How soon must a facility notify the department after starting construction?

The requirement that a facility must notify the department within 5 days after starting construction is designed to ensure that regulatory authorities are kept informed about developments that may affect public health, safety, and compliance with facility regulations. This time frame allows the department to monitor construction activities and ensure that they are in line with applicable laws and standards.

Timely notification is crucial as it helps the department assess any potential issues that might arise during construction, such as compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and health regulations. By requiring notification within 5 days, the department can maintain oversight of the project without causing unnecessary delays for the facility.

Other options would not fulfill the regulatory intentions as effectively; for example, a longer notification period could lead to lapses in oversight, and a shorter window would not provide the facility adequate time to formally communicate its progress.