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Pyramid Group International, Inc.

Our Mission

Turning EHS challenges into great opportunities for our customers in the private and public sectors.

Our Values

Integrity, Accountability, Respect, Professionalism, Competency

SERVICE: #1

Environmental Compliance

Pyramid Group International offers a variety of environmental compliance solutions with over 35 years of experience in supporting industrial and government clients.
Pyramid Group International develops compliance programs and long and short-term strategies and provides implementation support to meet business objectives.

Pyramid Group International’s experience includes a diverse range of clients in various industries including pharmaceuticals, biotech, oil and gas, and electronics industries, as well as major utilities and municipalities. Pyramid Group International offers the following environmental compliance services:

 

  • Water and wastewater
  • Pretreatment
  • Product Compliance (TSCA, REACH,
  • RoHS, WEEE)
  • Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
  • Compliance Program
  • Permitting Support (Domestically and Internationally)

SERVICE: #2

Health and Safety

Pyramid Group International offers practical and proven approaches to manage risk, achieve and maintain OSHA compliance, and improve health and safety performance for the private and public sectors. Pyramid Group International’s health and safety services include:
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Health and Safety Plans

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COVID-19 Policy Development & Reopening Safety Strategies
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ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems
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OSHA Audits and Compliance
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OSHA Inspection Guidance
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Indoor Air Quality / Worker Exposure (Cr6+, Organics, Metals, Silica)
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Process Safety Management
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Combustible Dust Hazard Analysis
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Workplace Hazard Assessment
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Accident and Injury Investigation
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Air Modeling for Toxic & Hazardous Chemical Releases
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Employee Training & Online Courses
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Safety Procedures Development
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Comprehensive Industrial Hygiene Services
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Ventilation Studies & Troubleshooting
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Litigation Support and Expert Testimony
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Emergency Response Plans
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Risk Management Plans
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LOTO Procedure Development

SERVICE: #3

Industrial Hygiene Sciences

Pyramid Group International offers the following industrial hygiene sciences services:

 

  • Industrial Hygiene Assessment
  • Industrial Ventilation
  • Safety Compliance
  • Exposure Assessment
  • Health Risk Assessment
  • Risk Management and
  • Communication
  • Health Sciences
  • Litigation Support and Expert Testimony
  • Education and Training

SERVICE: #4

Product Compliance and Product Stewardship

Pyramid Group International offers the following product compliance and product stewardship services:

01 – Significant New Use Notice (SNUN)

02 – Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986)

03 – Environmental Assessment for Human Drug and Biologics Applications

04 – REACH Registration

05 – Supply Chain Risk identification and Mitigation

06 – Development of Restricted Substances List

SERVICE: #5

Project Management and RFP Process

Pyramid Group International offers the following project management services:
  • Feasibility Study
  • Preparation of Request For Proposal (RFP)
  • Evaluation of Bidders
  • Negotiations of Contract Terms and Conditions
  • Meetings and Presentations
  • Project Goals
  • Project Timeline
  • Project Budget

Our Projects

Wastewater/NPDES/Pretreatment

Local Limits Evaluation, Irvine Ranch Water District | Irvine, CA
Local limits evaluation for the Michelson Water Recycling Plant and the Los Alisos Water Recycling Plant.
Local Limits Evaluation, Orange County Sanitation District | Fountain Valley, CA
Evaluation of OC San’s existing local limits and the development of new local limits for the agency’s two wastewater treatment facilities.
Evaluation and Upgrading of Salt Lake City’s Industrial Pretreatment Program | Salt Lake City, UT

Evaluation of the pretreatment program, upgrade to the Sewer Use Ordinance, development of technically based local limits, development of an industrial waste survey process, review and revision of industrial user permits, and evaluation of staffing needs to ensure the City’s compliance with State and federal pretreatment program requirements.

