Audit Policy Handout

Overview of EPA’s Audit Policy(i.e., Voluntary Self-Disclosures)Wesley Hardegree, Technical LeadFebruary 2007(404) 562 - 96291„„„„„„„„EPA Compliance AssuranceEPA is responsible for maximizing compliance to a universe of 40 million regulated entities using: 12 federal environmental statutes, and 28 distinct federal programs under those statutes To conduct the work necessary for the 28 programs, OECA utilizes 4 primary tools to pursue compliance, thereby achieving cleaner air, purer water and better-protected lands.Compliance AssistanceCompliance MonitoringEnforcementCompliance Incentives2„„„„„„Compliance IncentivesCompliance Incentives are a set of policies and programs that eliminate, reduce or waive penalties under certain conditions for business, industry, and government facilities which voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and expeditiously correct environmental problems. Incentive programs and tools include the following: Auditing ▪ Compliance Incentive ProgramsInnovations ▪ Market Based IncentivesEnvironmental Management SystemsSmall Business ProgramPollution Prevention ProgramsAudits3„„„„„EPA’s Audit PolicyThe purpose of EPA’s Audit Policy is to encourage regulated entities tovoluntarily discover, disclose, correct, and prevent violationsof federal environmental requirements.4„„„„„„History of EPA’s Audit PolicyThe Audit Policy is technically known as“Incentives for Self Policing: ...