It has been more than 50 years since the development and establishment of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) which were formed to protect our environment and workplaces across the United States. Significant laws, policies and regulations followed to establish the “regulatory programs” that all applicable businesses and entities must address and meet to ensure these compliance-driven legislative programs would create a foundation to protect our society. Soon, states moved forward to further environmental and workplace protections beyond those of the federal government. These progressive programs have significantly improved the quality of our air and water, as well as improved workplace conditions for the health of employees.
Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) effectiveness and performance are at the forefront of our economic policies, business competitiveness and social priorities. Today, compliance-based legislative solutions have established the basis of most EHS/ESG Programs, but that only represents part of the challenges and solutions. There is a strong need to help progressive businesses and their leaders evaluate and act on how they can continue to minimize or eliminate their impact on the environment and improve the workplace environment for their workers beyond regulatory drivers.
Our Approach to EHS & ESG Risk Management
At TRC, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping businesses navigate various EHS and ESG risks. Our experience spans numerous industries, giving us the insight to provide helpful solutions to a wide range of problems. We outline our approach to EHS and ESG compliance management in a comprehensive 2021 document. Read the Managing EHS & ESG Risks Through Integrated Systems in 2021 and Beyond white paper to learn:
- How to recognize, identify, prioritize and address EHS/ESG risks
- How to effectively manage EHS/ESG risks using an integrated approach
- Elements of an effective EHS/ESG management system
- How to leverage information management systems and digital tools
- How to evaluate to ensure performance and effectiveness
Recognizing, Identifying, Prioritizing and Addressing EHS/ESG Risks
Our approach begins by understanding potential EHS and ESG concerns. A risk assessment process can benefit any business from brand-new companies to those with decades of experience in their field. The steps to recognizing, identifying, prioritizing and addressing EHS and ESG issues include:
Determining the scope of the assessment for what it will and will not include.
Pinpointing the worst-case scenarios the risks present without enacting policies and procedures to control them.
Developing a prioritized list of ESG and EHS risks within the assessment’s scope.
Score each existing risk control system for how it addresses the items in the prioritized list.
Consider new control systems to implement and determine if implementing them will be necessary.
If further control systems are necessary, implement ones that address high-priority risks first.
Using an Integrated Systems Approach
An integrated systems approach is the best way to manage the EHS and ESG risks found in the assessment process. Integrated management systems provide the most comprehensive analysis and understanding of risks and how to manage them. There are a few things that we keep in mind when developing an integrated system.
First, the integrated system must feature robust programs that track risk management performance. Tracking performance empowers management to assess safety performance and implement changes when necessary. Next, we ensure that companies with multiple facilities maintain a consistent system across each building. All resources responsible for enacting the integrated system should have the support and training they need to effectively manage risks. Outsourcing resources is ideal for organizations with periodic or short-term needs.
Routinely Evaluating the Integrated System’s Health and Effectiveness
An integrated system must undergo an initial assessment to check that it successfully manages EHS risks. Establishing a routine assessment plan is just as important, as periodic assessments monitor performance and can uncover the need for change. An evaluation of an integrated system’s health and effectiveness includes the following procedures:
- A comparison between the system’s performance with the risks it attempts to mitigate.
- Implementation of new elements that remedy any performance failures.
- Confirmation of the information system’s ability to record and manage necessary data.
- For initial evaluations, scheduling of the frequency of future evaluations and assembly of an independent evaluation team to meet the schedule.
- Collaboration with the private organization to assess their report and enact any necessary corrective or preventative measures.
Discuss Your Situation With TRC
Risk management is crucial, so choose an evaluation team with the experience to provide comprehensive analyses of your integrated system. TRC offers integrated EHS services that help organizations better manage EHS and ESG associated risks and improve performance at the corporate and plant levels. With our integrated approach we can help lower the cost of services, provide a standardized approach that is unique to your business and apply our EHS management system uniformly across all your locations.
Our experts are available to discuss your business and create an effective management solution that meets your needs, so contact TRC online to get started. You can also learn more about TRC’s Environmental, Health and Safety Management Solutions on our website.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
Wisconsin PFAS Status & Regulatory Update
September 10, 2024
The awareness and emphasis on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as an “emerging contaminant” have led to the rapid and on-going evolution of the regulatory landscape at both the federal and state level.
Treatment of PFAS to Allow for Beneficial Use of Impacted Dredged Sediments
July 18, 2024
Approximately 200 to 300 million cubic yards of sediment are dredged each year by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and other federal interests (USEPA, 2007).