Evaluation of Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority’s Pretreatment Program and MJAs | Riverside, CA
Audit of the SAWPA pretreatment program and recommendation of corrective actions and implementation of best management practices.
Development and Implementation of a Pretreatment Program for Ventura County MJAs | Moorpark, CA
Review of the County of Ventura Ordinance for compliance with 40 CFR 403 and the “streamlining” rule by the EPA. Update to the Ordinance for consistency with the EPA Model Pretreatment Ordinance and the mandatory sections of the streamlining rule. Evaluation and development of local limits, issuance of industrial wastewater discharge permits, development of SOPs and an enforcement response plan (ERP).
Pretreatment Program Support and Review of Agreements between OCSD and IRWD MJAs | Orange County, CA
Performed a review of the industrial pretreatment and jurisdiction agreement between Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) and the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) in light of the proposed “Los Alisos Areas 1 and 2 Annexation to Orange County Sanitation District (DA 19-01)”.
Development of Local Limits and Surcharge Rates | Logan UT
Development of local limits and a review of current surcharge program. Study of the impact on the two main dischargers of BOD and TSS. Development of surcharge rates was performed in conjunction with the technical evaluation of local limits.
Local Limits Evaluation, Orange County Sanitation District | Fountain Valley, CA
Evaluation of OC San’s existing local limits and the development of new local limits for the agency’s two wastewater treatment facilities.
Water and Wastewater Strategy, Genentech | Oceanside, CA

A water, recycled waste, stormwater and wastewater strategy for Genentech’s 60-acre Oceanside campus. Development of water balances around specific processes, identification of opportunities for water reuse, recycling and treatment.

NPDES Permit Renewal, Genentech | Oceanside, CA
Review of draft waste discharge requirements for discharge to the Pacific Ocean via the Oceanside Ocean Outfall. Presented comments to Regional Board on the final effluent limits and monitoring requirements.
Wastewater Management Evaluation, Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP Terminal | Lusby, MD
Study of the management of industrial discharge at a large liquefied natural gas terminal. Evaluation of options for discharge and/or disposal of process wastewater from the submerged combustion vaporizers and air separator units.
Wastewater Treatment Strategy, Santa Catalina Island Company | Two Harbors Catalina
Assessment of the conditions of the wastewater treatment system, its ability to achieve compliance with the Order and analyzed impacts to water quality. Plan to implement necessary corrective and preventative actions to ensure compliance with Order.

Registration of Products and Chemicals

SNUN Registration | US EPA, Washington, D.C
Identification and compilation of information for Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) submission under section 5(a) of TSCA and 40 CFR part 721 for a Japanese company. Compiled information included environmental fate data, health effects data, physical/chemical properties, test data, and management/disposal of chemicals. Negotiations with toxicologists from EPA’s Chemical Control Divisions for reconsideration of the New Chemical Exposure Limit (NCEL) and the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) based on a documented lack of inflammatory response. The outcome was favorable and resulted in alleviated personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for workers.
Proposition 65 (a.k.a. Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 Support | California
Assistance to organizations in meeting the Prop 65 warning requirements, including chemical inventories and a determination of whether a warning is necessary or whether discharges of a chemical into drinking water sources are prohibited based on the safe harbor levels established by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).
Environmental Assessment of Human Drug and Biologics Applications, Abbott Labs | North Chicago, IL

Preparation of environmental assessments (EAs) using a standard format to promote efficiency in the review process by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). Development of best measures to avoid or mitigate any potential adverse environmental effects associated with the proposed action.

REACH Registration. Avery Dennison | Pasadena, CA

Registration of Avery Dennison’s products as a manufacturer and importer of chemicals for EU and US facilities. Leveraging the fact that registration is based on the “one substance, one registration” principle, close relations were established with other manufacturers and importers of the same substance to submit joint registrations. Relationships of trust were built with staff from the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) and representatives from some of the EU Member States during the evaluation of selected substances and clarified initial concerns for human health or for the environment.

EHS Program Development and Implementation

EHS Program Development and Implementation, Abbott Laboratories | North Chicago, IL
Development, implementation and monitoring of EHS programs and policies. Permit limits negotiations and resolution of conflict with North Chicago publicly owned treatment works (POTW). Preparation of report and compliance documents.
Levi Strauss & Company │ Brussels, Belgium
Development of cost-effective environmental compliance program to protect the environment and safeguard and enhance the Levi Strauss brand name. Success through the textile trade association committee in persuading European Union regulators to manage risks and environmental impacts through full life-cycle analysis, leading to a shift in the area targeted for regulation.

