HazWaste Quarterly – Maintaining Compliance During COVID-19

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 04/24/2020 03:48 PM CDT

April 2020

COVID-19 information for businesses

Ramsey County has resources to support businesses through the economic impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. For employee and customer social distancing posters in multiple languages and more, please visit our website.

Compliance self-assessments coming

Like many businesses, Ramsey County is adapting the way work is done due to COVID-19 response. We have suspended Hazardous Waste inspections for the safety of our employees and our businesses.

Some businesses (based on business activity) will be contacted by their inspectors, and asked to fill out a self-assessment survey. Inspectors will use the self-assessment to help businesses maintain compliance with hazardous wastes rules remotely. Inspectors will not make physical inspections until further notice. Compliance self-assessments will be sent out to generators based on business activity.

Please contact your inspector with questions.

Payment plans now offered for hazardous waste licenses

Ramsey County recognizes many businesses may be struggling with difficult economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We recently sent out fee statements for your hazardous waste generator licenses. Payment plans are available for license fees. If you would like to enroll in a payment plan, please contact Katie Keller at 651-266-1194.

Virtual training opportunity

Due to the current situation with COVID 19, we are exploring ways we can provide free online training to businesses we serve. Our goal is to have this training available in June, however, this is subject to change.

At this training you will gain tools you need to maintain compliance with hazardous waste regulations. We will take you through the 10 steps to compliance, from waste evaluation and storage to manifesting and emergency planning.

Learn more or sign up to be notified when training is available.

MPCA emission reduction grants due date extended to May 29

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from common solvent and coating products contribute to poor air quality where we live and work. MPCA grants are now open for businesses to switch to alternative solvent and coating products and/or equipment.

The most cost-effective projects will score highest. Additional preference will be given to projects located in areas of concern for environmental justice, small businesses and organizations, and small organizations that are veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged, or a targeted group business based on ownership. MPCA also offers no interest loans to eligible small businesses.

Review grant materials, application, and Q&A on the MPCA website.

Additional grant opportunity: Business pollution prevention program

In partnership with Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, Ramsey County is launching the Business Pollution Prevention grant program. The Business Pollution Prevention Program helps businesses reduce the use of chemicals and processes that pose an environmental or health risk. Participating businesses receive free technical assistance and up to $50,000 to help them switch to safer alternatives.

The program currently focuses on businesses that use perchloroethylene (PERC) or chemicals containing or producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as some dry cleaners, auto body shops, industrial painters, and printers. Does this describe your business? We’d love to assist you in making a change that will benefit your employees, your neighbors, and may also reduce the cost of meeting some hazardous waste requirements.

Please note businesses are able to apply for both the MPCA grant for emissions (as mentioned above) and the Business Pollution Prevention Program as long as they meet the criteria for both grants. MPCA small business loans may be used toward the business’ cost sharing for this grant.

Visit our website or contact Leslie Duling McCollam to get started.

Common storage violations and practical compliance options

Ramsey County inspection staff enforce the same hazardous waste generator regulations that apply state wide. The most common violations that inspectors encounter may be easily corrected and relatively inexpensive to maintain.