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Environmental Audit Program

In 1999, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation that ensured the continuation of the Environmental Improvement Program, more commonly known as the Environmental Audit Program (EAP). This program encourages industries, businesses, and governments to examine how well a facility's operations are complying with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, and correct any problems that are identified.

The program focuses first on technical assistance and compliance, rather than enforcement. Organizations that conduct environmental audits are likely to take the necessary actions to correct problems, before the problems can develop into major environmental or public health issues.

Organizations that meet the program's requirements may receive protection from enforcement action, fines, and other penalties. However, the amnesty provisions do not apply to organizations involved with activities that cause serious harm to the environment or endanger public health. Also, the amnesty provisions do not apply to organizations involved in criminal activities, or to organizations that have committed the same violations within the past 3 years (if there was an enforcement action that resulted in imposition of a monetary penalty), or the past year (if there was an enforcement action that did not result in imposition of a monetary penalty).

How to Participate in the Environmental Audit Program

A facility must submit a report to the MPCA (see the "Report Inventory" below) summarizing the results of the audit or the findings from the facility's environmental management system. Reports from smaller facilities must certify that the owner or operator has examined pollution prevention opportunities, while larger facilities must also submit the summary of a pollution prevention plan (see the "Cover Letter" or the "Environmental Audit Legislation" link below). A facility must correct problems identified within 90 days, or submit a performance schedule to the MPCA for approval, and describe steps that will be taken to prevent a recurrence of the problem(s).

You will find the following documents useful in successfully completing the program:


Environmental Audit Checklists

MPCA staff has created environmental audit checklists that cover a number of areas, such as water, air, solid waste, hazardous waste, and tanks. Some of these checklists are attached below. Organizations may choose to use their own forms or hire a consultant to perform their audit.

General

General Checklists

Air Quality

Hazardous Waste

Solid Waste

This document is currently being updated, please check back later.

Storm Water

 

Underground Storage Tanks

Does your facility or company store a petroleum or hazardous substance in a tank that is more than 10 percent underground?

MS Word Document Underground Storage Tank System Audit Checklist (ea-g1-62)

 

Industry-specific

Industry-specific Checklists

Resources have been compiled for the following industries. (Click heading to open}

Asphalt Plants

Asphalt Plants

Vehicle Maintenance Providers

Vehicle Maintenance Providers

Does your facility or company provide collision or mechanical repair services? See the "self checks" under the headings applicable to your operations located below.

Dry Cleaners

Dry Cleaners

The documents below are currently being updated, please check back later.

  • PDF Document Solid Waste
  • PDF Document Hazardous Waste
  • PDF Document Air Quality
  • PDF Document Fluorescent Lamps
  • PDF Document Mercury in Gauges
  • PDF Document Tanks
  • PDF Document Wastewater

Fiberglass

Fiberglass

The documents below are currently being updated, please check back later.

  • PDF Document Fiberglass Fabricators Audit Checklist - Air Quality
  • PDF Document Fiberglass Fabricators Audit Checklist - Solid Waste
  • PDF Document Fiberglass Fabricators Audit Checklist - Hazardous Waste
  • PDF Document Fiberglass Fabricators Audit Checklist - Fluorescent and HID Lamps
  • PDF Document Fiberglass Fabricators Audit Checklist - Spills
  • PDF Document Fiberglass Fabricators Audit Checklist - Storage Tanks
  • PDF Document Fiberglass Fabricators Audit Checklist - Wastewater
  • PDF Document Fiberglass Fabricators Audit Checklist - Storm Water

Motor Vehicle Salvage Facilities

Motor Vehicle Salvage Facilities

MPCA has a manual for salvage facilities to determine environmental compliance.

Printing

Printing

Sand and Gravel

Sand and Gravel

Spills

Spills

Does your facility or company transfer, store, or otherwise handle, petroleum chemicals, liquid foods, or other liquids that, if spilled, might cause pollution of surface or groundwater? Or, does your facility or company operate a railroad, a pipeline, a barge, cargo trucks, or aboveground tanks with a total capacity of 10,000 gallons or more?

 


Green Star Award

greenstarIf a participant successfully meets the requirements of the Environmental Audit Program, a Green Star Award may be displayed for two years at the facility audited. Keep in mind, the Minnesota legislation requires that all environmental requirements be examined in the audit to be eligible.

The MPCA invites your organization to participate in the Environmental Audit Program and to join the growing list of facilities that have already received Green Star Awards.

More Information

If you have questions, or would like checklists not currently available on this Web site, please contact Joann Henry 651-757-2429 or Jim Kolar 651-757-2174, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North St. Paul, MN. 55155-4194.

Last modified on August 24, 2012 17:30
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