Navigate permits, plans, audits, and training with ease, ensuring your operations meet all regulatory requirements efficiently.
Forge a path to environmental leadership with tailored sustainability practices and EMS integration.
Elevate your team's expertise with targeted training in SPCC, NPDES, and industry-specific environmental regulations.
Mitigate risk and secure due diligence with our Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. Safeguard your real estate and land investments from environmental liabilities.
Ensuring environmental compliance while advancing towards sustainability goals.
Blending modern industry growth with established environmental compliance.
Expertly steering through dense environmental regulations for those on the water.
Expertly serving the concrete sector with deep industry-specific environmental insights.
Avoid costly pitfalls with comprehensive environmental due diligence for informed investments.
Navigate environmental standards effortlessly, ensuring smooth supply chain operations.
Understanding Environmental Project Costs
Great partnerships thrive on honesty and transparency. We know that unclear pricing, hidden fees, and shifting team members can make managing your environmental challenges even harder. That’s why we promise transparent, predictable pricing, and a consistent team with decades of experience, aligned with the expert service you deserve.
The honest answer: it depends. We work on a wide range of projects across many industries, states, and facility types - from quick site assessments to full regulatory programs. Because of that, no two projects are priced the same. But just because it depends doesn't mean we can't help you get a better idea of our pricing! Our goal is to answer all of your pricing questions right here on this page so that you can make an informed decision.
At RMA, we tailor pricing to your specific scope, site, timeline, and compliance needs. That means you only pay for what you actually need - nothing more, nothing less. To help you get a feel for what that could look like, we’ve included a table below with real price ranges from past projects and what is typically included for each.
If you want a better idea of what your project might cost, just reach out - there’s no charge to call and no pressure to move forward. Or use our pricing tools linked on this page to get fast, custom estimates for you.
The honest answer: it depends. We work on a wide range of projects across many industries, states, and facility types - from quick site assessments to full regulatory programs. Because of that, no two projects are priced the same. But just because it depends doesn't mean we can't help you get a better idea of our pricing! Our goal is to answer all of your pricing questions right here on this page so that you can make an informed decision.
At RMA, we tailor pricing to your specific scope, site, timeline, and compliance needs. That means you only pay for what you actually need - nothing more, nothing less. To help you get a feel for what that could look like, we’ve included a table below with real price ranges from past projects and what is typically included for each.
If you want a better idea of what your project might cost, just reach out - there’s no charge to call and no pressure to move forward. Or use our pricing tools linked on this page to get fast, custom estimates for you.
Your project scope, site type, industry, and state all affect the kind of support you’ll need - whether it’s a basic SPCC plan, full TRI reporting, custom training, or something in between. If you're not even sure what you need yet, don't sweat it - we'll help you figure it out. No upsell, no sketchy sales tactics, just help.
Things like site size, number of facilities, location, urgency, and the amount of support you need all impact the price of our services. The more complex the project, the more time and expertise it takes. No two jobs are exactly alike, which is why we build pricing around the unique details of your project.
We’ll help you cut costs without cutting corners - whether that’s bundling services, narrowing scope, or adjusting the timeline. Need to pay over time? No problem. We’re flexible and happy to set up a payment plan that works for you. We also offer scalable programs for multi-site operators and repeat clients.
