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Environmental Auditing
Auditing for continual improvement
Environmental audits are undertaken periodically by Verve Energy to assess the effectiveness of EMS implementation, conformance with our Environmental Policy and procedures, currency of information, level of environmental performance and degree of alignment with planned objectives and targets.
Internal environmental audits
Verve Energy conducts internal EMS and legal compliance audits covering a representative cross section of its sites throughout the state. Trained internal environmental auditors are responsible for conducting site inspections and performing the audits. Audit activities may include one or more of a walk through site inspection, personnel interviews or documentation analysis.
Internal ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Audit 2006
Audit Objectives
Muja, Kwinana and Cockburn Power Stations and Pinjar Gas Turbine Station are Verve Energy’s largest sites and the sites carrying our highest environmental risks. In order to confirm that appropriate management of Verve Energy’s environmental risk is taking place, as well as verify environmental due diligence, appropriate corporate governance and continual improvement of the Environmental Management System (EMS) at these sites, an audit of the sites against AS/NZS ISO14001:2004 took place during October and November 2006.
Audit Results
The audit revealed an impressive level of compliance with all elements of AS/NZS ISO14001:2004 at Cockburn, Kwinana and Muja Power Stations. The level of compliance at Pinjar Gas Turbine Station was good, with only one major non-compliance and two minor non-compliances being issued. The audit did not revealed any unacceptable environmental risks to Verve Energy.
Internal Legal Compliance Audit 2009
Audit Objectives
In June 2009, in accordance with Verve Energy’s Environmental Policy Objectives of continuous improvement of environmental performance and meeting all legal obligations, it was appropriate to conduct an audit of legal requirements of all power stations owned and operated by Verve Energy.
The objective of the audit was to determine the level of compliance to all relevant environmental legislation (Acts and Regulations) and any environmental licence and permit conditions applying to all sites owned and operated by Verve Energy.
Audit Results
The audit revealed a very good level of compliance with all relevant legislation and environmental licence conditions applying to all power stations owned and operated by Verve Energy.
One major non-conformance was found that exposes Verve Energy to possible prosecution. Five minor non-conformances were found, although being a breach of the legal requirement, are unlikely to result in prosecution. Several opportunities for improvement were also found. Attention to these will further insulate Verve Energy from action under any legal requirement as well as lead to improvement of Verve Energy’s environmental compliance.