Environmental Articles and Sustainability Resources from Resource Management Associates

Resource Management Associates provides you with the latest information regarding your environmental and sustainability questions.

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General Environmental Issues

Successful Environmental Programs

This article presents the secrets of successful environmental programs - the kind of programs that avoid regulatory problems, provide tangible benefits for their companies, and also provide the means to seize the environmental opportunities of today. Must reading for anyone in business! Printed from September / October 2008 copy of Concrete InFocus magazine by National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA).

Environmental Inspections at Concrete Plants - The "5 Ws"

Do you know what the 5 Ws of environmental inspections are? If not, then you may not be in compliance with the rules and regulations affecting your concrete plant (or asphalt plant, or mining site, or recycling facility, or any other type of industrial facility). This article clearly tells it all about environmental inspections. This article by Doug Ruhlin is from Sept. / Oct. 2010 issue of NRMCA InFocus magazine.

What do YOU Need to do to protect yourself from USEPA Enforcement!

Article written by Doug Ruhlin for the May/June 2009 edition of Concrete InFocus magazine published by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). This article deals with the steps you should take NOW to ensure that you are taking full advantage of the environmental opportunities present today, as well as ensuring you have your compliance house in order. Must reading for all concrete producers, as well as anyone else in business today in the concrete or construction materials industries.

Concrete Plant Operations & Concrete Reclaimers

It's Just a Concrete Plant!

Is that all it is to you? How you view your plant (any type of plant) says a lot about how it operates. Concrete InFocus magazine from NRMCA, Spring 2011.

Reclaimers & Regulations

Are you considering a concrete reclaimer? Do you know what it will mean to you as far as water quality and concrete solids regulations are concerned? This article addresses these critical issues, and will help you determine if a reclaimer is right for you.

Is a Reclaimer Right for You?

Article written by Doug Ruhlin dealing with whether or not a concrete reclaimer is right for you. Goes over the decisions necessary in determining whether a reclaimer is the right choice for your returned concrete management concerns, or if others may make more sense. From Summer 2008 edition of Mid-Atlantic Concrete Equipment newsletter (entire newsletter presented - check it out!)

Drums at the Concrete Plant!

This article deals with - what else? - drums at a concrete plant! Presents some common-sense strategies to keep you out of trouble as well as some of the applicable regulations dealing with oil or chemical containers. Applicable to any type of industrial facility, including concrete plants, precast, asphalt, aggregate operations, as well as anyone who stores chemicals or oil in anything 55-gallon drum size and bigger! Published in the November-December 2009 issue of National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine.

Concrete Producer, or Hazardous Waste Generator?

This article deals with solid and hazardous waste regulations at a concrete plant, but is also applicable to many other types of industrial facilities. Published in the NRMCA InFocus Magazine, Winter 2009 (Jan-Feb 09).

Jobsite Washout....or Chute Rinseoff?

Article written by Doug Ruhlin dealing with the hot topic of jobsite activities. Change your practices and terminology! Must reading for all concrete producers. From July / August 2008 edition of National Ready Mixed Association (NRMCA) Concrete InFocus magazine.

NPDES Permits, SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans), Stormwater Issues

Process Water OR Stormwater?

Do YOU know the difference between stormwater and process water (non-stormwater)? It makes a BIG difference! Not knowing can mean the difference between NPDES permit compliance and a hefty fine or enforcement action from USEPA or your state! This article by Doug Ruhlin of RMA discusses the difference, with particular emphasis on a ready-mixed concrete plant. Published in the March-April 2010 edition of National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine.

Stormwater Discharge Permits - What's REALLY Required?

Having an NPDES stormwater discharge permit is one thing. But, meeting the requirements of the permit may be a very different thing! Do you know what your permit requires, and are you doing it? This article by Doug Ruhlin of RMA discusses the common requirements associated with NPDES stormwater permits, and is applicable to almost every state and industrial operation. Published in National Ready Mixed Concrete (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine, Jan-Feb 2010 issue.

SPCC Plans (Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure)

SPCC Plans - What Are They and Are YOURS Current?

Do you know what an SPCC plan is? Do you know the regulations dealing with SPCC plans changed recently, and may in fact be better for you? If you have an SPCC plan, is it current, particularly with the new rules? If you don't know what an SPCC plan is, or whether yours is acceptable or not, this article is for you. From National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine, October 2009.

EMS (Environmental Management Systems), NRMCA Green-Star

What's an EMS?

The title says it all. What exactly is an Environmental Management System or "EMS"? This article clearly explains it! Concrete InFocus magazine from NRMCA, Spring 2008 article written by Doug Ruhlin on the basics of an Environmental Management System!

Green-Star and Public Outreach - What's Involved?

Do you really know what the public outreach component of the Green-Star requirements means? Does it mean supporting youth sports, logos on trucks, or something much more? Find out here! From July / August 2010 edition of NRMCA Concrete InFocus magazine.

Continual Environmental Improvement

Article written by Doug Ruhlin describing the concept of "continual improvement", which is the cornerstone of a good Environmental Management System (EMS). An understanding of continual improvement is necessary for both an EMS, and for Green-Star certification. From Winter 2008 edition of National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Concrete InFocus magazine.

Green-Star Misconceptions

This article deals with common misconceptions that might be holding YOU back from pursuing Green-Star certification or the implementation of an Environmental Management System. Published in National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine, Spring 2009.