Service |
What It Usually Includes |
Our Cost |
Environmental Checkups & Assessments |
A consultant visits your site, reviews everything, and determines where you stand and what you need. They may or may not provide a formal report detailing findings. Often referred to as environmental audits or simply "environmental assessments". |
$2,500 - $10,000+ |
Full Environmental Program |
A consultant typically first conducts an environmental audit (above), and then does all the work to get you into compliance (usually comprised of a combination of the below items). Full environmental program scope and costs vary widely based on what is needed vs. already in place & complexity. |
$10,000 - $75,000+ |
Environmental Permits & Approvals |
A consultant prepares a permit application and submits it to a regulatory agency on your behalf, then coordinates with the agency until the permit’s acceptance (or denial). Common types include NPDES stormwater permits, air quality permits, and other state or local permits & approvals. |
$2,500 - $20,000+ |
Environmental Plans & Documents |
A consultant develops a required document for your facility that outlines your site and practices in a key regulatory area. Consultants may use a pre-made template or build the plan entirely from scratch tailored to your site. Common examples include SWPPPs, SPCC Plans, and other state-specific or locally required environmental documents. |
$2,500 - $10,000+ |
Environmental Reporting |
A consultant prepares required reports which may include detailed calculations on materials that you have processed, handled, used, or released to the environment. Examples include Tier II Reporting, TRI Reporting, discharge monitoring reports (DMRs), and air emissions inventories/statements. |
$1,000 - $8,500+ |
Waste / Recycling Programs, Registrations, Approvals |
A consultant develops a plan for managing waste, hazardous waste, or recyclable materials and obtains all necessary approvals or submits required registrations. Examples include hazardous waste generator registrations, waste management programs, and recycling facility approvals. |
$2,500 - $25,000+ |
Simple Registrations & Notifications |
A consultant prepares and submits a typically short and relatively simple document, basically just stating “We have this thing on-site”. There is usually little work and little review, it’s more of a heads-up. A common example is an above-ground storage tank (AST) / underground storage tank (UST) registration or similar. |
$500 - $2,500+ |
Environmental Training |
A consultant conducts (in person, via webinar, or other) or develops & delivers (presentation, materials, or online platform) environmental training for you / your staff on applicable regulations or other considerations. Common required training includes annual SPCC training, waste, and NPDES stormwater permit training. |
$2,500 - $10,000+ |
Environmental Due Diligence |
A consultant visits and/or otherwise researches a site to determine the presence of contamination that would lead to environmental liability. Common in property transactions. Examples include Phase I ESAs and occasionally state-level due diligence requirements. |
$3,500 - $10,000+ |
Environmental Justice / Strategy & Engagement |
A consultant supports projects facing potential community or regulatory pushback. Services may include Environmental Justice (EJ) screening, public meeting prep, messaging support, representation in town halls/city councils/etc., and coordination with agencies or local officials. |
$7,500 - $40,000+ |
Going Green & “Beyond Compliance” Items |
A consultant helps you to develop systems (that are not legally required) in order to position you as an environmental leader. Examples include sustainability programs, certifications, and environmental management systems. |
$15,000 - $50,000+ |
Not sure where you fall? These examples might help!
Below are a few high-level scenarios based on the kinds of facilities we work with all the time. They're not exact quotes or set-in-stone compliance needs, just real-world examples to help you see where you might fit, what services are typically needed, and what kind of pricing is common for that type of site.
Think auto shops, small to medium distribution warehouses, etc. - sites with oil, fuel, or chemicals on hand, but not sprawling...
Not sure where you fall? These examples might help!
Below are a few high-level scenarios based on the kinds of facilities we work with all the time. They're not exact quotes or set-in-stone compliance needs, just real-world examples to help you see where you might fit, what services are typically needed, and what kind of pricing is common for that type of site.
Think auto shops, small to medium distribution warehouses, etc. - sites with oil, fuel, or chemicals on hand, but not sprawling operations.
If there’s oil or fuel on-site, you’re probably looking at an SPCC plan, and possibly Tier II reporting depending on your inventory. If you've got materials stored outside, there's a decent chance you'll also need an NPDES stormwater permit.
Rough cost: $4,000–$7,000
You might not think of these as “industrial,” but schools, office buildings, and other commercial buildings are among the most overlooked when it comes to compliance. If you’ve got backup generators, janitorial supplies, or maintenance sheds, you might need Tier II reporting and possibly an SPCC plan.
Rough cost: $3,500–$5,500
These are the setups where things get real: fabrication, manufacturing, outdoor work areas, stormwater runoff, drums out back, forklifts moving chemicals - the works.
Here, you’re likely looking at a SPCC Plan, Stormwater Permitting, Tier II reporting, and maybe even TRI reporting if you’ve got reportable releases. The regulations don't change much from earlier examples, but now the deliverables need to be more complex and detailed, adding additional time and expertise needs.
Rough cost: $7,000–$10,000
If you’re a sprawling factory with bulk storage tanks of chemicals, rail access, multiple stormwater outfalls, complex production processes - you already know you’re in a different category. These projects typically involve multi-service coordination, often across facilities, and sometimes direct contact with regulators.
You’ll probably need: SPCC, Tier II reporting, TRI reporting, NPDES stormwater permit, air permit, and possibly even a hazardous waste management program.
Rough cost: $10,000–$25,000+
(But you’re probably already used to that scale.)
