Know the Long and the Short of How to Meet EPA Rules

Question: I run a couple of auto repair shops and because we handle paint, solvents, oil and other chemicals, we have to file a lengthy EPA form that makes the U.S. Tax Code look simplistic. I’ve heard about possible relief on this front, but haven’t seen anything.

What’s up?

— FORMED OVER

Answer: Under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, a neighborhood auto repair shop — and other small businesses that handle possible pollutants — must file the same lengthy set of forms as a giant oil refinery. And for years there’s been an outcry over this imbalance.

But in a New Year’s nod to small business, the EPA has decided to change reporting requirements under the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program.

Effective early this year, smaller firms will be allowed to use a much shorter form to meet this EPA requirement.

TRI requires all businesses that possess certain chemical substances (the list includes hundreds) to file an annual report detailing how those substances were used, released or disposed of, even if they were recycled. The one-size-fits-all approach effectively punished small firms even if they were diligent in their environmental stewardship.

But TRI is only one of many environmental compliance issues that small businesses face. By law, business owners must ensure that their workplaces do not pose environmental and health hazards. Spills, leaks, improper dumping of materials and other missteps can lead to big fines.

EPA takes a special look at businesses in a long list of industries, including auto servicing, construction, dry cleaning, electronics, food, furniture, medical, pest control, printing, retail, plastics and many others. But it’s not always easy for small businesses to know what the EPA considers an environmental risk or hazard.

The resources, at right, can help your business stay in compliance with environmental laws, save energy and stay on the front lines of helping keep your community clean and green.

Daniel Kehrer is editor at Business.com, a business search engine. Kehrer, based in Pacific Palisades, also has worked as a business journalist for 25 years. E-mail questions to: dkehrer@business.com or send to Daniel Kehrer c/o Daily Breeze, Business section, 5215 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503- 4077.Resource roundup

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