Progress is often good for the economy and good for the residents of Georgia. What it has not traditionally been good for is the environment. Rapid expansion and development spawned numerous regulations and laws aimed at protecting the environment. Now, public and private enterprises alike may need some help making sure that they do not inadvertently violate federal or state environmental laws.
To give you some idea of why these laws are needed, the state of Georgia is number three in the nation in conversion of woodland and farmland into malls, subdivisions and other developments. Starting sometime in 1987, Atlanta began losing approximately 50 acres of tree cover per day to this expansion. This has occurred despite the fact that, of all the metropolitan areas in the country, Atlanta has the least dense population.
Fortunately, the state is taking steps to preserve at least a portion of its beautiful landscape and waterways. Unfortunately, it could be easy to run afoul of the environmental protections put into place. You may need to conduct environmental due diligence, audits and compliance counseling. Numerous regulations govern land use, and understanding which ones apply to you could prove to be a challenge.
Protecting the environment becomes more a routine part of every development and real estate transaction that occurs here in Georgia, even along its coastal waterways. When it comes to dealing with these issues, it would be better to be proactive rather than reactive. An environmental law attorney could prove invaluable in helping you achieve this goal. There may be additional upfront costs associated with this course of action, but it will more than likely save you time, money and effort in the end.