Strategic Planning and Regulatory Compliance
Omni is well known for its ability to advise its clients on strategic planning issues. In an era of rigorous enforcement and significant financial penalties, the regulated community can no longer take a "wait and see" approach with respect to defining the steps necessary to comply with present and pending regulations governing environmental, safety and health matters. In providing strategic planning advice to its clients, Omni clearly identifies applicable statutes and the options available to attain compliance in a cost-effective and environmentally responsive manner. In certain instances, an entity may find itself failing to comply with existing applicable regulations. In such cases, the permittee may be forced to enter into an ACO, MOU or other legal instrument, and be faced with a penalty assessment. Omni has assisted a number of clients in forging the terms of these agreements, and in negotiating the amount of the penalty assessment and permit fees. Our efforts have resulted in significant cost savings for our clients and reduced exposure to potential environmental liabilities. Omni is particularly qualified to provide coordination of the compliance schedule and identification of the steps necessary to achieve compliance. In such instances, Omni has been asked to resolve technical issues with the regulatory agency, act as a liaison with the regulatory agency, and provide expert testimony in hearings or other venues. As part of a proactive approach, Omni assists clients in positioning themselves to best prepare for future regulations or the future applications of existing regulations. Such assistance may involve the preparation and implementation of a data collection program or the evaluation of facilities' capabilities so that at the time of regulatory agency review the permittee is prepared to propose an appropriate course of action to support that proposal. In our experience, it is clear that successful entities are those who take a proactive approach to regulatory compliance and engage in a continuous program of strategic planning.
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Planning is essential to entities operating in harmony with the natural environment. Industry must consider its ability to operate profitably in an increasingly stringent regulatory climate. Publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities must continuously evaluate the future needs of their service areas and assess their ability to meet those needs. Consequently, regardless of one's orientation, strategic planning with respect to future needs and future regulatory requirements is essential. Lack of planning results in failure to comply with applicable statutes and regulations.
