The environmentally-conscious era of the 1990s has introduced many challenging issues for decision makers involved in siting new plants.

These extend beyond traditional factors involving land costs, work force availability and infrastructure. As a result, it's critical that decision makers recognize these challenges and respond proactively. Many of the necessary responses will involve interactions with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.

A current issue in purchasing land involves the determination of the previous use of the property and learning whether there is soil or groundwater contamination. Such site assessments are used to establish liability and may lead to the identification of costly cleanup requirements prior to construction.

Industrial plants may have infrastructure requirements ranging from water supplies to wastewater systems and electrical and gas supplies, to the location and capacity of roads, highways, air freight, and rail systems.

Environmental concerns are associated with all of these issues, including water availability, wastewater disposal, pollution prevention and solid and hazardous waste materials.

Numerous environmental permits may be required, depending upon the location and type of industrial facility.

Examples include a wastewater discharge permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program. A facility may also need a permit for major sources of air pollution, and when wetlands are present.

Other requirements can include the identification and protection of historic or archaeological resources, and threatened or endangered plant or animal species, along with their on-site habitat.

While many of these environmental considerations appear to limit the use of land for industrial facilities, companies should also recognize that opportunities exist for positive environmental management.

For example, a new site could be planned to incorporate natural habitat and protected areas. Wetland losses could be compensated by the restoration or enhancement of natural areas.

Construction and operations could be planned to minimize impacts on threatened or endangered species and cultural resources.

Recognition of site-related groundwater vulnerability could also prompt protection measures in the planning of industrial activities.

Pollution prevention programs and the use of clean technology can help to reduce waste quantities. Disruptions from noise can be minimized through activity-timing decisions and the incorporation of noise reduction features in the facility's design.

The planning and operational staff should be proactive in terms of environmental management. This approach can include up-front meetings with regulatory agencies, conservation groups, and other nongovernmental organizations. Finally, information can be widely shared on the environmental planning and management features related to the facility.

Not only can this head off any potential regulatory problems, it lets the community know that the company has its best interests in mind.

Dr. Larry Canter, George Lynn Cross Research Professor at the University of Oklahoma, is the author of "Environmental Impact Assessment" (McGraw Hill, 1996) and has conducted research and training on impact studies for both public and private projects. He can be contacted at (405) 325-5202, fax (405) 325-7596, or e-mail (canter@ou.edu).