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HSG Offers Environmental Compliance & Risk Mitigation for Data Centers

  • richardneumann
  • May 7
  • 3 min read

HSG works with leading commercial and government customers to identify operational risks, navigate complex environmental compliance challenges and fulfill regulatory requirements to support and enable value creation. HSG offers comprehensive services for: 

 

Environmental Due Diligence  

 

HSG performs environmental liability assessments and documentation to support property transactions.  

 

  • Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): To identify a property’s potential environmental liabilities.  

  • Phase II ESA: To delineate environmental risks identified in the Phase I ESA and determine if remediation or mitigation measures are needed prior to development or expansion. We then propose solutions and mitigation plans.  

 

Environmental Permitting  

 

HSG prepares permit applications and performs associated maintenance requirements (i.e., reporting and sampling) to retain active permit status. It is critical to start the permitting process early to avoid construction and operational delays.  

 

  • Air Permits: For diesel or natural gas-powered emergency generators that require use permits and sometimes multiple permits per generator (i.e., State and Federal).  

  • Water Permits: For withdrawing groundwater or surface water, stormwater discharge, construction stormwater runoff management, discharge of wastewater generated from cooling process, etc.  

 

Hazardous Materials Management  

 

HSG develops management framework including policy and procedure development/review to include:  

 

  • Proper Labeling and Safety Data Sheet Management: For chemicals used in cooling systems, cleaning agents, batteries, etc.  

  • Storage Tank Management: Aboveground and underground storage tank (AST/UST) registration (e.g., oil). • Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plans: required if the facility stores at least 1,320 gallons of oil in containers with a capacity of 55 gallons or more.  

 

Waste Management  

 

HSG develops management framework including policy and procedure development/review to include proper storage and disposal practices of:  

 

  • Hazardous Waste: Lead-acid batteries often used in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), Cooling fluids, mercury-containing components (e.g., fluorescent bulbs), compressed gas cylinders, etc. 

  • E-Waste: Power supplies and transformers, UPS Units, old cables and wires, hard drive, monitors, etc.  

 

Compliance Reporting  

 

HSG prepares reports in compliance with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act allowing emergency responders to be aware of hazardous materials present in case of emergency.  

 

  • Chemical Inventory Reports (Tier II): Batteries, cooling fluids, fire suppression agents, etc.  

  • Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Report: Use or release of toxic chemicals into the air, water, or land, may be required to be disclosed depending on the type and quantity of the chemical.  

  • Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS): Used in HVAC systems and fire suppression systems may require development of a standalone management plan.  

 

Environmental Management System (EMS)  

 

HSG’s EMS frameworks help clients effectively ensure regulatory compliance, manage environmental impacts, improve efficiency, enhance sustainability, and support long-term operational success.  

 

  • EMS Framework Development: Design and implement a customized Environmental Management System (EMS) tailored to the data center's operations, aligning with ISO 14001 standards.  

  • Environmental Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular environmental audits to evaluate compliance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.  

  • Corrective Action Plans (CAPs): Develop and execute CAPs to address non-compliance issues or inefficiencies, ensuring continuous improvement in business and environmental performance.  

 

Emergency Planning and Business Resilience  

 

  • Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Assessments: Using industry standard models (e.g. water conservation, flood risk assessments, energy consumption risk analysis).  

  • Emergency Response and Business Continuity Planning: Ensuring organizations can effectively manage unforeseen risks (e.g., cyber threats, natural disasters, malevolent actions). 

 

Partnering with HSG means gaining a strategic advantage in management and mitigation of environmental risks using a team of award-winning professionals. Our expertise ensures compliance, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

 
 
 

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