Understanding the Cost of Environmental Audits

Environmental Audit Pricing & Cost Factors

Navigating environmental audit pricing can be confusing, especially when every facility has different operations, permits, and risk profiles.

But if you're here, you're in the right place. We break down environmental audit pricing, the factors that affect cost, and help you understand what a realistic investment looks like based on your facility and compliance needs.

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How Much Does an Environmental Audit Cost?

Most environmental audits from RMA fall between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on your facility size, regulatory complexity, number of programs involved, and how in-depth you want the audit to be. We get that that’s a pretty wide range, and you deserve more than a rough guess. And yes, some audits are simpler and cost less, while others are more complex and cost more.

That’s why we built the calculator just below. It gives you a real, tailored estimate instantly, based on your facility and audit needs. No forms, no waiting, no games. Use it right now to see where you fall in that range, get your actual number, and find out if we’re the right fit. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to expect.

Environmental Audits Pricing Calculator

What’s Included With Your Environmental Audit?

Environmental audits are about more than finding problems. They’re about understanding risk, documenting where you stand, and knowing exactly what to do next. Here’s what’s included when you work with RMA:

✓ A comprehensive on-site audit of your facility, operations, permits, and records. We walk the site, observe activities, review documentation, and evaluate compliance based on applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

✓ Program-specific regulatory review covering areas like SPCC, stormwater, hazardous waste, Tier II, TRI, air permitting, and more, depending on what applies to your operation.

✓ Findings delivered your way either as a confidential verbal walkthrough, a detailed written audit report, or both. You choose the level of documentation that makes sense for your situation.

✓ Clear, prioritized compliance findings so you understand what needs immediate attention, what can be addressed over time, and what’s already in good shape.

✓ Plain-language explanations of what the regulations require and how they apply to your facility, without legal jargon or generic checklist language.

✓ Practical next-step guidance outlining what it would take to close gaps, reduce risk, and move toward full compliance.

✓ Optional follow-through support if you want help securing permits, developing plans, completing reporting, providing training, or managing your compliance program after the audit.

With RMA, you’re working with environmental professionals who’ve audited facilities across the country in a wide range of industries. We understand the regulations, the inspection process, and the real-world challenges of staying compliant day to day, not just on paper.

Common FAQs About Environmental Audit Service Costs

RMA environmental auditor

Our pricing reflects the fact that your audit isn’t being performed by interns or junior staff running through a checklist. It’s handled by experienced environmental professionals who understand real-world compliance risk, enforcement trends, and how audits are actually used. We don’t outsource the work and we don’t cut corners. We do the work ourselves, and we do it right. We’re not trying to be the cheapest option, but we do believe in fair pricing for experienced, thoughtful work.

The audit itself is a defined scope with clear pricing. There are no hidden fees for the audit. That said, audits often uncover things that require follow-up outside the audit itself, such as applying for permits, developing plans, completing overdue reports, upgrading site practices, or providing employee training.

Those are not audit costs. They are compliance tasks you may need to complete as a result of the findings. If you want help with those items, we can scope and price that work separately. If not, you’re free to handle them internally.

As a rough rule of thumb, many facilities spend an additional 10–30% of the audit cost over time addressing findings and staying compliant. That varies widely depending on how buttoned-up things already are.

Unlike permits or applications, environmental audits are not submitted to regulators, so there are no government fees tied to the audit itself.

Sometimes, yes. A confidential verbal audit walkthrough typically requires less documentation time and can be more cost-effective. A detailed written audit report takes more time to prepare, review, and finalize, which can increase cost. We’ll talk through both options with you upfront and help you choose what makes the most sense for your situation.

Absolutely. Many clients bundle audits with other compliance services to reduce overall costs and streamline their environmental program.

This often includes services like SPCC plans, NPDES stormwater permitting, Tier II reporting, TRI reporting, or ongoing compliance support. Bundling reduces duplicated site visits, onboarding time, and administrative overhead.

The same is true for multi-site clients. Auditing multiple facilities together increases total project size but often lowers the per-facility cost compared to handling sites one at a time.

It depends. If you’ve had a recent, well-documented audit and your operations haven’t changed much, a follow-up audit can often be narrower in scope and less expensive. On the other hand, if the previous audit was superficial, outdated, or didn’t reflect your current operations, starting fresh is usually more effective and sometimes more cost-efficient.

We’re flexible. For larger audit projects or multi-site work, we can typically break invoices into phases or milestones. Smaller audit projects are usually invoiced as a single payment. If budgeting is a concern, just talk to us. We’re reasonable and upfront about what’s possible.

