What It Looks Like When We Build a Full Environmental Program from the Ground Up: The Full Process

From overwhelmed to on top of it all—how RMA helps businesses build total compliance programs that actually work.

If you know your business needs an environmental program—but don’t have one—it can feel like you’re living on borrowed time.

Maybe you’re hoping no one asks the wrong question. Maybe you’ve been “winging it” for months or even years, crossing your fingers that an inspector doesn’t knock on your door. Maybe you’ve had a minor spill or waste issue and thought, “If this had gone differently, we’d be in serious trouble.”

It’s a scary spot to be in. Non-compliance doesn’t just lead to fines—though those can be massive. It can also mean loss of public trust, disrupted operations, legal headaches, and, in the worst cases, the closure of your business.

At RMA, we see this all the time. And we want you to know—you’re not the only one, and there’s absolutely a way forward. We specialize in helping folks just like you go from zero to fully operational environmental programs. Contact us now to take the first step. We’ll take it from there.

We specialize in helping businesses that don’t even know where to start.

Sure, we do one-off services like SPCC Plans, permits, or training. But what we do best? Building complete environmental programs from scratch—no matter how big, messy, or complicated your operation is. We've done it for small, family-run shops and multi-national corporations alike.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be an expert. That’s what we do.

We’ve built environmental programs from the ground up for all kinds of businesses—across industries, locations, and sizes. From brand-new squeaky-clean sites to stained 1960s-era industrial facilities with no paperwork in sight, we’ve seen it all.

And more importantly? We’ve fixed it all.

When you reach out, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed. That’s completely normal. A lot of folks worry that if they open the lid on their environmental issues, they’ll find more problems than they can handle. Deep breath: you don’t need to fix everything all at once. You just need to start.

Our Process, Step-by-Step (Spoiler: We Take Care of the Must-Dos First)

Building a full environmental program from the ground up can sound like a massive undertaking—but with the right guide, it’s not just doable...it’s simple. Here’s exactly what the journey looks like when you work with us:

Step 1: We Start with a Real Conversation

Once you reach out to us, whether it's through a form, an email, or a phone call, we’re going to talk. Not in consultant-speak or regulatory jargon—we are real people, and we talk like real people. No judgment. No pressure. We just want to understand where you're starting from and what success would look like for you.

This conversation is meant to ease your nerves and build trust. Many of our clients tell us that this first step alone is a huge relief—they finally feel like they’re not in it alone anymore.

We want to understand:

• What kind of business do you run?

• What are your operations like?

• What do you have in place already, if anything?

• What keeps you up at night when it comes to compliance?

This helps us figure out where you are now, what you may need, and start mapping the next steps. It’s a low-pressure chat—we’re just here to ask questions, listen, and learn. You might even feel a weight start to lift—because finally, you’ve got someone in your corner who knows this world inside and out. And chances are, we’ve seen worse. Much worse.

And if it turns out we’re not the right fit? No worries. It happens. We’ll point you in the right direction, and we won’t charge you a dime for the time. But if we are a good fit—and you’re ready to move forward—we’ll guide you into the next step and start building your program from the ground up. Reach out today here.

Step 2: Site Visit – We See It With Our Own Eyes

Once we’ve talked through the basics and understand your business at a high level, the next step is getting boots on the ground. We’ll schedule a visit to your facility so we can see things firsthand—because no two operations are the same, and no good environmental program is built from behind a desk.

This visit is where we start laying the real foundation of your program.

We’ll walk your site with you or someone from your team, observing how your operations run day to day. We’ll take detailed notes, photos, and videos that we can refer to later when designing your program. And yes—we ask a lot of questions, like:

• Where and how are chemicals stored?

• How is waste managed, labeled, and removed?

• Who currently handles environmental responsibilities (if anyone)?

• Are there already systems or procedures in place that we can build on?

We’ll also review any existing documentation—plans, permits, inspection logs, training records, or anything you’ve got. And listen, if your documentation is outdated, incomplete, or missing entirely? That’s okay. Well, it’s technically not okay, but it’s super common—and it’s exactly why you called us.

We’re not here to point fingers—we’re here to understand. Our goal is to see how you operate so we can build a program that works for you, not just for a textbook. For example, if your employees don’t have access to computers, we’re not going to build you an online-only training program. We’ll recommend something hands-on, in-person, and realistic.

This visit gives us the full picture—your people, your processes, your physical space, and your paperwork. It’s how we make sure that what we build actually works for your business—not just for the sake of compliance, but for day-to-day operations, too.

Step 3: Behind the Scenes—We Craft Your Program

Back at our office, we pull in our team of environmental experts. We compare notes, share insights, and bring together our knowledge across regulations and industries to design a program that fits your business.

We organize your program into two categories:

1. Must-Haves – Your Immediate Compliance Needs

These are the things you need to stay out of trouble, like:

• Required permits (air, stormwater, etc.)

• SPCC or SWPPP Plans

• Reporting like Tier II and TRI reports

• Approvals and certifications

• Proper hazardous waste management

• Employee training

• Records, reporting, and signage

These are the things regulators will expect to see if they walk through your front gate tomorrow. We tackle these first—always—as fast as we can. That way, if an inspector shows up, you’re ready.

