Facilities without a designated environmental compliance specialist can find it difficult to keep up with the various agency requirements and reporting deadlines. A consultant solves this issue by bringing in experts to conduct a thorough environmental compliance audit and assist you in submitting the various local, state, and federal reports required to avoid fines and other repercussions of non-compliance.
What is environmental compliance, and how does it affect your operation?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies enforce numerous laws and regulations to mitigate air, land, and water pollution. These laws and environmental regulations are designed to protect the environment from industrial pollutants, ensure sustainable use of natural resources, and safeguard public health.
Under EPA requirements, companies must submit reports to state and federal agencies by certain deadlines. These reports are eventually made publicly available, meaning government agencies and private parties have access to your facility’s track record of compliance, or lack thereof. Failure to comply with stringent state and federal regulations can result in hefty fines and criminal charges against your organization, depending on which regulation was violated.
The Role of Environmental Compliance Consultants
Environmental regulations and provisions are complex and difficult to navigate if you don’t have a designated person overseeing compliance measures. Consultants like Pinnacle Engineering work with facilities of all sizes to conduct environmental compliance audits and identify gaps in permitting or reporting. They offer a range of services to ensure that your operations meet all legal requirements and that reporting is accurate and submitted on time.
Environmental Compliance Audits
Conducting a regular review and analysis of operations and processes is critical in ensuring compliance with ever-changing government regulations. Consultants conduct thorough audits to collect information for upcoming reporting. Additionally, they can provide feedback on your current compliance status and advise on process safety management and program development actions when applicable to your operation.
Audits typically occur annually, although additional site visits might be necessary if your facility is found to be non-compliant during an EPA or state investigation. In addition, an audit is helpful if your facility has any upcoming changes to industrial processes, equipment, or chemicals to determine if the changes will affect environmental permitting requirements.
Environmental Reporting Assistance
One of the most significant challenges in environmental compliance is managing the creation and timely submission of required reporting documents. Deadlines fall throughout the year, making it difficult to keep track of what needs to be submitted and when. Environmental consultants can assist with various types of reporting, including:
- Air Emissions Deviation and Compliance Reporting
- Emission Inventory Reporting
- Wastewater Sampling Reporting
- Stormwater Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Reporting
- Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Tier II Reporting
- EPCRA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting
Get Expert Help with Your Environmental Compliance Audits and Reporting
Environmental compliance consultants provide the expertise and support needed to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure adherence to agency requirements. Pinnacle Engineering has decades of environmental engineering experience, giving you peace of mind knowing that your regulatory requirements are professionally managed.
Learn more about our Custom Compliance Services and other programs developed to help you navigate complex environmental requirements.