The Challenge: Complex Regulations in the Delaware Valley
Located 20 miles south of Philadelphia, Schubert Plastics Inc. is a premier custom injection molding company serving the heart of the Delaware Valley. As an active manufacturing facility, they faced a critical regulatory hurdle: aligning their operations with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Pennsylvania State Law, and the federal Clean Water Act.
Failure to file correctly with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) doesn’t just risk environmental impact—it carries the threat of severe civil penalties that can reach over $60,000 per violation, per day. Schubert Plastics needed a partner who could navigate the bureaucracy and secure the most efficient permit possible.
The Strategy: Pursuing the “No Exposure” Gold Standard
USA Environmental Solutions (USA Enviro) began with a high-level Industrial Site Evaluation. Our goal wasn’t just to get a permit, but to determine if the facility qualified for a No Exposure Certification (NEC).
An NEC is a specialized status for industrial facilities where all materials and activities are protected from rain, snow, and runoff. While it significantly reduces long-term monitoring costs, the application process is rigorous and requires absolute precision.
Our Comprehensive Approach Included:
- Site Mapping & Diagnostics: We developed a detailed site diagram identifying every outfall and drainage pathway to ensure zero industrial exposure.
- The PPC Plan: We authored a custom Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency (PPC) Plan. This wasn’t a template; it was a site-specific operational blueprint designed to prevent pollutants from ever reaching the stormwater system.
- Technical Data Collection: USA Enviro managed the professional sample collection services and analyzed the data through a certified lab report to provide the DEP with the empirical evidence required for the filing.
- The Notice of Intent (NOI): We handled the complex paperwork and filed the NOI on behalf of the client, acting as the technical liaison with the PA DEP.
The Result: Total Compliance & Cost Avoidance
By partnering with USA Environmental Solutions, Schubert Plastics successfully secured their No Exposure Certification. This achievement provided the company with three major wins:
- Risk Mitigation: Eliminated the threat of costly civil fines through proactive filing.
- Operational Excellence: Improved site-wide housekeeping and pollution prevention through the new PPC Plan.
- Hassle-Free Certification: The entire process was managed by our experts, allowing the Schubert team to stay focused on their core injection molding operations.
“USA Environmental Solutions partnered with us to file for a No Exposure Certification (NEC) stormwater permit with the PA DEP in order to avoid civil penalties. We would highly recommend USA Environmental Solutions; they are experts at managing the stormwater consulting and permit process.”
— Management, Schubert Plastics Inc.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Does your facility have raw materials, waste, or machinery exposed to the elements? You may be at risk. Like Schubert Plastics, you may be eligible for an NEC, which can save you thousands in long-term sampling costs.