5 Signs It’s Time to Update Your Environmental Compliance Program

Does Your Environmental Program Need a Refresher? 5 Key Signs It Does!

Your environmental compliance program is the backbone of responsible business operations, ensuring your facility stays aligned with regulations, reduces risks, and promotes sustainability. But like any system, it requires regular updates to remain effective. Ignoring these updates can expose your business to fines, inefficiencies, or even safety hazards.

From regulatory changes to operational shifts, there are clear signs that your program may need attention. Recognizing these indicators early helps you stay proactive and avoid costly mistakes.

If your compliance program hasn’t been reviewed recently or you’re unsure if it’s still effective, now is the time to act. Reach out to us at RMA today to refresh your program and keep your business running smoothly and responsibly.

1. New Regulations, Changes in Existing Laws, and New Versions of Environmental Permits

Environmental laws and regulations are in constant flux, with updates at the federal, state, and local levels often introduced to address evolving environmental challenges. As if this wasn't hard enough to keep up with, your environmental permits may also be changing over time with renewals. If your program hasn’t been reviewed recently, it may not account for the latest regulatory changes, leaving your business at risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.

Examples of updates:

• Regulatory updates requiring previously unregulated equipment to be included under air permits.
• Emerging requirements for PFAS ("forever chemicals") monitoring and management under federal and state programs.
• Changes to monitoring parameters in a new version of your stormwater permit.

Failing to keep your program current with these changes can result in fines or operational disruptions.

Pro Tip: Stay proactive by subscribing to regulatory updates or working with an environmental consultant who can provide tailored guidance on new or changing requirements and permits.

2. Changes to Your Facility or Operations

Any significant operational changes—such as expanding, moving locations, or introducing new processes—can impact your environmental responsibilities. Operational shifts can introduce new risks and regulatory requirements, making it essential to adjust your program accordingly.

Examples of operational changes:

• Installing new equipment that generates air emissions.
• Increasing the storage capacity of regulated materials.
• Launching new production lines or processes.

These changes often necessitate updates to your program to ensure continued compliance, such as revising your SPCC plan for oil spill prevention and response, or your SWPPP for NPDES stormwater permit compliance.

3. A Recent Violation or Close Call

A compliance violation—or even a narrowly avoided penalty—signals that gaps exist in your current program. Whether it’s due to outdated procedures, insufficient training, or overlooked requirements, these incidents highlight areas that need immediate attention.

Common issues leading to violations:

• Missing or incomplete documentation.
• Improper waste management or disposal methods.
• Failure to renew permits or address permit conditions.

Using these situations as opportunities for improvement can strengthen your program and reduce future risks.

Pro Tip: After any compliance issue, perform a root cause analysis to identify what went wrong. Adjust your program to address these gaps and prevent similar incidents in the future.

4. Turnover in Key Environmental Roles

When employees who manage compliance leave your organization, their knowledge and expertise often leave with them. Without a structured program to guide new hires, critical processes may be overlooked, leading to compliance lapses.

Risks of turnover:

• Delays in meeting reporting deadlines like Tier II or TRI reporting.
• Improper or absent environmental training for new and existing staff.
• Loss of institutional knowledge about your compliance history.

Ensuring your program is well-documented and easy to follow reduces the impact of turnover and helps new team members adapt quickly.

5. It’s Been Over a Year Since Your Last Review

Your environmental compliance program isn’t meant to be static—it’s a living system that requires regular attention. Industry best practices recommend reviewing and refining your program at least annually, or more often if significant changes occur. Even if your operations haven’t changed, regulations and industry standards likely have.

What to review annually:

• Confirm permits, plans, and certifications are up to date.
• Update facility maps to account for new features, such as new oil storage areas.
• Verify that employee environmental training is being conducted.
• Ensure documentation, such as facility inspection records, is being retained.

Frequent reviews not only keep your program relevant but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance during audits or inspections.

Pro Tip: Align your annual review with a consistent milestone, such as the start of your fiscal year or just before major reporting deadlines, to build a habit of regular program maintenance.

How to Update Your Environmental Compliance Program

Updating your environmental compliance program can seem daunting, but a structured approach makes the process manageable and effective. Start by reviewing your current program to identify gaps or outdated elements. This includes checking regulatory updates, reassessing operational changes, and ensuring that training, documentation, and permits are up to date.

The best way to streamline this process is through a professional environmental audit. An audit provides an expert evaluation of your program, highlighting areas that need improvement and offering tailored solutions. With a detailed audit report, you’ll gain clarity on what’s working, what needs updating, and how to prioritize changes efficiently.

Schedule an audit with us today and let our experts guide you in strengthening your program and staying ahead of regulatory requirements!

Ready to Strengthen Your Environmental Compliance Program?

Shoot us an email at info@rmagreen.com, click here to contact us, or give us a call at 888-RMA-0230. Let us help you simplify your environmental compliance program and keep your operations running smoothly!