Environmental Audits

Environmental Audits are another cornerstone service provided by Telaplan International. Unlike prospective impact assessments, environmental audits focus on existing operations, examining their performance against applicable environmental laws, standards, and best practices. This is a legal requirement under EMCA (1999) and the EIA/EA Regulations (2003), particularly for projects that have been in operation for more than one year.

Telaplan provides both internal and external audits, including:

• Compliance Audits to meet statutory requirements for annual submissions to NEMA.

• Thematic Audits, which focus on specific elements such as waste management, effluent control, hazardous material handling, or air emissions.

• Voluntary Sustainability Audits, driven by corporate ESG goals or donor compliance requirements.

The audit process typically begins with a review of documents such as environmental licenses, inspection reports, incident logs, and previous audits. This is followed by on-site assessments where Telaplan’s team physically inspects pollution control systems, waste storage areas, drainage systems, noise sources, emission points, and occupational health and safety protocols.

Where needed, the firm collects samples for lab analysis of water, effluent, sludge, ambient air, and soil to validate environmental performance. Observations are benchmarked against:

• NEMA standards (e.g., for effluent discharge, noise levels, air quality).

• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.

• IFC Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines.

The result is a comprehensive Environmental Audit Report (EAR) that includes:

• Executive Summary.

• Description of Facility Operations.

• Legal and Regulatory Review.

• Audit Observations (compliance and non-compliance).

• Recommendations and Corrective Action Plans.

• Environmental Management Action Plan (EMAP) with timelines and responsibilities.

Telaplan also facilitates follow-up actions, including retraining of staff, process reengineering, site improvements, and resubmission of licenses where needed. Their audit process is designed to be collaborative, non-punitive, and solutions-focused, enhancing both compliance and operational efficiency.