In today's world, it is critical to adhere to the laws and compliance rules laid out by environmental experts. Nearly every facet of our current industrial landscape is governed by statutes protecting the air, water and soil of the world around us. Complying with these statutes is necessary to keep your business within the bounds of both law and ethics.

Environmental consultants are on the front line of environmental issues and regulations. They can help ensure your company meets the latest in compliance testing and rules. A few of the areas covered by environmental consulting firms include:

1. Water pollution;

2. Air and land contamination;

3. Assessing and auditing of environmental impact;

4. Waste management;

5. Ecological and land management;

6. Noise and vibration measurement;

7. Policy expertise by environmental experts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find environmental consultants with knowledge of compliance issues

If your business is just getting started on the road to environmental compliance, your safest bet would be hiring environmental specialists with a full scope of knowledge concerning the latest trends and laws. These consultants have experience in nearly every sector of environmental testing and will prove to be a valuable resource.

I recommend: ERM, with locations in 40 countries, works with both government agencies and independent businesses in ensuring environmental standards across the board are successfully met. The consultants at Entrix have a huge list of core services that run the gamut from air quality control to fishery evaluations to strategic planning for your business.

Locate environmental consultants with expertise in certain areas of the field

More and more, companies are meeting the demands of environmental law and responsibility. However, to meet these laws, there still may be one or two areas that a business may need to investigate further. This is where a specialized environmental consultant, with knowledge in one specific field of environmental study, will be immensely beneficial.

I recommend: Trinity Consultants is a nationwide company with a particular focus on air quality issues. SWCA Environmental Consultants is a firm specializing in environmental science. It can assist in natural, cultural, and environmental resource management and strategic planning. If noise and vibration measurement is a concern, Harris Miller Miller & Hanson is an industry leader and has been in the business for more than 25 years.

Choose environmental consultants to train your staff on sustainability issues

As we make the transition to a greener world, it's a wise idea to invest in an environmental expert to come into your workplace and educate your employees about ecological responsibility.

I recommend: The experienced consultants at Triumvirate also offer training services for your staff, which can be held as an open class at a public forum or specialized at your location. Roberta at RCB Environmental Consulting has been an environmental expert for 16 years--and a college professor for eight. She is knowledgeable in all areas of environmental planning and accountability.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For an environmental consultants list, contact your state department of agriculture or environmental affairs. Most state government websites will be able to direct you to environmental consulting companies in your area.