How Can You Comply With the Endangered Species Act?
There are many laws and regulations to be aware of when you take on a new construction project, but one law you should definitely have knowledge of is the Endangered Species Act. Contractors have to consider the environmental impacts when they start building something new, and part of that means ensuring that you are not doing excessive damage to the habitats of species that are already endangered. Our Harris County construction lawyers can help you ensure that you stay in compliance.
How Can the Endangered Species Act Affect Construction Projects?
Construction projects are noisy. They create waste and could affect the quality of nearby water. Even when every part of a project is carefully planned and considered, there is going to be some kind of impact on the surrounding environment. The Endangered Species Act is there to ensure that this impact does not harm endangered animals.
Since 1973, this act has helped bring back many different species from the brink of extinction. It’s even credited with saving the iconic bald eagle. So you should do everything that you can to make sure that your project is in compliance.
What Can Contractors Do to Abide By the Endangered Species Act?
There are a few things that contractors can do to make sure that their project has a reduced impact on the environment and any endangered species. Some recommended steps include:
- Understanding the environmental baseline
- Researching the area by accessing the Information for Planning and Conservation database
- Consulting with federal agencies, like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries
- Reducing soil disturbance and runoff
- Using more environmentally-friendly materials
- Using erosion control methods
- Taking any other actions that could mitigate the impact on endangered species and their habitat
Every habitat is different, and that means being prepared to adapt to just about anything. You may even have to alter a work schedule to accommodate the migratory or mating patterns of an endangered species.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
Ignoring federal environmental laws can result in expensive fines or having criminal charges leveled against you. It could also damage your reputation and make it harder to do business in the future. So if there are any ambiguities or doubts in your mind about a project, contact an experienced construction lawyer from our firm. We can tell you more about how laws like the Endangered Species Act could affect your project and how you can ensure compliance.
We can also help you draft contracts that account for any delays or issues that could arise as you try to stay in compliance. This can minimize the chances of conflict arising between business partners.
Contact Our Law Firm
You don’t want to run into legal troubles on a project and we’re sure that you don’t want to be responsible for endangering a threatened or endangered species. So contact Patout & Shaw to learn more about how to comply with the law and avoid regulatory issues on your next big job.
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