Environmental Compliance

ECA provides a variety of environmental compliance services which include: conducting compliance audits, preparing environmental compliance plans, preparing waste minimization and pollution prevention studies, and preparing facility toxic and hazardous waste management and operations plans and reports, such as Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting. ECA compliance specialists work closely with clients to tailor a strategy for achieving compliance that meets corporate and operational needs.

COMPLIANCE AUDITS AND PLANNING

ECA typically begins compliance planning services with a general facility audit or inspection. ECA compliance specialists review facility operations permits, plans, manifests, personnel training documentation, process documents, and the facility notification status. Next, a detailed site inspection is performed. Proprietary checklists are used during the site inspection process to evaluate compliance with Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). ECA is also knowledgeable of DOT and OSHA requirements and regulations.

All ECA compliance inspections are summarized in a facility inspection report which provides a detailed account of individual compliance issues observed during an inspection. ECA inspection reports are designed to be informative and accessible with all observations being accompanied by explanations of compliance issues, possible regulatory citations, and compliance solutions. Once the audit process is complete, ECA assists in the implementation of procedures, process changes, and strategies designed to achieve compliance with the required environmental, and OSHA regulations. ECA prioritizes which violations need immediate attention versus those that are less likely to result in adverse safety conditions or incur regulatory fines. ECA works with the client to develop a long-term strategy for full compliance.

WASTE MINIMIZATION AND POLLUTION PREVENTION

Many regulatory programs require waste minimization and pollution prevention activities. ECA uses information collected during compliance inspections and from vendors, regulatory officials, and facility employees to design waste minimization/pollution prevention strategies which focus on purchasing, processes, recycling, reuse, and alternate disposition strategies. ECA is able to recommend strategies that reduce the amount of waste materials and hazardous emissions/toxic releases generated at facilities, thereby reducing facility operating costs and regulatory burdens.

HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANS

ECA compliance specialists design and prepare comprehensive hazardous waste management plans. The firm's compliance specialists are prepared to apply their knowledge and experience in industrial compliance to hazardous waste management at individual facilities. The hazardous waste management plans are prepared in close consultation with the client to ensure that the client's management procedures and philosophies are preserved in the design of the plan.

SPILL PREVENTION CONTROL AND COUNTERMEASURES

A Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan is required by federal regulations for certain facilities with underground or aboveground petroleum storage capacity. The purpose of the SPCC plan is to prevent petroleum releases to the environment. Because environmental contamination can be damaging to the bottom line and to a company's image, it is advantageous to complete and implement an SPCC Plan for facilities subject to regulation.

Experienced ECA engineers conduct a thorough facility inspection and interview key facility personnel to determine the adequacy of spill prevention controls and countermeasures. Based on the findings, ECA prepares an SPCC Plan or updates the existing facility plan. This is done in close consultation with facility management to ensure that company methods, procedures, and philosophies are preserved.

During formulation of the Plan, ECA assists in the development and implementation by providing recommendations regarding engineered controls, operational procedures, employee training, and proper spill response equipment and supplies. Prior to submitting a written plan, which complies with Federal Regulations, an ECA registered professional engineer reviews and certifies the plan. ECA works diligently to provide pragmatic, efficient, and economical solutions to environmental compliance issues.

EPCRA AND SARA TOXIC SUBSTANCES REPORTING

ECA assists many industrial clients in completing Tier I, Tier II, and SARA 313 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reports for Toxic chemicals stored and/or released at facilities. ECA uses state-of-the-art software programs to streamline reporting procedures.