This final policy statement specifically:

• encourages regulated entities to develop, implement and upgrade environmental auditing programs;
• discusses when the Agency may or may not request audit reports;
• explains how EPA's inspection and enforcement activities may respond to regulated entities' efforts to assure compliance through auditing;
• endorses environmental auditing at federal facilities;
• encourages state and local environmental auditing initiatives: and
• outlines elements of effective audit programs.

• Environmental Auditing Policy Statement (PDF)(8 pp, 4 MB, July 9, 1986)