Since 1992, not one client has ever asked for a refund. That’s because we’re clear about scope, honest about findings, and committed to doing the work right. If something ever feels off, we address it. Check our reviews. They speak for themselves.

We’re usually somewhere in the middle. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive. Some firms charge less by doing high-level checklist audits or skipping meaningful site work. In some cases, a light-touch audit may be appropriate, and if that’s all you need, we’ll tell you.

But when real compliance risk is on the line, we don’t shortcut the process. Our pricing reflects the time, experience, and care it takes to deliver an audit that’s defensible, useful, and grounded in how regulators actually operate.

Let’s Talk Environmental Audit Pricing. You Want to Know, Right?

Wonder why environmental audits cost what they do? We get this question all the time, and you deserve a clear, honest answer. Below, we break down the main factors that influence audit pricing, real-world examples of what audits typically cost, and smart ways to manage costs while still reducing compliance risk.

Some of the Factors We Use to Price Environmental Audits

Overall Scope & Complexity

The more regulations, permits, and operational areas that apply to your facility, the more time it takes to conduct a meaningful audit....

Let’s Talk Environmental Audit Pricing. You Want to Know, Right?

Wonder why environmental audits cost what they do? We get this question all the time, and you deserve a clear, honest answer. Below, we break down the main factors that influence audit pricing, real-world examples of what audits typically cost, and smart ways to manage costs while still reducing compliance risk.

Some of the Factors We Use to Price Environmental Audits

Overall Scope & Complexity

The more regulations, permits, and operational areas that apply to your facility, the more time it takes to conduct a meaningful audit. A small site with limited activities and a handful of requirements can usually be reviewed quickly. Large or complex facilities with multiple programs, waste streams, permits, or regulated materials require deeper review, more site time, and more analysis.

Programs Included in the Audit

Some audits focus on one or two programs. Others cover a wide range of requirements like SPCC, stormwater, hazardous waste, Tier II, TRI, air permitting, and more. The number of programs included directly affects audit time, documentation review, and reporting effort.

Current State of Your Compliance Program

If you already have solid documentation, up-to-date permits, and organized records, audits tend to move faster and cost less. If records are missing, outdated, or scattered, we’ll need more time to understand how things are actually being managed and where the gaps are.

Number of Locations

Auditing multiple facilities increases total project cost because each site needs to be reviewed individually. That said, we offer efficiencies for multi-site audits. When facilities are similar, we can standardize audit approaches, reduce onboarding time, and lower the per-site cost.

Site Access & Travel

Environmental audits are typically conducted on site. Travel costs are factored in only when necessary, such as for remote or multi-day audits. When facilities are geographically close, we can often audit multiple sites in one trip to keep costs down.

Level of Documentation Requested

Some clients want a confidential verbal audit discussion only. Others need a detailed written report for internal tracking, corporate requirements, or due diligence. Written reports require additional time for documentation, review, and formatting, which can affect pricing.

How Can You Manage Environmental Audit Costs?

Bundle Services

Many companies save money by bundling audits with follow-up compliance services. If an audit identifies missing permits, plans, or reporting, having one firm handle everything avoids duplicated effort and reduces overall cost. Bundling audits with services like SPCC planning, NPDES permitting, Tier II reporting, or ongoing compliance support often makes financial sense.

Schedule Periodic Audits

Regular audits are typically narrower in scope and less expensive than emergency or catch-up audits. Periodic reviews help catch small issues before they become costly problems and reduce the need for full re-audits later.

Audit Multiple Sites Together

If you manage multiple facilities, auditing them together reduces per-site cost. We can standardize checklists, reuse review processes, and combine travel to keep pricing efficient.

What Are Some Example Environmental Audit Costs?

Single-Facility Compliance Audit – Small Facility

This applies to small operations with limited regulatory exposure that want a general compliance check.
Typical Range: $2,500 – $7,500
Assumes a short site visit, limited programs, and a verbal or light written summary.

Comprehensive Audit – Mid-Sized Facility

For facilities with multiple permits or regulated activities that want a thorough review and written findings.
Typical Range: $5,000 – $15,000
Most facilities land here, especially when multiple programs are reviewed.

Large or Complex Facility Audit

Applies to large sites with multiple operational areas, permits, or compliance history concerns. These audits often involve longer site visits and detailed reporting.
Typical Range: $10,000 – $25,000+
Includes comprehensive review, prioritized findings, and detailed documentation.

