This confidential client is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of treated-wood products, including rail ties for the railroad and utility industries, and operates multiple manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. EHS Support was retained to complete on-site informal environmental compliance inspections for four sites in the southern United States (Texas and Louisiana). The objective of this project was to assess environmental compliance at facilities the client would have normally assessed internally but were unable due to personnel shortages and travel constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspections evaluated compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. If apparent health and safety issues were observed, these observations were also noted to the client. Each inspection focused on a particular environmental media (air, waste, water). The following activities were conducted as part of each inspection:
- Site visits were conducted and comprised of an opening meeting, site inspection (facility tour), interviews, file/document review, and closing meeting.
- A trip report was prepared that documented the findings.
- The findings were reviewed with the client and facility personnel.
EHS Support’s inspections identified areas of potential non-compliance at the subject facilities. The inspection information helped the client and facility personnel evaluate areas at each facility that could be improved, which allowed for strategic decision-making and proactive corrective actions to protect the company from potential regulatory compliance issues.