ONE drone photo

Taking to the Skies: ONE Environmental Extends Service Offerings with Drones

Today’s drone technologies are revolutionizing the way environmental monitoring, mapping, surveying and inspections are conducted, providing efficient, accurate, and cost-effective solutions for clients.

The ONE Environmental team has FAA Part 107-certified drone/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots on staff who are using next-generation drones to perform a variety of new services and augment existing ones. This includes using drone platform solutions from providers such as DroneDeploy to help integrate aerial and ground data and give clients a holistic view of their environment.

At ONE, drones are changing the game in the following areas:

Aerial Surveys and Mapping

Using advanced drone technology, we conduct aerial surveys and site maps sites with precision and detail. From large-scale land surveys to intricate mapping, our drones capture high-resolution imagery and generate accurate 3D models, allowing for better analysis and decision-making.

Erosion and Sediment Control

Drones are a powerful tool used in today’s erosion and sediment control programs. Our drone pilots can quickly survey large areas, capturing detailed visual data that aids in environmental impact assessments. By identifying potential risks and rapidly changing environmental conditions early on, we can help site operators design effective mitigation strategies.

Environmental Compliance Inspections

We offer efficient and thorough environmental compliance inspections using drones. From industrial sites to construction projects, our drone pilots conduct aerial inspections to identify potential environmental hazards, monitor compliance with regulations, and assess environmental impacts. Real-time imagery helps clients quickly identify problems during audits, minimizing risks and ensuring adherence to environmental standards.

Contact ONE today to learn more about our drone capability service offerings and how we can tailor our solutions to meet your specific requirements.

Kevin Rideout and daughter

Kevin Rideout

Senior Project Manager

Kevin Rideout joined the ONE Environmental Group Team in August of 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience as an Environmental Superintendent. The native of Stony Creek, Virginia, located just south of Petersburg, now lives in nearby Prince George County and serves as Senior Project Manager at ONE.

Prior to ONE, Kevin spent over 25 years at Iluka Resources, serving in a variety of positions at the global mining company’s mineral sands processing location in Sussex County, Virginia. The company held one of the first Limited Scope Radiation Material Licenses for Naturally Occurring Radiation Material in the Commonwealth, and Kevin played a role in the program that was built around it.

Kevin Rideout

Kevin is a licensed Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) with experience operating nuclear fixed density gauges, performing leak tests and other client activities requiring an understanding of the principles and safety fundamentals related to radiation.  

In addition to his mining and radiation expertise and credentials, Kevin also holds Wastewater Class III and Waterworks Class VI Operators’ licenses in Virginia. Kevin’s combined experience makes him well equipped to help ONE Environmental clients manage an evolving array of compliance and regulation requirements.

“You have the best of both worlds at ONE,” said Kevin. “Clients get the freedom, access and quick reaction of a small company, but we also have the expertise and horsepower of much larger environmental consulting firms.”

Outside of work, Kevin is often found in the field, managing two small timber farms and enjoying the occasional hike with his wife and teenage daughter who dances on the regional dance competition circuit.

Jacey Sturch

Jacey Sturch

Environmental Consultant I

Northeast Texas native Jacey Sturch joined ONE Environmental Group’s Atlanta office in January 2024. Her focus there is due diligence projects, including Phase I ESAs and Phase II site investigations, as well as assisting with on-going groundwater monitoring and site remediation projects. She will also be completing industrial compliance work including groundwater and soil sampling, storm water monitoring and inspections, and overall environmental compliance field work.

Jacey earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a biology minor at Stephen F. Austin University and worked for three years in environmental consulting before joining the team at ONE. “After researching the company and its values, I was impressed by how ONE operates and what it stands for,” she said. “Seeing how they care for their employees made me want to accept the job once it was offered.”

Jacey grew up planning to be a professional author and had her first book, the high fantasy “Night of a Thousand Lights,” published in 2021. As much as she enjoys writing, her devotion to the environment stems from being raised in the culture of the Native American tribe Choctaw.

“A big part of our culture is to be a good steward to the Earth and leave it in a good place, not just for my children but for the next seven generations,” she said. “I was taught to care about the environment ever since I was a very little kid.” Jacey is writing a second book in her free time. She also enjoys co-op video games, especially Baldur’s Gate 3, and loves to travel. She vacationed last summer on a cruise to the Caribbean, which included a stop in Haiti. She’s hopeful that Ireland and Scotland are next.

Hazardous Waste Reporting

Compliance Calendar: Getting the Jump on Annual Environmental Reporting Requirements

When it comes to compliance, adhering to the myriad of environmental reporting requirements is key. As industries and businesses continue to evolve, so do the regulations governing their environmental impact. Among the crucial obligations that organizations face are the annual reporting mandates set forth by various environmental agencies.

ONE Environmental understands the significance of these reporting obligations and the complexities that come with them. Below is a friendly reminder of just a few of the major reporting requirements and deadlines that the ONE team can help operators manage, prepare for, and submit.

As we close out 2023, it’s a great time for operators to summarize key data to get the jump on reporting in the new year.

EPCRA Reporting: Tier II (Section 312) Due March 1 annually, TRI (Section 313) Due July 1 annually.

