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Avoid litigation via environmental compliance

On Behalf of | Feb 3, 2022 | Construction Litigation |

Planning and breaking ground on a new construction or development project is exciting. However, if you are a property owner or developer, your enthusiasm must not interfere with environmental compliance, or you could put your project and profit at risk.

Learn about the applicable state, local and federal environmental laws from the outset. Failing to comply can result in hefty fines and penalties. Even worse, you become vulnerable to lawsuits. Avoid litigation by addressing these actions before, during and after construction.

Permits

Obtaining the required permits for your construction process is imperative if you want to stay out of court. Some permits seek to control environmental impact. You should assess and acquire the permits you will need long before construction begins to prevent unanticipated delays.

Subcontractor compliance

If your general contractor hired subcontractors who failed to comply with environmental regulations, the resulting litigation could delay your project. Whether you initiate the lawsuit or get caught on the sidelines of a dispute between contractors, delays impact your bottom line. Communicate your goals in writing and hold your team accountable to minimize litigation risk and keep your project on track.

Discharge and disposal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates the discharge of stormwater and wastewater and also disposal of certain scrap material, including refrigerants. State and local municipalities may have additional discharge or disposal regulations. Failing to properly clean up your site leaves you vulnerable to monetary liability and lawsuits.

Every municipality will have its own environmental regulations. Make sure you understand these local requirements to reduce your litigation risk and reap the benefits of your new property.