Field Notes: A Day in the Field with Ashton
When you're the newest member of the Glasshopper team, there's no better way to learn than to get out of the office and into the field!
I recently spent the day with my boss, Ashton, walking the grounds of a trucking company to help locate and identify the facility's stormwater outfalls. We're working with the company to update its stormwater permit, and before you can make sure the paperwork is right, you need to understand what's actually happening on-site.
That meant grabbing my hard hat, putting on my safety vest, and getting out there to walk the property.
We looked at the layout of the facility, followed drainage patterns, and worked to identify where stormwater leaves the site through its outfalls. It's the kind of work that reminds you environmental compliance isn't just about forms, reports, and regulations. It's about understanding the facility itself.
And that's one thing I'm already learning from Ashton: you have to get out there and see it for yourself.
Every facility is different. Buildings, paved areas, vehicle traffic, and drainage systems all play a part in how stormwater moves across a property. Taking the time to walk the site helps build a clearer picture of those conditions and gives us a better foundation for the work ahead.
I also got to see firsthand how much you can learn simply by paying attention, asking questions, and looking at things from a different angle.
As the newest member of the team, days like this are a great reminder that there's always something new to learn. And getting to learn alongside someone who knows the ins and outs of environmental compliance makes the experience even better.
The Glasshopper Take
Sometimes, the best place to start is right where your boots hit the ground.
Before updating a permit, take the time to understand the property. Walk the site. Find the outfalls. Follow the water. Ask questions.
It's a practical approach, but it's an important one—and I'm excited to keep learning more about how we help our clients stay ahead.
Stay aware. Stay practical. Stay ahead.
— Jenna, Glasshopper