October 6th, 2026
Engineering services Environmental services Industry news

Is Your Facility Ready for the 2026 TPDES Renewal?

Hazardous materials are used and stored in many industrial, educational, commercial, and public facilities. When properly managed, these materials support essential operations. When containers leak, materials are stored outdoors without adequate protection, or wastes are improperly handled, they can create safety concerns, environmental impacts, and regulatory exposure. A comprehensive environmental-compliance program should address the complete life cycle of these materials—from purchasing and storage through use, waste generation, transportation, and final disposal. It should also prevent pollutants from coming into contact with stormwater. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP or SWP3) should identify material and waste-storage areas that could contribute pollutants Read More »

September 28th, 2026
Community Environmental services

Armand Bayou Nature Center Expands Its Mission

Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) has recently acquired a 106-acre property that was once the Baywood Country Club. ABNC plans to restore a building that will become its Northern office and establish a native plant and tree nursery. The nursery will support restoration of native habitats and plant communities. Native plants can help restore wildlife habitat, support pollinators, improve soil stability, and strengthen the resilience of local ecosystems. ABNC protects approximately 4,337 acres of wetlands, forests, prairies, and marshes within the Houston metropolitan area. These habitats provide refuge for more than 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians while Read More »

August 31st, 2026
Environmental services

The Importance of the Dwindling Wetlands

Did you know wetlands are often called “Nature’s Kidneys?” Wetlands filter sediments, nutrients, and pollutants from water before it reaches rivers, lakes, and groundwater. They also store significant amounts of carbon in their soils, making them great sources of carbon sequestration. Research published in Nature Communications found that U.S. wetlands contain approximately 11.5 billion metric tons of carbon in their soils, much of it stored deep below the surface.

June 17th, 2026
Safety

The Summer Heat is Here – Is Your Team Ready?

Every summer, one of the biggest risks facing employees is something we all experience every day—heat. Whether your team is collecting samples, inspecting facilities, managing construction projects, or performing routine maintenance, working in high temperatures can take a serious toll. The good news is that most heat-related illnesses can be preventedwith a little planning and awareness. Heat doesn’t just make people uncomfortable—it affects how they think and work. We’ve all been there. You’re trying to finish “just one more task” before heading back to the truck. Maybe it’s one last inspection, one last sample, or one last piece of equipment Read More »

May 15th, 2026
Community Company news Environmental services

When Mold Becomes a Problem

Answer: Mold is a natural part of our environment and exists both indoors and outdoors. However, when excess moisture develops inside a building, mold growth can increase beyond normal levels and create indoor environmental quality concerns. In the Gulf Coast region, high humidity, roof leaks, plumbing failures, HVAC condensation, and flooding can all contribute to indoor mold growth. When moisture remains present for extended periods, fungi may begin growing on drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, and other building materials. Answer: Mold growth is typically caused by moisture problems. Common contributing factors include: Water intrusion or leaks Flooding or storm damage Read More »

March 20th, 2026
Environmental services

Protecting Wildlife Where We Build

Texas is home to tens of thousands of native plant and animal species, thanks to its diverse landscapes—from deserts to pine forests to coastal marshes. That variety also means the state has a long list of rare and threatened species that depend on very different ecosystems. As of recent counts, Texas is home to around 97 endangered or threatened plant and animal species, ranging from orchids to bats to freshwater mussels. Many of these species are found nowhere else on Earth. More than 169,000 species worldwide are currently listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Read More »

February 18th, 2026
Safety SSCI history

Do You Have A Health and Safety Plan?

OSHA requires certain employers to maintain and implement health and safety programs. Below are questions clients frequently ask concerning Health & Safety Plans (HASP) and Hazard Communication Programs. Who needs a health and safety program? Health and safety program requirements apply to most private-sector employers, particularly those whose operations involve hazardous materials. Industries that commonly fall under these requirements include construction, maritime, manufacturing, and other industrial sectors. Can you just review my plan/program and make recommendations or give me an update? Yes! Separation Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSCI) can do an assessment (safety audit) of your workplace, which includes a review Read More »

January 13th, 2026
Detention Ponds Environmental services

Detention Pond Permitting & Maintenance

Improperly maintained detention ponds are one of the most common causes of regulatory violations and unexpected repair costs for property owners. Detention ponds are crucial in flood prevention and stormwater mitigation. Improperly maintained detention ponds could result in local flooding and property damage. Their purpose is to reduce peak stormwater runoff rates by providing temporary storage and mitigating discharge into other storm water systems. Detention ponds are essential in stormwater management efforts. Below are a few types of ponds: Wet detention pond: designed to have a remaining permanent pool of water after a storm event, also called an Amenity Pond Read More »

December 22nd, 2025
Engineering services Environmental services

Current Dangers of Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos

Did you know that the addition of lead to paint increases color vibrancy and durability? It has since been realized how hazardous this material is to human health. The use of lead-based paint has been banned for residential use since 1978. Another hazard present in building materials is asbestos. Asbestos was also historically added to building materials to increase durability as well as strength and heat resistance. These fibrous minerals are now known to be a hazard to human health. There are many types of asbestos that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been placing bans on since 1989. The EPA Read More »

December 10th, 2025
Environmental services

EPA & Army Corps Proposed WOTUS Revisions

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in coordination with the EPA, regulate potential impacts to wetlands and other water of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA § 404) and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (RHA § 10). A critical distinction exists between wetland classification (the ecological identification of a wetland based on physical, hydrological, and biological indicators) and a jurisdictional determination (a regulatory determination of whether that wetland is federally regulated under the WOTUS definition). The proposed revisions re-define WOTUS and could directly impact landowners, developers, and stakeholders in terms of compliance and permitting obligations. The agencies seek to Read More »