Environmental Consultants Reduce Hazardous Waste, Toxins Risk

Hazardous waste and chemicals pose significant threats to the safety of workers and the

profitability of businesses who generate or transport these substances. Consultants specializing in

dealing with hazardous waste and chemicals can aid companies in establishing best practices for

environmental health and safety. Boston-area companies should consider EBI Consulting, an

established firm providing advice and training regarding hazardous waste, toxins, and a number

of other environmental issues.

Hazardous waste and toxins pose a number of dangers to workers and the public. People exposed

directly or indirectly to these substances may be injured or become ill. These substances may

also be combustible and cause fires or explosions. Injury may also occur from the improper

handling of containers used to store these substances. Leaks of hazardous waste and toxins can

also cause significant property damage that may open companies responsible for those

substances to litigation.

Non-Compliance Costly

Because of their potential for injury and property damage, hazardous waste and chemicals are

highly regulated by federal and state governments. Failure to comply with regulations can be

quite costly for companies in the 2014 fiscal year, the Environmental Protection Agency levied

$163 million in penalties and fines and required companies to invest more than $9.7 billion in

action and equipment to clean up sites and control pollution. Criminal prosecutions resulted in

155 combined years of prison sentences for defendants found guilty of criminal non-compliance.

Hazardous waste accidents are unfortunately common. In 2012, there were more than 28,000

hazardous waste accidents in the U.S., resulting in more than 1,000 deaths. About 41 percent of

those accidents were vehicle-related, while 31 percent occurred at a fixed site.

How EBI Can Help

Environmental consulting firms can help their clients identify potential sources of risk within

their facilities and develop steps for mitigating those risks. Some of the services EBI Consulting

provides for clients involves:

Conducting an in-depth analysis of client facilities to identify sources of hazardous waste

and toxins. Reviewing procedures for handling, transporting, and disposing of hazardous waste and

toxins. Checking for compliance with reporting procedures, such as the Emergency Planning &

Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA). Developing plans for reducing generation of hazardous waste and toxins. Identifying any weak points or flaws in handling, transporting, and disposal of hazardous

waste and toxins and developing plans to address these problems. Training management and personnel on proper handling, transportation and disposal of

hazardous waste and toxins.

Developing tracking procedures to ensure clients have the documentation regulatory

authorities require and to ensure that proper procedures are being followed. Instigating follow-up visits to monitor plan implementation and to make necessary plans

to address challenges as they arise. Working with a hazardous waste and toxins consultant can help greatly improve environmental

health and safety. Massachusetts-based EBI Consulting provides useful and relevant training and

advice clients can use to improve on-site safety and avoid costly fines, insurance hikes, and

litigation. EBI has clients in a variety of industries, including some Fortune 500 companies, and

can be trusted to provide individualized service that addresses specific needs.

Summary:

Hazardous waste and toxins generated, handled, and disposed of by companies represents a big

liability. Environmental consultants can help clients reduce generations of waste and more safely

and effectively store, transport, and dispose of it.

Bio:

EBI Consulting provides environmental risk and compliance services, energy efficiency

assessments, engineering services, training, and due diligence support to businesses and other

organizations. In business for more than 20 years, the company serves a diverse base of clients

and can help them manage risk, improve operations, and lower costs.

Sources:

http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/enforcement-annual-results-fiscal-year-fy-2014

http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/hazardous-waste-accident-statistics.html

http://www.ebiconsulting.com/services/environmental-compliance-and-

sustainability/environmental-health-and-safety-compliance/hazardous-waste-and-chemical-

toxins.html