The state Department of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with trade associations and other agencies, is sponsoring a series of workshops for dry cleaners, automotive retailers, auto body shops and auto repair businesses to help promote compliance with environmental regulations.

The workshops will offer the opportunity to ask questions about regulatory requirements and learn how to avoid violations and penalties through a better understanding of the underground storage tank regulations, right-to-know laws, hazardous waste regulations, air permitting rules, stormwater and wastewater regulations, the County Environmental Health Act and other environmental laws.

Identical evening workshops for dry cleaners will be held May 27 at Douglass College in New Brunswick, and June 3 at Montclair State University in Upper Montclair. Both are free and run from 6 - 9:30 p.m.

A workshop for the auto body and repair business owners and managers will be held 7 p.m. June 16 in conjunction with the Garden State Automotive Federation meeting at the English Manor in Wanamassa.

Identical workshops for automotive retailers will be held June 22 at Montclair State University and June 24 at the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers headquarters in Trenton. Both are free and will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

"DEP has a number of programs to enhance compliance with the state's environmental regulations, and we appreciate the assistance of the trade organizations and others who are helping to raise awareness through partnership initiatives such as these workshops," said DEP Commissioner Bob Shinn.

Cosponsors include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New Jersey Commerce & Economic Growth Commission, the Neighborhood Cleaners Association, the Korean-American Cleaners Association of New Jersey, the Garden State Automotive Federation and the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers.

"It's clear that companies want to comply with applicable regulations, but what's applicable isn't always so clear," said DEP Deputy Commissioner Mark Smith. "Many small businesses do not always have the resources needed to guide them. These workshops are just one way our Small Business Assistance Program can help them identify and conform with pertinent environmental laws and regulations."

To register or for more information, call Chuck McCarty of the DEP Small Business Assistance Program at 1-888-753-1151 or 609-292-3600.