The Oregon DEQ Air Quality Small Business Assistance Program provides technical assistance to address and prevent air quality violations at unpermitted or small sources. The program helps small businesses understand what permitting requirements apply to their industry sector and find practical, cost-effective solutions to their environmental concerns.
The Small Business Coordinator works with trade associations, interest groups, suppliers and business owners with 100 or fewer employees. The program also represents the needs of small business in regulations across industry sectors and ensure that small business interests are represented during DEQ's rulemaking.
View the Small Business Assistance Program Tips and Guidance page.
If you have questions regarding a pending or existing permit, please contact your
DEQ Regional Permit Writer.
ORS 468A.330
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has created a Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, in line with section 507 of the Clean Air Act, to support businesses as they navigate the impacts of the federal operating permit program. This program includes all the required elements outlined in section 507(a) of the Clean Air Act.
Under section 507(c) of the Clean Air Act, a small business is defined as one that:
- Has 100 or fewer employees
- Meets the definition of a small business according to the Small Business Act
- Is not a major source of air pollution
- Emits less than 50 tons of any regulated pollutant per year
- Emits less than 75 tons of all regulated pollutants combined per year.
Most Oregon businesses meet these criteria and can receive help from DEQ's Business Assistance Program. This program provides technical and educational information to help businesses manage their emissions and comply with air quality regulations and permits.
For more information on the federal requirements of the Clean Air Act, see 42 CFR 7661f.
CAO regulates toxic air emissions from industrial and commercial facilities based on local health risks. Small businesses can get help with:
- Reporting emissions
- Health risk assessments
- Reducing risks if levels exceed health standards
New facilities must complete a CAO risk assessment before getting a DEQ air permit. Existing facilities will be phased in over time. CAO offers personalized assistance to help small businesses reduce costs and comply with the program.
Cleaner Air Oregon Technical Assistance
You can use AQ Permits Online to search for any permit in DEQ's database. This tool allows you to find and compare permits from other businesses. Check similar operations to help determine what type of permits your business may need.
Stay informed about upcoming air quality rulemakings that may impact your industry. Use this page to track proposed rules, understand potential changes, and learn how to participate in the process.
DEQ's Clean Air Act State Implementation Plan ensures that facilities are meeting air quality standards. To comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), DEQ issues permits that enforce these standards.
Starting June 9, 2021, new facilities applying for Simple or Standard Air Contaminant Discharge Permits must include short-term NAAQS modeling in their applications.
To learn more, visit the DEQ NAAQS Requirement site.
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