EHS COOP Program
Expert EHS Oversight Without the Full-Time Hire
iSi Environmental delivers EHS cooperative services for Omaha manufacturers and food processors starting at $15,000/year—replacing a $130,000–$195,000 full-time hire. NDEQ compliance, OSHA support, ammonia safety, and hazardous waste management. Flexible tiers. No long-term commitments.
Why Omaha Manufacturers Choose COOP
The EHS COOP program is built for companies that need expert compliance oversight but don't need a full-time employee. COOP combines quarterly facility audits, regulatory compliance management, training coordination, incident investigation, and inspection preparation into a scalable service model.
We understand Omaha's business environment:
- Food Processing Complexity: ConAgra, Tyson, and Greater Omaha Packing operate under overlapping OSHA, NDEQ, and food safety regulations. Ammonia safety, wastewater permits, and worker protection require expert oversight. COOP ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
- Manufacturer & Logistics Scale: Mid-sized manufacturers and logistics operations often outgrow DIY compliance but lack the budget for in-house EHS staff. COOP provides expert guidance at accessible cost.
- UP Headquarters & Data Centers: Omaha's logistics and data center operations need environmental monitoring and industrial safety oversight. COOP delivers ongoing compliance management with national-caliber expertise.
- NDEQ Relationship Management: Our team understands Nebraska's regulatory environment and has relationships with NDEQ staff. We navigate permits, inspections, and corrective actions with confidence.
COOP Tiers: Foundation, Maintenance, Partner Program
Each COOP tier is designed for different facility sizes and complexity levels. All tiers include quarterly facility audits, compliance calendar management, and regulatory coordination. The difference is depth of coverage and specialized programs.
Foundation
- Quarterly facility audits
- OSHA compliance oversight
- NDEQ basic compliance
- Hazardous waste tracking
- Incident investigation support
- Monthly compliance calls
- Regulatory inspection prep
Ideal for small manufacturing and light industrial operations. No PSM or major food processing operations.
Maintenance
- Quarterly facility audits
- OSHA compliance management
- NDEQ permit management
- PSM program oversight
- Hazardous waste classification
- Tier II reporting
- Safety training coordination
- Management of change review
- Bi-weekly compliance calls
- Regulatory inspection prep & response
Designed for mid-sized food processors and manufacturers. Includes PSM and food safety compliance.
Partner Program
- Monthly facility audits
- On-site OSHA compliance
- NDEQ permit & RMP management
- Comprehensive PSM oversight
- Ammonia safety programs
- Hazard analysis & HAZOP
- Incident investigation lead
- Training program development
- Tier II & stormwater management
- Weekly compliance calls
- On-demand facility support
- Executive compliance reporting
For major food processors and complex manufacturing operations. Premium oversight and strategic guidance.
Cost Comparison: COOP vs. In-House FTE
| Option | Annual Cost | FTE | Overhead |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-House EHS Director | $130K - $195K | 1.0 | High (HR, benefits, equipment) |
| Compliance Foundation | $15K | 0.15 | None |
| Compliance Maintenance | $34K | 0.35 | None |
| Compliance Partner | $60K | 0.60 | None |
What Changes with COOP Oversight
Before
- No dedicated EHS leadership
- Compliance responsibilities scattered across staff
- Missed permit renewal dates
- OSHA inspection found multiple violations
- Incident investigation incomplete or reactive
- No formal training documentation
- Budget uncertainty year-to-year
After
- Expert EHS direction and strategy
- Centralized compliance coordination
- Automated permit renewal tracking
- Clean OSHA inspections
- Proactive incident investigation & prevention
- Complete training records
- Predictable monthly cost
COOP Questions & Answers
What services does the COOP include for food processing facilities?
COOP services for food processors include OSHA and NDEQ compliance oversight, ammonia safety management, wastewater permit management, hazardous waste tracking, Tier II reporting, safety training coordination, incident investigation, and regulatory inspection preparation. All tiers include ongoing compliance calendar management and quarterly facility audits.
For Omaha food processors, COOP includes understanding your specific production processes, identifying regulatory touchpoints unique to your operation, and maintaining relationships with NDEQ staff and local inspectors. We serve as your regulatory partner, not just a compliance vendor.
Which COOP tier includes PSM and food safety compliance?
The Maintenance tier ($34K/year) and Partner Program tier ($60K/year) include PSM program management and food safety compliance oversight. The Foundation tier ($15K/year) provides basic OSHA and environmental compliance but does not include PSM documentation or management of change coordination. Foundation tier is appropriate for smaller manufacturing operations; Maintenance and Partner Program are designed for major food processors.
If your facility operates ammonia refrigeration systems over the >35,000 lb threshold, PSM is mandatory, and you'll need at minimum the Maintenance tier. Partner Program tier includes monthly facility visits, on-site hazard analysis, and strategic PSM program development.
How does COOP cost compare to in-house EHS hire for Omaha operations?
In-house EHS professionals in the Omaha area cost $130K-$195K annually (salary, benefits, overhead). COOP at the Partner Program tier ($60K/year) provides equivalent or superior coverage while reducing cost by 60-70%. For facilities too small to justify a full-time hire, COOP offers immediate expert coverage without long-term employment commitment.
The real advantage of COOP is flexibility. You get expert oversight scaled to your facility's actual needs. And if your EHS requirements grow (new facility, expanded operations), you can upgrade to a higher tier without the hiring, training, and benefit costs of adding an in-house FTE.
Find the Right COOP Tier for Your Operation
Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your facility's EHS needs and determine which COOP tier is the right fit. No obligation—just expert guidance on your options.