Environmental, Health and Safety
Hi-Crush Inc. is committed to conducting operations in a safe, healthy and environmentally responsible manner. The Hi-Crush Inc. Employee Handbook’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment section states, “It is Hi-Crush Inc.’s belief that the protection of human life has the highest priority in everything the organization does.” This philosophy is reflected in all health and safety policies and environmental programs where we strive not only to meet, but exceed, all applicable regulatory requirements. Our Health and Safety Management system mirrors OHSAS 18001 to minimize harm to people, equipment and the environment. Hi-Crush Inc. is also committed to preventing silicosis through the implementation of, and strict adherence to, our Silicosis Prevention Program (SPP) throughout our operations. SPP is administered by safety professionals throughout our operations and led by our vice president of safety and health. Hi-Crush Inc.’s SPP contains the following elements:
- Management commitment to implementation
- Medical surveillance
- Dust exposure assessments
- Dust control
- Employee involvement
- Smoking cessation program and a smoke-free workplace policy
Our NexStage technology improves health and safety in delivery, handling and conveyance of proppant. The system meets or exceeds OSHA PEL regulations and significantly reduces personnel exposure to silica dust. Learn More
Hi-Crush Inc.’s Wisconsin mine and production facilities participate in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Green Tier Program as a Tier 1 participant. Through this program, we commit to enhanced environmental protection and proactive outreach to our communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Hi-Crush Inc.’s Environmental Management System (EMS) is grounded in the ISO 14001 standards and led by our director of environmental compliance and a team of environmental compliance specialists.
EMS reflects “CRUSH” principles:
C—Compliance
We comply with all applicable laws and regulations and implement programs and procedures to assure compliance. Where we believe applicable laws and regulation are not adequate, we establish and meet higher standards to protect human health, safety and the environment.
R—Reduction
We continuously look for ways to reduce impacts that could pose a risk to human health, safety or the environment. Identified feasible solutions or lessons learned are incorporated into our management systems and procedures to prevent or reduce the risk of any such impacts. Environmentally preferred and/or non-toxic materials are utilized whenever possible; such materials are researched continuously. By continually educating employees on EMS, we are able to utilize management systems and procedures to prevent emergencies. If an emergency does occur, we are prepared to respond effectively and efficiently.
U—Understanding responsibilities (knowledge and training)
Key factors in assuring compliance with EMS and applicable standards are employee training, aggressive performance objectives, performance reviews against those standards and incentivizing high-performing employees. The objectives of our EMS are at the forefront when conducting staff performance reviews to ensure employees understand our commitments and their roles in achieving environmental successes. We communicate our commitment to health, safety and environmental quality to employees, vendors and customers. We solicit those stakeholders’ input in identifying, implementing and meeting EMS goals and objectives.
S—Sustainable practices
We consider all environmental factors and full acquisition, use and disposal impacts when making planning, purchasing and operating decisions. We are committed to responsibly managing land we mine and reclaim, water, recycle and discharge, and minimizing any impacts on wildlife and other natural resources. Energy use is continuously evaluated so that we deliver products with the least amount of energy consumed and minimize any greenhouse gas emissions. Throughout operations, gas and electricity usage is continuously analyzed and assessed to increase efficiencies. The re-use and recycling of materials are investigated and implemented during every state of construction and operations.
H—Habitual (continuous) improvement
We continuously seek opportunities to improve adherence to these principles and periodically report progress to our stakeholders. We monitor environmental performance regularly through rigorous evaluations, and provide employees and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on that performance. The improvement of EMS is not possible without their participation and support.
Through adherence to the CRUSH principles, we seek to minimize any negative impacts from our operations and identify and pursue opportunities to provide environmental benefits.
- At state and local levels, we engage in programs to establish, maintain and improve streams, lakes and wetlands, control erosion and protect wildlife. These efforts include protecting bats and turtles in Wisconsin, as well and the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (DSL) in West Texas. To learn more about the measures we have taken to ensure our operations pose no threat to the DSL, please see our white paper and FAQ here.
- Hi-Crush Inc. facilities optimize water use in the sand washing process through retention and conservation practices. We recycle up to 90 percent of cleaning water, significantly reducing groundwater requirements.
- Low-impact mining minimizes our impact on the environment and surrounding communities. When Hi-Crush Inc. mining is concluded, a full reclamation program restores the site to the highest community and regulatory standards.
- We ensure facility air quality in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. In addition, our robust waste and recycling program minimizes the amount of waste our facilities send to local landfills.
- Hi-Crush Inc. plays a critical role in reducing the carbon impact of electricity generation.
- Hi-Crush Inc. proppant is a necessary product used in hydraulic fracturing and natural gas production that is reducing U.S. reliance on coal and the carbon intensity of electricity generation.