2. Nice-to-Haves – Your Long-Term Program Enhancements

These are the tools and upgrades that take your program from basic compliance to operational excellence and make life easier over time, like:

• Digitized environmental tracking systems

• Custom, facility-specific training modules

• Waste reduction strategies

• Long-term management systems and documentation improvements

• Best practices tailored to your industry

These help your team stay organized, reduce risk, and even find cost savings—but we never let these distract from the must-dos. First we make sure you’re in compliance, then we build you a program that lasts. We won’t overwhelm you—we’ll tackle the most urgent items first, then build toward the rest.

Step 4: Execution—We Do the Heavy Lifting

You don’t have to worry about finding templates or navigating confusing government websites—we do it all. We’ll:

• Draft, file, and submit permit applications

• Write your SPCC, stormwater, or other environmental plans

• Develop and deliver staff training (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)

• Organize your documentation and get your records in shape

And once we’ve got the must-dos completed, you'll have protection in place before something goes wrong. By the time we’re done with this phase, you’ve gone from nervous and reactive to compliant and proactive. You’ll be able to say, confidently, “Yes, we’ve got that covered” when an inspector comes knocking.

Step 5: Turning Your Program Into a Well-Oiled Machine

Once the regulatory boxes are checked, we start looking at ways to make your life easier and your program better. This is where we elevate your environmental program from “compliant” to “custom-built.”

We’ll help you:

• Create site-specific SOPs or best management practices

• Organize and digitize your documentation

• Build custom training for your actual staff and workflow

• Implement systems that make tracking and reporting painless

• Create long-term strategies that reduce waste and risks

• Start continuous improvement plans and Environmental Management Systems

We want you to go from “green checkmark” to “gold star.” Everything is designed to be practical and easy for your staff to manage moving forward. No more guessing, scrambling, or hoping you’re doing it right.

Step 6: Handoff & Support—You’ve Got This

Our real goal? To not be working on your business forever.

When your program is complete, we don’t keep you on the hook. We hand you the keys to a well-built, fully documented, easy-to-maintain environmental compliance program. We’ll make sure your team is trained and confident before we step back.

We want to build you a program that you can own and operate independently. By the time we’re done, you’ll have:

• A fully customized environmental program

• Staff who understand their roles

• A system for staying organized and on time

• A partner you can call if something unexpected comes up

Of course, we’re always here if you need us—but our goal is to work ourselves out of a job. That’s how we know we’ve done it right. That’s what success looks like to us. Click here to get started on your new path today.

How Long Does It Take?

Ah yes—the million-dollar question. And the honest answer? It depends.

We’ve built full programs in a matter of months, and we’ve worked on others for years. It all comes down to your size, complexity, and how far behind (or ahead) you are right now.

Here’s a general idea:

• Small business with modest needs: You could be fully set up in just a few months.

• Larger, multi-facility operation: Expect a timeline of a year or more.

• Average client starting from scratch with moderate needs: Typically, about 6 to 12 months from zero to fully built-out program.

The important thing to remember? It’s never going to get done if you don’t start. The longer you wait, the more risk you carry—and the harder it can be to catch up. Let’s figure out your timeline together.

How Much Does It Cost?

Another big question—and another one without a one-size-fits-all answer.

The best way we can explain it? Think about taking a car to a mechanic:

• A newer model in good shape? Might just need a tune-up and an oil change.

• An old classic that’s been sitting for years? That’s a full rebuild.

Environmental programs work the same way.

• A small, modern office building that just needs a permit and some basic training? Maybe a few thousand dollars.

• A legacy industrial manufacturing facility with multiple locations and little to no documentation? You’re looking at a much larger investment—possibly into six figures.

But here’s the good news: We’ll work with you to figure it out. We’re not here to upsell—we’re here to build something that fits your needs, your goals, and your budget. Reach out to us, and we’ll give you a realistic ballpark based on what you need.

Why Companies Love Working with RMA

We’re not just environmental experts—we’re real people who understand how overwhelming this stuff can be. We’ve sat across the table from business owners who feel completely lost. We’ve seen the messy file cabinets, the outdated plans, the missing permits. And we’ve helped turn it all around—calmly, confidently, and without judgment.

We make environmental compliance less stressful. We make it manageable. And most importantly—we make it work for you.

Best of all? We get it right the first time. We’ve built full environmental programs for businesses of every size and industry, and each one is tailored to the real-world operations of our clients—not just regulatory checklists.

Still not sure if it’s time to take the next step? Take a look at 5 Signs You Need an Environmental Consultant. If even one of those hits home, we should talk.

Is RMA the Right Fit for You?

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Not every business is ready to invest in a full, streamlined environmental program—and that’s totally okay. But if you’re the kind of company that values doing things right the first time, wants a partner to guide you through the process, and is ready to build something that lasts, then we’re probably going to be a great fit.

We work best with businesses that care about having a clean, organized, and sustainable compliance system—not just checking a box to get through the next inspection. If you’re price-shopping for the cheapest bandaid fix, we’re probably not the right team. But if you’re serious about investing in a program that protects your business, your people, and your reputation, we’d love to help.

If you’ve made it this far, you already know it’s time to do something about your environmental program—or lack of one. Whether you’re starting from scratch, fixing a few big gaps, or just need someone to finally get it all organized, we’ve got you covered.

Reach out to us here and take the first step. No pressure. No obligation. Just a real conversation with people who know exactly how to help.