Trade Talk (Ep. 25) - Don’t Get Fined: What Every Builder Should Know About Environmental Compliance

In this episode of Trade Talk, hosts Sarah White and Erin Bakker sit down with April Harrison, an environmental consultant with more than 20 years of stormwater management and compliance experience. April breaks down what builders need to know about the Clean Water Act, NPDES permits, and the real-world consequences of overlooking stormwater regulations. From fines and shutdowns to prevention plans and practical compliance steps, this conversation is a must-listen for builders who want to protect their projects—and their reputations.What you’ll learn in this episode:What the Clean Water Act and NPDES permits mean for buildersHow to avoid costly fines, jobsite shutdowns, and even jail timeWhy sediment is considered a pollutant and how it affects waterwaysThe role of an environmental consultant and how to find a qualified oneSimple, proactive steps to stay compliant—from silt fences to stormwater plansThe truth behind common myths about erosion control and permitsKey Quote“It’s not just about fines. If you get sediment into a creek that flows downstream into somebody’s pond, they can sue the builder. Then of course, you can also be shut down—and time is money.” - April Harrison, Environmental Consultant (3:30)Listen & Subscribe:New episodes drop every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.Got a topic idea or feedback? Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.