What happens if an environmental violation is uncovered during auditing?
The confidentiality of audits is one of the major concerns associated with ISO 14000 auditing. Government agencies and the courts have ruled that information uncovered during audits is not confidential and may be used against a company in an environmental enforcement proceeding. The EPA realizes that environmental self-auditing at private facilities will improve environmental conditions, however, and wish to encourage such voluntary environmental management initiatives. As such, it has issued an amnesty policy that guarantees special consideration to companies with an ISO 14000 EMS in place. Under the policy, the EPA does not relinquish the right to prosecute serious offenses. Furthermore, in the case of violations that threaten life or health, or when companies gain a competitive advantage through a violation, the EPA does not guarantee leniency. The EPA will not recommend criminal prosecution or pursue civil penalties against, organizations uncovering minor environmental violations d
