What are the legal requirements for pollution control in construction?
In Minnesota, pollution control laws regulate the release of materials that can harm air, water, or land. Construction activities can generate pollutants which need to be controlled in order to prevent contamination of the environment. These regulations address the control of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, lead, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and other air pollutants. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has enacted laws that place responsibility onto construction companies to prevent pollution from their activities. These requirements include obtaining and maintaining permits for construction activities that are likely to generate pollutants. Other legal requirements for pollution control in construction are to register heavy equipment, keep soil erosion in check, and receive inspections from pollution control officials. When beginning a construction project, the responsible parties must complete a Pollution Prevention Plan. This outlines the steps taken to prevent pollution and the measures taken to limit the pollution created. The plan must be approved by the MPCA and also by the local government jurisdiction in which the construction is taking place. It is illegal for construction companies to release pollutants into the environment and the MPCA has the authority to fine companies that do not comply with these regulations. Moreover, there are criminal penalties for knowingly releasing pollutants in Minnesota. To protect the environment, it is important for construction companies to be aware of these regulations and ensure they are being followed.
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