Coming at You Fast – The Latest on RCRA and PFAS Regulations
March 1, 2024
The EPA published its Proposed Rule for Listing of Specific PFAS as Hazardous Constituents under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
New EPA Rule Impacts PFAS TRI Reporting and Supplier Notifications
November 20, 2023
What Affected Facilities Need to Know About Applicability, Reporting Changes and Deadlines
EPA Proposes Changes to Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR)
August 30, 2023
The EPA is proposing updates to their Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) through amendments to 40 CFR Parts 2 and 51.
How Does PFAS Contamination Impact the Environment?
August 11, 2023
PFAS are widely used in the production of numerous products. Some PFAS chemicals are the by-product of manufacturing processes. As a result, PFAS contamination is widespread, with PFAS being found nearly everywhere in the world.
Helping Airports Identify and Mitigate PFAS Risks
May 30, 2023
This white paper focuses on some unique strategies and situations we have encountered at some airport sites.
EPA Finds Trichloroethylene Presents Unreasonable Risk in Final Risk Evaluation
April 6, 2023
On Jan 9, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) to reflect a new risk determination for trichloroethylene (TCE).
Proposed Use of a Hazard Index for PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR)
April 4, 2023
The Proposed MCL and MCLG for the four PFAS, PFNA, PFHxS, GenX, and PFBS, considers their toxicity as additive. The EPA has proposed a HI of 1.0 as the MCL and MCLG for the four PFAS combined.
Proposed MCLGs and MCLs for PFAS
March 15, 2023
Final Regulatory Determination for Contaminants on the Fourth Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List
QA and Chemistry Services
February 23, 2023
TRC offers many QA and Chemistry services including data usability assessments, limited and full data validation reports, quality assurance project plan preparation, selection of appropriate analytical methodologies and laboratory audits.
PFAS Fate and Transport
February 23, 2023
Understanding PFAS properties and behavior is key to effective detection and remediation.
PFAS Fate and Transport: Conceptual Site Models
February 23, 2023
The conceptual site model describes site-specific sources, release and transport mechanisms, exposure media, exposure points, exposure pathways and routes and potential human and/or ecological receptor populations.
EPA Announces $2 Billion in Funding to Address Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water
February 14, 2023
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan announced $2 Billion in infrastructure funding to help the nation’s rural water supplies.
EPA Publishes Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15
February 14, 2023
The EPA announced updated effluent limitations guidelines under Plan 15, focusing on the evaluation and rulemaking process for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) discharges.
PFAS: Remedial Approaches
February 8, 2023
Remediating Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the soil and water requires effective techniques and innovative technologies. TRC’s experts are well versed in several remediation strategies intended to remove PFAS and prevent re-exposure.
TRI PFAS Reporting Requirements Continue to Expand
January 25, 2023
The list of PFAS for TRI reporting has increased to a total of 189 for reporting year 2023.
PFAS Discharges in NPDES Permits
December 19, 2022
In a follow-up to the EPA Office of Water’s April 28, 2022 memo, EPA released “Part 2″, providing guidance for the NPDES permitting/pretreatment program as it relates to restricting discharges of PFAS to water bodies.
Washington State Establishes PFAS Cleanup Levels
September 21, 2022
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) recently published a list of 6 PFAS compounds that now have soil and groundwater cleanup levels
New National Emerging Contaminants Research Initiative
September 12, 2022
The Executive Office of the President of the United States announced a National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative
EPA Issues Proposed Rule Designating PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances
September 7, 2022
The EPA has issued a pre-publication version of a proposed rule to designate two PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under CERCLA.
Five New PFAS Added to EPA Regional Screening Levels (RSLs)
June 24, 2022
EPA announced the addition of five new PFAS to the list of Regional Screening Levels (RSLs)
EPA Announces Updated Drinking Water Health Advisories for Four PFAS Chemicals: PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, & GenX
June 24, 2022
On June 15, 2022, the EPA released updated Health Advisory Levels for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water
Integrating Sustainability, Digital Connectivity and Design Optimization in Wastewater Treatment Systems
June 20, 2022
Some organizations rarely think about water and wastewater treatment, until there is a problem. American industry depends on the ability to treat wastewater discharges while complying with regulatory standards and addressing emerging contaminants. If wastewater treatment fails, our environment is negatively impacted, and companies are exposed to shutdowns, delays and fines.
