Minnesota technical assistance program

Technical assistance is available for existing and new businesses that seek to improve environmental performance and prevent pollution. Skip to main content. Waste Preventing waste and pollution Resources for businesses Technical assistance MPCA programs Technical assistance is available for existing and new businesses that seek to improve environmental performance and prevent pollution. Small Business Environmental Assistance Program provides free, confidential, environmental assistance to small businesses.

Minnesota RETAP employs skilled, retired professionals to provide no-cost, non-regulatory facility assessments to small businesses and public and private institutions. Environmental Audit Program encourages industries, businesses, and governments to examine how well a facility's operations are complying with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, and correct any problems that are identified. This annual report highlights the results from our summer internship program.

Keeping vehicles running requires the use of an engine degreaser or brake cleaner; unfortunately, most brake cleaners contain chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment. This project demonstrated two safer alternatives for degreasing. The purpose of this project was to work with mechanical wastewater treatment plants and wastewater pond sites to identify low and no-cost strategies to achieve better treatment for nutrient pollution.

Although Minnesota is a leader in air quality, air pollution is still a concern in our state. Reducing VOC emissions has positive health impacts for your employees, the general population, and potentially your bottom line.

Your company is still paying twice for water; once for the water provided to your facility and once for the amount of water you are discharging to the local wastewater treatment facility.

Assessments include an on-site visit to your facility from a team of RETAP members with emphasis on finding opportunities to increase energy efficiency and water conservation, reduce waste, and reduce operating costs.

Recommendations may be simple behavior changes, maintenance improvements, or more complicated retrofits. While you are under no obligation to implement the recommendations, a high percentage of surveyed clients do. Since , more than businesses and institutions—including dry cleaners, coffee shops, and fire stations—have benefited from RETAP assessments.