From Environmental Laws to Sustainability for Amusement & Theme Parks

Getting Help with Environmental Regulations & More at Your Park

Amusement parks and theme parks are all about fun, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. But behind the thrills and attractions, these facilities face a complex web of environmental regulations.

From water rides to food courts, from roller coasters to maintenance areas, theme parks interact with the environment in many ways—generating waste, consuming energy, managing stormwater, and handling chemicals. Without proper environmental management, parks risk fines, legal trouble, and reputational damage.

If your park isn’t keeping up with environmental regulations, you could be facing fines, reputational risks, and even operational shutdowns. But with expert guidance, you can turn compliance into a sustainability advantage—enhancing guest experiences while reducing your environmental footprint. Reach out to us at RMA to get a handle on your park's environmental program today!

Environmental Challenges Theme Parks Face

Amusement parks are dynamic, high-traffic spaces that consume large amounts of energy, generate waste, and interact with natural resources. Some of the key environmental concerns include:

1. Water Use & Management

Water parks, log flume rides, and splash zones require vast amounts of water, which can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed. Additionally, stormwater runoff from parking lots and walkways can carry pollutants into local waterways. With all that water, it's no wonder most amusement parks need National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits!

2. Oil & Petroleum Management

Amusement parks rely on vehicles, generators, and ride maintenance equipment, all of which require fuel, hydraulic fluids, and lubricants. If these petroleum-based products aren’t properly stored and managed, they can pose serious environmental risks. A single oil spill can contaminate nearby soil and water, leading to costly fines and cleanup efforts. To prevent spills and leaks, amusement parks that store 1,320 gallons or more of oil must obatin a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan under federal regulations.

3. Waste & Hazardous Waste Management

With thousands of daily visitors, amusement parks produce tons of waste, including food scraps, plastic, and packaging. Some waste, such as used oils from food vendors or paint from ride maintenance, is considered hazardous waste under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) and must be handled properly. Many parks implement recycling programs, but regulations may actually require more formal waste and hazardous waste management programs.

4. Air Quality & Emissions Compliance

Parks with fuel-powered rides, generators, fireworks displays, or other processes that release pollutants into the air may need air quality permits to regulate emissions. This equipment can contribute to harmful air pollution, triggering compliance requirements under the Clean Air Act. 

5. Chemical Handling & Reporting

Theme parks use a variety of chemicals for cleaning, landscaping, pool maintenance, and landscaping. Additionally, firework shows, painting, and mechanical maintenance can involve some not-so-fun materials that must be properly handled, stored and disposed of under EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act), which may trigger Tier II or TRI Reporting requirements.

6. Employee Training & Environmental Awareness

Environmental training isn’t just a good practice for amusement parks—it’s explicitly required under certain regulations. Laws governing hazardous waste, spill prevention, and stormwater management mandate that employees receive proper training to ensure compliance. Without it, even small mistakes in handling chemicals, fuels, or waste can lead to violations, fines, or environmental damage. Regular training helps staff understand their responsibilities, recognize potential risks, and follow required protocols to keep the park safe and compliant.

7. Energy & Sustainability Initiatives

Bonus! While not required by law, running a theme park requires massive amounts of resources, making usage and efficiency a key concern. Enter: sustainability at amusement parks! Some parks are investing in renewable energy sources, starting recycling programs, finding ways to reduce waste, and more to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. 

Why Compliance Matters

Ignoring environmental regulations isn’t just bad for the planet—it’s bad for business. Non-compliance can lead to:
✅ Fines & Penalties – Theme parks that violate environmental laws can face thousands (or even millions) of dollars in fines.
✅ Operational Disruptions – Parks may be forced to shut down rides or entire sections due to environmental violations.
✅ Reputation Damage – Theme parks that fail to follow regulations can lose customer trust and face negative media attention.
✅ Legal Action – Government agencies and environmental groups can take legal action against parks that don’t comply with regulations.

How Expert Guidance Can Help

Navigating environmental regulations in a theme park is like handling complex tax filings—just as you’d hire an accountant to manage your finances, bringing in an environmental consultant ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and keeps operations running smoothly.

The best place to start? A professional environmental audit! An audit doesn’t just identify compliance gaps—it provides a clear roadmap for meeting federal, state, and local regulations, from stormwater permits and hazardous waste rules to air quality requirements and spill prevention plans.

Consultants also help parks integrate sustainability initiatives, streamline waste management, and ensure that staff are properly trained to meet regulatory standards. With expert support, your park can stay compliant, reduce risks, and build a greener, more efficient operation.

If you're looking for an environmental expert with a proven track record, let's talk!

Creating a Sustainable Future for Theme Parks

As amusement parks evolve, environmental compliance is becoming more important than ever. By proactively managing waste, emissions, water use, and energy consumption, parks can reduce their environmental footprint while improving efficiency and guest experience.

The good news? Compliance and sustainability don’t have to be a burden. With expert guidance, theme parks can navigate regulations efficiently, affordably, and with confidence.

Want to ensure your amusement park stays compliant and sustainable? Contact us today to learn how we can help!