Environmental 101 for Resorts, Hotels, and Destination Properties

Even paradise has paperwork. Here’s how to stay environmentally compliant and stress-free.

When you think about environmental compliance, you probably picture factories, refineries, or trucking terminals. But what about resorts, hotels, and destination properties?

From mountain lodges to coastal resorts, these facilities often have the same environmental responsibilities as industrial operations... just dressed up in a prettier setting.

The truth is, if your property uses fuel tanks, backup generators, boilers, pools, landscaping chemicals, or maintenance shops, you likely fall under one or more federal and state environmental regulations.

The good news? Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated - as long as you know what applies and how to manage it. At RMA, we’ve helped resorts, hotels, and large hospitality facilities across the country understand, manage, and document their environmental programs without disrupting guest experiences or daily operations.

If you need a hand with your property's environmental program, reach out to us here! Here’s what every resort facility manager and owner should know about environmental compliance.

Table of Contents

• SPCC Requirements for Fuel and Generator Tanks at Resorts
• Air Permits for Generators and Boilers at Resorts
• Hazardous Waste and Universal Waste Management at Resorts
• EPCRA Tier II and Community Right-to-Know at Resorts
• Other Common Environmental Programs at Resorts
• Why Resorts Choose RMA for Environmental Expertise
• Getting Environmental Help at Your Resort, Hotel, or Destination Property
• Additional Environmental Consulting Information

1. SPCC Requirements for Fuel and Generator Tanks at Resorts

Many resorts have aboveground fuel tanks for vehicle fueling, equipment, or emergency generators.

If the total storage capacity of your aboveground tanks is 1,320 gallons or more, and there’s a reasonable expectation that a spill could reach surface water or a storm drain, the federal SPCC Rule (Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure) applies to you.

That means you’re required to have an SPCC Plan prepared, implemented, and potentially even certified by a Professional Engineer. An SPCC Plan details how your facility prevents fuel spills, contains them if they occur, and keeps oil and fuel out of the environment.

Typical covered tanks include:

• Diesel tanks for emergency generators
• Fuel tanks for maintenance vehicles or boats
• Heating oil tanks for remote facilities
• Lubricant or waste oil tanks in maintenance shops

Even generator day tanks can count toward the total capacity if they store fuel on-site. Failing to maintain an SPCC Plan can lead to penalties from the EPA, but more importantly, it leaves you exposed if a spill does happen.

At RMA, we help resorts determine if SPCC applies, prepare or update their plans, and train staff so that compliance feels simple, not burdensome.

2. Air Permits for Generators and Boilers at Resorts

Most resort facilities have standby generators, boilers, and sometimes incinerators or cooking exhaust systems that can trigger air permitting requirements.

While these are often small(er) emission sources compared to industrial sites, they’re still regulated under both federal and state air programs.

For example:

• Backup generators are typically subject to EPA’s Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) rules, which require maintenance, recordkeeping, and sometimes notification to your state air agency.
• Boilers used for heating pools, spas, or buildings may be subject to Boiler MACT or local air quality permitting requirements, depending on size and fuel type.
• On-site incinerators or large kitchen exhaust systems may need specific permits or compliance monitoring.

Even if your units operate infrequently, air rules can still apply.

RMA can help you determine whether your resort’s equipment requires registration or permitting - and if so, manage the application and compliance process so it doesn’t slow down operations.

3. Hazardous Waste and Universal Waste Management at Resorts

Most resorts generate at least some hazardous or universal waste, even if they don’t realize it.

Examples include:

• Used paint, solvents, or cleaning chemicals from maintenance shops
• Waste oil or antifreeze
• Fluorescent bulbs, batteries, or mercury thermostats
• Pesticides and pool chemicals
• Spent aerosol cans or pressurized containers

If your property produces any of these, you fall under EPA’s hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR Part 262). You’ll need to determine your generator status (very small, small, or large quantity generator), ensure waste is properly labeled, stored, and disposed of, and maintain required records.

Universal wastes (like bulbs and batteries) have simpler rules, but they still require labeling, accumulation time limits, and recycling or proper disposal through approved vendors.

RMA helps resorts simplify these programs, often combining hazardous waste and universal waste compliance into one streamlined system that’s easy for maintenance and housekeeping staff to follow.

4. EPCRA Tier II and Community Right-to-Know at Resorts

If your resort stores chemicals such as fuels, cleaning products, pool chemicals, refrigerants, or pesticides, you may be required to report them annually under EPCRA Tier II regulations.

The threshold for reporting is typically 10,000 pounds for most chemicals, or as low as 500 pounds (or the Threshold Planning Quantity) for certain hazardous substances like chlorine or ammonia. Many resorts trigger reporting simply because they store pool treatment chemicals or diesel fuel for backup generators.

These Tier II reports must be filed annually with your State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and local fire department to help first responders know what’s on-site in case of an emergency. It’s a straightforward process... but missing a report or submitting incorrect information can result in costly fines.

RMA helps resorts identify reportable materials, prepare and file their Tier II submissions, and establish ongoing chemical inventory systems that keep everything accurate year-round.

5. Other Common Environmental Programs at Resorts

Beyond the big four (SPCC, Air, Waste, and EPCRA), many resorts may also need to consider:

• Stormwater Permitting (NPDES): For maintenance areas, golf course operations, or parking lots that discharge runoff to nearby waters.
• Water System Compliance: For resorts operating private wells or small water systems for guests.
• Underground Storage Tank (UST) Regulations: For buried fuel tanks, especially older systems that may lack secondary containment.
• Asbestos and Lead Paint Management: For older facilities undergoing renovations or expansions.
• Refrigerant Management (Section 608): For large HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Each of these areas can carry separate inspection, reporting, and training requirements (and penalties for missing them can add up fast).

RMA’s environmental compliance evaluations, whether a regulatory review or a more comprehensive audit, can identify all your applicable programs, pinpoint compliance gaps, and build a practical roadmap to get you fully aligned.

Why Resorts Choose RMA for Environmental Expertise

We get it - resort managers and engineers wear a lot of hats. You’re balancing guest satisfaction, maintenance needs, energy costs, and safety. Compliance paperwork usually isn’t top of the list. That’s where we make life easier.

RMA has decades of experience helping resorts, hotels, and hospitality companies maintain compliance without disrupting the guest experience.

We specialize in:

• Evaluating environmental programs and identifying what really applies to your facility
• Preparing SPCC Plans, air permit applications, waste management procedures, and Tier II reports
• Training your staff to understand and maintain compliance day-to-day
• Providing ongoing support to keep your documentation current and inspections stress-free

We’re not here to make compliance harder, we’re here to make it simple, sustainable, and safe.

Getting Environmental Help at Your Resort, Hotel, or Destination Property

Whether you operate a ski resort, a coastal property, or a national hospitality brand, RMA can help you understand and manage your environmental responsibilities so you can focus on what you do best: providing an incredible guest experience.

If you’re not sure which regulations apply to your resort, or if you just want to make sure nothing’s falling through the cracks, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a quick consultation or compliance review.

We’ll walk your facility, identify what applies, and create a clear plan that fits your operations, budget, and peace of mind. Because even paradise has paperwork - and RMA helps you handle it the right way.