Why and When do I need Environmental Permits?

Environmental Laws require you obtain an Environmental Permit when disposing of hazardous waste, emitting or discharging a pollutant in the water or air, or operate in certain regulated activities.  The permit can be issued by local, state, or the federal government, however the permits are typically issued by state government.  There are many different types of Environmental Permits, but some of the most common are wetlands, endangered species, clean air permits, RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) permits.  Permits can also very widely based on the state in which you are working. 

The Clean Air Act has three main areas for permits: operating, preconstruction and acid rain.  The Operating Permit is typically issued to large sources or air pollution and streamlines the way local, state, and federal authorities regulate by condensing requirements into an encompassing operating permit.  The single source of the Environmental Protection Agency ensures all aspects are up to date, as well as being easier to find, understand and comply with.  The Preconstruction Permits serve as mandates for what construction is permissible, any limits that must be met by emissions, and typically how to operate the emission sources.  Finally the Acid Rain Permit requires compliance with two types of emissions to mitigate the cause of acid rain. 

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulates and ensures the safe treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste.  Each phase must be completed within strict guidelines issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The process tracks hazardous waste through procedures, reports and forms from the time it was produced, until the waste is transported to an off-site management facility that will treat, store, and dispose of the hazardous waste.

Endangered Species Act regulates activities that affect endangered and threatened species.  Permits allow for a certain amount of interaction with the environment these species live in.  A safe harbor agreement could be reached, which encourages the owner of the land to tack specific actions to benefit the species; and in exchange, will not be subjected to additional regulator restrictions.  Another type of permit allows a foster program to allow for scientific research to be done to better understand the species and implement solutions to reduce the risks to the species.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for why Environmental Permits are needed and when they are used.  Contact an Environmental Consulting Service in your area by clicking here to take the next step in the permitting process.