The collateral damage to natural habitats regarding California businesses is a concerning issue for many business owners, scientists and government officials throughout the state. If you’re a business owner, you might be able to relate to some of the top concerns others have shared regarding their companies’ impact on the environment. Such issues can spark legal problems for a business owner, in which case it’s wise to enlist support from experienced counsel.
Environmental regulation compliance can have a significant financial impact on a business. It’s helpful to discuss your concerns with someone who can help identify and minimize your potential for liability. Especially if your business involves possible pollution, such as dry cleaning, oil refineries or cement manufacturing, you’ll want to do all you can to avoid legal problems.
Environmental laws protect the food chain
As a California business owner, biodiversity is a top priority. Biodiversity is a broad term that refers to a variety of life and species in a specific habitat or ecosystem. A biodiverse environment ensures that the food chain has protection and can sustain itself. Loss of biodiversity, on the other hand, means that certain links in the food chain may be missing, thus causing one organism that would typically rely on the missing link for food to perish.
As a business owner, you’re obligated to minimize the risk of loss of biodiversity that your company might have on its surrounding environment. In recent years, issues such as over-fishing and land conversion have spiked an increase in a loss of biodiversity in many regions.
Pollution and waste production are concerning environmental issues
It is impossible to own a business that does not produce any waste. When waste experiences mismanagement, it can cause serious pollution problems due to an impact on air and water quality, as well as the health of the soil. Maximizing use of sustainable raw materials helps reduce waste. If your company uses or produces fertilizer, food waste, plastics, textiles or other hazardous materials, this topic is no doubt a main concern of yours.
Water supply is a critical business issue
Not only are most California business owners concerned about clean water, but they also worry about the water supply. Whether your business depends on manmade or natural reservoirs of water, water scarcity is likely an issue that can affect your business.
Issues regarding biodiversity, waste products and pollution, and water quality and supply often intersect. It is your responsibility to make sure your company is compliant with all environmental laws and regulations required of a California business. If legal problems arise, it is best to seek support from someone who is knowledgeable about environmental law as it relates to business.