In our first万博app手机版官网下载在本系列中，我们讨论了管理环境规范的零碎方法的陷阱以及实施更精简计划的益处。在缺乏或管理不变的计划时，存在常见的痛点和障碍。这些往往表现为尚不清楚的许可条件或过期许可，人员之间的误解，与监管机构的沟通不足，缺乏对监管变更的认识，或者未能准确或各自的截止日期提交合规报告。
We know what doesn’t work, so what does?
Identifying what doesn’t work is easy (and almost second nature). But over the years, we have been able to identify commonalities between successfully managed compliance programs. At a minimum, they are established and maintained by:
Continual, current and centralized recordkeeping
Create a system to ensure records are updated when necessary, and keep updated records in an easily accessible and centralized location.
Tracking deadlines
You cannot comply if you don’t meet reporting deadlines. Find a system that works best for you, and you are more likely to stay on track. This system can look like a simple Word document, Excel file, or entries on your Outlook Calendar; or something more complex such as deadlines and reminders recorded in your company’s preventative maintenance program.
Understanding permit conditions and reporting requirements
Most permits and regulations require different types of reporting and recordkeeping due throughout the year. Spend time with your permits to create a detailed permit condition document.
Recognizing existing and potential compliance gaps
You can enlist an environmental consultant to conduct a Regulatory Applicability Screen (RAS) to better understand your facility’s specific compliance gaps without a requirement to report.
Checking that existing compliance programs reflect current site conditions and operations
Some plans are easy to maintain and adjust while others are more cumbersome, but your permits need to reflect current (or future) changes to your facility. For example, if your site requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), determine if it needs to be updated to meet new requirements and that it accurately reflects current activity at your site.
Staying up to date with environmental rules
Not only are there an abundance of rules to understand, but they are regularly updated by state and federal agencies It is important to track the current rules that apply along with rule updates.
A reliable organizational culture
Behind a successful compliance program is top-down management commitment, buy-in, and ownership of the common goal. This will ensure that each employee understands their own and others’ roles in achieving and maintaining environmental compliance.
Good communication with regulatory agencies
Be upfront and honest about your facility and its activities. You don’t like surprises, and regulatory agenciesreallydon’t like surprises. A great way to initiate communication and open dialogue is through pre-meetings with regulatory agencies when preparing a permit application.
These are just some of the contributing factors to a successful program, but they can help you as you begin to implement a more holistic program approach to environmental compliance.
Contact Our Environmental Consultants
If you have any questions on how to begin or better manage your environmental compliance program, please give us a call or click the link below to fill out our Contact Us form.