What does an environmental liability audit involve?
The scope and objectives of environmental audits will vary depending upon the needs of the company involved. The more common types of audits include:
- site and facility audits
- waste audits
- regulatory compliance
- property transfer audits
All environmental audits should contain the following elements:
verification of compliance with regulatory requirements
verification of conformance with company and industry standards
evaluation of the management of routine environmental affairs
gap analysis (the difference between what “is” and what “should be”)
preparation of an action plan to close identified gaps
The audit process includes:
- a review of historical records
- discussions with employees regarding on-going practices
- on-site inspections
Why would your company require an environmental audit?
As environmental liability becomes an emerging concern in corporate boardrooms, the environmental audit has become a regular part of corporate environmental management practice.
- Environmental audits review current operations and practices objectively from an environmental perspective.
- Can be used as a tool to measure alterations in environmental performance
- They help identify potential hazardous or non-compliance situations before they become problems.
- This assists in evaluating risk and liability associated with ongoing operations and facilities.
It may be appropriate for you to initiate an environmental audit process in the following situations:
- property acquisition or divestiture
- facility closure and decommissioning
- government regulation compliance
- waste minimization
- to facilitate and enhance the environmental management of your organization
How can EnviroSearch help you?
We will:
- help you evaluate the needs of your company
- customize an audit process to meet those needs
- conduct the audit on your behalf
- prepare an action plan if necessary