On-Site Compliance Assistance

Free and confidential on-site compliance assessments are one of the services the Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention (OCAPP) offers to small business owners (100 employees or less). To help small businesses know how to prepare for and what can be expected during a site visit, the following outlines some of the most frequently asked questions about on-site assessments.

Why should I have an on-site compliance assessment?

The purpose of an on-site compliance assessment is to help small businesses understand the operating requirements, permitting and other paperwork procedures that must be followed under our state's environmental rules. Recommendations provided by OCAPP staff will give business owners a better understanding of how to continue operating their business to maintain compliance with the regulations.

Small business owners that have participated in the on-site visits often have had little or no experience with Ohio EPA. These businesses usually need help with environmental regulations, including completing permit application forms. Small businesses that have already participated in the program have said that they were glad they contacted the OCAPP and received assistance.

The OCAPP staff conducts the compliance assistance visits under the program's confidentiality procedures. This means that information gathered during the on-site visit will not be shared with agency inspection or enforcement staff. Additionally, there is no charge to the company for the on-site visit.

What are the benefits in participating in the program?

Benefits to receiving a compliance assistance visit and in working with the OCAPP on environmental issues include:

• Helps to protect worker health and safety
• Reduce future environmental liability and potential for noncompliance penalties
• Be better prepared for future Ohio EPA inspections that may occur at the company
• Identify ways to save money and increase efficiency through pollution prevention
• Preserve the environment for future generations

How do I request an on-site compliance assessment?

A small business owner can call the OCAPP at (800) 329-7518 or (614) 644-3469 to get more information about the process or to request a compliance assessment.

Remember that your contact with the OCAPP will be confidential. If you call the OCAPP with additional questions and decide that you are not interested in receiving on-site help, your inquiry will not be turned over to inspection or enforcement staff.