Environmental Compliance for Manufacturing Facilities 101

A Quick Guide to Managing Environmental Compliance in the Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing facilities deal with some of the most complex environmental regulations in business today. If you operate a manufacturing site, you already know that keeping up with permits, hazardous waste rules, air quality standards, and stormwater regulations can feel overwhelming.

The truth is, environmental compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting your business, employees, and community while maintaining smooth operations.

At RMA, we specialize in helping manufacturers navigate these challenges, ensuring compliance with all major environmental laws. If you’re ready to get expert guidance tailored to your facility’s needs, reach out to us today.

Okay, here are the top environmental areas manufacturing facilities need to be aware of:

1. Stormwater & Wastewater Compliance

Manufacturers with outdoor operations, material storage, or process discharges must comply with the Clean Water Act (CWA) and obtain the necessary permits.

• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are required for process wastewater and stormwater discharges.
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) must be maintained to minimize contamination.
• Regular sampling and reporting ensure compliance with discharge limits

Failing to manage stormwater and wastewater correctly can lead to contamination issues, regulatory penalties, and environmental damage. By securing the right permits, maintaining a strong SWPPP, and keeping up with sampling and reporting, manufacturers can protect both their operations and the environment.

2. Chemical Storage & Reporting

Facilities that store or use hazardous chemicals must comply with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and other chemical safety regulations.

• Tier II reporting is required for facilities storing hazardous substances above threshold quantities.
• Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting applies to certain industries releasing toxic chemicals into the environment.
• Proper chemical labeling, secondary containment, and spill prevention measures are critical.

Improper chemical storage and reporting can result in serious safety risks and compliance violations. Following EPCRA requirements, keeping accurate records, and implementing proper spill prevention measures ensure your facility stays compliant and reduces the potential for hazardous incidents.

3. Spill Prevention & Oil Storage Compliance

Manufacturing facilities that store petroleum or oil-based products must adhere to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule under the Clean Water Act.

• SPCC Plans must be developed for facilities storing 1,320+ gallons of oil in aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) or 42,000+ gallons in underground tanks.
• Regular inspections and secondary containment help prevent spills from reaching navigable waters.
• SPCC Plans require ongoing annual SPCC training for all employees who could reasonably be involved with a spill of oil or petroleum.

Oil spills can have major environmental and financial consequences. By maintaining an SPCC Plan, conducting regular inspections, and implementing proper containment measures, manufacturers can reduce the risk of spills and meet Clean Water Act requirements.

4. Hazardous & Non-Hazardous Waste Management

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates the generation, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.

• Facilities must correctly classify waste as hazardous, universal, or non-hazardous.
• Waste containers must be properly labeled and stored with secondary containment.
• Generators must follow manifesting and disposal requirements to ensure waste is handled legally.
• Regular inspections and training are required to maintain compliance.

Effective waste management is key to regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Properly classifying, labeling, storing, and disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste ensures compliance with RCRA while minimizing environmental liability.

5. Air Quality & Emissions Compliance

Manufacturers with combustion equipment, painting operations, or other emission sources must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and state air quality regulations.

• Facilities may require air permits for emissions of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
• Annual emissions reporting and monitoring requirements vary by industry and location.
• Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and operational restrictions.

Air emissions regulations are becoming increasingly strict, making compliance essential for manufacturers. Obtaining the necessary permits, tracking emissions, and staying on top of reporting requirements can prevent costly fines and help facilities meet Clean Air Act standards.

6. Environmental Audits & Compliance Reviews

Regular environmental audits can help manufacturing facilities stay ahead of regulatory changes and identify compliance gaps.

• Internal audits ensure permit requirements are being met and documentation is up to date.
• Third-party audits provide an unbiased assessment of environmental risks and opportunities for improvement.

Regular audits provide valuable insight into your facility’s environmental performance. Whether conducted internally or with the help of a third-party consultant, audits help identify compliance gaps, prevent violations, and ensure that permits and documentation are up to date.

7. Best Practices for Environmental Compliance in Manufacturing

• Conduct regular environmental training on hazardous waste handling, chemical safety, and stormwater compliance, among others.
• Stay proactive by implementing pollution prevention and waste minimization strategies.
• Monitor regulatory updates to ensure permits and reporting requirements remain current.
• Partner with environmental consultants to navigate complex regulations and avoid costly fines.

Environmental compliance requires ongoing effort, but staying proactive can save manufacturers time and money. Regular training, pollution prevention strategies, and working with experienced environmental consultants can help businesses stay ahead of regulations and avoid unnecessary risks.

Don’t Let Compliance Challenges Disrupt Your Business—We Can Help

Environmental compliance in manufacturing isn’t optional—it’s essential to avoid fines, protect your workforce, and maintain operational efficiency. RMA specializes in helping manufacturers understand, manage, and streamline environmental compliance.

Let’s take the stress out of environmental regulations—contact RMA today to schedule a compliance review and ensure your facility is meeting all requirements.