Upcoming Courses
RMA ACADEMY has released it's 2008 Training Calendar. Here are some of the upcoming 2008 courses.
24Hr HAZWOPER
RMA’s 24-Hour HAZWOPER class satisfies 29CFR 1910.120(e)(3) initial training requirements for hazardous substance occasional site workers. Class combines classroom lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice with applicable personal protective equipment. All participants who successfully complete this class will receive a reference manual, certificate of completion, and laminated wallet card.
When: February 19-21
Where: Houston, TX
More Information
Facility Security Officer Workshop
This 1.5 day comprehensive, standard setting security training course meets 33CFR 105 (USCG) and 49 CFR 172 (USDOT). This course also provides facility personnel with security duties (non-FSOs) with basic facility security measures and information. Facility Security Officers (FSO) are provided a more in-depth level of training that focuses on the Facility Security Plan, assessing risks and vulnerabilities, threat identification and security equipment and systems. Three (3) different training options to choose from!
When: March 26-27
Where: Houston, TX
More Information
Qualified Individual (QI) Workshop
This training course was designed to prepare the Qualified Individual (QI) to manage an oil spill incident as the designated QI and/or On Scene Incident Commander and be fully capable to perform implement an action removal plan and commit the financial resources of the company to prevent or clean up an oil spill. During the course you’ll also learn how to communicate with the appropriate Federal, state, and local officials.
When: April 22-24
Where: Houston, TX
More Information
SPCC Compliance Workshop & Luncheon
RMA is hosting a casual SPCC Compliance Workshop & Luncheon. Join us as industry experts, environmental professionals, and regulators come together to speak about Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) policy, updates, enforcement, and plan requirements.
When: February 20, 2008
Where: Houston, TX
More Information
In the News
IHMM introduces the CHMP Credential
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Managers (IHMM) released it's newest credential the Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP).
This program provides recognition for the non-degreed individuals who have a minimal amount of education but further practice of handling hazardous materials in a wide variety of specialized activities associated with public health and safety, transportation, security, and environmental protection. The CHMP certification is related to IHMM’s Certified Hazardous Materials Manager® (CHMM ®), but focuses more on hands-on or workplace experience as a practitioner and less on the corporate management aspects of the field.
Read More about CHMP
Hot News
Proposed Renewal of Texas Construction Storm Water Permit
The TCEQ is proposing to renew a general permit, TPDES Permit No. TXR150000, updated November 2, 2007, which authorizes discharges from construction sites into surface water in the state.
The significant proposed changes to the existing general permit include:
- Proposed restructuring of permit fees that eliminate the annual fee
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Fee and provisional coverage timeline incentives for electronic submittal
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A change in the definition of construction site operator
Read More
Welcome our New Employees!
Scott Foster, GIS Technical Specialist
Scott joins us with 15 years experience in technical drawing, computerized mapping systems, and software mapping applications.
Kent Harrington, Project Manager
Kent has been working as an associate for TOG since 2006 and will begin contributing immediately to our Planning efforts and the Petron Oil Spill Response Project.
Looking for a Career?
Response Management Associates (RMA) is accepting resumes for the following position:
Environmental Project Manager
Houston, Texas
Click Here for more information about this position
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Featured Story
EPA Announces Regulatory Priorities
On December 9th EPA released its Regulatory Plan, which describes 30 of the most significant regulations it plans to issue by next October. EPA also released its Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, which describes over 300 actions under development or review, as well as those completed or withdrawn since the Spring 2007 agenda was published.
For the first time, the bulk of EPA's agenda is available exclusively online rather than on paper in the Federal Register. Moving to an online agenda saves resources and provides users with a more useful, searchable mechanism for accessing regulatory information. It also helps meet e-Government objectives while saving taxpayers money by significantly reducing printing costs. (E-Government is President Bush's goal of utilizing technology to improve federal government services to citizens).
Click Here for more information about EPA's Regulatory Plan and Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.
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 Featured Article
Chemical Industry Awaits New Plant Site Security Rules
By Cynthia A. Challener, Ph.D., C&M Consulting
Source: ChemAlliance.org
The chemical industry takes seriously the issue of maintaining an appropriate level of plant site security. Since the tragic events of 9-11, members of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) alone have invested more than $3.5 billion enhancing security at their facilities throughout the US. Trade associations such as the ACC, Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) and the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) have developed various security management practices for their members to implement and maintain security programs, with implementation often necessary for continued membership. As much as 90% of industry companies have security programs in place at this time. Read More
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Company News
RMA TWIC Luncheon Symposium a Large Success!
RMA TWIC Luncheon Symposium a Large Success!
On December 5th Response Management Associates, Inc. (RMA) hosted a TWIC Luncheon Symposium at the Monument Inn in Houston, TX. Over 100 security professionals from all industry sectors around Texas attended the Luncheon. RMA hosted the Luncheon to bring industry professionals, experts, and speakers together to address the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for Maritime Facilities and U.S. Vessels. The feedback was absolutely positive and RMA is excited about the number of companies and professionals that attended. So excited that RMA has decided to continue the "Luncheon Symposium" series to other environmental, security, and emergency response topics throughout 2008.
RMA Wins Philippines Oil Spill Response Contract.
Response Management Associates, Inc. was awarded the Philippines Oil Spill Response Project. RMA competed against numerous firms for the contract and we can thank RMA's Government Services Group who spent many hours preparing the winning proposal. RMA will start the initial phase of this project in January of 2008. The major scope of the project is developing a corporate emergency response plan for Petron Corporation, Philippines largest oil refining company. Petron was awarded a Grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency for $255,000 to attain a contractor to help develop the Corporate Emergency Response Plan.
