Innovative digital tool transforms waste management for major pipeline operator
At a glance
GHD implemented an integrated digital and professional services waste management and compliance program across 500 sites for a leading North American midstream oil and gas company. Our integrated approach streamlined operations, enhanced visibility and delivered significant cost savings while ensuring regulatory compliance, transforming a fragmented system into an efficient enterprise-wide program.
The challenge
A major midstream oil and gas operator faced significant challenges managing waste across their extensive network of facilities. With no standardized corporate waste management program, waste handling occurred inconsistently at the site level, creating compliance risks and operational inefficiencies. The company lacked visibility into crucial waste data including generation volumes, vendor usage and associated costs.
This fragmented approach made it difficult to track spending, ensure regulatory compliance or implement effective zero waste initiatives. Most critically, they struggled to consistently meet record-keeping requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Department of Transportation regulations, exposing them to potential compliance issues. Sites managed waste independently without corporate oversight, increasing risk exposure and limiting opportunities for cost optimization.
Our response
GHD delivered a comprehensive end-to-end waste management solution combining core services with innovative digital technology. At the heart of our approach was Navigator™, our digital waste tracking tool that provides real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities. We implemented standardized processes across all sites while maintaining flexibility for local needs.
The system creates a central repository for vendor management, documentation and cost tracking. This digital transformation gives our client unprecedented visibility into their waste operations, from generation volumes to final disposal. The program ensures consistent regulatory compliance while providing detailed metrics on zero waste progress, cost tracking and risk management performance. Through optimized transportation, sampling and waste management, our solution has already delivered nearly $50,000 in cost savings.
The impact
This enterprise-wide program has revolutionized how our client manages waste across their operations. Corporate leaders now have complete visibility into waste operations, enabling data-driven decisions that enhance both environmental and financial performance. Streamlined reporting has dramatically reduced administrative time while ensuring consistent regulatory compliance.
Communities benefit from enhanced environmental safeguards and transparent waste management practices. The program's success has led to expansion plans including development of specialized waste programs for the client’s emergency response and remediation groups and potential growth into Canadian operations.