Farms, nurseries, grain storage, etc. often store diesel, pesticides, and fertilizers in amounts that trigger Tier II reporting and sometimes SPCC plans. But ag compliance is a world of its own - there's lots of state variation, and it’s easy to miss stuff if you’re not looking closely. We'll help you sort out what’s required vs. what’s just a good idea.
Rough cost: $2,500–$5,000
That’s exactly why we built our Online Environmental Assessment Tool. It takes 5 minutes, is totally free, and it’ll tell you what you likely need - and what it might cost.
We tailor pricing to your specific project based on scope, site size, location, timeline, and regulatory requirements. It starts with a conversation where we'll learn more about your facility - either over the phone, a video chat, or by trading emails. Once we understand your needs and operation, we'll run numbers on our end and give you a straight answer. If we're within your budget and you want to move forward, we'll get you a proposal with final numbers shortly after. No flat fees, just custom quotes for exactly what you need.
No problem - most clients come to us with questions, not answers. We’ll ask the right questions up front to help you figure out what’s required and what’s optional, so you can stay compliant without overpaying. You can also try our Online Environmental Assessment Tool to get a quick idea of which regulations might apply to you (and the cost to have us handle them) in under 5 minutes!
We’re flexible. We can offer payment plans on most projects to help align with your budget and timing. That said, we do try to keep things reasonable. If you're asking to finance a small job, like a $1,500 plan, we may not be the right fit. But if it's a larger scope and you just need some breathing room, talk to us. We're here to make compliance possible, not painful.
Bundling means we combine multiple services you need - like SPCC, stormwater, TRI, or training - into one coordinated project. This saves you time, reduces back-and-forth, and often lowers the total cost compared to pricing them separately. It also helps ensure consistency across your compliance efforts. We'll help you figure out the smartest way to bundle based on your site and deadlines.
We work with many clients who have several facilities across one or more states (or internationally). We’ll streamline your compliance across locations - standardizing where it makes sense, customizing where it doesn’t. You’ll get consistent reporting, shared resources, and bundled pricing when possible. Whether you need help at 2 sites or 20, we can build a scalable plan that keeps it simple and cost-effective.
In most cases, we can give you a ballpark estimate same-day. If it aligns with your budget, we can then usually get a detailed proposal with final numbers into your hands within 1–2 business days.
Just reach out and talk to us. We’re real people, and every quote we give is based on your actual project, not a generic template. We don’t pressure anyone into a sale, and we’re not interested in being a bad fit for the sake of booking work. Just like you, we want to work with clients where the fit is right - mutual trust, clear expectations, and long-term success. If that sounds like your style too, let’s talk.
Most quotes include everything needed to get the job done - from site visits and background research, to preparing your application, report, or plan, to time spent coordinating with your team & answering questions, to submitting or delivering the final product. If your project involves longer-distance travel, tight deadlines, a need for training, or other "extras", we’ll include those costs clearly so there are no surprises. Regulatory fees (like application filing costs or reporting fees) aren’t included, but we’ll flag them upfront. You’ll always know what’s covered, what’s optional, and why.
Not really, at least not with us! What you see in our proposal is exactly what you’re agreeing to, no surprise charges later. The only “extra” costs to be aware of are the ones tied to the regulations themselves, like agency filing fees, permit application fees or renewals, or required training over time. But we don’t believe in hiding things in fine print to pad the bill.
Sometimes, yes. If you need something turned around faster than our normal lead time, we may add a rush fee - especially if it means shifting schedules or working outside typical hours. That said, we’ll always tell you upfront if that applies.
We can honestly say that in over 30 years of doing this, we’ve never had a single customer ask for a refund. We’re highly rated online across all our offices, and we’ve earned the trust and respect of more clients than we can count since setting up shop in 1992. That said - if you ever feel something isn’t right, or someone challenges your program, we’re not walking away. We’ll work with you to figure it out and make it right. We’ve built our reputation by making sure our clients are satisfied. It’s how we’ve stayed in business this long, and we don’t plan on changing that anytime soon.
They build everything from scratch: Some firms fully customize every plan, training, or strategy, even when it’s not always necessary. That level of detail can be great if you're dealing with a one-of-a-kind situation, but for most projects, it just adds cost without adding real value. If you're paying for original graphics, re-invented procedures, or endless revision rounds, you're also paying for time you might not need to spend.
They layer in a lot of people: Large firms often have multi-layered teams: a project coordinator, a field staffer, a subject matter expert, a QA reviewer, and maybe even a client liaison. You might not speak to most of them, but you're still paying for all of them. That structure can work well for long, complex engagements... but for most compliance projects, it’s overkill.
