Nathan Macias stared out his office window at the lazy curves and lush, green, flower-lined banks of the Dutch Valley River. Hed grown up near here, and he envisioned the day that his children would enjoy the river as he had as a child. But now his own company might make that a risky proposition.

Nathan is a key product developer at Petro-Tech Corporation, an industry leader. Despite its competitive position, Petro-Tech experienced several quarters of dismal financial performance. Nathan and his team developed a new lubricant product that the company sees as the turning point in its declining fortunes. Top executives are thrilled that they can produce the new product at a significant cost savings because of recent changes in environmental regulations. Regulatory agencies were encouraged by the federal administration to loosen requirements on reducing and recycling wastes, which means that Petro-Tech can now release waste directly into the Dutch Valley River.

Nathan is as eager as anyone to see Petro-Tech survive this economic downturn, but he doesnt think this route is the way to do it. He expressed his opposition regarding the waste dumping to both the plant manager and his direct supervisor, Martin Feldman. Martin has always supported Nathan, but this time was different. The plant manager, too, turned a deaf ear. Were meeting government standards, hed said. Its up to them to protect the water. Its up to us to make a profit and stay in business.

Frustrated and confused, Nathan turned away from the window, his prime office view mocking his inability to protect the river he loved. He knew that the manufacturing vice president was visiting the plant next week. Maybe if he talked with her, she would agree that the decision to dump waste materials in the river was ethically and socially irresponsible. But if she didnt, he would be skating on thin ice. His supervisor had already accused him of not being a team player. Maybe he should just be a passive bystanderafter all, the company isnt breaking any laws.

What Would You Do?

1. Talk to the manufacturing vice president and emphasize the responsibility that Petro-Tech has as an industry leader to set an example. Present her with a recommendation that Petro-Tech participate in voluntary pollution reduction as a marketing tool and as a way to position itself as the environmentally friendly choice.

2. Mind your own business and just do your job. The company isnt breaking any laws, and if Petro-Techs economic situation doesnt improve, a lot of people will be thrown out of work.

3. Call the local environmental advocacy group and encourage the group to stage a protest of the company.