How To Survive a Regulatory Plant Inspection

Whether it’s the U.S. EPA or the Department of Water Quality, an agency can strike fear in municipalities when it’s time for plant inspections. It is not that plants have something to hide or are discharging substandard water, but no one likes to be under the microscope — especially under the microscope of a regulatory agency with the power to impose fines.As a former chief operator and plant superintendent, I know the anxiety of escorting an inspector throughout your plant. However, there are a few tips that I learned along the way to keep these inspections cordial and even welcomed.