RMA Wins Port of Seattle Security Planning Contract.
Response Management Associates, Inc. (RMA), a subsidiary of The O’Brien’s Group (TOG), in partnership with SRA International, Inc. has been awarded a $750,000 contract to develop a Port-Wide Risk Management/Mitigation Plan and a Port-Wide Trade Resumption/Resiliency Plan for the Port of Seattle, USCG Sector Puget Sound Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC). Response Management Associates has been retained to develop and align these plans with the Puget Sound Area Maritime Security Plan (AMSP), the National Preparedness Guidelines, the Strategy to Enhance International Supply Chain Resilience, and other national, state, and local guidance.
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 News and Enforcement
EPA Announces 2008 Renewable Fuels Standard
EPA is setting a new renewable fuels standard (RFS) of 4.66 percent to meet the 2005 Energy Policy Act's mandate that at least 5.4 billion gallons of renewable fuels be blended into transportation gasoline in 2008. Based on the standard, each party determines the minimum volume of renewable fuel that it must ensure is used in its motor vehicle fuel. The standard for 2007 was 4.02 percent, equating to roughly 4.7 billion gallons. The overall volume target increases every year, reaching 7.5 billion gallons in 2012. The Energy Policy Act requires EPA to annually determine the standard -- which applies to refiners, importers and non-oxygenate blenders of gasoline -- by Nov. 30 for the following year. Read More.
DHS Publishes Chemicals of Interest List for Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
On November 20, 2007 the Department of Homeland Security published the final Appendix A in the Federal Register. With the publication of a final Appendix A, all provisions of 6 CFR Part 27, including § 27.210(a)(1)(i), are operative and in effect. The deadline in the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS) interim final rule for submission of “Top Screens” required by 6 CFR § 27.210(a)(1)(i) will be 60 calendar days from the date of publication of Appendix A in the Federal Register.
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OSHA Issues Confined Spaces in Construction Proposed Rule
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (72 FR 67351) on November 28, 2007 to enhance the protection provided to construction employees working in confined spaces. The agency is accepting public comments on the proposed standard until January 28, 2008. Read More
OSHA Revises Enhanced Enforcement Program
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an Instruction (CPL 02-00-145) which revises the agency’s Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP) to focus on agriculture, construction, maritime, and general industry employers who are subject to enforcement actions that result in enhanced enforcement cases. The revised EEP is effective on January 1, 2008. Read More
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Featured Course
SPCC Compliance Workshop & Luncheon
Response Management Associates is hosting a casual SPCC Luncheon. Join us as industry experts, environmental professionals, and regulators come together to speak about the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Rule.
Starting at 9AM RMA Planning professionals will give you an overview and background of SPCC and an update of the new SPCC Rule with recommendations for your facility. Then a casual intermission Lunch of your choice and a chance to converse with other industry professionals. Next an RMA Planning professional will speak to you about implementing your SPCC Plan and passing an EPA inspection. The Luncheon will conclude with a question and answer panel discussion with the speakers and your colleagues.
Where: RMA Academy, Houston, TX
When: February 20, 2008. 9AM-3PM
Lunch: Choose your entree when registering
CLICK HERE to Register or Hold a Seat!
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 Featured Service
CFATS Compliance Strategies
Response Management Associates specializes in providing process safety and security management consulting and training. Any company or facility that stores, processes, handles, or distributes substances on DHS’s “Appendix A: Chemicals of Interest List” can benefit from a variety of services RMA has to offer.
These services include:
- Process Safety Management Compliance
- Security Vulnerability Assessments
- EPA accidental release prevention program, Risk Management Program (RMP) Compliance
- Security Plan Development
- Emergency Response and Business Continuity Planning
- Security and Emergency Response Training
- Security Compliance Audits/Assessments
Click Here for more information about these services. |
Environmental Update
SPCC Changes Imminent and Approaching Quickly
The deadline to transition to the new SPCC rule is fast approaching and additional changes from EPA since October have been proposed. These proposed amendments will increase clarity and tailor certain requirements for easier and increased compliance. The biggest impact could be to upstream operations where EPA has proposed several options. While providing compliance flexibility, if finalized, the flowline maintenance program and a program to periodically skim fluids from produced water tanks could increase significantly increase compliance costs. The regulated community has the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes and RMA is working side-by-side with the American Petroleum Institute (API) to address, understand, and submit comments on industry and organizational impacts. These comments will be submitted to EPA by this Friday.
All SPCC-regulated facilities would be potentially affected by some of the proposed amendments to provide (1) clarity on the general secondary requirements; (2) flexibility in security requirements; (3) flexibility in the use of industry standards to comply with integrity testing requirements; (4) additional flexibility in meeting the facility diagram requirements; (5) clarification on the flexibility provided by the definition of “facility”.
RMA’s training Division, RMA Academy, is holding a 1-day SPCC Update Luncheon Symposium in February of 2008 to address the requirements and changes and to guide you down a path of compliance with the new rule. Click Here for more information about the SPCC Luncheon.
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Where will RMA be at Next?
SECUREPORT 2008
1/28-30/2008 – Houston, TX: Visit Response Management Associates at the 4th Annual Western Hemispheric
Port Security Conference and Trade Exhibition on January 28-30 in Houston, TX. Booth # To Be Determined.
SECUREPORT Conference Web-site
Industrial Fire, Safety, & Security Conference
2/6-8/2008 – Houston, TX: Visit Response Management Associates at the 3rd Annual Industrial Fire, Safety, and Security Conference on February 6-8. This conference will focus on Planning, Preparedness, and Response. Come on by and visit us at Booth #433. Click Here for a FREE Exhibit Pass (a $100 value).
IFSS Conference Web-site
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