| Product Design: Consider the nature of the product(s) or service(s), and what the
potential impact of these could be on the environment? Plan on using the least hazardous
materials possible.
Are there any existing regulatory issues that could impact the
business?
Purchasing a Business Property Site & Permitting
Issues:
What is the current environmental status of the property and
buildings?
Has an environmental site assessment been performed on the
property (banks usually require this for a loan)?
Are there any underground storage tanks on the
property? If so, unless these are new, the owner should remove them and test
soil underneath, before you make the purchase.Wetlands,
can be a barrier to future expansion plans. Check if prior permits or plans are available
for sites on septic. This can be a significant added expense if this is not
available.
What other licenses or permits will you be required
to obtain?
In addition to town, city and state business permits and licenses, such as: construction;
stormwater; life/safety and health; off premise signs, you may also need to consider the
following environmentally related permits: VT Act 250; water supply & wastewater
disposal; wetlands; hazardous waste-handling, storage, treatment, transportation; air
emissions. Start the process to obtain any necessary permits, as soon as possible, they
can take a considerable amount of time! The SBDC has information on these permits.
(SBDC Checklist to Start A Business & ANR Permit Handbook on the web at: www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/permit_hb )
The Agency of Natural Resources has Permit Specialist for each region to assist you. Call
the VT-ANR at 802-241-3456 to find the Permit specialist for your area.
Environmental Management:
Who will have the responsibility of ensuring
that all state and federal regulatory reporting requirements are met?
Environmental, health and safety planning can reduce
your insurance liability by limiting the risk to employees, the public and the
environment.
In addition to bottom line savings, good environmental
management can improve public relations. How can you use this to enhance your
marketing approach?
Some environmental costs are very real, such as costs of
permitting, waste disposal, energy use and environmental compliance costs
should not be buried in overhead. Have line items for these environmental expenses, so
they can be paid attention to and reduced.
"All Waste is Lost Profit." Consider how
you can reduce your business’ waste products, which can prevent pollution,
save money and regulatory hassles.
For more information or assistance on any of these
issues, contact Peter with the VT-SBDC
Environmental Assistance Program at: 802-728-1423 or 1-800-4643-7232 |
Online Training and Education