We get a lot of folks confused over regulatory agencies. All too often we hear "it was an EPA guy inspecting us" when in reality, it was a NJDEP inspector, or even county inspector.
I like to make the comparison of getting an inspection by the county or NJDEP and the USEPA like being pulled over by a local cop for a broken tail light, and having Seal Team Six kicking your door down.
That is, the local cops are more forgiving, then to know you, and you may have some history. Whereas Seal Team Six is out to get you, and they can (and have) come in guns blazing.
USEPA = Seal Team Six
NJDEP = Local Cops
Ok, so now that we've made that clear, let's talk about enforcement in New Jersey.
We get asked a lot if the USEPA can enforce regulations in New Jersey? Doesn't the NJDEP enforce environmental regulations in New Jersey?
It's a great question, since it’s always good to know who’s going to be inspecting you, and possibly issuing violations or penalties. It’s also an odd question, since no one in New Jersey or any other state should ignore the potential for USEPA enforcement. So, the answer to is there USEPA enforcement in New Jersey is straightforward, but also a bit complicated, since it applies to individual facilities.
So, here are 6 key concepts about USEPA enforcement in New Jersey vs. NJDEP enforcement:
The USEPA regional headquarters (Region 2) is in New York City, right across the river from New Jersey. You could literally be inspected at any time. Although most inspections and enforcement actions occur from the NJDEP in New Jersey, the USEPA can and does conduct inspections and enforce environmental regulations in New Jersey.
What's your best protection against NJDEP or USEPA environmental inspections in New Jersey? Be in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations. Plain and simple. Just follow the rules, and no one gets in trouble.
If you're not sure you're in compliance with all necessary regulations, consider a comprehensive environmental audit of your facility. It will find and help you address any environmental issues, and implement a program to ensure you stay in compliance. If you need help with NJDEP or USEPA environmental regulations, click here to contact us or call us at 609-693-8301 to discuss your needs today.