EHS Auditing

Compliance Audit Program, US Army Installations | Multiple Locations
Comprehensive audits of housing and grounds management practices including addressing exposures to mold, asbestos containing material, lead-based paint, pesticide application, HAZCOM and swimming pool maintenance. A prioritization and rating methodology was introduced whereas by considering key factors, namely, Importance (or impact), Urgency and Effort. Audit findings were systematically prioritized and closed.
Emergency Preparedness Audit, United Airlines | HNL Airport, HI
All-inclusive EHS audit of United Airlines’ operations at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport with a focus on emergency preparedness and hazardous material/waste management. Recommendations resulted in a buildup of capacity for staffing the emergency operations, regular reporting on progress, ensuring staff adequate training, and establishing a tracking system. In addition, procedures were developed to set expectations and clarify roles and responsibilities.
Compliance Audit Program, Estancia Vineyards | Soledad, CA
Multimedia (Air, Pretreatment, RCRA, FIFRA, NPDES, etc.) audits for Estancia Vineyards in Soledad using a specially developed auditing protocol to address vineyards and winery operations. The audits resulted in recommendations for developing standard operating procedures for the use of all chemicals and the training of staff on the proper procedures and the use of personal protective equipment.
Compliance and Management Systems Audit Program, Levi Strauss | San Francisco, CA
Audit of manufacturing facilities in the USA and internationally for compliance with management systems (MS), applicable regulations (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and RCRA) and company specific policies and procedures. Key business (licensee) contacts were established, and audit rights and processes were discussed. An initial document request list was prepared and requested ahead of the audit. Findings from previous audits and resolutions were reviewed. Details of opened and closed internal investigations or pending Code of Conduct issues were also reviewed.
Compliance Audit Program, Abbott Laboratories | Abbott Park, IL
Health and Safety as well as environmental (Air, Pretreatment, RCRA, FIFRA, NPDES, etc.) audits were conducted for Abbott Laboratories’ locations using the Audit Master software and company-specific auditing protocols and reporting tools. In order to ensure that the audit activities at all locations were undertaken in an environment of utmost level of objectivity, independence, ethics and integrity, the concept of “audit quality” was introduced. This ensured that all audits were executed consistently, in line with the regulatory requirements and company policies within a strong system of quality controls.
Supply Chain Audit Program, Levi Strauss | San Francisco, CA
Development of a Code of Conduct (EHS, corporate responsibility, sustainability and ethics) audit program for the supply chain. The audit program was designed to verify that Levi Strauss is working with vendors that adhere to strict Code of Conduct. Audits answered questions spanning from “where do you source your cotton?” to “what have you done to prevent pollution?” Audits covered all steps contained within a supply chain including sourcing, purchasing and warehousing.
Supply Chain Audit Program, Avery Dennison | Pasadena, CA
Audit of suppliers throughout the supply chain and establishment of an audit program for vendor selection and approval. Developed and maintained a restricted substances list (RSL) for chemicals that are either banned, likely to be banned, highly regulated or extremely hazardous. Ensured through the audit program that none of the RSL chemicals ends up in Avery Dennison’s final consumer product by entering at any step in the supply chain.
Compliance Audit Program, Cerro Copper | Saint Louis, MO
Multimedia audits at the Cerro Copper facility with a focus on air emissions and RCRA regulations. Audits were performed regularly to demonstrate, internally, compliance with all applicable wastewater and stormwater regulations, hazardous waste and hazardous materials management, air pollution control regulations and to document efforts with pollution prevention and emission reductions.
Compliance Audits and Reporting, Unifirst Company | Multiple California Locations
Development and implementation a multimedia audit protocol to assist the various locations to perform EHS audits and inventories of chemicals, waste, spill response equipment and emergency response equipment.
Pretreatment Compliance Audit, SAWPA | Riverside, CA
Audit of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority’s compliance with Orange County Sanitation District’s requirements, responsibilities, practices, and regulations, including OCSD ordinances and 40 CFR 403.