They price for risk or red tape: Some firms mostly work with high-liability or heavily regulated industries - think government contracts, massive industrial sites, or public utilities. Those projects move slower, involve more scrutiny, and come with more red tape. So those firms tend to bake in higher fees across the board, even for smaller or simpler projects, to protect against risk and delays.
They just move slower: Some consulting firms are built around process and hierarchy, which can make everything take longer. You might be waiting weeks for someone to return a draft or answer a simple question. The work might be fine, but the timelines and cost reflect the fact that their internal systems are clunky, and they’re not set up for speed or adaptability.
They’re aiming for enterprise-level pricing: Some environmental firms are built to serve big corporations, and their pricing reflects it. Their minimums are higher, they expect long scopes and ongoing retainers, and they may not be that interested in smaller, one-off work. If you're not a Fortune 500 company, their pricing structure might not make much sense for your needs.
They’re giving you a template and calling it a plan: Some firms operate on volume. They use the same generic plan for dozens (or hundreds) of clients, swapping out a few names and dates and calling it done. If your site’s straightforward and you know exactly what to ask for, that might technically check the box... but if anything changes or gets inspected, you may find yourself scrambling.
They skip site work and guess from Google Maps: We’ve seen plans that were written without ever setting foot on-site. Some firms rely entirely on online aerial views, phone calls, or outdated records to draft compliance documents. That might save money up front, but it often misses key details (like actual tank configurations, drainage patterns, or new construction) and that can come back to bite you.
They don’t stick around when things go sideways: Low-cost providers tend to disappear once the file is delivered. If an agency pushes back, a question comes up, or your facility changes, you're left figuring it out on your own, or paying someone else to fix it. Support, follow-through, and responsiveness aren’t built into their model.
They’re not factoring in follow-up or updates: True compliance isn’t one-and-done, it changes with your operation, your team, and the rules. Cheaper firms often leave out training, recordkeeping tools, inspection checklists, or future plan maintenance. It’s “get the job done and move on,” with no system in place to keep you covered over time.
They might not know what they’re doing: We hate to say it, but we’ve seen “professionally prepared” plans that missed the basics. If the price is way below market, it’s worth asking how many of these projects they’ve done, how familiar they are with your industry, or whether they’ve ever defended one of their plans during an audit or inspection.
They aren’t priced to serve you long-term: Cheap firms rely on quick turnaround and low-effort projects to stay afloat. That means they don’t have the capacity for detailed questions, nuanced problems, or ongoing support. If you need more than a single PDF, you might find out the hard way that they’re not set up to help.
We’re not the cheapest option out there, and we’re not trying to be. But we’re also not stacked with overhead or dragging out timelines just to justify a premium. We land squarely in the middle (and intentionally so) because that’s where the best mix of value, responsiveness, and results actually lives.
We do real work, but we don’t waste time: Our pricing reflects the fact that we actually visit sites, ask questions, read regulations, and build plans that work in the real world. But we also know where we can streamline. We’ve developed systems, templates, and internal tools that help us move fast without cutting corners - so you’re not paying for inefficiencies.
We’ve got deep expertise and a practical mindset: We know the regs, and we’ve done hundreds of these projects across multiple states and industries. But we also know when something can be kept simple. If you just need a solid plan to stay compliant, we’ll get you exactly that... without loading the invoice with unnecessary extras.
We’re structured to support you, not just deliver a document: With us, you're not just getting a one-and-done PDF. We bake in time to answer follow-up questions, walk your team through what’s required, and support you when things inevitably change. That kind of availability and continuity matters, especially when an inspector shows up or a new facility manager needs to get up to speed.
We don’t oversell: We won’t push you into services you don’t need, and we won’t disappear when the job is “done.” Our goal is to make sure you’re covered, not to pad a proposal or lock you into something long-term if you’re not ready for it.
We know when to go fast and when to dig deeper: Some clients need a simple plan turned around quickly. Others need a partner to step in, take a hard look at their program, and build something more robust. We’re set up to do both, and we’ll always steer you toward the right level of service, even if that means telling you something you don’t expect.
We price with clarity and back it with accountability: You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, what’s included, and what comes next. No vague scopes. No mystery fees. No “wait, is this billable?” surprises. If something’s outside the original scope, we’ll talk about it before we do it.
