Question

Management is evaluating the need for an environmental audit program. Which one of the following should not be included as an overall program objective?

A. Ensure management systems are adequate to minimize future environmental risks.
B. Evaluate waste minimization opportunities.
C. Verify organizational compliance with all environmental laws.
D. Conduct site assessments at all waste-producing facilities.

Answer 1

While establishing an environmental audit program, it is not necessary to include site assessments at all waste-producing facilities as an overall objective, as this could be resource-intensive and impractical. The focus should rather be on high-risk sites, balancing scientific rigor with program sustainability.

Step-by-step explanation:

In assessing the need for an environmental audit program, certain objectives are typically prioritized to ensure the program's effectiveness. However, not all potential objectives should be included.

Conducting site assessments at all waste-producing facilities may not be necessary as an overall program objective. Audit programs often focus on high-risk or high-priority sites, rather than a blanket approach which might be resource-intensive and operationally impractical.

Moreover, such comprehensive assessments can divert resources from more critical environmental management activities. It's essential that the management, while evaluating the need for such a program, considers the balance between scientific rigor and program sustainability to avoid the extremes of ineffective simplicity or unsustainable complexity.