Visit the site, and you will find sections on storm water, solid wastes such as construction debris, hazardous waste, air, wetlands, endangered species and green building. The center also provides links to sites with additional information.
The center is currently being expanded to include a special compliance summary that will help builders identify the environmental rules that apply to their specific construction project by clicking on pertinent categories. In a pilot project, this feature is currently available to builders in Virginia.
The site's three environmental “resource locators” and its two “information tools” can provide information on state and local regulations and permit requirements pertaining to storm water, endangered species, state wetlands, hazardous waste and asbestos.
Most of the resources available through the center are free.
The center is being developed and managed by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences in conjunction with NAHB and the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, the Golf Course Builders Association of America and Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
We may not always agree with the effectiveness of the many regulations we have to deal with these days from local, state and federal agencies, but we can't comply with them if we don't understand them. The Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center is one step in the right direction, and I invite you to check it out.
For more information on the center, e-mail Seth Heminway at the EPA or Paul Chalmer at the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences.
Marty Mitchell is chair of the NAHB Environmental Issues Committee.
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