In short: we’re built for the clients who want it done right, want it done efficiently, and want a team that actually cares if their plan holds up. If that sounds like what you're looking for, you’ll probably find that RMA is the sweet spot.
Every project is different. We don’t do one-size-fits-all quotes - what you pay depends on a few variables that we'll need to discuss to get you a final quote. Here are the most important factors that tend to drive cost up or down.
Factor |
What Drives the Price Up 🔼 |
What Drives the Price Down 🔽 |
Scope Complexity | If your project involves multiple regulations or unique site conditions, it takes more time and expertise to get it right. | If you're just looking for a single plan or a straightforward service, we can usually knock it out quickly and efficiently. |
... |
Every project is different. We don’t do one-size-fits-all quotes - what you pay depends on a few variables that we'll need to discuss to get you a final quote. Here are the most important factors that tend to drive cost up or down.
Factor |
What Drives the Price Up 🔼 |
What Drives the Price Down 🔽 |
Scope Complexity | If your project involves multiple regulations or unique site conditions, it takes more time and expertise to get it right. | If you're just looking for a single plan or a straightforward service, we can usually knock it out quickly and efficiently. |
Current Status | If you're starting from scratch (no past plans, no clear records, no idea what's required) we’ll need to spend more time upfront gathering info and getting you organized. It’s totally doable, but it takes work. | If you already have some pieces in place (past reports, site maps, inspection history, or just a clear idea of what’s needed) we can hit the ground running and keep costs lower. |
Operation Size | Larger facilities tend to require more site time, mapping, documentation, and follow-up. | Smaller operations with limited infrastructure are quicker to assess and easier to document. |
Operation Span | If you have multiple locations (especially across different states) we need to account for varying regulatory requirements, agency preferences, and documentation standards. | A single-site project in one state is much more straightforward. It's much easier to determine what rules apply and who we’re dealing with, which helps us move faster and keep costs down. |
Travel Considerations | We’re based on the East Coast, and while we’ll absolutely go where the work is, long-distance travel adds cost - flights, hotels, time on the road. Remote locations or sites that require multiple visits will be more expensive, plain and simple. | If you’re within driving distance or your site is easy to access, we can keep travel time (and costs) to a minimum - especially if you provide strong documentation upfront. |
Timeframe | If you’re on a tight deadline, we can fast-track things, but it takes juggling and overtime on our end. | If you’ve got some breathing room, we can fit the project into our schedule in a way that keeps costs lower. |
Level of Customization | Fully custom plans, trainings, or systems take more strategy and build time behind the scenes. | If you’re okay with off-the-shelf training, a boilerplate plan, or a standard application submittal, it’s going to be quicker and cheaper to produce. |
Honestly? It depends. Look, we'll acknowledge that we're biased. But we also want to be realistic.
If your environmental needs are simple and you’ve got a solid internal team, you might not need outside help. And that’s totally fine - we’re the first to say “you’ve got this” if that’s the case. We're not here to sell you something you don't need.
But for many companies, hiring a consultant is worth it. The cost of doing it wrong (or doing nothing) can be huge. If you haven't already, check out our Violation Cost Calculator to see how fast those fines stack up. There's just too much to risk by not getting it right (and that's before accounting for things like bad press, loss of trust, and disruptions when things go wrong).
And beyond the numbers and your reputation, this stuff actually matters. It’s not just about staying out of trouble, it’s about doing things right. For your people, for your business, and for the environment you’re part of. We find that most people like swimming in clean water and walking outside without coughing - and if you're running a business, you have a real opportunity to do things right so we can all enjoy those things.
So yeah, bias admitted. But if you really can't handle it in-house or you just want it done right and off your plate, we think it’s worth the call.
Our pricing guidelines offer a ballpark for typical projects, but we know every client brings unique challenges. Your industry, operations, and objectives all shape your project’s pricing. That’s why we tailor every quote to your exact needs, whether you’re navigating complex regulations, adopting sustainable practices, or conducting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.
Let us craft the perfect project for your needs.
Not ready to talk just yet? No worries!
Get a quick, no-pressure starting quote online with our easy assessment tool. Answer 10 simple questions, and you'll receive a customized starting price quote along with an outline of the environmental services your business may need. It's fast, easy, and tailored just for you—no commitment required.
Try the tool now and get your personalized starting quote in 5 minutes!
Tel: 888-RMA-0230 | Email: info@rmagreen
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