My small business was found to be in non-compliance. I feel that I have been treated unfairly by DEP
Enforcement and/or the fines associated with my violations are overly excessive. Where can I go for
assistance?
The WV Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) is a free and independent office which is supposed to safeguard small
business's rights and help them when they have problems with regulatory agencies. The SBO also will step
into situations for qualified small businesses to facilitate and resolve complaints involving DEP personnel.
For assistance with federal agencies, EPA's Office of the Small Business Ombudsman serves as an effective
conduit for small businesses to access EPA and facilitates communications between the small business
community and the Agency. The Office reviews and resolves disputes with EPA and works with EPA personnel to
increase their understanding of small businesses in the development and enforcement of environmental
regulations.
What is a MSDS?
A MSDS, or Material Safety Data Sheet is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the
proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. MSDS's include information such as
physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.) toxicity, health effects, first aid,
reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. These are of particular use
if a spill or other accident occurs. Moreover, they are required to be on-site.