Benefits and Risks of Harnessing Artificial Intelligence-Powered Tools to Generate Stormwater and Environmental Compliance Documents

With the rapid proliferation and growth in the capability of AI-based applications such as Chat GPT, their use in environmental compliance poses many significant benefits while at the same time exposing the user to unforeseen risks.
AI-powered tools present advantages in simplifying and expediting the development and review of environmental compliance documents. By leveraging AI algorithms, these tools can analyze large volumes of data, including site characteristics, regulatory requirements, and historical compliance records. This analysis enables the automated generation of a comprehensive and customized list that aligns with applicable regulations and codes.
New AI-powered applications are emerging that hold the potential to enhance SWPPPs and other compliance plan preparation. For instance, machine learning algorithms can analyze historical data to identify patterns and trends, facilitating predictive modeling for potential risks and optimization of mitigation measures. AI-based programs could potentially prepare SWPPPS and other compliance plans, while natural language processing algorithms enable efficient data extraction from documents and assist in automating compliance reporting tasks. These advancements contribute to reducing preparation time while improving overall plan efficiency.
An intriguing prospect emerges in enabling people to create applications and programs that aid in compliance. In the past, less mainstream industries faced restrictions on the types of programs they could develop due to limited market size.
However, the adaptation of AI-powered tools in permitting processes also introduces inherent risks.
The need for public disclosure regarding the data sources and algorithm IP transparency of available AI tools or services creates an unmitigable risk. Access to this information is necessary to ascertain the reliability, or potential biases embedded within the AI systems, raising concerns regarding the decision-making process and the overall validity of the permit outcomes.