Gene A. DelVecchio Program Analyst Office of External Affairs Department of Environmental Protection Phone: 717-772-8951
What Does the Small Business Ombudsman Do?
Serves as the primary advocate for small businesses within the Department of Environmental Protection;
Serves as the DEP spokesperson to the small business community;
Assists small businesses in realizing the potential cost savings of pollution prevention versus pollution control;
Reviews pending regulations and ensures that the impact on small businesses is considered;
Investigates complaints from small businesses about DEP;
Provides confidential assistance to small businesses within the commonwealth needing help with environmental issues;
Reports annually to the Governor and the U.S. EPA regarding the performance of the Small Business Assistance Program;
Provides compliance assistance and pollution prevention pamphlets and fact sheets for small businesses;
Provides information to small businesses needing financial assistance to implement pollution prevention practices and comply with environmental regulations;
By law the ombudsman cannot reveal to DEP the identity of any company that contacts the office without the company's permission. All contacts are kept strictly confidential.