EHS Training

General EHS Training, Universal Studios | Hollywood, CA
Multiple EHS training courses that meet regulatory and policy requirements and support a culture of health and safety promotion as well as environmental protection for Universal Studios Hollywood.
OSHA 30-Hour, Multiple Industries | Orange, CA
All-inclusive OSHA 30-Hour General Industry course designed to educate workers on workplace and jobsite safety. Attendees were tested after training and passing the test was a condition for the issuance of training completion certificates.
General Environmental Compliance Training, Genentech Inc. | South San Francisco, CA
Training designed for in-house managers and legal counsel to understand the basics of water programs authorized by the Clean Water Act (CWA). Completion of course enabled attendees to determine wastewater and storm water permitting requirements, understand spill prevention, control and countermeasure planning and develop practical compliance strategies.
Introduction to Environmental Management Systems, Haley and Aldrich, Inc. | Fullerton, CA
Administration of course for project managers and company executives to support a corporate performance improvement initiative consisting of adopting an environmental management system. The focus was on business risk management guidelines and standards used to identify, assess, and manage risks in order to achieve business objectives. Course completion enabled attendees to understand that environmental risks are integral to traditional business risks, to acquire knowledge of business risk guidelines and standards, and to apply these techniques to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental business risks and improve performance.
Health and Safety Compliance Training, United Nations Development Program | Beirut, Lebanon.
Development and administration of training unique to Lebanon’s Public Health statute. Training of 100+ inspectors from the Ministry of Tourism Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Primary goals of compliance monitoring included assessing and documenting compliance with permits and regulations and supporting the enforcement process through evidence collection, monitoring compliance with enforcement orders.
EHS Compliance Training, California State University Program | Dominguez Hills, CA
Training was established to give an intensive overview on OSHA and EPA regulations to professionals who are in managerial and supervisory positions. It included training on potential danger to the public or environment and covers the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA), Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule, Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and EHS compliance planning and expectations. Attendees were tested after training and feedback was solicited as part of an on-going effort to improve training.
Industrial Pretreatment 101 Training – In-Person Workshop, Northern California Municipalities | Oakland, CA
A two-day training course geared toward pretreatment professionals. The objective of the training course was to provide the basic regulatory framework and technical considerations that support the development and implementation of pretreatment programs under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program and the Clean Water Act (CWA). The course was designed for environmental professionals responsible for implementing the Pretreatment Program at the local level, industrial dischargers, consultants, and especially individuals that are new to the program. Attendees were tested after training. Passing the test was a condition for the issuance of certificates.

RCRA Waste Management Compliance

Environmental Incident Management, Confidential Client | Los Angeles, CA
Assistance in the response to large spill and development of effective environmental incident management procedures and solutions, working closely with client to identify and prioritize site response objectives, including rapid recovery of spilled material, accelerated investigation, interim remediation, and a return to normal operations. Coordination of contact and acting as liaison with the local emergency response agency and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services/California State Warning Center. Revision of procedures and internal checks to prevent future incidents.
Environmental Litigation Support, Coca Cola of North America | San Francisco, CA
Litigation support services for contaminant issues including timing, release mechanisms, migration and transport concerns, remediation, cost allocation, liability and natural resource damages cases. Determination of the extent of contamination and the likely source which resulted in the indemnification of Coca Cola of North America.
RCRA Waste Management Compliance Support, Universal Studios | Hollywood, CA
Development and implementation of program to manage waste appropriately. Creation of the framework for site-specific schedules, processes and procedures to properly manage hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. Inventory all hazardous materials and hazardous waste throughout the Park leading to a significant reduction in hazardous waste.
REACH Registration. Avery Dennison | Pasadena, CA

Registration of Avery Dennison’s products as a manufacturer and importer of chemicals for EU and US facilities. Leveraging the fact that registration is based on the “one substance, one registration” principle, close relations were established with other manufacturers and importers of the same substance to submit joint registrations. Relationships of trust were built with staff from the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) and representatives from some of the EU Member States during the evaluation of selected substances and clarified initial concerns for human health or for the environment.