Vol. 5 No. 2 Fall 1997
A Newsletter About New Jersey's Water Quality Programs

Small businesses in New Jersey interested in avoiding future environmental and regulatory problems can get on-site help -- often without fear of fines -- under a new state program to increase compliance with New Jersey’s environmental regulations.

The program can have surprising results: one of the first firms to participate learned it no longer needed one of its state permits, saving thousands in associated costs and fees.

As part of the state’s new approach to environmental management, the DEP has launched a voluntary program to help small businesses and municipalities understand and comply with environmental regulations.

The program, called "greenstart," helps businesses identify, understand and comply with applicable DEP regulations. Under the program, a small business or local government can request a site visit from DEP staffers who will review the facility’s environmental practices regarding air and water pollution controls, hazardous waste management and release prevention, and discuss ways to achieve compliance.

"Environmental regulations have become increasingly complex, and small entities typically have fewer resources available to interpret the regulations. Thus, they may have trouble complying despite their good faith efforts. Greenstart addresses this obstacle because participation is free and enables small businesses and local governments to better understand what is required of them," said Assistant Commissioner Marlen Dooley.

The program has been in effect for about six months. To date, five businesses and six municipalities have signed up. The program is an outgrowth of the DEP’s new Office of Compliance Assistance, established by Commissioner Robert C. Shinn, Jr. last year. Patterned after a similar program at the state Department of Labor, greenstart represents a relatively new concept among state environmental agencies.

Under greenstart, penalties are waived if the necessary improvements are made within approximately six months, with certain exceptions including serious offenses such as criminal activity, repeat offenses, or those causing significant environmental or human harm.

For the purposes of this program, a small business is defined as having 100 or fewer employees. Eligible municipalities must have a population of 10,000 or less. For more information or to obtain an application, call DEP’s Office of Compliance Assistance at (609) 633-0727.