Passed in 1986, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) addresses chemical-related safety and environmental concerns, specifically around how hazardous chemicals are stored and handled. In general, Tier II reporting is required under Section 312 of EPCRA for any facility with 10,000 pounds or more of a hazardous chemical at any one point in a calendar year. Note that certain chemicals may have lower thresholds. Also, other sections of the EPCRA have different reporting requirements. For example, Section 313 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting is due annually on July 1st, Section 302 notifications are due within 60 days after receiving a chemical shipment or producing a hazardous substance and Section 304 release notifications must be made immediately.

RCRA Biennial Reporting for LGQs: Due March 1 of even years.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) has its own set of reporting requirements related to hazardous wastes. All RCRA Large Quantity Generators (LGQs) of hazardous waste in most states must file a Biennial (every other year) Report. This report is due each even year for the previous odd year’s hazardous waste generation. Keep in mind that this is a biennial report, and it is only required for Large Quantity Generators. Facilities that are generating within Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) or Small Quantity Generator (SQG) limits are exempt from this particular reporting requirement.

EPA Refrigerant Reporting: Due March 1 annually.

The EPA requires facilities to document and retain service and maintenance records for certain appliances containing refrigerants, depending on the unit type and refrigerant capacity. Facilities are also required to submit a report to the EPA by March 1st of each year for specific types of units, if in the calendar year 125% of the unit’s capacity is added to the appliance.

EPA Air Reporting Requirements: Due annually.

The EPA’s Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) authorize state and local agencies to collect and submit emissions data each year. This includes Air Emissions Inventories that are due to state agencies often by March 1st, April 15th, or June 30th. Most states require these to be submitted electronically or online. Some facility operators must submit reports under the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) that cover emissions from the prior calendar year that are due by March 31st of each year. In addition, Annual Compliance Certification (ACC) under the EPA’s Title V air quality requirement must be submitted to many state agencies and the EPA by March 1st of each year.

Remember that simply knowing when reports must be submitted is just the start. Properly preparing and filing each report is also critically important. The fines and penalties can be steep for operators who let their programs slip out of compliance due to incomplete reporting or missed deadlines.

The ONE team has vast experience in these areas and stands ready to offer guidance and assistance throughout the entire reporting process. Contact us to discuss your specific environmental reporting requirements and how we can help you keep your programs compliant year-round.

Regulation Compliance Graphic

What the EPA’s Proposed Ban on Trichloroethylene (TCE) Means for Industrial Site Operators

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long been at the forefront of safeguarding environment and public health. In recent developments, the EPA has proposed a significant measure: the complete ban on the use of trichloroethylene (TCE). This proposal marks a critical step in protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of this widely-used chemical compound.

TCE is a solvent commonly used in various industrial and commercial applications, including degreasing metal parts, manufacturing various consumer products, and as an ingredient in some pesticides and chemical production processes. While its versatility has contributed to its widespread use, mounting evidence has revealed alarming health risks associated with exposure to TCE.

Studies link TCE exposure to serious health issues, including certain types of cancers, immune system disorders, developmental and reproductive problems, and neurological issues. Long-term exposure in occupational settings or through contaminated water sources has raised concerns among health experts and environmental advocates alike.

While the proposal to ban TCE represents a huge stride toward environmental safety, it also poses challenges for site operators and industries that are either reliant on this chemical or indirectly involved in commercial processes and locations where it is present.

Environmental groups, advocacy organizations, health experts, and concerned citizens have welcomed the EPA’s initiative while urging swift action and robust enforcement to ensure effective implementation of the ban.

Interested parties may comment on the proposed regulation at regulations.gov. Comments are due by December 15, 2023.

ONE Environmental Group is monitoring the progress of the proposed ban and stands ready to help clients understand the impact a TCE ban could have on an industrial facility’s environmental, health and safety compliance (EH&S) program. The ONE team stands ready to conduct remedial investigations and evaluate options for reducing TCE contamination as needed.

Learn more about how ONE can assist with EH&S compliance and a full complement of related field services here.

Mary Kennamer at Grand Canyon

Mary Kennamer, P.E.

Project Manager

Professional Engineer Mary Kennamer started at ONE Environmental Group’s Raleigh office in September 2023. Mary brings extensive experience in environmental consulting for the solid waste and petrochemical industries, including air compliance and permitting, landfill gas testing, groundwater and stormwater compliance, SPCC plans, and buyer/seller due diligence. Her expertise benefits ONE clients who must meet federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Mary also assists her ONE teammates with various aspects of project management for vapor intrusion testing and other remedial activities.

“ONE is by far the most personable place I’ve ever worked at,” she says. “Everyone is invested in each other’s lives and their clients’ success.”

Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas. She’s happy to live in Raleigh, her hometown that she calls, “a big city with a small-town feel.”

Mary recently married her husband, John, a homicide detective in Durham. They are new parents to a chatty, 5-month old baby girl named Joanna. “She’s got such a big personality already,” Mary says.

She and John are foster failures to three rescue Pembroke Welsh Corgis — Tessa, Diesel, and Pixie. Whenever she can fit it in, Mary enjoys riding her vintage Vespa scooter, baking, and exploring the local craft beer scene. She and John love to hike and aspire to visit every national park in the country. They have been to 11 out of 63 so far and hope to see Shenandoah and Acadia in 2024.