Teaming to Perform an Effective Environmental Compliance Audit, 1997 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Willamette Industries chose to team with a consultant to perform a baseline environmental compliance audit shortly after acquiring the Kingsport Mill facility. The purpose of the teaming effort was to enhance the site-specific knowledge of mill staff with third-party perspective of federal regulations (CAA, CWA, RCRA, SARA, and TSCA). Preparations for the audit included clarifying the scope of the audit, deciding on the audit team, and scheduling the audit activities. Protocol checklists were developed for the federal regulatory programs. Specific mill issues were identified by a review of mill CAA and NPDES permits prior to the site visit. A list of additional records and documentation required for the audit was provided to the mill environmental staff. The three day audit began with an opening meeting for mill management to discuss objectives and procedures. The audit team reviewed mill operations, and then conducted a walk-through of the entire facility to observe mill processes, waste streams, emissions, discharges, and environmental management practices. Compliance records and documen-tation were reviewed, and key staff were interviewed. The audit team prepared a list of preliminary findings, and presented them to mill management at an exit meeting. Environmental compliance and risk management issues were highlighted. A summary report documented the audit findings and recommendations, prioritized action items, and provided the basis for mill staff to formulate an action plan. The audit team and Willamette felt that this effort was extremely successful and cost-effective because 1) care was taken to select the appropriate individuals for the team, 2) thorough planning and audit tools were employed, and 3) a positive attitude was created and maintained throughout the process.