5 Key Questions to Determine Your Environmental Compliance Needs

The Top 5 Questions Every Environmental Manager and Business Owner Must Ask!

As an environmental manager or business owner, you juggle countless responsibilities. Between daily operations, managing people, and staying profitable, compliance with environmental regulations might feel like just another task on an already full plate. But it’s essential. Proper compliance not only protects the environment but also shields your business from penalties, legal risks, and reputational damage.

The good news? With the right approach, environmental compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By asking the right questions, you can pinpoint your facility’s needs, focus on what matters most, and develop a plan to stay ahead of requirements.

We get it, this stuff is complicated. That's why we've spent decades helping businesses like yours navigate environmental regulations. If you think you might need a hand or just want some quick advice, reach out to us to talk to an expert. For now, let’s dive into the five key questions that will help you assess your compliance status and ensure your business is on track.

1. How does your facility manage water and stormwater?

Water and stormwater management are critical for compliance and environmental stewardship. To start, it's important to understand what type of water impacts your facility, and the difference between stormwater and process water. The bottom line is this - whether it’s runoff from rain or wastewater from your operations, how you handle water directly impacts your regulatory obligations.

For stormwater, consider:

• Does rainwater flow into drains, parking areas, or water bodies near your facility?
• Are any materials stored outdoors where runoff could carry pollutants?

For process water, ask:

• Does your facility discharge water into sewers, surface waters, or on-site systems?
• Do cleaning, production, or cooling processes generate wastewater?

If the answer is yes to any of these, you might need permits like an NPDES permit for discharge or a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). Proper water management protects the environment and shields your business from fines or violations.

2. Do you store oils, lubricants, fuels, or other petroleum products on-site?

For facilities storing oils and petroleum products, a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan is often required. Overseen at the Federal level by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), SPCC plans are required if your total aboveground storage exceeds 1,320 gallons. 

An SPCC plan ensures your facility is prepared to prevent spills and respond effectively if they happen. There are several types of SPCC plans, and the details of your facility will dictate which type you need. Regardless of the type of plan, it’s a vital compliance document for facilities handling significant volumes of oils - so don't sleep on it!

3. Are you required to report under EPCRA?

If you store hazardous chemicals or release certain pollutants, EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act) may require you to file reports such as:

• Tier II Reports: For facilities storing specific quantities of hazardous materials.
• Toxic Release Inventory (TRI): For businesses emitting listed chemicals into the environment.

Check your chemical inventory and emissions data. Missing reporting deadlines or failing to report accurately can lead to fines and public scrutiny. This is a big one!

4. Are there air emissions from your facility?

Air permits are essential for operations that emit pollutants. This might include manufacturing, painting, or using combustion equipment like boilers or generators.

Common activities requiring air permits include:

• Handling or storing materials that generate dust or particulates.
• Using coatings or solvents that release VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
• Combustion processes emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants.

Securing the proper permits ensures your operations run smoothly while staying compliant with air quality standards.

5. What types of waste does your facility generate?

Waste management isn’t just about taking out the trash—it’s about knowing the regulations for everything from hazardous materials to recyclables.

Ask yourself:

• Are you properly labeling, storing, and disposing of hazardous or universal waste?
• Have you identified all your waste streams?
• Do you understand your reporting requirements under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)?

Getting waste management right helps you avoid fines and supports your sustainability goals, giving your business a competitive edge.

How Do I Know What Applies to Me?

Ah, the age-old question. Determining your compliance needs can be challenging, especially with varying regulations for different industries, sizes, and locations. To simplify the process, you have two options:

1. Use Our Free Online Environmental Compliance Assessment Tool.
   Our quick, easy-to-use tool identifies which regulations are most likely to apply to your operations, giving you a starting point for compliance.

2. Schedule a Professional Audit with RMA.
   While online tools are helpful, there’s no substitute for expert guidance. Our team conducts thorough, facility-specific audits to ensure your business meets all its regulatory requirements—and avoids surprises down the road.

Wrapping Up: Next Steps to Ensure Environmental Compliance

Environmental compliance is a responsibility every business must take seriously, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By asking the right questions, you can focus on areas like water management, chemical storage, air emissions, and waste handling to meet your requirements.

If you’re unsure about where to start or need help navigating complex regulations, RMA is here to help. Use our free online compliance assessment tool to get started or schedule a professional audit for tailored support.

Let us take the guesswork out of compliance so you can focus on running your business with confidence.