The Step-by-Step Process of Conducting an Environmental Audit

Understanding How an Environmental Audit is Conducted

Environmental audits are a crucial tool for businesses and organizations to assess their environmental impact and ensure compliance with regulations. While some businesses attempt to handle audits internally, the reality is that they are complex, time‑consuming, and filled with potential pitfalls.

A single oversight—such as missing a required permit, misreporting emissions data, or failing to implement proper waste management procedures—can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and operational disruptions.

If you’re preparing for an environmental audit, it’s essential to understand the process—and to recognize when professional guidance is necessary to navigate the intricacies of environmental compliance effectively.

Step 1: Planning the Audit

A successful environmental audit begins with extensive planning, which can be overwhelming without the right expertise. Businesses must define the audit’s scope—whether focusing on regulatory compliance, sustainability efforts, or both.

This typically requires things like:

• Identifying which regulations apply at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Determining if a third-party auditor is necessary (in most cases, this is highly recommended to ensure an unbiased review and avoid conflicts of interest).
• Establishing a timeline that accommodates operational needs while allowing for detailed assessments.
• Collecting relevant documents such as air and water discharge permits, hazardous material handling records, emissions reports, and historical compliance documentation.

Many businesses fail to plan properly, which can result in critical compliance gaps that only become apparent once the audit is underway—when it’s too late to correct them without consequences.

If you're unsure where to start, getting expert guidance from professionals can prevent costly mistakes. Contact us today to ensure your audit is properly planned from the beginning.

Step 2: Conducting a Site Inspection

The site inspection is one of, if not the most critical aspects of an environmental audit. This is where auditors get a firsthand look at how environmental regulations are being followed—or where gaps exist.

Now, the tough part is that every audit will be different depending on your business's operations, processes, equipment, and location. To conduct a top‑notch audit, you need to know what applies to your facility and what to keep an eye out for.

A thorough site inspection could include things like:

• Waste Management Practices: Reviewing how hazardous and non‑hazardous waste is stored, labeled, transported, and disposed of. Auditors check for proper segregation of waste streams, secure containment, and compliance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.
• Air Quality Compliance: Examining air emissions sources such as stacks, exhaust vents, and industrial processes. This includes verifying whether proper air permits are in place and whether emissions testing and recordkeeping meet Clean Air Act requirements.
• Water Discharge and Stormwater Controls: Checking for potential water pollution sources, including wastewater discharge points, stormwater runoff controls, and spill containment systems. Facilities with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits must demonstrate compliance with monitoring and reporting obligations.
• Oil Storage and Handling: Evaluating aboveground and underground storage tanks for leaks, proper containment, and adherence to Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations. Inspectors check secondary containment systems, spill kits, and whether the facility has an up‑to‑date SPCC Plan .
• Chemical Storage and Handling: Inspecting storage tanks, secondary containment measures, and hazardous material handling protocols. Auditors ensure that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are maintained and that employees are trained in proper spill response procedures. This will tie into your Tier II and TRI Reporting .
• Facility Walkthroughs and Employee Interviews: Observing day‑to‑day operations to spot unauthorized discharges, improper material handling, or unsafe work practices. Interviews with employees help determine whether environmental procedures are consistently followed.

Because environmental regulations are constantly evolving, even businesses that believe they are compliant may discover issues requiring immediate attention. Without a trained professional, many problems go unnoticed until they trigger fines or legal actions.

For a deeper dive into compliance challenges, check out our article on The Most Common Environmental Audit Findings (and Their Solutions).

Step 3: Data Collection and Analysis

Collecting and analyzing environmental data is not as simple as reviewing spreadsheets. This phase requires specialized knowledge to interpret results accurately. Here, you're poring through documents, examining regulations, reflecting on your site visit, and determining where your facility falls.

This too will depend entirely on your specific facility and the environmental regulations you face. Without expertise, you may struggle to identify key compliance issues.

Key aspects might include things like:

• Comparing air and water discharge levels against regulatory limits to determine if emissions and effluents exceed permitted levels.
• Identifying unreported hazardous materials that may trigger additional reporting obligations under programs like EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right‑to‑Know Act).
• Assessing compliance documentation to confirm that required reports, logs, and permits are up to date and correctly completed.
• Confirming environmental training has been conducted and is documented for employees who require it.

Many businesses underestimate the depth of analysis required here. Without expertise in regulatory frameworks and environmental science, crucial compliance violations can be overlooked, leaving the company vulnerable to enforcement actions.

Collecting the right data requires more than just reviewing spreadsheets—it takes expertise to identify hidden risks. Don't risk missing a crucial compliance issue. Reach out to our team for expert support.

Step 4: Reporting Audit Findings

After reviewing all data, the audit team compiles a report summarizing key findings. The report includes:

• Areas of compliance and non‑compliance, detailing where the facility meets or falls short of environmental regulations.
• Actionable recommendations for improvement, from immediate corrective actions to long‑term sustainability initiatives.

This report is not just a checklist—it’s a critical document that shapes the next steps for compliance and operational improvements. Businesses that take a reactive approach often struggle to address violations once regulatory agencies are involved. Proactive audits and expert guidance can help mitigate risks before they escalate.

For businesses wondering what to expect, our guide on What to Expect When a Consultant Conducts an Environmental Audit provides useful insights.

Step 5: Implementing Corrective Actions

Audit findings often reveal areas where businesses must take swift action. Addressing non‑compliance issues is not just about avoiding fines; it’s about maintaining operational integrity and reputation.

Corrective actions may involve:

• Updating policies and procedures to align with current regulatory requirements and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Upgrading equipment or environmental controls to meet emission limits, reduce waste, or improve energy efficiency.
• Conducting additional employee training to ensure workers understand compliance requirements and proper waste handling procedures.
• Developing a long‑term environmental management system to track compliance efforts and prevent future violations.

Taking corrective actions can be overwhelming, especially when regulatory agencies are involved. Our experts can help you implement the necessary changes efficiently and effectively. Schedule a consultation to get started.

Step 6: Continuous Improvement and Follow‑Up Audits

An environmental audit should not be viewed as a one‑time event—it should be an integral part of a business’s ongoing compliance strategy.

Businesses should:

• Schedule regular audits (at least annually) to ensure continued compliance and identify new risks before they become major issues.
• Stay ahead of regulatory changes by monitoring updates to environmental laws and adjusting compliance programs accordingly.
• Work with professionals to create a sustainable environmental program, ensuring long‑term efficiency and risk reduction.

For more guidance, our post on Top Mistakes to Avoid During an Environmental Audit highlights key pitfalls businesses should watch out for.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Risk Costly Mistakes—Get Professional Help

Environmental audits are complex, detailed, and constantly evolving. Without the right expertise, businesses can easily miss compliance risks that lead to financial penalties, operational delays, and reputational harm. The time and resources spent on a DIY approach often pale in comparison to the costs of non‑compliance.

At RMA, we specialize in guiding businesses through the audit process, ensuring compliance while identifying opportunities for environmental improvement. Our experts have the regulatory knowledge, technical skills, and industry experience to conduct thorough, reliable audits that protect your business.

Don’t wait until it’s too late— contact us today to ensure your environmental audit is handled efficiently and effectively by experienced professionals.