What does environmental compliance entail?
Post date: Oct 22, 2019 5:52:19 PM
Environmental compliance, in general terms, means meeting the requirements of codes, laws, and regulations that serve to protect the environment. In more practical terms, it entails doing your due diligence to make sure that an individual or company doesn’t violate all applicable rules, from managing programs, coming up with related company policies, and immediately dealing with possible contamination, explains public health expert Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP.
Clearly, the term is quite complex, as it involves complying with a wide spectrum of requirements at all levels of government. While EPA regulations are clear, there are other codes that apply specifically to your city, state, and country. There are even others that exist for a particular geographic feature.
It goes without saying that the first step to fully abide by environmental compliance laws is to find out while ones apply to you. This will be more difficult for specialized operations, so it’s best to study each individual permit linked to your industry. From there, ensure that you are complying all the time, accurately, and completely.
The best logistical advice is to thoroughly audit your facility and hire an environmental professional familiar with your industry. Keep in mind that you have no choice in the matter, as failing to do so can lead to severe, business-ruining fines, FBI raids, or even land you in prison, cautions Capt. Martin Sanders.
Captain Martin Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, is a science officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. He has more than 12 years of service in the fields of epidemiology and occupational safety and health. Visit this blog for related posts.
Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.
