4 Environmental Regulations Every Business Should Know
When you are starting a business, you need to be conversant with all the relevant laws and regulations so that you do not find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Depending on the kind of business you are venturing into,you will need certain types of permits and state licenses. One of these licenses and permits has to do with environmental conservation. Lately, all kinds of pollution have been on the rise. These include air and water pollution. As a business, the law will require you to abide by certain rules to ensure environmental conservation. Below are some environmental regulations which may apply to your business.
- Clean Water Act
If your business emits polluted water or operates near wetlands, waterbodies, or municipal sewers, you should meet certain state, federal, and local permit requirements.You may also need to ensure that you treat the water you are releasing to water bodies to avoid contamination. If your business is located in New Braunfels and its environs, you can contact New Braunfels water softener for your purification needs.
- Clean Air Act
If your business is likely to emit polluted air, you need an operating permit for that. Sources of air pollution include incineration units, glass and chemical manufacturing, and some types of metal processing. Permits issued clarify what businesses need to do to control air emission. You needa lawyer to spell out the emissionthresholds you should meet and how to obtainthe required permit.
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
The above is a federal program used to manage all manner of waste and includes regulations on generating transporting, treating, and deposinghazardous wastes. Hazardous waste is waste which can cause a substantialthreat to people or the environment. This kind of waste can be generated from places such as industries and hospitals. Examples of hazardous wastes are corrosives, explosives, radioactives, or inflammable substances.
- Endangered Species Act
If your business directly or indirectly affects endangered or threatened animals, you need a permit of operation from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service or the wildlife agency in your state. Species can either be listed as threatened, meaning that they run the risk of significant population decline or endangered, in that they have fallen to significantly low levels and risk extinction.
Businesses dealing with automotive, metalwork, chemical and agricultural production are among the most obvious types which need to adhere to environmental regulations. Other types of businesses that may not be easily pointed out include printing and dry-cleaning businesses.
Seeking legal redress
Talk to a lawyer to ensure that your business complieswith set environmental lawsto avoid litigation. Knowing your business responsibilities concerning the environment will help you prepare beforehand. For example, if your business produces of a lot of waste, you can find ways to prevent or reduce waste generation.
For more information on your responsibility as a business to ensure environmental conservation, you can visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.