D&S Shavings, a Pennsylvania-based animal bedding company, faced environmental challenges related to air quality emissions. With assistance from EMAP and the SBDC, owner Dave Hicks successfully obtained the necessary permits and approvals for expanding his operations, ensuring compliance and sustainability for the business.
Animal Bedding Solutions
Established in 2006 and located in Mifflintown, PA, Juniata County, D&S Shavings produces quality animal bedding solutions for horses, livestock, and outdoor pets. Owner and operator, Dave Hicks, was referred to theEnvironmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) and the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in 2016 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) due to air quality emissions as a result of the small business operation.
Expansion Plans
Dave was looking to install a second log shaving and dryer process line to his already existing process line. Based on equipment size, it was determined that D&S Shavings needed to submit a Plan Approval application for the existing and new process line, as well as an environmental air quality application for a State Only Operating Permit (SOOP), once the equipment was fully operational. Thus, EMAP conducted an onsite assessment and assisted Dave with the preparation, completion, and submission of the Plan Approval which also included emission calculations and a review into Best Available Technology (BAT).
Permission Granted
The Plan Approval was submitted to DEP in March 2016 and approved in July 2016. The Plan Approval allowed a 180-day shakedown period. Since D&S Shavings needed more time to get the new process line installed and operational, EMAP assisted with preparing a Plan Approval extension application.Once both process lines were fully operational, EMAP assisted Dave with preparing and submitting a natural minor State Only Operating Permit application package to DEP in August 2017. Dave received the final SOOP on October 24, 2017. The permit was issued for a five (5) year period expiring October 31, 2022.In 2022, EMAP assisted in preparing the operating permit renewal application. The renewal was submitted to DEP March 16, 2022. The new SOOP was issued to D & S Shavings on September 19, 2022 for another five-year period.
Reflecting Back
“I certainly could not have done the permit applications without EMAP’s assistance. I am eternally grateful to both Lee Ann and Carrie of EMAP. You have been professional, timely, and very knowledgeable!” – Dave Hicks, D&S Shavings
Jeremy Hancher
Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC. He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management. He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.