Worst Case Discharges of Hazardous Substances – Proposed Rule
May 25, 2022
In compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed a new rule for onshore non-transportation-related facilities requiring specified facilities to plan for worst case discharges (WCDs) of CWA hazardous substances that could cause substantial harm to the environment.
PFAS Discharges and NPDES Permits
May 25, 2022
On April 28, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water released a memo addressing the use of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to restrict per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) discharges to water bodies.
EPA Proposes Aquatic Life Criteria for PFOA and PFOS
May 25, 2022
On May 3, 2022, under the Clean Water Act (CWA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) proposed the first aquatic life criteria for both short-term and long-term toxic effects from Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS).
SEC Releases New Proposed Rules Requiring Public Companies to Disclose Climate Risks
April 12, 2022
On March 21, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued its proposed rules for The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors which would require public companies in the U.S. to disclose information in their annual financial reports.
PFOA & PFOS As CERCLA Hazardous Substances: What Does This Mean and How Can You Be Prepared?
February 17, 2022
A plan to designate two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as “hazardous substances” under CERCLA was recently submitted by the EPA.
New Phase I ESA Standard Will Affect Environmental Due Diligence
January 25, 2022
After years of review, revisions and discussions, the new ASTM E1527 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA) standard has been published. The new standard includes updates to definitions, clarifications on processes and requirements, and guidance for emerging contaminants.
Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule Lists 29 PFAS
January 21, 2022
EPA published fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule as required every five years and 29 of the 30 contaminants listed are PFAS.
Need help collecting PFAS samples for NJDEP deadline December 15?
October 7, 2021
NJDES Category B or L Industrial Permit holders – If you haven’t obtained your first PFAS sample yet, time is running out. All New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJDES) Category B or L Industrial Permit holders are required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Projection (NJDEP) to collect two representative effluent samples, taken 30 days apart, to be analyzed for PFAS by an approved laboratory and submitted to them by December 15, 2021.
Interpretation of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) Reverts to Pre-2015 Regulatory Definition
September 29, 2021
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) revert to pre-2015 regulatory program definition of “Waters of the United States.”
EPA Solicits Comments on PFAS Discharges in Five Point Source Categories
September 23, 2021
EPA solicits comments in five point source categories (PSCs) in the manufacture, use, treatment and discharge of PFAS.
PFAS Air Emissions Standards and Trends for Summer 2021
August 17, 2021
Environmental impacts of PFAS in ambient air leads to states implementing PFAS air-related thresholds.
Cryptocurrency: The Environmental Threats and Opportunities
August 9, 2021
Cryptocurrency (also known as crypto) is taking the fintech industry by storm, despite the economic experts who still dismiss it as a viable form of currency. Although often criticized for this volatility, whistleblowers are also further shining a light on the severe toll that these digital currencies are taking on the environment.
TRC Colorado PFAS Regulatory Update
July 21, 2021
Update on Colorado’s recent policies and plans to regulate new and historical discharges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment.
2021 EPA TRI Reporting Requirements for Natural Gas Processing Facilities
July 12, 2021
Indication EPA finalizing a rule to add natural gas extraction or processing plants to EPCRA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting.
Implementing bioremediation at environmental cleanup sites: TRC experts weigh in at leading industry conference
May 17, 2021
TRC experts make several presentations at the Battelle conference about innovative approaches they have developed for implementing and monitoring bioremediation and the use of naturally-occurring or deliberately-introduced micro-organisms to break down environmental pollutants.
Interim Guidance on Destruction and Disposal of PFAS & Materials Containing PFAS
February 19, 2021
Interim Guidance from EPA identifies 6 materials that use or manufacture PFAS and approaches for disposal.
EPA continues to aggressively address PFAS wastewater with two new strategies
January 4, 2021
EPA takes steps toward PFAS wastewater and storm water permitting, and analytical methods for testing.
TRC Companies Inc. Acquires 1Source Safety and Health
November 11, 2020
TRC Companies (“TRC”), a leading technology-driven provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions, has acquired 1Source Safety and Health, a firm that provides management consulting services in areas such as indoor air quality, asbestos management, industrial hygiene and safety management systems.
Ecological Risk of PFAS from AFFF-Impacted Sites
June 30, 2020
The facts on evaluating exposure to wildlife
TRC’s Reporting Tool Can Help Identify New PFAS under the TRI
May 19, 2020
While utilities often work in technical silos, NERC auditors are trained to cross check compliance evidence and data between interrelated standards.
