Here's a new one for the times: 50

[airspeed]

The company I work for has asked me to design an HVAC system for an indoor cannabis growing facility. The money involved is blinding everyone associated to the fact that the Federal Government still considers it illegal. The clients are very colorful to say the least. The guy financing the project is a rich kid who has done time for trafficking a controlled substance in the past. The manager is a former car salesman. I want to run away screaming! How do you end up in this situation you ask? I work for an A. e. firm! Please give me some ammunition so I can tell these people that I just want to support my family by working on reputable projects.

 

[PMR06]

If the service you are providing is legal (consult your attorney for the best answer to that), and your work performed in accordance with adopted codes/ethics/etc, then enjoy the well-funded client while you can!

 

[zelgar]

First of all, depending on the location of this facility could determine it legal status. Since some States have allowed for this type of operation, which probably requires getting appropriate licenses, the actual design of a HVAC system shouldn't be an issue. I think the big issues are
1. Is this facility going to be a legitimate enterprise or criminal.
2. Does the owner have the appropriate permtis; and if not, are they eligible for attaining one.
3. Are these the type of clients we want?
4. What legal issues could develop if this facility is operated illegally?
5. What assurrances are there that you'll get paid for the design (ask for money up front)?

If the problem you have is with the cannabis operations in general, how would you feel for desigining for the following:
1. Beer/liqour company
2. Pharmacutical company
3. Crematorium for funeral home or dog pound

Finally, you have every right to tell your employer that you don't want to design for this operation. Unfortunately, it may cost you your job.

 

[msquared48]

The money is green, and the product is green. So you are contributing to the environmental effort with a green design here. No worries.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[dik]

Great response... a star for Mikey...

 

[msquared48]

Now all they need is green hemp beer for St. Paddy's Day.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[SNORGY]

Just say no.
Problem solved.
It's that easy.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Do the project, wait for them to "stock up", then make an anonymous tip to the local police.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[msquared48]

Why? They'd just put in their evidence room, then steal burn the evidence.

Mike McCann, PE, SE

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Job security... if you do a good job, they'll come back to you for a design of the next factory

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[hokie66]

These folks probably already have scumbag lawyers and scumbag accountants protecting their interests. If you want to be their scumbag engineer, go for it.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

These folks probably already have scumbag lawyers and scumbag accountants protecting their interests. If you want to be their scumbag engineer, go for it.

Funny... if pot was declared legal tomorrow (and considering several states already declare it as legal, that isn't off the mark), would he be considered a scumbag engineer then? Seems a bit arrogant to impress your viewpoint of the world on others and judge them so harshly.

Such a fickle society. "He's doing something illegal (but not necessarily morally wrong, like pot)? He's a scumbag! He's doing something morally wrong (but not illegal, like fleecing home mortgages and banking system)? Hope he's commanding a good salary!"

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[IRstuff]

Well, I would have made a distinction between scumbag lawyers and accountants vs. scumbag engineers. The former are almost always scumbag ;-)

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[hokie66]

MacGyvers,

You can call me arrogant if you want, but I don't resile from my statement about drug criminals and those who aid and abet their criminality.

 

[TenPenny]

If it's legal in your jurisdiction, according to state law, then it's legal.

If you have personal qualms about doing the work, that's fine, just say so to your employers.

There's no need for namecalling or running around pretending to be special.

Make sure you list your personal ethical guidelines for your employers for all future work. Will you do hvac systems for abortion clinics? how about meat packing plants? do you think burning fossil fuels is a crime against humanity? Make sure you keep track of your ethical guidelines, so you can keep them consistent.

 

[msquared48]

After what happened in 2008 and the revelations of the financial crap that took place prior to that, I have serious reservations with working with large banks in any fashion.

That being said, it is impossible in this system to separate banks from it. Even private investors have bank accounts, so you are going to run into it eventually somewhere in the food chain.

So, it just becomes a matter of where your personal and professional morals and ethics draw the line. Everyone has his or her own limit and agenda. I know I do.

Mike McCann, PE, SE

 

[MacGyverS2000]

You can call me arrogant if you want, but I don't resile from my statement about drug criminals and those who aid and abet their criminality.

So it makes no difference to you that in some areas said drug is legal, including growing it?

Just seems like a very myopic viewpoint... you don't like the drug, despite it being legal in some areas, so anyone who goes near the project is a scumbag.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[IRstuff]

Man, good thing this wasn't about global warming ;-)

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[hokie66]

MacGyvers,
I will call it even. I called the drug criminals and those who aid and abet "scumbags", and you implied that I am "arrogant" and "myopic". I know that a few US states, and some countries, have declared marijuana to be legal, but I have seen the harm, and think these laws very unwise, unless the use is restricted to medicine.

 

[TomDOT]

hokie - is the harm greater than alcohol? Be sure to include drunk drivers in your analysis, and subtract out the harm caused by simply being illegal. Remember, if it's legal - you're not funding violent drug gangs, you're just buying the product at a store.

To my eye, it certainly looks like there is dramatically more harm from alcohol - but it's legal.

Do only scumbags design HVAC systems for bars?