Reference no: EM133271986
Question - John recently became the manager of a plastics manufacturing plant in New Mexico. Since becoming the manager, John has noticed that the smokestack emissions is above the EPA guidelines. In discussing this with his boss, Bob, it was revealed that this is not a new problem. In fact, Bob had received a call from the EPA about this problem and that if it wasn't fixed, that a large fine would be assessed.
John immediately became worried and asked how this could be fixed so that the company does not receive a fine. Bob indicated that the executives did not want to invest in the smokestacks until after the first of the year due to budget constraints. John inquired how much it would cost compared to the fines they would receive, along with the negative press, and Bob said it didn't matter, they were not able to fix the problem until after the first of the year, which was still another five months away.
To further complicate matters, John learned that many of the heavy emissions work was being done at night, in order to have smaller readings and within the standards, when the EPA would be doing their readings, which was usually during the day. John also learned that if the company was fined by the EPA that it would be resting on his shoulders for not complying with the EPA guidelines and standards.
One option that John thought of was to move the plant across the border into Mexico, where the guidelines and standards are not as high. However, the emission problem would still be there, as the contaminants put into the air would still reach the U.S. side. Another issue would be that many people would lose their job, creating an unemployment issue in the current area.
John wants to be able to comply with the EPA guidelines and standards, but also wants to save the company money and people's jobs.
Write a1-page response to answer the following questions:
1. Is it unethical to continue to operate without fixing the problem, trying to evade the EPA standards?
2. Is moving the company to across the border a viable option? Why or why not?
3. How would you suggest John move forward with rectifying the problem?