ENVIRONMENTAL
10.00 INTRODUCTION
The phrase "Environmental Issues" can literally include almost anything from anthropological bones to endangered species, from land use to land disposal, from wetlands to storm water runoff, from wild flowers to underground tanks. For the purposes of this chapter, inferences will be limited to only those issues identified in each section. For this reason, much of the following information contains both general background and specifics. Probably the most important aspects of any environmental issue are:
n Environmental "issues" are to be taken very seriously. Inappropriate action can result in personal fines "and/or" jail. This is not intended as idle gossip or scare tactics. As a user of this chapter, it is important to know the facts of life.
n Contact the Office of Construction and Materials with questions, concerns, and observations. If there is a question about whether or not to notify, always make a notification.
"IT IS FAR BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY!"
Remember, individuals can be held personally liable for not reporting an environmental incident. Through notifying the next higher level, your liability is significantly reduced. While the Office of Construction and Materials may need to refer questions to others, it is important to notify the Office of Construction and Materials, so issues can be responded to and tracked.
n ALL contacts with DNR, OSHA, and/or EPA shall be made by, or through, the Office of Construction and Materials. The only exceptions will be when some other office is better able to address the issues. For example: On legal issues, the Office of General Counsel is better suited for a response. The inspector's responsibility is to contact the project engineer, the project engineer is to contact the Office of Construction and Materials, and the Office of Construction and Materials will in turn contact the most appropriate office for response. Remember: Timeliness in responses to a regulatory agency is of the utmost importance.