I am often asked to define the difference between an environmental consultant and an environmental contractor in relation to my career choice and business services.  This past 4th of July weekend, during hours of kayaking on Lake Erie and roaming the beaches before the crowds hit, I have considered this more thoughtfully, wondering where I truly fit in. So I did what any reasonable person would do-- I googled it!

An environmental consultant is often a compliance consultant, ensuring that the client maintains an appropriate measure of compliance with environmental regulations.

An environmental contractor completes various environmental projects (e.g., permit applications, reports) for the client.

Endlish Environmental & Energy provides both services but more commonly the latter even though many clients could benefit from the former.

As your environmental consultant, Endlish will meet with you (the client) and assess your facility's needs with respect to environmental compliance. This typically occurs through the environmental compliance assessment.  Endlish will then provide a written report outlining the major environmental areas (air, waste, water), the applicable requirements, the facility's compliance status, and recommendations for improvement.  If you need Endlish to complete the applications or reports necessary to achieve environmental compliance, Endlish then serves as an environmental contractor to complete the process.

Often, a client will call and ask for help with a specific project. Typically these clients have well-established environmental programs but are too busy to complete the project in the timeframe required. Other times, a client will call when they are neck-deep in Ohio EPA or USEPA compliance issues and they need some help digging out. Endlish serves as a contractor for both but the latter would have benefitted from hiring a consultant early on to identify and correct compliance issues, assess the record keeping systems, and ensure that all required applications and reports had been submitted. Violations identified and corrected prior to discovery by the regulatory agency still have potential for notices of violation (NOV) or even enforcement action but it is always preferable to have been proactive and have compliance achieved or well underway before the Agency discovers it.  This can have a positive impact on whether enforcement action is pursued and any resultant penalties. The Agency does have enforcement discretion and they are not afraid to use it!

Energy Audit

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Editorial Comment: Truthfully I am so disheartened by the SHORT lifespan of the squiggy bulbs that I am almost ready to change the company name again.  I mean REALLY!  My incandescents, put in at the same time as the squiggies, lasted longer!  They're like little Energizer bunnies!  I'm going to put 2 in the basement and hope they multiply since no one in the US is making these anymore.