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Small Business Assistance Program

The Air Quality Program offers services to qualified small businesses to help them become familiar with air quality regulations and navigate the processes for permit applications and permit compliance. The Small Business Assistance Program is federally-mandated by Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.

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Here to Help

Today's air quality regulations are extensive and complex, and penalties for non-compliance can be expensive. The Air Quality Small Business Assistance Program can help you determine which air quality regulations apply to your operations and whether your business needs an air quality permit.

The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Program established the Small Business Assistance Program to educate and provide assistance to qualified small businesses that emit regulated air contaminants in order to help them better understand federal air regulations and maintain compliance with their air quality permits, when applicable. The services of the Small Business Assistance Program are free and confidential for qualified businesses.

Our goal is to help qualified small businesses to maintain regulatory compliance through technical assistance, education, and guidance, without the utilization of violations or monetary penalties.

Pursuant to 20.11.2.7(P) NMAC, a “qualified small business” must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Has 100 or fewer employees
  • Is a small business concern as defined by the federal Small Business Act (independently owned and operated and not dominant in its field of operation)
  • Emits less than 50 tons per year of any individual regulated air pollutant, or less than 75 tons per year of all regulated air pollutants combined
  • Is not a major source or major stationary source

Small Business Assistance Program Services

Participants in the program receive guidance on business operations that are subject to federal and local air quality laws and regulations. The program provides guidance in both technical and general areas of compliance.

  • Determine if your business and activities are subject to air quality regulations
  • Assist with air quality source registration and permit application submittals
  • Conduct site visits for air quality permit compliance assistance
  • Provide information on regulatory compliance and enforcement actions
  • Assist with emission inventory reporting and recordkeeping

Remember, an official inspection can happen at any time. A small business compliance consultation visit does not influence the inspection schedule of the Air Quality Program enforcement staff and will not prevent future unscheduled enforcement inspections.

Get Started

If you need assistance or if you have questions about federal and/or local air quality regulations, please contact the Air Quality Small Business Assistance Program by phone at 505-768-1972, or email [email protected]