Georgia Stormwater Management Manual planning and site due diligence

Stormwater planning can shape a Georgia development project long before construction begins. The Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (GSMM), often called the “Blue Book,” provides a common framework for managing runoff, protecting water quality, reducing downstream impacts, and designing stormwater control measures. Understanding how the manual fits with local ordinances, permit conditions, and site constraints can help project teams avoid redesigns, review delays, and costly changes.

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Wildfire burning through hills

In today’s climate, wildfire resilience is no longer only a concern for facilities located near highly forested areas. Wind-driven embers, regional smoke, utility interruptions, road closures, and supply-chain delays can affect commercial, industrial, institutional, and public properties many miles from an active fire.

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A former industrial brownfield site sits vacant

Brownfield properties can be powerful redevelopment opportunities, but they require careful environmental due diligence, safety planning, and regulatory strategy. Former industrial sites, gas stations, warehouses, rail corridors, and underused commercial properties may have lingering legacy conditions. Hazardous substances, petroleum impacts, vapor intrusion, asbestos, lead-based paint, and more can affect cost, scheduling, liability, and future land use for these sites.

Continue reading “Considerations in Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment: Environmental Site Assessments, Remediation, and Safe Reuse” →

A facility with pipes emitting white smoke, with a pipeline in the foreground and a blue sky in the background.

For many facilities, air compliance problems start with overlooked permit conditions, incomplete records, late reports, or equipment changes made without evaluating permitting implications. State agencies and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency frequently identify noncompliance through inspections, self-reported deviations, stack testing, and routine data review.

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Environmental compliance audit at industrial facility

Environmental audits are not one-size-fits-all. The right audit depends on your business goals, regulatory exposure, and operational risk. For manufacturers, developers, property owners, and facility managers, choosing the correct audit can help reduce liability, prevent violations, and improve overall performance.

Continue reading “Environmental Audits Explained: Which Type You Need and Why” →

Industrial facility evaluating air compliance requirements before expansion

Expanding a facility can unlock production capacity, improve efficiency, and support long-term growth. But before construction begins or new equipment is installed, air compliance should be an early part of the project strategy. For manufacturers, energy operators, and other industrial facilities, expansion plans can trigger new permitting requirements, change emissions profiles, and affect ongoing compliance obligations under federal, state, and local air regulations.

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Aboveground oil storage tanks during summer storm conditions

Summer brings heat, humidity, high winds, intense rainfall, and flash flooding that can turn small weaknesses in oil storage and handling systems into costly releases. For facilities that store oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, fats, or other regulated petroleum products, this season is the right time to review your Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. A proactive review can help reduce environmental risk, support compliance, and protect operations before the next storm hits. Continue reading “Are Summer Showers Putting Your SPCC Compliance at Risk?” →

Industrial boiler undergoing MACT emissions testing

If your business operates a boiler or process heater, you’ve likely encountered the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Major Sources, specifically 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart DDDDD, commonly known as Boiler MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology). These requirements govern how you test, document, and demonstrate compliance to help keep your facility operating safely and efficiently.

With the end of June fast approaching, another reporting period is soon coming to an end. Another Boiler MACT semiannual compliance report is due soon. Now is a good time to compile your records so you can begin preparing the semiannual report as soon as the reporting period ends, because missing or late submittals can lead to significant financial and legal consequences.

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Environmental compliance specialist inspecting facility equipmentEnvironmental compliance is a critical responsibility for industrial facilities, commercial operations, and property owners. At its core, environmental compliance means following the laws, regulations, and standards designed to protect air, water, land, and human health. From air emissions reporting to hazardous waste management, organizations must navigate a complex regulatory landscape to remain compliant and avoid enforcement actions. Tools such as an Environmental compliance audit play a key role in helping facilities manage these obligations and maintain ongoing environmental compliance.

Much of this work is led or coordinated by an environmental compliance specialist. An environmental compliance specialist (or environmental compliance officer) reviews permits and regulations, develops internal procedures, conducts inspections and audits, trains employees, and communicates with regulators to ensure that day-to-day operations meet all applicable environmental compliance regulations.

Environmental compliance requirements are established and enforced by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with state and local regulators. These regulations impact nearly every aspect of facility operations, making it essential for organizations to understand where their responsibilities fall and how environmental compliance consultants and internal staff can work together to meet those requirements. Continue reading “What You Need to Know About Environmental Compliance” →

Inspectors reviewing ISO 14001 audit documentation in facilityAs organizations pursue or maintain ISO 14001 certification, audit findings are a routine part of evaluating the effectiveness of an Environmental Management System (EMS). In practice, the EMS must be supported by clear procedures, records, and controls that meet ISO 14001 documentation requirements. Most ISO 14001 nonconformities are not the result of poor system design but stem from gaps in implementation, inconsistent maintenance, incomplete documentation, or failure to correct issues identified during Internal ISO 14001 Audits.

Continue reading “Common ISO 14001 Questions and Nonconformities Identified During Certification Audits” →