2015-07-22 Why is an Environmental Audit Important

Preview:

Citation preview

Why is an Environmental Audit Important to You?

Ed Callahan

Agenda• Why perform an environmental audit?• Process of performing an audit.• What things need to be addressed during

audit?• What to do after the audit is completed?

• To determine compliance status

Why Perform an Environmental Audit?

Why Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Avoidance of regulatory violations and monetary fines

Why Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Preventative Maintenance

Why Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Complex Regulations

Why Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Environmental compliance is given a low priority

• Complacency

Why Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Good business practice

Why Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Reduce major risk

Why Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Peace of mind

When Should you Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Changes have occurred (internal or external) – Processes– Chemicals– Personnel– Regulations

• Events have occurred– Purchased a new facility– Opening a new facility– Facility or company has received a violation

When Should you Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Change in personnel

When Should you Perform an Environmental Audit?

• Violations– At your facility or sister facility

When Should you Perform an Environmental Audit?

• As matter of routine

Elements of a Good System

• Audit standards• Satisfy your individual needs• Detailed, but functional and understandable• Confirm what you are doing correctly• Provide solutions to problem areas

Elements of a Good System

• Compliance Calendar– Reminder System

• Good File Organization– Documentation of Methodologies

• Good Housekeeping• Transferable Understanding of System

– Duplicity of Knowledge

Process of Performing an Environmental Audit

• Preparation• Site Walk / Inspection (Floor Practices)• Records & Data Review (Paperwork)• Findings, Actions Required, and Priorities

Preparation

• Attorney-Client privilege• www.epa.gov/echo/ • Any industry-specific or area-specific rules• Audit checklist (regulations)• Create a list of permits and plans to be

reviewed • Know the safety requirements• Pre-Audit questionnaire

Site Walk / Inspection

• Try to tour operations in the sequence of the process (not required)

Site Walk / Inspection

• Think and ask questions

Site Walk / Inspection

• Note information on site/facility map

Site Walk / Inspection

• Look everywhere: roof, outfalls, maintenance rooms, basement, etc…

• Note “Floor Practices”

Floor Practices

• Labeled drums and secured lids• Pressure drop readings• Working communication device• Permit requirements (e.g. closed doors on

paint booth; pH of the wastewater effluent)• Visible emissions

Records & Data Review

• Reports• Plans• Applications• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)• Recordkeeping and Inspection Documentation• Corrective Action Documentation• Support Documentation • Training Records

Records & Data Review

• Manifests• Waste Characterization Information• Lab Results• Regulatory Agency Correspondence• Purchase Records• Proof of Submittals• Old Files ???• Documenting Non-Issues

Paperwork and Floor Practices

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Air– Are they fulfilling the permit requirements?– Look at all permitted equipment and processes (air

emissions inventory)– Look at equipment and processes that are not

permitted. Should they be permitted?– Are all reports being submitted on-time and

correctly?

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Air– Are all plans developed that are required in

the permit (CAM, ERP, OM&M, etc.)? Are they following and updating plans as necessary?

– Is record keeping being completed as required?

– Review SDS’s of any coatings, paints, etc.– Inspect the roof and look at all stacks

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Air– Have stack tests been completed?– When are the permits due to be renewed?– Are there any planned expansions?– MACT?

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Wastewater (NPDES or Industrial)– Are they fulfilling the permit requirements?– Look at all permitted discharges and processes.– Look at discharges that are not permitted. Should

they be permitted?– Are all reports being submitted on-time and

correctly?

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Wastewater– Are all plans developed that are required in

the permit (Slug Control Plan, etc.)? Are they following and updating plans, as necessary?

– Is record keeping being completed as required?

– Review the analytical results, DMR’s, etc.– When are the permits due to be renewed?– Categorical pretreatment standards

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Storm Water– Do they have or do they need a storm water

permit?– Review the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

(SWPPP). • Is it updated? Are they following it? Does the plan have

all of the necessary elements?

– Any sampling requirements?

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Storm Water– Review all record keeping and reports– Where are spill kits located?– Look at “high risk” areas– Look at housekeeping

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan – Oil Storage– Do they have or do they need a SPCC Plan?– Review the SPCC Plan. Is it updated? Are

they following it? Does the plan have all of the necessary elements and fulfill requirements?

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan – Oil Storage– Review all record keeping – Where are spill kits located?– Look at all oil storage areas– Look at housekeeping

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Waste– What is their hazardous waste generator status

(CESQG, SQG, LQG, or TSDF)? This will determine the requirements they must adhere to.

– Tanks: “a potentially burdensome task”– Is all waste properly characterized (sludges, dust,

etc.)?

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Waste– Review all record keeping, manifests, and

reports– Inspect all satellite accumulation and

hazardous waste storage areas– Review Universal Waste program

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Chemical Reporting – Tier II’s– Hazardous substances – very vague– Extremely hazardous substances (EHS’s)– For emergency planning purposes– Review submitted Tier II’s– Review SDS’s– Look for chemicals stored in large quantities – Review purchase records

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Chemical Reporting – Form R’s (TRI)– Chemical or compound specific (EPA’s List of

Lists)– Manufactured, processed, or otherwise used– Review submitted Form R’s and supporting

documentation– Ask about methodology to determine if Form

R’s are applicable

What Things Need to be Reviewed During Audit?

• Other Compliance Issues– Compliance (not Phase I)– State-specific or local requirements– Tanks– Drinking water– Used oil– Refrigerants– Risk Management Plans / Process Safety

Management

What To Do After the Audit is Completed?

• Prioritize findings

• Best Management Practice vs. Regulatory Requirement

What To Do After the Audit is Completed?

• Self-Disclosure

What To Do After the Audit is Completed?

• Take Action & Correct Deficiencies!

Questions?

Ed Callahanecallahan@augustmack.com

317-916-3156