SWPPPs to ESG: How Industrial Sites Lead in Environmental Stewardship
Industrial facilities across South Carolina stand at a crossroads. The regulatory landscape is shifting, oversight is becoming sharper, and expectations are rising. Demand for the shift is not just from regulators, but also from investors, communities, and even international trends. At Buck Outdoors, we’ve seen these changes firsthand. And if there’s one lesson worth sharing, it’s this: staying ahead of stormwater compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your operations, your reputation, and the watershed that sustains us all.
A New Era of Enforcement in South Carolina
For years, many industrial inspections in South Carolina came only after a complaint was filed. But with the newly formed Department of Environmental Services (DES) now fully staffed and active, that landscape has shifted. Inspectors are on-site conducting routine inspection and violations are already being issued.
What’s striking is that many of these violations aren’t catastrophic spills or egregious pollution events. They’re basic oversights such as outdated Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), missing updates, or incomplete documentation.
I’ve noticed a real shift in urgency. In the past, environmental oversight was slowed by bureaucracy. Regulatory updates required weaving their way through the legislative branch, delaying necessary improvements. Now, with DES operating under the executive branch, change can—and will—happen faster. That’s good for the environment, but it also means industrial sites can’t afford to lag behind.
What Europe Can Teach Us About What’s Coming
To understand where environmental and stormwater compliance in the U.S. may be headed, it helps to look across the Atlantic. European companies are moving quickly to implement International Standards of Operation for industrial activity and its environmental footprint. America, historically, tends to follow suit.
That’s why we’re already seeing pressure from automakers, consumable and tech companies who emphasize ESG (environmental, social, governance) practices. PepsiCo has set ambitious goals to become net water positive by 2030. The company aims to replenish 100% of the water used in high-risk areas and has adopted the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard to guide its efforts. Additionally, PepsiCo is working towards designing 100% of its packaging to be recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, or reusable by 2025. Also consider Amazon, who has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and has already met its goal of powering its global operations with 100% renewable energy. The company has also eliminated plastic air pillows from its packaging in North America, replacing them with recycled paper filler, aiming to eliminate nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows annually. Likewise, Google is working towards achieving net-zero emissions across all operations and its value chain by 2030. The company is also investing in next-generation clean energy technologies and aims to replenish 120% of the freshwater consumed across its offices and data centers by 2030.
In fact, we’re seeing early signs of this shift right here in South Carolina. From seeking ways to educate the workforce and community about environmental stewardship to proactively creating areas for soil and water conservation. Actually, I am also seeing where many manufacturers participate in wildlife conservation as well. Buck Outdoors is aware of what the Federal Government sees as issues and has plans for manufacturing companies to be involved in their community’s environment.
As I see it, these practices won’t remain optional for long. Recently, I was in a meeting with one of the largest geo-engineer companies in the Southeast. We were discussing trends, and especially considering initiatives the government offers. In that meeting I had an “ah-ha” moment. Historically, what the government compensates, it eventually regulates. In other words, today’s tax credits become tomorrow’s laws. COOs, Facility Managers, and EHS Directors need to be aware of what could be coming down the pike and how to be prepared to serve the communities they operate in.
Shift from Global to Local Environmental Impact
Michelin North America, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, has long been committed to environmental stewardship, both globally and locally. Recent efforts to restore a section of the Reedy River through Unity Park exemplify this commitment. In 2019, the Michelin Corporate Foundation donated $1 million to protect and restore a half-mile stretch of the Reedy River that runs through Unity Park, the largest contribution to the park project to date. This initiative included stabilizing the riverbank and planting vegetation to act as a natural filter for sediment, reduce erosion, and improve water quality downstream.
Michelin has been known to participate in global conservation efforts. However, they also recognize the opportunities locally. I expect to see other companies follow suite. The upstate of South Carolina offers great opportunities for more environmental initiatives. For example, Conestee Park encompasses 400-acres of nature preservation. The park offers a rich tapestry of hardwood and evergreen forests, extensive wetlands, and a diverse array of wildlife. The preserve is designated as an Important Bird Area of Global Significance by the National Audubon Society and serves as a vital ecological resource for the region.
By investing in the restoration and preservation of areas like Conestee Park, local manufacturing companies can enhance its environmental impact in the local community. Initiatives could include supporting habitat restoration projects, promoting biodiversity, and engaging in community education programs about the importance of wetland ecosystems. Such efforts would not only bolster the company’s commitment to sustainability but also foster a deeper connection with the local community, aligning with their mission to provide a better way forward for the communities where they operate.
Fortunately, most companies do focus attention on their own campus, considering its effects on the environment. They generally have a person responsible for overseeing these efforts. The EHS Director keeps abreast of the company’s compliance with federal, state and local regulations. In many cases, the EHS Director also considers initiative to promote a stronger environment for the workforce using nature trails that encourage a diverse eco system..
Why Many EHS Directors Need a Partner
At the ground level, most of my day-to-day work is with EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) Directors. These are smart, committed professionals. They know safety protocols backward and forward, and they thrive on protecting the health of their workforce. But many will admit the same thing to me: the “E” in their job description isn’t where they feel the strongest.
That’s where Buck Outdoors comes in. By partnering with us, EHS directors can stay focused on what they do best—health and safety—while we handle the environmental piece with confidence.
Our one-stop-shop approach means we manage the inspections, maintenance, and repairs tied to stormwater infrastructure. Instead of scrambling to update a Stormwater Pollutant Prevention Plans before a surprise inspection or wondering whether a detention pond is meeting standards, our clients know those bases are already covered.
That peace of mind is priceless.
The Value of Being Proactive, Not Reactive
It’s tempting for facilities to think compliance is only about avoiding penalties. But that mindset is short-sighted. Routine violations, even for minor issues like outdated documentation, can tarnish a facility’s reputation. Regulators may flag sites for closer scrutiny. Investors and community members may view lapses as signs of negligence.
On the flip side, proactive compliance pays dividends. Facilities that maintain updated SWPPPs, integrate conservation efforts into their operations, and demonstrate stewardship of their watershed are better positioned to win contracts, attract investment, and build community trust.
And with SC-DES inspectors getting caught up on sites, the time for proactive action is now, as opposed to reacting to a Notice of Violation. Stakeholders in a company share a common desire to see forward thinking. Reactive leadership constantly chasing preventable problems get replaced. I tell my contacts on a manufacturing site that Buck Outdoors’ goal is to make them the hero.
How Buck Outdoors Helps Facilities Stay Ahead
So what does a partnership with Buck Outdoors look like in practice?
Customized SWPPP support. We review and update stormwater plans so they reflect the latest regulations and your site’s current operations.
Routine inspections. We help identify and correct issues before regulators get involved.
Maintenance and repairs. From storm pond care to erosion fixes, we keep infrastructure functional and compliant.
Forward-looking solutions. We help facilities explore conservation add-ons including pollinator gardens, green buffers, and wildlife-friendly practices that align with emerging ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) expectations.
In short, we remove the guesswork. Our clients don’t have to worry about what’s around the regulatory corner; they know we’re already looking ahead.
Looking Ahead Together
As South Carolina adjusts to its new regulatory structure and international, environmental expectations continue to tighten, industrial sites face a choice: react to change, or get ahead of it.
At Buck Outdoors, we believe the choice is clear. Partnering with a stormwater solutions provider isn’t just about checking compliance boxes. It’s about securing the future for your facility, for your employees, and for the environment we all share.
Because when regulators, investors, and communities come knocking, the best answer you can give is simple: we’re already ahead of you.