Think just because you have environmental controls in place that your plant is immune from neighbor complaints? Think again! You can have the best available emissions, blue smoke and odor controls in place, and you still may very well become the target of neighbors who are trying to shut you down.
That’s not to say that environmental controls are pointless, or that you should forego them. But installing them is only part of the picture. You also need to make sure you have testing results — for particulate emissions, control efficiency and VOCs (odor-causing volatile organic compounds) — and be ready with these results to prove to the community and its leaders that you truly are environmental stewards.
Additionally, learn to be more open with your neighbors:
- Contribute to the community.
- Invite your neighbors in for tours.
- Tell your story and answer questions.
- Tout your environmental efforts on your website and on social media.
- Include video and images.
- Don’t ignore the rumor mill.
And last but not least, educate your workers about all of your environmental work so they can become ambassadors for you when they’re talking with their own neighbors, friends and the general public. It’s best when you can present a united front.
This week’s tip is courtesy of Butler-Justice Inc.
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