What is an environmental audit?
An environmental audit is a systematic verification process to determine whether specified environmental activities, events, conditions, management systems, or information conform with audit criteria.
When is an EA performed?
Environmental audits are generally performed on a routine or periodic basis.
Why would more EA assessments be done?
More frequent assessments may be appropriate for facilities targeted for more frequent federal, state/province and/or local inspections, and/or been issued a notice of violation, or subject to some form enforcement proceeding since the last assessment.
How should an EA be carried out?
The audit should be carried out following the ISO
Standard 14011 on Environmental Auditing Procedures
What are the ISO Standard 14011 on Environmental Auditing Procedures steps?
- a kick-off meeting,
- detailed inspection,
- interviews,
- document review as well as a closeout meeting with the plant management.
Why would we implement an EA programme?
- Environmental audits (EA) are used to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
- Identify and evaluate potential liabilities, risks and hazards.
- With increased awareness of the need for environmental protection, industries rely increasingly on environmental audits.
Benefits of a successful environmental auditing program?
Improving a company’s:
* financial position,
* compliance status,
* and stakeholder relations
How does an EA programme help finiancial position?
- Helps avoid fines by regulatory agencies
- Identifies issues of non compliance sooner versus later allowing for proactive financial planning
- Lowers corrective action costs
- Waste minimization opportunities realized, leading to reduced operating costs.
How does an EA programme help compliance status?
- Reduced agency enforcement actions and penalties
- Increased employee awareness of environmental standards and responsibilities
How does an EA programme help stakeholders relations?
- Improved employee relations and increased morale
- Improved community image of the Company
- Firms with sound environmental stewardship programs are desirable to investors.
What are the steps in planning an audit?
- Define the scope
- Managing the risk of environmental
- Conducting the audit
What happens in the defining the scope stage of the audit?
- Decide on the area of focus
- Decide whether it is a all encompassing audit
- The audit size should be scaled to the operator’s needs
and the resources available.
For example, will the air permit be evaluated or will the property in its entirety be audited?
What happens in the managing risk of an EA audit?
- Support and commitment of management?
- Confidentiality?
What happens during the EA audit?
- Verification of legislative and regulatory compliance
- Assessment of internal policy and procedural conformance
- Site Investigation
- Identification of improvement opportunities
- Report Generation
What is the importance of an EA audit?
Good environmental management and environmental audit practices saves time money and most importantly the natural resources.
