ABSTRACT
There is no better way to shut down a government investigation of an alleged environmental violation than to show a fully documented and verified record of compliance history. A document control system and the management of records are essential components of business operations. Sloppy control procedures can result in much aggravation and expense to the business when documents are not easily retrieved when needed. But daily operational problems pale by comparison to the charge of obstruction of justice when a prosecutor accuses a business of deliberate destruction or concealment of evidence. Document control is an important part of an environmental management system that can result in a significant reduction of environmental risk if set up and handled properly.
