BIOSOLIDS: Environmental Management System

A Biosolids Environmental Management System (EMS) is a program developed by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) to improve the quality of biosolids management programs nationwide and to promote public acceptance of biosolids use and disposal practices. In 2002, the City of Los Angeles implemented a Biosolids EMS to meet one of its program goals that was adopted in the Biosolids Policy by the Mayor and City Council in 2000. The biosolids EMS is a management tool utilized by the City to document regulatory compliance requirements and best management practices for biosolids, and to gain public confidence and acceptance in its biosolids beneficial use program

The EMS documents and records monitoring results of biosolids produced by the City and provides detailed information on the management aspects of the City’s biosolids program. The City’s Biosolids EMS was implemented to help foster public awareness about the biosolids program and encourage public participation. The use of the Biosolids EMS helps the City manage its biosolids in an environmentally sound, socially acceptable, cost-effective, and safe manner that is protective of public heath and the environment.

In September 2003, the City's Biosolids EMS was verified by an independent third party auditor. The City was the second agency in the nation to be admitted to the NBP EMS program. The audit firm verified that the City’s EMS exceeded environmental performance, exceeded regulatory compliance, followed best management practices, and provided meaningful opportunities for the public input. The certification was retained in 2004 and 2006 after the program was verified again by an independent auditor. The City achieved the NBP EMS platinum certification status in September 2004. This status designates that the City has maintained the highest standards possible for biosolids management and environmental stewardship. LESS

Biosolids are the nutrient–rich organic byproducts resulting from wastewater treatment. Biosolids are not raw human waste and do not include ash from incinerators, grit and screenings collected during preliminary treatment of wastewater, industrial residues, municipal solid waste, or hazardous waste. Biosolids can take several forms, including a liquid, a rich moist soil, a dried pellet, or compost. Biosolids, when used according to regulations, are safe and can be used as a soil amendment, a fertilizer, as an ingredient in compost, or as an energy source.

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To highlight some of the accomplishments and improvements of the City’s biosolids management program we have completed our annual 2008 Biosolids Environmental Management System Performance Report. We value your input and would love to hear from you regarding the report contents. Click here to view the performance report. We also conducted an interim audit of our program to ensure that we are managing our biosolids in a cost effective and environmental sound manner. To view the results from the audit click here. We value your input and would love to hear from you regarding both reports. If you have any questions or comments contact us at 310-648-5877 or san.biosolidsems@lacity.org.

contact	For more information, call (310) 648-5877 or send your questions and comments to San.BiosolidsEMS@lacity.org	CITYWIDE SERVICES DIAL 3-1-1