Managing a small business can be demanding—adding environmental compliance to the mix can make it even tougher. Were you aware that your business can request an on-site review from an experienced environmental specialist to help you understand the regulations and how they apply to your business? We are happy to inform you that such a service does exist. 

Table of Contents

• What is an on-site review (OSR)?
• How does an On-Site Review (OSR) work?
• Why schedule an OSR?
• Next steps

What is an on-site review (OSR)?

Whether you are a small business that is newly established or has been around awhile, an on-site review invites a professional into your business to assess elements of your operations such as documentation, facilities, processes, reporting and so on. The review is confidential and can save a business time, money, and reduce risk. 

Here at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) we have four dedicated environmental professionals who conduct our environmental on-site reviews. For over 28 years, we’ve helped businesses identify compliance gaps, understand the regulations, and reduce waste, all at no cost to our clients.

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) was created under the Groundwater Protection Act of 1987 to provide Iowa small businesses with expert environmental advice and consultation. Our environmental assistance service is the bread and butter of what we do and has been shaped to meet the needs of Iowa small businesses.

If your business has never had an on-site review or it has been a while since you have had one, we thought it would be helpful to break down what our on-site review looks like and why it’s important to consider scheduling one. 

Request an on-site visit

How does an On-Site Review (OSR) work?

The first step to kick off an on-site review is for the business to request one. While some consultants or organizations, like the IWRC, may reach out to you to let you know they offer this type of service or that it has been awhile since you last had an on-site review, it is ultimately up to the business to initiate the request. At the IWRC, we offer several ways for a business to request assistance. It is as simple as sending an email, calling 319-273-8905, or completing an online request form. 

Once a business requests an on-site review (OSR), an experienced IWRC specialist will coordinate a time to visit the facility and meet with a representative of the business to evaluate the its day-to-day operations. This comprehensive, confidential assessment identifies potential environmental impacts and reviews compliance in key areas, including:

• Air emissions (permitting, recordkeeping and reporting)
• Hazardous and solid waste (waste determinations, storage and disposal requirements)
• Wastewater (monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping for applicable standards)
• Stormwater (permitting, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) development)
• Other applicable EPA and Iowa DNR regulations (SPCC, storage tanks, SWA, etc.)

After the visit, the specialist prepares a confidential report outlining the facility’s current environmental compliance status, applicable EPA and Iowa DNR regulations, and practical recommendations for achieving or maintaining compliance. 

This report is created exclusively for the business and is not shared with any regulatory agency.

At this point, the business reviews the completed report and can decide if, when or how they will execute the recommendations. 

Why schedule an OSR?

We acknowledge that as a small business owner, you are likely wearing many hats and juggling many responsibilities, so why not have someone in your corner helping you work through the environmental requirements, regulations, and reporting that impact your business. 

Besides having an expert you can turn to, going through an on-site review can also help you:

• Reduce risk and avoid costly fines
• Save time on trying to understand complex regulations
• Reduce stress about your compliance status
• Identify opportunities to save on waste disposal and operations

Think of an on-site review as a proactive approach to addressing environmental compliance before a regulatory agency comes for a surprise visit.

Next steps

Now that you have an idea of what to expect in an on-site review and the benefits it provides your business, what should you do next? 

MAKE that phone call. SEND that email. FILL OUT that assistance request form! It really is as easy as that. 

“The IWRC specialists listened to our concerns and gave us excellent advice and direction on environmental regulations that apply to our company. We greatly appreciate their help in making a sometimes complicated and confusing process extremely easy and understandable!" - IWRC Client

In Iowa, whether you're new to environmental compliance or just want to verify your current compliance status, the IWRC’s Environmental Assistance staff is here to offer expert guidance and peace of mind.

If your business is located outside the state of Iowa, the National Small Business Environmental Assistance Program can help you find environmental assistance in your state.