Member Feature: Simone Wallace, Air Compliance Manager, Hartree Partners
Simone currently serves as the Air Compliance Manager for Hartree Partners, where she brings over a decade of experience in the terminal industry, specifically focusing on environmental compliance. ILTA welcomes Simone as the new co-chair of the Environment Subcommittee, and we look forward to her insightful contributions.
Recently, we had the privilege of interviewing Simone to discuss her impact on the industry and involvement with ILTA.
How did you first become involved in the terminal industry? Share a bit about that journey.
I became involved in the terminal industry over 10 years ago. I was working for an environmental consulting firm, where I had prepared air permit applications, executed air dispersion modeling, and quantified air emission calculations for many different terminal clients. These projects were primarily located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine. Working in the terminal industry in this region of the United States is challenging and always interesting. A few years ago, I made the jump to become part of a client’s in-house team and became the Air Compliance Specialist at Sprague Energy. Sprague was purchased by Hartree, so I am now part of Hartree’s corporate HSE, providing the same services to Sprague and Hartree’s other assets. I made the switch from consulting to industry and have experienced a lot from being on both sides.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is constantly learning and growing. I work with so many different folks – from seasoned and strategic corporate staff to hard-working and experienced operators. Everyone comes from varying backgrounds and expertise, and I have learned so much from my peers and colleagues.
What advice would you offer to someone just starting out with a liquid terminal company? What would you say to them to encourage them to enter the industry?
My advice to someone just starting out with a liquid terminal company in an environmental capacity would be to get to know all the players involved in ensuring success in your role. For example, the operators who are involved with maintaining compliance records, the regulators inspecting your facility, and the consultants assisting with various reports. In a corporate environmental role, a lot of your success hinges on your ability to work with people who may have different goals than you do. However, learning to work together towards those goals together is a win for everyone.
Liquid terminals are much more than they may appear. It is a very versatile industry that has a lot of potential for career growth. Particularly in the environmental space, many of the rules and regulations that apply to terminals are complex and ever-changing. You get a well-rounded taste of many important air compliance topics, such as continuous emissions monitoring (CEM), control technologies, waste, spills, permit compliance, air dispersion modeling, inspections, and more. All of these items apply across many industries in the environmental field.
How have you seen the industry change over the course of your career? Where do you see the future of the industry going?
I have seen the terminal industry change quite a bit, particularly from an environmental perspective. Many states have adopted regulations specifically impacting the liquid terminal space beyond what Federal regulations provide. This has shifted a lot of the focus to what future projects may look like and has created a deep niche in the work that we do.
I think the terminal industry will continue to evolve with demand and regulation. One of my favorite anecdotes from Sprague is that over 100 years ago, Sprague distributed whale oil. Of course, whale oil is no longer used in present day, but knowing that these type of industries are able to adapt with the needs of their consumers and regulators shows how committed to evolution they are.
What is your level of involvement with ILTA? What is your favorite part of being involved?
I have been involved with ILTA since the fall of 2022. I have attended all of the EHSS conferences in many different cities. I am also the newly minted co-chair of the Environment Subcommittee!
The best part of being involved with ILTA, hands down, is networking with other folks who are in similar positions as you at different companies. I have learned so much from my peers who work in the environmental space for their respective companies.
Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work.
I recently became a mother – I have a 6-month-old who is the absolute light of my life. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my beloved dog and husband, sewing and embroidering quilts and bags, reading thrillers, and traveling.