Multi-Site Audit Programs

For companies managing multiple facilities, we can structure audits as a single program.
Typical Range: $3,000 – $8,000 per facility
Per-site pricing depends on similarity, location, and scope, but bundled audits always reduce cost.

How Does RMA Stack Up Against the Competition?

Our pricing generally falls in the mid-range of the market. We’re not the cheapest, and we’re not the most expensive. Some firms offer low-cost checklist audits that barely scratch the surface. Others overcomplicate the process and inflate costs.

At RMA, we focus on audits that are practical, defensible, and actually useful. You’re paying for experienced professionals who know how inspections really work and who communicate findings clearly.

  • Experienced auditors. You work directly with senior consultants, not junior staff.
  • Practical findings. We focus on real risk, not nitpicking.
  • Clear pricing. No hidden fees or surprise scope changes.
  • Full-service capability. We can close gaps after the audit, not just point them out.

Is It Really Worth Hiring a Consultant?

It depends, and we’ll be honest about that.

If your facility is very small, low-risk, and well organized, you may be able to handle compliance internally. In those cases, we’ll tell you.

But for most facilities, the cost of missed requirements, enforcement actions, or operational disruptions far outweighs the cost of an audit. Audits help you understand risk before it turns into a problem and free your team up to focus on running the business.

If you’re unsure, we’re happy to take a look and give you an honest answer, even if that answer is, “You don’t need us.”

Ready to Get Started?

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Trusted by Companies Nationwide to Get Environmental Compliance Right.

We’ve helped companies across a wide range of industries gain clarity, reduce risk, and stay compliant.
Scroll through the stories below to see how others have found confidence, compliance, and peace of mind with RMA.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I first met Doug of RMA in 2002 when I attended an environmental course he developed for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Doug’s ability to effectively communicate and explain the voluminous environmental regulations pertaining to the concrete industry is remarkable. He is truly a gifted speaker and teacher. If you are new to the industry or the environmental field, I strongly recommend participating in Doug’s courses. Since then, we’ve worked together on several projects including an NPDES permitting, and most recently, further development of the Green-Star EMS Program at NRMCA. Doug’s passion, experience, and insight are always welcomed assets on any environmental project.

    Ryan Sewell

    US Concrete

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I’ve known Doug of RMA for over 4 years and have seen him tirelessly and passionately promote best management practices to the industries and good stewardship of the environment while exhibiting a refreshingly honest and compassionate concern for the business. It does not take long for one to see and feel Doug’s enthusiasm and commitment when talking to him or hearing him educate a group on the subject of environmental compliance. He manages to do this while helping the end user accomplish this sometimes incompressible task economically. Having hired RMA to assist with decoding the mass of sometimes confusing and contradicting US EPA and state DEP regulations, I can say with confidence that they know our industry very well. I heartily recommend RMA and Doug Ruhlin for anyone needing professional and ethical council with environmental compliance.

    Owen Blevins

    Mid-Atlantic Concrete Equipment

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Simply put, as a consultant to the ready mixed concrete industry, Doug Ruhlin and the staff of RMA are one of the foremost authorities in terms of environmental regulations, permits, and responsibilities.

    Gary Mullings

    National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Doug Ruhlin has significantly helped bring sustainability to the concrete industry.  The first work we did together was on the NPCA Sustainability Committee.  His impact was immediate and positive.  Doug brings a holistic view of sustainability.  I would ask Doug to explain a concept to the committee and he would arrive prepared and armed with a PowerPoint presentation.  He is great communicator and possesses a wealth of knowledge on sustainability and environmental affairs.  I hope to continue working with Doug for many years as we continue our good work with the committee.

    Claude Goguen

    National Precast Concrete Association

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I have known RMA for fifteen years and found them to be extremely professional, with a special insight for identifying issues others might overlook.  Their keen eye and excellent communication skills set them apart from other environmental consultants. We are always relieved when we learn that RMA has been involved in a client’s environmental assessments and compliance programs.

    Pierre Villere

    Allen Villere Partners

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Doug of RMA has prospered as an environmental consulting firm by seamlessly combining his experience as an educator with his expertise as a respected environmental professional to analyze and communicate complex technical issues to both company management as well as the general public. This unique talent has helped cement Doug's reputation as THE environmental voice for the construction materials industry.

    John Hayden

    Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I have come to know RMA through our affiliation with the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association. I continue to be impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. Perhaps more importantly, their passion for our industry and the work that he does is unparalleled. I do not hesitate recommending him for your environmental needs.

