Assisting industry in the protection of the environment through compliance with rules and regulations is a massive operation and a challenge to DEP resources. DEP's focus is the preventative approach towards compliance assistance, to get our clients out of the regulatory loop altogether. In 1997, the department was involved in over 5,000 individual cases of compliance assistance, including permit reviews, specific site work or inspections and regulatory clarification. More than 300 seminars were held across the Commonwealth to help Pennsylvania business and industry better understand their environmental regulatory obligations. Collectively, through these individual contacts and specific training events, the department estimates more than 17,000 Pennsylvanians were served in 1997.

For example, mine safety standards affect thousands of families in Pennsylvania and are sources of concern for mining communities. In 1997, DEP's Bureau of Deep Mine Safety trained more than 9,000 miners in gas detection, first aid, cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, mine ventilation, emergency planning, rescue, new miner orientation, self-contained self-rescuers, blasting awareness and the operation of diesel equipment. DEP's Bureau of Mining and Reclamation compiled a mine drainage prediction and prevention manual addressing drainage geochemistry, hydrogeologic effects of mining and techniques for preventing mine drainage pollution.

On Sept. 23, 1988, federal underground storage tank regulations became effective. A key component of these regulations required all existing underground storage tanks to either be upgraded to meet new standards, replaced, or closed — all by Dec. 22, 1998. It allowed a phase-in period for tank owners of more than 10 years. But closing facilities without removing tanks creates a pollution problem for future generations. DEP mailed 30,000 pieces of literature to educate storage tank owners on compliance with the upgrade deadline. By providing education, training, technical assistance, guidance and information to the regulated community, compliance has increased and pollution is being prevented rather than managed.

DEP's Office of Water Management provides on-site technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities through its Operator Outreach Program. Many of these trainers have specific needs such as energy efficiency in pumps and motors. An energy efficiency video specially tailored for municipal and private facilities was developed to help better facilitate energy efficiency techniques. In 1997, the program assisted 45 wastewater treatment facilities in Pennsylvania.

The Environmental Training Partnership, a joint effort of the state departments of Environmental Protection and Community and Economic Development and PennVEST, offered classroom and onsite courses on specific aspects of water and wastewater treatment.   In 1997, 123 courses provided information to over 3,000 individuals regarding pump efficiency and maintenance, small water system operation and maintenance, wastewater treatment plant operation, waterwater math and lab training.

Through proactive programs like the Operator Outreach Program and the Environmental Training Partnership, the citizens of the Commonwealth benefited from improved water quality and quantity.  At the same time, wastewater and drinking water facilities improved process control, reduced energy consumption and operated with fewer costs and unauthorized pollution discharges.