RISK MANAGEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR OPERATION IS BEING CONSTRUCTED?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Nearly forty years after the Clean Water Act (CWA) was passed, we’ve come a long way in our understanding of the strength and fragility of our water resources, and the impact that our actions or inactions can have on them. Though the regulatory systems are in place and the best management practices (BMPs) are plentiful, successfully managing risk in environmental compliance remains a constant concern. Fortunately, the rules to environmental compliance are simple: half of it is paperwork and the other half is maintenance. If you take an organized and balanced approach to compliance, you should keep risk at bay, and avoid enforcement action. However, remember that no matter how thoroughly you prepare for a construction project, you may still encounter unexpected situations requiring environmental knowledge and understanding. As you start to plan your operation, you should take the time to stop and consider the risk associated with your project. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consider...