs) & Small Business Ombudsmen (SBO) have recognized Abilene Boot Company with the 2022 Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award.

This small boot manufacturer and EMAP client, Abilene Boot Company, based in Somerset, Pennsylvania, received this prestigious award for its accomplishments in the areas of improving environmental performance, pollution prevention, and sustainability. Abilene Boot was recognized for working with EMAP in evaluating the company’s air quality compliance for its operations. This includied reviewing their natural minor operating permit, looking at coating and adhesives usage, calculating their air quality emissions, and quantifying VOCs and HAPs for the small manufacturing operation. Read More

Control of VOC Emissions from Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (Stage I & Stage II)

Written by Jeremy on May 11, 2022. Posted in News, Regulatory Updates. Leave a Comment

Loading of underground gasoline storage tanks (or Stage I vapor recovery)
Filling of motor vehicles at the pump (or Stage II vapor recovery)
During and after decommissioning of Stage II vapor recovery equipment from gasoline dispensing pumps.

The final-form rulemaking also adds and amends definitions related to Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery systems. A copy of the final preamble and regulation can be accessed here.