Use environmental audits to improve facility-wide compliance. G.C. Shah. Hydrocarbon Processing, November 1996, 75(11), 83--86.

Use of environmental compliance audits (ECA) is recommended to determine whether operations are complying with environmental requirements. A nine-point guideline is suggested for quick managerial evaluations to determine whether ECA will produce cost-effective benefits. Factors to be considered in developing an ECA are new policies, downsizing, acquisitions, and technological advances. ECA is presented in terms of a product life cycle which is described and illustrated. Strategic issues include policy statements, objectives, risk management, training and competence, organizational structures, database management systems, relations with regulatory agencies, and procedures for corrective action. These audits show whether companies are meeting the required environmental targets and identify where improvements are needed. 2 refs.