Every industry has its own unique set of rules and regulations. These rules serve as guides, policing the activities and relationships of the various players in the industry. These regulations are designed to protect the industry and all its stakeholders, including customers and employees, from the unwanted consequences of improper conduct by certain individuals and groups within that field. The proper functioning of any sector is made possible only through vigilant and effective enforcement of these regulations.
The septic and sewer business is also subject to its own rules and regulations. Most of these regulations are environmental in nature. These regulations can be quite cumbersome and complicated, but it is imperative that they be followed. This is because the way septic and sewer operations are conducted will significantly affect the environment and, inadvertently, public health. Consequently, owners and managers of septic and sewer businesses need to know how to navigate through the environmental regulations that govern their industry. In order for them to do this, they need to:
1. Be Aware of the Different Regulations
To effectively navigate through environmental regulations, septic and sewer business owners must first be aware of them. After all, you can’t comply with what you don’t know.
Learn about the federal, state, and local environmental regulations that are relevant to septic and sewer operations in your vicinity. Pay attention to them and ensure that your employees do, too. This makes adherence much easier.
2. Develop Compliance Protocols
Adherence to environmental regulations, as a septic and sewer business, cannot happen overnight or without thought. A degree of intentionality must be involved in bringing such policies to fruition.
To enforce compliance with environmental regulations, protocols need to be put in place. These compliance protocols will serve as strategic guidelines that ensure that the management and staff of your company are not found wanting when it comes to adherence to environmental regulations.
3. Routinely Monitor Compliance Levels
No matter how elaborate and well-intentioned your compliance protocol is, it will only succeed with close monitoring. Regular monitoring can be done in the form of internal audits and inspections. These enable you to get a good idea of how well your company complies with the established regulations. This can help you assess how well your compliance protocol is functioning and whether it needs to be modified.
4. Utilize Technology
The septic and sewer businesses that will thrive this season must be willing to take advantage of technology in their operations. Technology offers innovation, ease and accuracy in every aspect of business operations, not just the implementation and monitoring of compliance protocols. For instance, technology-enabled companies have access to advanced data collection and analytics tools that can be integrated with sophisticated sensors. These greatly enhance their overall operational productivity and compliance and give them an edge in the septic and sewer business.
5. Engage Regulatory Agencies
Environmental regulations are not designed randomly or by a faceless group of people. They are designed and enforced by agencies that have the legal authority to do so. So, who better can help you navigate your environmental regulations than the bodies that formed them? It is highly recommended that you reach out to these agencies and engage with them. You will then learn firsthand what is expected from your company when it comes to compliance with environmental regulations and how best to go about it.
6. Network With Peers and Environmental Consultants
In adherence to environmental regulations, you need to maintain a good relationship with your colleagues. Your colleagues are in the same business as you and face similar requirements. So you have a lot to gain from reaching out to them and asking them how they are complying with the environmental regulations. It would also be good to reach out to environmental consultants and glean from their experience. After all, they are certified experts when it comes to environmental regulations.
Maintaining compliance with environmental regulations is not easy in the sewer industry. However, it must be done for the sake of your business’s reputation and public health and safety. Although navigating these regulations can be challenging, they are not impossible. By implementing the strategies discussed in this article, you can achieve a high level of compliance with environmental regulations and still run a successful septic and sewer business!