“Collaborative Compliance” - The Key to Winning the Regulatory Compliance Game

Is It Possible to Reduce Costs and Simplify Complex Regulatory Compliance Processes?

This is the most common question I get from the regulated community when it comes to ongoing environmental compliance. Keeping up with the wide array of DNR and EPA compliance regulations can be a headache for facilities trying to focus on meeting the bottom line, and staying out of trouble. Most companies view the environmental regulators as a big stumbling block to success, and a barrier to free enterprise.

The answer to the question is a resounding “yes”... IF you have the right coaching from someone who knows how to cut through the regulatory red tape, pages of rules and laws, and create a workable pathway to compliance. But to many plant managers in the world of manufacturing and industry, figuring out the regulatory landscape can seem like an insurmountable headache without proper help. 

Many companies find themselves grappling with compliance issues, often viewing regulators as adversaries rather than potential partners in a complex journey. After 29 years of working in environmental regulation, I've learned that a different approach can not only simplify the process but also save companies significant time and money.

Some companies have the resources and staff to plow through it on their own, others just need a guide who can shine the light on the dark pathway. That’s why I created Strategic Regulatory Compliance Consultant Agency in 2019 after my 29-year tenure with the State of Missouri, where I served as the Environmental Compliance Assistance Engineer for small businesses, and those who don’t have the staff to solely focus in this area.

While there are many other environmental consulting and engineering firms in the Midwest that companies can seek out for help, let me give you 7 key factors of consideration on why Strategic Regulatory Compliance Consultant Agency can provide your facility with the most value:

1. Changing the Game Through “Collaborative Compliance”

One common mistake that consultants and regulated companies make is adopting an adversarial stance towards regulators. This is usually the result of prior negative experiences. Fighting and arguing with regulators usually results in significant amounts of wasted time, revenue, and resources. I’ve seen it time and time again in my experience with the State. The mindset that regulators are the "enemy" often leads to a rocky start, which can result in harsh enforcement actions, and more strict regulation.

Instead of fighting regulators, my strategy has always been to work WITH regulatory officials to resolve compliance issues in a collaborative effort. It has always amazed me at what can be accomplished just by changing preconceived notions and negative expectations from the start. This significantly reduces the amount of time to arrive at compliance, and can even result with the manufacturing facility being allowed the production they need, along with the regulatory agency successfully enforcing the laws & rules.

2. Leveraging My Experience to Reach YOUR Goals

During my extensive career as the Compliance Assistance Engineer for the Missouri DNR, I specialized in helping companies navigate the complex world of air quality, solid waste, and hazardous materials regulations. In that time, I spent significant time cultivating my ability to communicate with inspectors and compliance workers in a way that fosters collaboration, rather than confrontation and confusion.

With the years of experience I have under my belt, and the wide variety of manufacturing plants and installations I have assisted in the past, it is highly likely that I will be able to quickly identify the most reasonable pathway to compliance for your facility. You can leverage MY experience to help you reach your production goals while remaining in compliance with the extensive environmental laws & rules.

3. The Costly “Consulting Engineering Dilemma”

Many companies opt for the services of large consulting engineering firms to address regulatory and compliance challenges. While these firms possess technical knowledge, they almost always lack actual regulatory experience. They also don’t possess the skills needed to negotiate and collaborate with regulatory agencies.

Hiring a large consulting engineering firm does have advantages, such as the ability to pound through the necessary groundwork to get a permit application package put together. But they aren’t looking to cut your costs on billable hours. They are trained to drum up enough contract work to meet their bottom line, not protect yours. Large installations normally have the budget to let the consulting firms bill what they need. But small to medium-sized businesses need safer options that will work within their budgetary constraints.

Your option is to continue hiring these large consulting firms who have significant overhead costs to cover, or hiring an expert retired government official with practically no overhead. If you want to only pay for what you actually need, SRC is your answer.

4. A Keen Understanding of the Essentials

In my experience, I've observed that a significant portion of the technical information provided by consulting firms is often unnecessary. Regulatory agencies focus on specific key information to evaluate permit applications, and I know precisely what that entails.

When reviewing permit applications that were completed by large consulting engineering firms, it was normal to find that 3/4ths of the information included was unnecessary, or not done in an acceptable manner for passing review.

With my experience in assisting facilities on the completion of permit applications, I have the ability to strip-down the permit package to what is actually needed, with calculations and process descriptions done in a way that review staff are familiar with. The result? Significant cost savings, and quicker turnaround time on permit issuance.

5. Streamlining the Process

With my knowledge of the essentials, I can drastically reduce the time and information needed to complete a full permit application package. But another reason why I am able to streamline the process is due to my location in Jefferson City, where the regulatory agencies reside.

Having the ability to meet in-person with regulatory staff is a major advantage when working through compliance issues, thus saving you the time and human resources needed for traveling to meetings. SRC can accomplish all of this on your behalf.

6. Negotiation as a Solution

My experience extends beyond technical “know-how”. I specialize in negotiation, bringing together regulatory agencies and industrial installations to create mutually acceptable solutions.

Facilities often feel that compliance constricts their critical bottom-line production level. At the same time, some regulatory officials are limited in their ability to draft permit packages that aren’t prohibitively restrictive.

I’ve learned that there are different ways regulators can look at the “maximum throughput rates” by acknowledging the existence of real-world bottlenecks, thus proving certain pollution scenarios to be impossible.

This result is the negotiation of the most acceptable permit document for all parties involved. I show the regulators how they can more accurately assess the worst-case potential to pollute by creating a set of regulatory limits that can be met more realistically, a permit which allows the industrial installations to meet their necessary maximum production goals all while operating within the law.

7. A Cost-Effective Solution

It’s difficult to determine what the most cost-effective approach is for hiring out compliance help. Some are distracted by lower hourly rates that consulting engineering firms charge, and tend to price shop based on those rates. But when you factor in total time invested to complete the process of obtaining a permit, or getting back into compliance, those low rates can be deceptive.

SRC might have a higher hourly rate than engineering consulting firms. But when you consider that my experience allows me to complete the same tasks in a fraction of the time, your overall expenditures are going to be a lot lower. Plus you can put more faith in the end product, thanks to my regulatory experience.

Ready for a Change? A Free Evaluation Awaits

Before you spend a dime, allow me to offer a free evaluation of your situation. As a matter of fact, I’ll come to you personally. We’ll assess your current company’s challenges and rough out a pathway to compliance with the regulators while ensuring you maximum success!

Connect with me today to explore a better way to manage your regulatory processes. It's time to transform your relationship with the regulators and transform whatever the current situation may be into a successful partnership that works for the best. I look forward to providing you with the most value for your investment!

Carlton Flowers
Owner, SRC LLC

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