Internal Audit Report¶
Audit Identification: IA202507
Area: Environmental Management
Audit Date: 25th September 2025
Auditor: Sean Ashton
Date Completed: 25th September 2025
Findings: 0 Non-conformities, 2 Observations
Scope: ISO 14001:2015 Specific Requirements
Document Number: FORM_INTAR001 Rev 1 ID 01/09/2025
Executive Summary¶
The audit of Environmental Management systems demonstrated strong compliance with ISO 14001:2015 requirements. A M Water Services Limited has successfully achieved ISO 14001 certification in November 2024 and maintains robust environmental controls across all operational activities. The comprehensive life-cycle analysis (APP_15) provides excellent visibility of environmental aspects and impacts throughout the supply chain, construction, and operational phases. Two observations were identified relating to enhanced monitoring of fuel consumption data and strengthening emergency drill documentation.
The company's environmental performance is particularly strong in waste management, with an 82% waste diversion rate from landfill exceeding the 80% target. Zero environmental incidents have been recorded, demonstrating effective pollution prevention controls.
Introduction¶
This audit examined the environmental management system's implementation across A M Water Services Limited's operations, focusing on ISO 14001:2015 specific requirements. The audit assessed environmental aspect identification, operational controls, emergency preparedness, and performance monitoring. Particular attention was given to high-risk activities identified in the life-cycle analysis, including grab operations, excavation works, and vehicle fleet management.
Aims & Objectives¶
- Verify compliance with ISO 14001:2015 requirements and maintenance of certification standards
- Assess the effectiveness of environmental aspect and impact identification processes
- Review operational controls for significant environmental aspects
- Evaluate emergency preparedness and response procedures
- Examine environmental performance monitoring and measurement systems
- Identify opportunities for environmental improvement and carbon reduction
Audit Method¶
- Document Review: APP_15 Life-cycle Analysis Rev 1, S.O.P_9.1 Environmental Management - Aspects and Impacts Rev 2, S.O.P_9.4 Management of Waste Rev 2, S.O.P_9.5 Hazardous Management of Waste Rev 2, POL_HSQE_10 Environmental Policy Rev 1, RA_HO_14 Environmental Impact Rev 1
- Interviews Conducted: Director (Aaron Mason), Team Leaders, Site Operatives
- Observations: Yard waste segregation areas, vehicle maintenance bay, spill kit deployment on vehicles
- Sampling: Environmental incident records (January-September 2025), waste transfer notes (Q2-Q3 2025), fuel consumption records (July-September 2025)
Non-conformities¶
No non-conformities identified.
Observations¶
| Ref | Description | Risk | Recommendation | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBS-07-01 | Whilst fuel monitoring is planned for Q4 2025 implementation, current fuel consumption data collection relies on manual recording from fuel cards without systematic analysis of efficiency trends or anomalies | Medium - Missed opportunities for emission reduction and cost savings | Accelerate implementation of telematics system for automated fuel monitoring. Establish interim monthly analysis of fuel card data to identify high consumption vehicles | CAR-2025-010 |
| OBS-07-02 | Environmental emergency response procedures are understood by operatives, but drill records lack detail on scenarios tested and lessons learned | Low - Procedures exist but continuous improvement opportunities may be missed | Develop environmental emergency drill schedule with varied scenarios (fuel spills, hydraulic leaks, contaminated ground discovery). Document drill outcomes and improvement actions | CAR-2025-011 |
Corrective Action Summary¶
Not applicable - no corrective actions required.
Conclusions¶
The environmental management system demonstrates strong compliance with ISO 14001:2015 requirements and effective integration with quality and health & safety management systems.
Areas meeting requirements:
- Comprehensive environmental aspect identification through detailed life-cycle analysis
- Effective operational controls for high-risk activities (grab waste disposal, excavation works)
- Strong waste management performance exceeding targets
- Zero environmental incidents maintained through robust pollution prevention
- Clear environmental policy with measurable objectives
- Regular management review of environmental performance
The life-cycle analysis (APP_15) provides exceptional detail in identifying environmental aspects across all operational stages, with risk scores appropriately prioritising control measures. The highest risk areas (PPE supply chain disruption, illegal waste disposal risk, vehicle emissions) have appropriate controls in place, though enhanced monitoring would strengthen assurance.
Integration across the three standards is evident through the combined HSQE policy, integrated risk registers, and unified audit programme. Environmental considerations are embedded within operational procedures rather than treated as separate requirements.
Recommendations¶
- Implement carbon baseline measurement - Establish comprehensive carbon footprint baseline by end of Q4 2025 to support the planned 5% reduction target for fleet emissions
- Enhance supplier environmental assessment - Develop simple environmental questionnaire for key suppliers to progress toward the 30% sustainable supplier target
- Digitalise environmental data capture - Implement digital forms for spill kit inspections and environmental observations to improve trend analysis capabilities
- Establish environmental champion network - Nominate team environmental representatives to cascade awareness and capture improvement suggestions from operative level
Feedback & Acknowledgments¶
The audit was conducted with full cooperation from all personnel. Aaron Mason demonstrated strong personal commitment to environmental improvement, participating actively in discussions about carbon reduction strategies. Team Leaders showed good understanding of environmental controls relevant to their operations, particularly regarding waste segregation and spill prevention. Site operatives were knowledgeable about environmental emergency procedures and the location of spill kits.
Positive observations include the comprehensive labeling of waste streams in the yard, proactive maintenance of spill kits on all vehicles, and the cultural emphasis on "doing the right thing" for the environment embedded within the family business ethos.
Audit Report Prepared By¶
| Name | Position | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Ashton | HSQE Consultant | S.Ashton | 25/09/2025 |
| Aaron Mason | Director | A.Mason | 25/09/2025 |
Corrective Action Close Out¶
Not applicable - no corrective actions identified.