(a)  As used in this section, “small business” has the same meaning as defined by the federal Small Business Administration, except that no stationary source which is a major source, as defined by applicable provisions of the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7661(2)), is a small business.

(b)  The south coast district shall establish a small business technical and compliance assistance program. The program shall include all of the following components:

(1)  Mechanisms for developing, collecting, and coordinating information concerning air quality compliance methods and technologies for small businesses.

(2)  A program which assists small businesses in determining applicable requirements, applying for permits, and petitioning for variances.

(3)  Mechanisms to refer small businesses to qualified compliance auditors, or, at the option of the district, to provide compliance audits of the operations of those businesses.

(4)  Mechanisms to assist small businesses with air pollution control and air pollution prevention by providing information concerning alternative technologies, process changes, products, and methods of operation that reduce air pollution.

(5)  Mechanisms to provide small businesses with information regarding financing for air pollution control equipment.

(6)  Procedures to consider requests of small businesses for modification, as authorized by district regulations, of any work practice or technological method of compliance.

(7)  Programs to encourage lawful cooperation among small businesses and other persons to further compliance with air quality regulations.

(8)  Mechanisms to assure that small businesses receive notice of the assistance available pursuant to this section.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 371, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1993.)