It is Better to Work with the NJDEP Than Against It
The New Jersey Department of Environment Protection (NJDEP) ensures that the Garden State’s environment is safe, clean, enjoyable, and maintained for the coming generations. They continuously build a nationally recognized organization that enables dedicated and well-trained professionals to do their duty appropriately, resulting in environmental stewardship and compliance at the regulated facilities.
The NJDEP mandates hundreds of environmental laws and regulations. Violators will have to pay hefty fees or face charges depending on the severity of their non-compliance. According to the NJDEP’s Compliance and Enforcement group, their inspectors conduct more than 24,000 compliance inspections each year and release 6,000 enforcement actions.
The NJDEP has also initiated a stewardship program to foreground Environmental Management as part of its compliance guarantee efforts. This drive is accessible to all the members of the regulated community.
This movement relays information and resources to motivate stewardship. Presently, companies that the NJDEP inspects for compliance will be the ones to answer the survey throughout the inspection process. The environmental stewardship program’s goal is to encourage regulated entities to improve their environmental performance beyond the minimum requirements of existing rules and regulations.
Engineering Firms
Engineering companies that deliver extensive engineering services for institutional, residential, commercial, manufacturing, and association properties must be well-acquainted and abide by the regulations set by NJDEP. Engineers must first perform a physical inspection of the site before proceeding on doing the project. They must review important records from the location, and interview knowledgeable staff. Engineers must do this to identify the environmental conditions related to the location or the property and the environmental risk they entail. Engineering firms must be well-versed in and have comprehensive knowledge of air and water pollution control systems.
Moreover, they must be experienced with working with different state and local regulatory agencies for acquiring applicable permits for air and water allocation, usage, discharge, connections, and other water-based systems. Engineering firms should be adept in Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Plans (SPCC) regarding oil projects. Following this, NJDEP requires facilities to maintain their storage tanks properly and they must be monitored and repaired if needed. They can provide annual compliance reviews of facilities and determine that staff are completing the proper documentation, inspection, and maintenance of tanks.
Engineering firms offer annual regulatory compliance audits to assure that companies’ facilities comply with the current standards and permit conditions. They prepare letters, statements, and reports regarding environmental regulations set by the NJDEP.
Non-compliance with NJDEP
Many companies and new entrepreneurs can see environmental stewardship practice and compliance to NJDEP regulations as a huge expense that bears little fruit when it comes to revenue and profit. Consequently, some business owners disregard NJDEP permit compliance preferring to spend the permit compliance monies on other business needs.
Still, the continuous operations of a company without complying with NJDEP regulations mean that they are operating unlawfully. Doing without the expertise from licensed professional engineers who are experienced in processes required by NJDEP will eventually cost them fines that are more expensive than getting permit compliance in the first place. These non-compliant firms might also face other penalties, which can cease their companies’ operations permanently.
Edge in Working with NJDEP
Here are some of the advantages when companies work with the NJDEP.
- Environmental Sustainability
NJDEP rules and regulations order all businesses in New Jersey to follow the standard in the emission of air pollutants, sustainable use of farmland and spaces, and disposal of toxic waste and materials. This puts the responsibility on companies in conserving natural resources and safeguarding the ecosystem that will consequently aid people and other living creatures in terms of their health and overall wellbeing.
NJDEP permit compliance enables these companies and people to avoid further jeopardizing the environment given the current global environmental state. Complying with these rules will boost the quality of human life and secure the availability of natural resources for future generations.
- Avoid Costly Fees and Termination
It might be a large investment to acquire NJDEP permit compliance, including the inspection fees, permit approval, and annual fees. But once companies settle these permits, it will help their operations run smoothly and without interruption.
Late submission of reports and other required documents can cost companies higher penalties. Moreover, violation reports can also cause project termination or, worse, an enterprise shutdown. By following the regulations stipulated by the NJDEP, companies will be able to avoid unnecessary expensive fees due to non-compliance. Companies must consult professionals or engineering firms with expertise in handling regulatory requirements in various environmental aspects.
- Cost Savings and Profit Boost
Consulting with environmental professionals or engineering firms that offer different environmental services can help companies lower energy consumption and manage toxic materials and waste. Additionally, companies will remain updated and consistent in complying with NJDEP regulatory requirements. The analysis and thorough investigation conducted by these professionals can aid companies in preserving their processes in running their day-to-day operations. Correspondingly, it will decrease the production of energy waste, and eventually, companies will be able to cut costs throughout.
- Brand Awareness
Compliance with NJDEP regulations can also help companies in building their brand and increase marketability. While companies follow the rules and submit the necessary documents and permits, they can simultaneously advocate for their brand as eco-friendly and productive companies. Ultimately, it will attract more potential business ventures and clients that will seek help from their companies. A company that participates in the NJDEP Environmental Stewardship program will be recognized as an Environmentally Sustainable Company.
Employ an Engineering Firm that Works with the NJDEP
Lockatong Engineering tracks the development of current and ever-changing environmental regulations. They advise their clients on appropriateness and compliance. Lockatong Engineering has experienced licensed environmental engineering experts who offer more than just coursework as their experience. With their expertise in local regulations and awareness of NJDEP’s requirements, their professional practice gives clients a definite advantage.
Lockatong Engineering will prudently handle permit compliance for each client’s project, evaluate operations for potential environmental issues, and recommend solutions that adhere to regulations, record-keeping, and reporting to meet clients’ demands. Valued clients can depend on them to audit their activity to keep them in compliance.
Lockatong Engineering assists businesses in New Jersey to achieve NJDEP permit compliance as efficiently as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our environmental consulting and evaluation services.
