The following is a listing of some of the environmental article that Doug Ruhlin of Resource Management Associates has written on environmental topics of relevance to the concrete and construction materials industries. Click on the link or cover picture to access the publication.

Process Water OR Stormwater?
Do YOU know the difference between stormwater and process water (non-stormwater)? It makes a BIG difference! Not knowing can mean the difference between NPDES permit compliance and a hefty fine or enforcement action from USEPA or your state! This article by Doug Ruhlin of RMA discusses the difference, with particular emphasis on a ready-mixed concrete plant. Published in the March-April 2010 edition of National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine.

Stormwater Discharge Permits - What's REALLY Required?
Having an NPDES stormwater discharge permit is one thing. But, meeting the requirements of the permit may be a very different thing! Do you know what your permit requires, and are you doing it? This article by Doug Ruhlin of RMA discusses the common requirements associated with NPDES stormwater permits, and is applicable to almost every state and industrial operation. Published in National Ready Mixed Concrete (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine, Jan-Feb 2010 issue.

Drums at the Concrete Plant!
This article by Doug Ruhlin of RMA deals with - what else? - drums at a concrete plant! Presents some common-sense strategies to keep you out of trouble as well as some of the applicable regulations dealing with oil or chemical containers. Applicable to any type of industrial facility, including all concrete plants, precast, asphalt, aggregate operations, as well as anyone who stores chemicals or oil in anything 55-gallon drum size and bigger! Published in the November-December 2009 issue of National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine.

What do YOU Need to do to protect yourself from USEPA Enforcement!
Article written by Doug Ruhlin for the May/June 2009 edition of Concrete InFocus magazine published by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). This article deals with the steps you should take NOW to ensure that you are taking full advantage of the environmental opportunities present today, as well as ensuring you have your compliance house in order. Must reading for all concrete producers, as well as anyone else in business today in the concrete or construction materials industries.

SPCC Plans - What Are They and Are YOURS Current? Article by D. Ruhlin, RMA
Do you know what an SPCC plan is? Do you know the regulations dealing with SPCC plans changed recently, and may in fact be better for you? If you have an SPCC plan, is it current, particularly with the new rules?;If you don't know what an SPCC plan is, or whether yours is acceptable or not, this article is for you!;Did you know that SPCC plans will be one of the primary focus points of the ongoing USEPA enforcement initiative targeting the concrete and mining industries? Don't find out too late!;RMA can help you with any aspect of any SPCC plan - contact us to see how we can help you! From National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine, October 2009.

Green-Star Misconceptions, Spring 2009
This article deals with common misconceptions that might be holding YOU back from pursuing Green-Star certification or the implementation of an Environmental Management System. Published in National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) InFocus Magazine, Spring 2009.

Concrete Producer, or Hazardous Waste Generator?, Winter 2009
This article deals with solid and hazardous waste regulations at a concrete plant, but is also applicable to many other types of industrial facilities. Published in the NRMCA InFocus Magazine, Winter 2009 (Jan-Feb 09).

Jobsite Washout....or Chute Rinseoff?, July / August 2008
Article written by Doug Ruhlin dealing with the hot topic of jobsite activities. Change your practices and terminology! Must reading for all concrete producers. From July / August 2008 edition of National Ready Mixed Association (NRMCA) Concrete InFocus magazine.

Successful Environmental Programs, Fall 2008
This article presents the secrets of successful environmental programs - the kind of programs that avoid regulatory problems, provide tangible benefits for their companies, and also provide the means to seize the environmental opportunities of today. Must reading for anyone in business! Printed from September / October 2008 copy of Concrete InFocus magazine by National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA).

Continual Environmental Improvement, Winter 2008
Article written by Doug Ruhlin describing the concept of "continual improvement", which is the cornerstone of a good Environmental Management System (EMS). An understanding of continual improvement is necessary for both an EMS, and for Green-Star certification. From Winter 2008 edition of National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Concrete InFocus magazine.

Is a Reclaimer Right for You?, Summer 2008
Article written by Doug Ruhlin dealing with whether or not a concrete reclaimer is right for you. Goes over the decisions necessary in determining whether a reclaimer is the right choice for your returned concrete management concerns, or if others may make more sense. From Summer 2008 edition of Mid-Atlantic Concrete Equipment newsletter (entire newsletter presented - check it out!).

What's an EMS?, Spring 2008
Concrete InFocus magazine from NRMCA, Spring 2008 article written by Doug Ruhlin on the basics of an Environmental Management System!