The USEPA announced an Enforcement Discretion Policy for the COVID-19 Pandemic. What does this mean for your business?
Well, for starters, it means the USEPA will still enforce intentional criminal violations of law. However, this policy might help ease your burden with routine inspection obligations if environmental, health and safety staff cannot visit the facility.
On a state level, policies vary. The Ohio EPA is still requiring compliance unless an exception is granted. Their latest announcement states that “All regulated entities remain obligated to take all available actions necessary to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and permit requirements to protect the health and safety of Ohioans and the environment.”
But it’s important to note that if your business “will have an unavoidable noncompliance situation, directly due to impact from the coronavirus” exception requests will be entertained through a newly established email request process.
Questions?
Have questions about the enforcement discretion policy? Need help with situations where alternative compliance/ permission is being requested from state level agencies? Our team of environmental consultants is ready to help—contact us.