About the Operational Support Group (OSG)
At Encino Environmental Services, LLC (“Encino”), the Operational Support Group (OSG) plays a vital role in supporting our Emissions Performance Testing Team. Often working behind the scenes, the OSG handles critical tasks such as technical assistance, logistical coordination, and administrative support. This group is integral to ensuring business continuity through careful planning, scheduling, and project management.
The OSG’s contributions extend beyond routine operations, ensuring that all processes meet regulatory standards and internal quality guidelines. Their work minimizes risks for both our clients and internal teams. In many ways, the OSG functions as the backbone of Encino, ensuring that systems and processes run smoothly so we can consistently exceed client expectations.
The Importance of Continuous Learning
Firsthand experience is crucial to deepening one’s understanding of field operations, especially for teams like the OSG, who provide essential behind-the-scenes support. An old saying in the oil and gas industry—”Stay as close to the wellhead as possible”—underscores the importance of practical, hands-on experience. This principle applies not just to field teams, but to all employees, helping them make informed contributions to the company’s success.
As Aldous Huxley once said, “Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.” Encino embraces this mindset by ensuring our OSG team has the chance to observe and learn directly from the field.
Field Visit Participants & Experience
In late August 2024 our Chief Technology Officer, Joe Etheridge, accompanied several key members of the OSG, including Andrea Balboa, Liz Salazar, Gabby Allin, and Sidney Gray, joined Kim Maeker, South Texas Emissions Manager and Senior Emissions Technician, for a field visit to gain a firsthand understanding of Encino’s emissions testing operations.
During their visit, the OSG team observed the detailed process our testers use to conduct and complete emissions tests. They also had the opportunity to see various equipment tests being performed, learned about the different pollutants being measured and how those values are obtained. This immersive experience helped bridge the gap between field operations and project administration, giving the OSG team a comprehensive view of how their work supports the larger mission of the company.
By gaining insights into the complexities of emissions testing, the OSG team is now better equipped to support operations. The visit provided them with a new level of technical understanding, enabling them to contribute even more effectively to project management, reporting, and logistical coordination. This hands-on experience underscores Encino’s dedication to the continuous education and growth of our staff.
A Commitment to Staff Development & Teamwork
Continuous learning and professional development are central to Encino’s values. Offering our OSG team the chance to witness field operations firsthand helps them grow both personally and professionally. This experience not only sharpens their technical skills but also deepens their understanding of how different teams within the company collaborate to achieve shared goals.
The August field visit was hosted by Kim Maeker, who joined Encino in 2019 and has since become a key leader and mentor. Kim’s extensive technical expertise and dedication to excellence have shaped both our field teams and office support staff. Recently nominated by her peers for the Encino Acorn Award (embodying Encino’s seven core values—Safety, Innovation, Communication, Customer Service, Quality, Accountability, and Teamwork), Kim continues to set a high standard for leadership.
Her mentorship, combined with opportunities like this field visit, ensures that OSG members such as Andrea, Liz, Gabby, and Sidney are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel.
By involving the OSG team in field operations, Encino fosters a culture of continuous learning and cross-departmental collaboration. Every member of the team—whether they work in the field or support operations from the office—plays a vital role in delivering exceptional results for our clients.
The Encino Advantage
Encino offers the most comprehensive lineup of environmental performance solutions, services, and expertise for mitigating emissions from Energy operations with a focus on Oil & Gas and Biogas markets. We are a pioneer in emissions monitoring in the Energy sector, providing clients with a complete range of environmental services to help companies comply with regulation requirements and voluntary sustainability objectives.
Our offerings include:
- CEMS (Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems) via artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled Optical Gas Imaging (OGI)
- Satellite Monitoring for Methane and Visual applications via Satlantis micro satellites (EmSat™)
- Emissions performance testing for Engines, Combustors, and Industrial Stacks
- LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair)
- Composite Thief Hatches (Enviromech™) composite thief hatches for a durable, long-term seal of liquid storage tanks
- Advanced environmental data software
Our solutions help ensure regulatory compliance and ESG strategies and objectives. Encino operates across the U.S. covering all major oil and gas basins and select international markets.
We view ourselves as an oilfield services company, dedicated to helping operators improve their environmental and economic sustainability for providing the world with reliable and affordable energy.
The Enviromech Composite Thief Hatch can help you mitigate the risk of tank battery emissions resulting from faulty, malfunctioning, and aging thief hatches, and reduce operating costs.
Contact us today for a free consultation and evaluation of how Encino can help you achieve environmental performance that generates economic results.
