The Sapphire Group has extensive experience assisting chemical companies to meet their regulatory responsibilities, both proactively and responsively for regulatory initiatives. Regulatory rulemaking is a fact of life that can be done cost-effectively. Our professionals at The Sapphire Group conduct technical reviews and critiques of proposed regulations of air toxics, food chemicals. hazardous waste, pesticides, toxic chemicals, water quality, and water treatment chemicals. We also review limits set for specific substances in ambient air, tap water, foods, and consumer products, and the workplace.
Our work includes analysis of rulemaking, responses to regulatory agencies, negotiation of permit conditions, and preparation for and testimony at administrative hearings. Our critiques have caused regulatory agencies to promulgate more reasonable and scientifically valid rules. In addition, we frequently provide technical assistance to settle disputes on issues of remediation and in testimony at both non-binding and binding arbitration.
Of specific bearing, the professionals at The Sapphire Group are actively engaged in the development of drinking water standards at the federal and state level. Their work has included the development of criteria documents and the recommendation of concentrations that can serve as either maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG’s) or safe levels for short term exposures such as "health advisories."
Here are a few examples of the type of work we have managed for our clients.
Water
- Supported chlorine and chlorinated drinking water issues at federal and international levels
- Supported the setting of ambient water quality standards
- Supported regulations from disinfection of swimming pools
Hazardous Waste
Sites
Assessed the environmental liability related to proposed acquisitions/financing of numerous properties
Product Integrity
Evaluated products for compliance with California statutes including "Proposition 65."
Federal
The Sapphire Group prepares documents of direct bearing under:
- Safe Drinking Water Act (standards and health advisories)
- Clean Air Act
Clean Water Act
- Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility and Cleanup Act
- Toxic Substances Control Act
- Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
- Food Quality Protection Act
- Food Drug and Cosmetics Act
State and Local
- Ambient Air Standards
- Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines
- California: Prop 65 & TAC limits
- CERCLA,SARA, and state regulations
International
- New Chemicals Directive
- Existing Chemical Directive
- Pesticides/Biocides Registration
- Risk Assessments using EU guidelines
European Union
The many countries that make up the European Union are governed by a series of Directives, such as:
- Biocidal Products
- Plant Protection Products
- Existing Substances
- New Substances
- Drinking Water
- Water Framework
These directives are implemented through the member states in a complex and comprehensive fashion, thus the establishment of a manufacturing plant or importation of a new product entails an assortment of negotiations to ensure their safe and satisfactory use.
As professionals, our knowledge and grasp of these substantive processes as well as the subtleties of the review, evaluation and approval of products and processes can be vital in obtaining expedient recognition and approval for our clients’ products.
Other Global Regions & Non-Governmental Organizations
Central to and imperative in understanding the hazards and risks of chemicals in the environment are organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Agency for Research on Cancer, International Labor Organization, and the United Nations Environmental Program. These non-governmental organizations, (NGO’s) provide the scientific foundation on which risk-based decisions are made and provide the added value of having consensus due to representation of multiple nationalities. Our professionals have first hand experience with the workings of these organizations in part because they are often called upon to participate on their expert committees. This enables The Sapphire Group to obtain pertinent information at the earliest time possible.
