Spicer’s Environmental Compliance Group: Part One
NAVIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND IMPROVEMENT WITH PRECISION AND PURPOSE
In the complex landscape of environmental regulations and conservation endeavors, our in-house Environmental Service Group is available to assist a diverse array of clients—ranging from municipalities to private owners—achieve environmental excellence. This team is at the forefront of compliance in a world increasingly aware of environmental concerns.
What is the Environmental Service Group, and what role do they play in the broader context of environmental management? Spicer Group’s Environmental Service Group staff focus on five primary services: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance; environmental permitting; water quality studies; environmental monitoring; and watershed management. This article focuses mainly on the group’s NPDES services. We will feature a Part Two of this article in the Fall 2024 issue that will focus on environmental studies, monitoring, and water quality testing.
The Environmental Service Group was officially formed in January of 2023, but its roots extend far back into Spicer’s history.
“While Environmental Service has been a part of the company’s work efforts for years, it wasn’t until 2023 that a dedicated core group of professionals was established to streamline and enhance these endeavors,” Kelsea Sutton, EIT, CFM, Chairperson of the group said. “Initially, the formation of the group wasn’t marked by specific projects but rather by a concerted effort to consolidate expertise and improve internal communication.”
Gathering key individuals from offices across Michigan, the group set out to establish company-wide standards for environmental compliance, ensuring Spicer Group remains ahead of the curve in regulatory matters. Its primary objectives are fostering awareness of the company’s environmental services, optimizing collaboration between departments, and implementing robust quality assurance and control measures.
Spicer’s Environmental Service Group professionals have a combined 77 years of experience serving our clients. Those decades of experience have given the team widespread knowledge of NPDES, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting and compliance, water quality studies and improvement designs, and environmental monitoring.
The NPDES is a key aspect of environmental regulation, aimed at controlling water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Within the NPDES framework, several programs address different sources of pollution and their control measures. These include the Municipal Stormwater Program, Industrial Storm Water Program, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan Review and Design, and Wastewater.
In urban areas, stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as oil, grease, heavy metals, and sediments into water bodies, degrading water quality and harming aquatic ecosystems. Municipalities are tasked with managing stormwater through comprehensive programs that include public education, monitoring, and implementation of Best Management Practices to mitigate pollution. Spicer’s Environmental Service Group assists with this and other projects under this program that involve the design and construction of stormwater management infrastructure. Examples of this include detention ponds, green infrastructure installations like rain gardens or permeable pavement, and educational campaigns to promote proper disposal practices.
Spicer Group also provides services related to the Industrial Storm Water Program. Many industries have the potential to discharge pollutants into stormwater runoff from their facilities, posing significant environmental risks. The Industrial Storm Water Program regulates these discharges by requiring industrial facilities to obtain permits and implement pollution prevention measures. Projects in this realm entail conducting site assessments to identify potential sources of pollution, developing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans tailored to specific industries, and implementing Best Management Practices such as spill prevention measures, stormwater detention basins, or wastewater treatment systems.
Other projects under NPDES include Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan Review and Design which are under Part 91 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). Soil erosion and sedimentation can result from various land-disturbing activities such as construction, flooding, and agriculture, leading to sediment entering nearby water bodies. To prevent soil erosion and protect water quality, regulatory agencies require the development and implementation of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans. Projects falling under this category may involve reviewing proposed development plans to ensure compliance with erosion control regulations, ensuring erosion control measures such as silt fences, erosion blankets, or vegetative buffers are being effectively implemented, and conducting site inspections to monitor compliance during construction activities.
In addition to soil erosion, the management of wastewater discharge is critical to prevent water pollution and protect public health. Part 91 of the NREPA addresses the regulation of wastewater discharges, including permitting requirements and enforcement mechanisms. Projects related to wastewater management may include the design and construction of wastewater treatment facilities, conducting effluent monitoring to ensure compliance with permit limits, and implementing pollution prevention measures to minimize the discharge of contaminants into receiving waters.
“Spicer Group’s role as a liaison between clients and regulatory agencies is crucial through the project process,” Sutton said. “The team provides tailored support through every phase of compliance, navigating regulations closely with clients from assessment to implementation.”
They offer comprehensive assistance in designing and monitoring water and natural resource improvements, crafting solutions to match each client’s unique needs. Additionally, they adopt proactive strategies in crafting stormwater management plans and optimizing infrastructure to mitigate pollution’s impact, serving as a bridge between clients and governmental agencies. The spectrum of services includes preparing permits, conducting environmental studies, and providing ongoing consultation and assistance with audits.
“By staying updated on evolving regulations and leveraging innovative technologies, Spicer empowers our clients to anticipate compliance needs,” Sutton said. “With us as partners, clients embrace eco-responsibility while thriving in alignment with environmental laws.”
Spicer’s Environmental Service Group is also preparing for significant expansion and innovation to continue assisting our clients. They’re aiming to broaden their project scope, delving into sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and climate resilience planning.
To stay ahead, they’re investing in cutting-edge technology and talent acquisition, with the goal of solidifying their position as industry leaders. Their growth plan is divided into three tiers: first, focusing on essential services like water quality studies and improvement designs; second, expanding their offerings while partnering with other environmental firms; and third, investing in infrastructure to support their growth. This strategy aims to ensure they continue providing top-notch service to clients while also pushing forward sustainability efforts.
Look for Part Two of this article:
In our upcoming Fall 2024 Issue, we’ll feature information on environmental studies, monitoring, and water quality testing that are offered by Spicer’s Environmental Service Group. Through comprehensive water quality assessments and monitoring programs, the team helps clients identify potential sources of pollution, implement effective mitigation measures, and track environmental trends over time.
“These actions play a crucial role in assessing and maintaining the health of water bodies, their watersheds, and other natural resources,” Spicer Group Project Manager Emily Short said. “By providing tailored support in this area, the group contributes to the overall goal of promoting environmental sustainability, sustainable design, and regulatory compliance.”
If you have any questions about this group or how they can assist you, reach out to Kelsea Sutton, EIT, CFM at kelseas@spicergroup.com and check out our next Straight Lines edition for Part Two of our Environmental Service Series!