Clearing the air about environmental permits.

IF a small business--a dry cleaner, a furniture maker or a service station--uses certain chemicals or equipment that emit air contaminants, fine particulate matter or toxic substances, the Air Quality Management District requires a permit. Sam Atwood, spokesperson for the AQMD, described the application process.

"Small businesses typically do not have staff dealing exclusively with air quality compliance, unlike big companies. There is an air quality permit checklist for small businesses on AQMD's Web site.

"If they need a permit they should call the small business assistance phone number. Companies can use the expertise offered to them free of cost at AQMD.

"A business owner or representative can request to be walked through the application process line by line. On-site consultation is also available for companies with 100 employees or less and less than $5 million in annual receipts."

"The first thing to be checked is if the company meets the definition of a small business as defined by state law. If they have 10 employees or less and $500,000 or less in annual receipts, then they satisfy the conditions to be a small business and their permit application fee is reduced by 50 percent.

"Along with the application form and fee, the small business has to turn in two things. One is a list of the number and the types of equipment that they use. For example, if they use dry cleaning machines or char-broilers, that has to be specified along with the number. Second is the type of work undertaken at the small business, including the number of hours the equipment is operated and the amount of fuel consumption, or if an internal combustion engine is being used.

"The AQMD has engineering staff that reviews the applications to make sure that the best air pollution control devices are being used by the company.

"A permit has to be renewed annually and small businesses need to be aware of that. They should also know that if they add a new piece of equipment or modify an existing one, they need to file for a new permit or a permit modification, depending on each individual case. There are specific rules for specific equipment. Many permits have conditions to minimize any potential for nuisance or odors."

Case Study is a feature in which experts offer advice on the various challenges that small-business owners often encounter. If you face an issue or challenge you think applies to others as well, please contact the Business Journal at [e-mail].