    Ken Yuhas

    Grace Construction Products

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I have known Doug Ruhlin of RMA for nearly 20 years. RMA has been a leader in the environmental arena for all of that time. They're intimately versed in the key environmental issues that affect aggregates and concrete producers; they know the laws, regulations and both industries thoroughly. RMA has helped steer the formulation of new regulations and they have helped to direct industry's response to the current and new regulations - in multiple states. I would not acquire an existing operation or start a greenfield plant or quarry without consulting Doug.

    Tarek Khan

    BASF

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I've worked regularly with RMA since 2018. The team is outstanding and every interaction has been positive. They have a legacy of industry expertise already built and they're constantly exploring new ways to help clients.

    Travis Keener

    Hydration Engineering, PLLC

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    We had the pleasure of working with RMA for our environmental consulting needs, and we are thoroughly impressed with their expertise and professionalism. From the initial consultation to the final permit issuance, their team was knowledgeable, thorough, and responsive. Doug, Tate & their team took the time to understand our specific challenges and provided clear, actionable advice that helped us navigate environmental regulations for our recycling facility with the DEP and EPA officials. Their attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work exceeded our expectations. They even helped us by looping in other specialized professionals to complete various required testing/ tasks for our permit application. If you're looking for an environmental consulting firm that is reliable, knowledgeable, and results-driven, I highly recommend RMA. They are true professionals who go above and beyond to support their clients.

    Steph Smith

    Peach Country

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    RMA has provided consistent and reliable support for all environmental matters brought to them. They can be both to the point or really dig into the issue depending on what is needed. Highly respected!

    Bryan Wigginton

    CalPortland

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Over the last 25 years I found Doug and his RMA team to always provide a very professional approach to solving problems. Their knowledge of the concrete and aggregate industry has continuously helped us at Concrete Plants Inc. to handle those difficult environmental questions.

    Emil Garlewicz

    Concrete Plants Inc.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    RMA has been incredibly responsive and understanding throughout our relationship. We have had several changes and they have always calmly handled our environmental needs. Their team has done an awesome job explaining the requirements and training multiple levels of our organization on our responsibilities and requirements. In short, Doug, Chris, Amy and team have been awesome professionals who've provided a valuable service and always had our backs.

    Dave Busch

    Arrow Material Services

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    After an extensive search, our firm hired RMA to educate our team on industry environmental best practices. Doug and his team were very thorough in their presentation and supporting documentation, and gave us a real world expectation of what we should be mindful of regarding reclaiming, slurry water, pH levels, permitting and other topics. I would highly recommend RMA to any company interested in understanding the important elements of environmental compliance, sustainability and those interested in positioning themselves as leaders in environmental stewardship.

    Owen Blevins

    Mid-Atlantic Concrete Equipment

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I've had the privilege to work with RMA on multiple occasions. I cannot recommend them enough. In the complex, ever-changing world of environmental management - they help make it digestible. Everyone there is incredibly approachable and has a wealth of knowledge. Once you work with them, you won't want to work with anyone else.

    Jacob Canale

    Silvi Materials

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Tremendous help RMA was with permit transfers for a newly acquired company. Chris, Amy, always there to answer any questions that I had throughout the process. Appreciate the help they give keeping us to stay in compliance with training during the year.

    Chris Young

    Tanis Concrete

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    RMA has been great to work with the last several years. They are always available to answer any questions we may have and all our needs are met with a quick response.

    James Holston Jr

    Vulcan Materials Company

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Resource Management was very flexible with scheduling and worked a Phase 1 assessment at one of our locations providing great insight and recommendations.

    Dino Faiola

    Pennsy Supply

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    We have been using RMA for several years. They always go above and beyond our expectations.

    Phillip Hudson

    Cumberland Supply

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Could not ask for better support! RMA should be your choice as well!

    Bryan Wigginton

    CalPortland

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    A great consulting company.

    Patrick Buster

    Braen Stone Company

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    RMA will provide the support you need. If they do not know it already, guaranteed they will do the research. Highly recommended!

    Bryan Wigginton

    CalPortland

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Doug and his firm consistently offer the highest quality of environmental services in the ready mixed concrete industry.

    Frank Cavaliere

    National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

Whether you need help with a single requirement or want to hand off your entire environmental program, we get it done right, the first time. You'll feel protected, confident in your company's regulatory standing, and ready for whatever comes next.

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