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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
In today’s fast-paced real estate and development market, time is everything. Delays in environmental due diligence can stall transactions, increase costs, and create unnecessary uncertainty. That’s where we come in. At SSCI, we specialize in delivering Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) with unmatched speed and precision—often in just a few business days. Our clients count on us not only for accuracy and compliance, but also for the confidence that comes with knowing their projects won’t be slowed down by lengthy turnaround times. Rapid Turnaround: We understand deadlines. Our streamlined processes and experienced team allow us to Read More »
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has made a big update to their State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System (STEERS) EPermitting. You are now able to renew, make owner/operator updates, and make changes to your Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) registration through their online service. You’ll also able to submit a registration for a new PST with STEERS. This program has built-in error identification in effort to minimize the occurrence of errors within your submissions. This new addition will also speed up the processing time. Typical timeline for STEERS: 7 Days Typical timeline for TCEQ-00724 Form: 20 Days Submit online and save some time!
Owners may not realize that the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) requires acknowledgment of United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting for work done in HCFCD rights-of-way (ROW). HCFCD designs, implements and maintains flood infrastructure in Harris County. Businesses looking to expand their existing developments or looking to build new developments within Harris County are subject to HCFCD regulations. This can require: A Wetlands Delineation to investigate potential Waters of the United States (WOTUS) or other regulated waters under USACE jurisdiction within the project area. A Threatened & Endangered Species Review to determine the presence of protected species. A Cultural Resources Review to assess Read More »
SSCI Environmental is here to help you and your business stay prepared and compliant during hurricane season. Here are some tips aimed at protecting your facility, your property and family, plus preventing environmental spills. Weather can change in an instant – will you be ready? Here are some essential tips to help: 1. Review Your Emergency Response Plan: Ensure your facility’s emergency response plan is up-to-date and includes specific procedures for hurricanes. Conduct regular drills with your team to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. 2. Secure Hazardous Materials: Properly store and secure all hazardous materials and chemicals to Read More »
As of March 12th, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers released a new Memorandum that provides clarity and guidance on the term “continuous surface connection” as related to the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The Memorandum adds new limitations on the EPA’s enforcement abilities and revises older policies and interpretations. The EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers are stepping back from previous interpretations that allowed jurisdiction over wetlands with connections through “discrete features” not natural connectivity. Now, wetlands that are not directly connected to Read More »