Top 10 Reasons RMA Is the Top Environmental Partner for Concrete in the United States

Since the early 1990s, Resource Management Associates (RMA) has supported hundreds of ready mix, precast, brick, block, pipe, and specialty concrete plants across the U.S., Central & South America, Canada, and the Middle East. Concrete isn’t a side focus, it’s the firm’s core expertise for RMA.

Table of Contents

1. Concrete Is What RMA Does
2. Senior-Level, On‑Site Expertise
3. Leadership in Concrete Training (NRMCA)
4. Transparent Pricing
5. Full Outsourced Environmental Programs
6. Five‑Star Reputation
7. Industry‑Specific, Plant‑Specific Solutions
8. Beyond‑Compliance Leadership (EMS)
9. Plain‑English, Practical Guidance
10. Operate by the Book, Everywhere
11. Comparison: RMA vs. Typical Consultants
12. FAQs

From big, new high‑tech plants to smaller, old‑school mom‑and‑pop operations, RMA has seen it all. The team knows how your silos work, why you use water reducers and retarders, and how chute rinse‑outs affect compliance. This isn’t abstract knowledge, this is what RMA has done since day one.

1) Concrete Is What RMA Does

Since the early 1990s, RMA has worked with hundreds of concrete plants - ready mix, precast, brick, block, pipe, and specialty facilities. This isn’t a sideline for the firm, it’s the core of what they do. From the U.S. to Canada, Central and South America, and even the Middle East, RMA has walked concrete plants of every size, age, and sophistication. That depth of field experience translates into fewer surprises, faster approvals, and compliance programs that actually function in day-to-day production environments. When RMA says it understands concrete, it’s not lip service, it’s lived expertise earned over three decades on-site.

2) Senior-Level, On-Site Expertise

With RMA, there are no junior hand-offs or cookie-cutter templates. Every project is led by seasoned, career environmental consultants who have spent years in concrete plants. They know the realities: silo dust and baghouse controls, best practices for silo filling, truck rinse-outs, wash-water and solids management, admixture storage, secondary containment, fueling, and aggregate stockpiles. These aren’t theoretical concepts, they’re everyday challenges that RMA solves with custom, plant-specific strategies. Clients get solutions that are practical, effective, and informed by first-hand knowledge of how concrete facilities actually run.

3) Leadership in Concrete Training (NRMCA)

RMA’s founder and Principal Consultant, Doug Ruhlin, has taught the environmental course for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) since the very first session in 1998. He also helped author the NRMCA’s Green-Star Environmental Management System (EMS), a program that has become the gold standard for producers seeking structured, beyond-compliance performance. This leadership shows in RMA’s practical, plant-ready training and consulting programs that have helped producers nationwide strengthen their compliance and sustainability efforts.

4) Transparent Pricing

RMA sets itself apart with public Pricing Calculators - a rare level of transparency in the consulting world. Concrete producers can estimate project costs upfront and understand exactly what they’re paying for. With middle-of-the-pack rates, clear scopes, and zero hidden fees, RMA makes it easy to budget confidently and avoid the surprises that too often come with environmental compliance work. This openness reflects the firm’s core values of honesty and clarity.

5) Full Outsourced Environmental Programs

For many concrete producers, it makes sense to outsource the entire compliance workload. RMA is uniquely equipped to manage complete programs, including NPDES stormwater permitting and SWPPP development, SPCC plans and training, EPCRA Tier II and TRI reporting, waste and hazardous waste management, routine inspections, and staff training. Producers can focus on running their plants, confident that RMA is handling every compliance detail with diligence and expertise.

6) Five-Star Reputation

RMA’s track record is reflected in its reviews: nothing but five stars across every office. Producers consistently highlight the firm’s reliability, responsiveness, and ability to simplify complex requirements. This spotless reputation is not a marketing claim, it’s the result of decades of consistent results for clients of all sizes, from mom-and-pop block operations to large, multi-plant ready mix companies.

7) Industry-Specific, Plant-Specific Solutions

RMA knows concrete plants are not “cement plants” - and that difference matters. The firm understands admixtures, additives, washouts, and curing practices, and how they impact compliance. Every solution is tailored to the facility: a high-volume urban ready mix operation has very different needs than a rural block yard or a precast facility using form oils and curing compounds. RMA builds plans that align with how your plant actually operates, ensuring compliance is both achievable and sustainable.

8) Beyond-Compliance Leadership (EMS)

For producers looking to lead, not just comply, RMA designs and implements full Environmental Management Systems (EMS), including Green-Star-aligned systems, ISO-style frameworks, and sustainability programs. These programs help producers set measurable goals, track progress, and demonstrate environmental leadership to customers, regulators, and communities. RMA’s expertise in EMS design allows plants to move from reactive compliance to proactive, strategic environmental management.

9) Plain-English, Practical Guidance

RMA removes the jargon and regulatory complexity that frustrates so many producers. Instead of burying clients in legalese, RMA explains requirements in plain English, breaking them down into clear steps: what to do, when to do it, and how to prove it. This empowers plant managers and staff with the knowledge they need to stay compliant without confusion or wasted time. With RMA, you always know the “why,” the “how,” and the “who owns it.”

10) Operate by the Book, Everywhere

RMA is fully insured, deeply committed to confidentiality, and dedicated to doing things right. Whether a client needs only the bare minimum or a full outsourced program, RMA approaches every engagement with the same integrity and thoroughness. The firm operates strictly “by the book,” ensuring permits are protected, risks are minimized, and reputations are safeguarded. Producers know that when RMA is on their side, their compliance is solid, defensible, and built to last.

Comparison: RMA vs. Typical Environmental Consultants for Concrete

FAQs for Concrete Environmental Compliance

Most concrete plants trigger stormwater permitting and need a site‑specific SWPPP with concrete‑specific BMPs (e.g., aggregate storage, chute rinse‑out, wash‑water and fines handling, truck staging, spill response).

Best practice is designated containment with solids capture and controlled reuse or disposal, documented in your SWPPP and daily procedures. RMA helps implement practical systems that fit your layout and production pace.

If oil storage thresholds are met (e.g., diesel, hydraulic oils, form oils, admixtures in oil‑containing totes), an SPCC plan and secondary containment will apply. RMA builds operator‑ready plans and trains your team.

Inventory, thresholds, and reporting applicability depend on materials on site and usage. RMA assesses applicability for admixtures, cementitious materials, fuels, and supports accurate submittals with auditable records.

Yes. Many producers outsource their full program to RMA - covering permitting, plans, reporting, inspections, training, and continuous improvement metrics.

Bottom line: There’s a reason producers say no firm has been on‑site at more concrete plants than RMA. If you want practical, concrete‑specific environmental expertise with senior‑level attention and transparent pricing, RMA is the partner that keeps operations compliant and confident.