Contractors are small business owners.
When they are in a dispute with the government over environmental compliance they often are forced to pay a fine, rather than going to court, because it is the less expensive option. Settling does not adequately resolve disputes with the regulatory agency or increase the understanding of how to be in compliance with environmental regulations. Further, a contractor may not have even violated the law, but must settle because they are unable to afford extensive litigation. Alternative dispute resolution refers to voluntary techniques for preventing and resolving conflict with the help of neutral third parties. ADR procedures include conciliation, facilitation, mediation, fact finding, minitrials, arbitration and the use of an ombudsman.