Ending Rumors Of Audit Policy's Demise, EPA Rolls Out Web-Based Disclosure System

Ending years of trade press speculation that budget constraints might force it to scuttle self-disclosure policies, EPA announced May 20 that it intends to retain the policies and handle disclosures via a new, web-based system called eDisclosure.

Though short on details on how the new system works, the announcement is good news for companies that audit for compliance with environmental regulations. Under EPA's Audit Policy ("Incentives for Self-Policing: Discovery, Disclosure, Correction and Prevention of Violations," 65 Fed. Reg. 19618 (April 11, 2000)) and Small Business Compliance Policy (65 Fed. Reg. 19630 (April 11, 2000)), companies that discover, correct and disclose violations receive penalty mitigation and other benefits, including recommendations against criminal prosecution.