The Most Expensive Stormwater Risks that Property Managers Overlook (until there's a problem)
Big always starts small.
How unnoticed disjointed pipes lead to sink holes.
How clogged infrastructure leads to flooding.
How eroded dams lead to failed dams.
Too often I have discussions with Project Managers where dangerous comments are made. “If we are not aware of the problem, we are not responsible for it.” “If we find a problem, the property owner is going to be upset.” “We don’t want to get distracted by small issues when we have so many other conversations going.”
It is these attitude types that have caused environmental compliance to tighten. Recently, some facilities are required to move from quarterly inspections to real-time monitoring. The phrase we keep hearing, “We want to see the movie, not a photo.” The four snap shots obtained through quarterly inspections do not tell the whole story. As a result, constant monitoring requirements will continue to strengthen in order to align facilities with climate control.
Furthermore, inspections and monitoring alone are not enough. It’s one thing to see a problem, it’s another to act. When we inspect properties for the land owner we inform them of what the expenses potentially are so they can budget. We also help them prioritize the problem. In other words, if you wait, will it cost more money later? However, it’s not just about managing the checking account. We also need to consider reputation. If a problem creates risk, we inform the property manager about risks other than financial.
Here are three Expensive Risks that a facility cannot afford to overlook:
Illicit discharge: Illicit discharge is not something you generally see. The pollution is parts per million in your stormwater discharge. One easy way to catch this is through discharge monitoring devices. These monitors alert managers of unseeable contamination. However, before this, the monitor acts as a defense mechanism. If claims of contamination are made down stream, how can you prove that the fish kill or pollution did not start on your facility without constant monitoring. Furthermore, the precise measurement reveals trends on site that show you are actively improving your effect on the climate. I have been on a site in Spartanburg County where a once vibrant manufacturing site is no longer in business and the property has been condemned and usable. A wise investment, lost because of unmanaged risks.
Unsound dams: The dam on your stormwater pond will not fail over night. Though you may not notice the incremental deteriorations, consistent inspections provide an opportunity to discover signs that pipes are disjointed, sink holes are forming, or sediment is accumulating. These signs appear when the correction is less distractive and less expensive than a total dam failure. However, the facility delayed repairs until it was too late facing the risk of cease operation demands by the site.
Erosion: On one of our sites we communicated with the plant’s facility manager that the slopes around the loading docs had not been compacted properly. We showed pictures lost soil and explained how it effected nearby structures. We pointed out that sediment accumulation was causing water flow to by-pass stormwater infrastructure which intensified the soil loss. The facility manager did not heed the warning and never gave it a second thought until two loading bays were no longer usable because the back corner of the lot had collapsed. This not only led to more expensive repairs, but more importantly it disrupted production capacity.
As a facility manager, lean into the relationship with your stormwater professional. Let them play a role in your strategy as you manage risks that could be quite costly. Facility managers benefit from follow up conversations with their inspectors. Here’s some questions to ask your stormwater inspector as you manage risks:
Facility Managers are asked to go GREEN
Green when it comes to the environment and money.
What are five simple process shifts that we should consider?
What trends do you see on our site that can be redirected with additional BMP maintenance?
What expenditure should be made under $20k that will help prevent $250k expenditures in the near future?
What are the next large expenditures we need to begin budgeting for?
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If you’re a property manager responsible for stormwater compliance, Buck Outdoors LLC provides inspections and maintenance for residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the upstate of South Carolina. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about your site in Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Laurens, or Greenwood counties. Throughout the country, we install, collaborate, and manage stormwater monitoring devices.
KEYWORDS:: stormwater risks for property managers, stormwater compliance issues, property management stormwater
Craft Your Environmental Mission Statement for Corporate Sustainability
Sustainability is not just a fad, or a buzzword. It’s so much more. Sustainability is a strategy that actually positions companies as a leader in evolving markets. Companies that truly value sustainability, begin by creating an environmental mission statement to communicate its commitment, and provide a clear roadmap for environmental stewardship.
The Foundation: Key Values of an environmental mission statement
A strong EMS reflects values that resonate with all stakeholders:
Be Transparent: The mission should be something that can be seen and noticed. Thus, there should be some means to communicate progress toward the mission. Follow Google’s Environmental Reports for an example.
Be Accountable: Being out there with your EMS, makes you somewhat vulnerable. Or, better put, forces you to be accountable to the community. Align actions with promises, demonstrated by Microsoft’s carbon-negative pledge.
Be Innovative: In today’s world, stakeholders want to see a forward thinking. Thus, let your environmental mission embrace technology for sustainable solutions, such as IBM’s environmental programs.
Be Engaged: If you truly believe that your community, your world, needs you, then you should engage the community. Partner with local communities to ensure shared growth and benefits, which is a cornerstone for Starbucks’ sustainability initiatives.
Be Futuristice: Your EMS is an opportunity to show that you are in the game for the long haul. Set ambitious, yet realistic goals for long-term impact, as highlighted by Nestlé’scommitment to net zero by 2050.
Engaging Stakeholders Through Sustainability
A well-crafted mission statement motivates and unites:
Investors: Clear environmental goals attract ESG-conscious investors. Programs like CDP (Carbon DisclosureProject) enable transparency and a rich soil to foster trust.
Employees: Sustainability builds shared purpose and pride. Companies like Salesforce highlight their green initiatives, which boost employee morale and retention.
Customers: Today’s consumers demand ethical brands. A mission statement can deepen loyalty, as seen in Patagonia’s activism for the planet.
Programs to Elevate Sustainability Efforts
Companies can multiply their impact by joining global initiatives:
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi): Align your goals with climate science.
1% for the Planet: Dedicate a percentage of revenue to environmental causes.
The Pollinator Partnership: Support biodiversity through pollinator habitats.
Conservation International: Collaborate on protecting critical ecosystems.
How to Begin Your Sustainability Journey
Start by drafting a mission statement that reflects your unique environmental goals. Collaborate with stakeholders for authenticity and ensure it’s visible across your platforms. Companies like PepsiCo and Walmart have demonstrated how integrated messaging can drive meaningful change.
At Buck Outdoors, we specialize in helping corporations translate values into action. Let us guide you in crafting an environmental mission statement that inspires trust and drives results. Schedule a consultation today to begin your journey toward sustainable leadership.