What Are Environmental Services? A Complete Overview

Modern society is a miracle of complexity and efficiency. But maintaining such a vast infrastructure network produces byproducts—many of which can threaten the environment and our communities if not properly neutralized.

This is where environmental service companies step in.

Since they operate behind the scenes, however, many business owners don’t have a ready answer for the question: What are environmental services? 

What Are Environmental Services?

The backbone of the manufacturing, transport, and energy industries, environmental service firms specialize in managing waste products safely, efficiently, and within established regulations. Here, we’ll cover key definitions, core services, and business benefits.

To start, environmental services comprise professional offerings that: 

• Safeguard the environment
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Pave the way for smooth business operation

Poorly managed waste can cause major issues. Just picture a pile of hazardous refuse accumulating in a manufacturing facility: Workers encounter toxins on a daily basis, production slows, and cleaning expenses drain capital stores.

Undealt with waste also:

• Balloons business overhead
• Runs afoul of environmental regulations
• Slows supply chains
• Conflicts with common-sense ethics

Environmental service teams solve these problems via:

• Specialized gear 
• Tailor-made vehicles
• Treatment tools
• Trained technicians

Properly equipped and trained teams make short work of jobs that could otherwise turn hazardous and costly. 

Environmental service firms also possess a solid understanding of critical compliance codes, such as:

• Resource and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• Clean Water Act (CWA)
• Occupational Health Administration (OSHA)

Companies call upon environmental services to render their waste products a non-factor in operational and budgetary planning.

Core Environmental Services Provided by Industry Professionals

Environmental service firms generally provide a core set of competencies. 

#1 Wastewater Treatment

Industrial production involves plenty of equipment cleaning, and this produces stores of contaminated water. Some manufacturing methods also rely on water to perform their processes.

Storm runoff may also accumulate in low-lying areas, and former rain quickly accumulates toxins (like oil and gasoline) when pooled in streets and gutters. Certain municipalities provide disposal services, but these are not always available or sufficient.

Environmental services can safely dispose of all wastewater types. They employ mobile systems and large-scale vacuums calibrated for efficiency and code compliance. If you’re in need of wastewater treatment services, Boomer Environmental serves businesses in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and surrounding areas.

#2 Used Oil Collection

If not properly disposed of, auto oil waste can migrate to nearby bodies of water via storm drains. Because vehicle oil contains hydrocarbons, it can easily injure marine life and degrade water quality.

Environmental service companies solve this issue by offering scheduled or on-demand used oil collection services. This includes byproducts from:

• Transport fleets
• Heavy machinery
• Industrial processes

Environmental cleanup teams also typically offer oil separation services. 

Oil separators used in wastewater treatment services extract oil and solid debris from industrial wastewater produced by mining, oil drilling, and natural gas production. Such machines create the perfect conditions for oil to naturally separate.

#3 Round-the-Clock Emergency Response

Given heavy market demands, industrial operations often run nonstop. However, this raises the risk of after-hours accidents. As such, 24/7 emergency response is crucial.

Environmental services teams stand ready to respond in cases of:

• Hazardous and non-hazardous spills (containment, cleanup, and disposal)
• Oil leaks
• Chemical discharge
• Storm-related spills

Beyond rapidly restoring safe conditions, environmental service teams also thoroughly document the response in accordance with rules imposed by government bodies and insurance companies—critical for both penalty avoidance and reimbursement applications.

#4 Hazardous & Non-Hazardous Waste Transport and Disposition

As a crucial component of EPA compliance, environmental service teams transport industrial and commercial byproducts to licensed termination facilities.

Disposal services handle all manner of fallout, such as:

• Solid material
• Sludge
• Oil-logged water
• Universal waste
• Regulated materials

They also track the disposal process, ensuring compliance and a spotless paper trail.

When Businesses Rely on Environmental Services

Businesses may employ environmental services for a variety of reasons. A few key use cases include:

• Managing bulk or regulated waste – Facilities that produce large-scale waste fall under heavy scrutiny, making compliant disposal methods critical.
• Navigating complex compliance requirements – Regulations are rarely simple and straightforward. Many companies can benefit from expert guidance.
• Responding to spills or equipment failures – Rapid cleanups and quick equipment fixes protect a company’s compliance and public image.
• Supporting facility maintenance and upgrades – Scouring tanks, servicing systems, prepping for shutdown—these are all procedures that call for qualified backup.

With cleanup and compliance handled, companies can channel energy and capital toward production and growth.

How Environmental Services Benefit Businesses

To maintain a stellar reputation, as well as customer and employee loyalty, companies need to consider worker well-being and ecological impact. When producers know they have an environmental team on speed dial, they can rest easy. That’s because cleanup and compliance partners:

• Reduce risk and protect safety – Under unsafe conditions, workers can easily encounter substances that endanger their safety. Similarly, without careful monitoring, water and soil can soak up toxins.
• Maintain compliance and avoid penalties – When found negligent, federal agencies may hit industrial producers with hefty fines. Keeping operations up to code helps companies avoid penalties and permits more productive financial outlay.
• Improve operational efficiency – Spills and pileups can halt production for days or weeks. When an environmental team promptly and professionally handles incidents, work can proceed as needed.
• Advance sustainability goals and recycling programs – Many companies pride themselves on being part of the climate solution, not the problem. But recycling and sustainability targets rely on a solid game plan, constant vigilance, and rapid response.

Manufacturing is a crucial aspect of our modern society. But the production process often entails managing dangerous byproducts and complex legal landscapes. Environmental services simplify the equation so companies can focus on producing what consumers need.

Boomer Environmental: Support Since 2002

In 2002, Boomer Environmental answered companies’ call for stalwart compliance and unrivaled safety.

Beginning with emergency response and expanding into comprehensive compliance and waste management services, our team offers the resources and know-how to solve any environmental issue that modern manufacturers face. 

Ready to rest easy? Discover our services today. 

Sources: 

• City of Santa Barbara Sustainability and Resilience. How to Dispose of Everything. https://sustainability.santabarbaraca.gov/explore/clean-community-division/how-dispose-everything 
• OilSkimmers Inc. What Is An Oil Water Separator? How Does An Oil Water Separator Work? https://www.oilskim.com/blog/how-does-an-oil-water-separator-work