Audits and Results

The City uses its Biosolids Environmental Management System (EMS) to ensure regulatory compliance, document program performance, and to maintain certification of its Biosolids Management Program. To maintain certification an agency must have its program audited and verified by a qualified independent party. The audit is based on the Code of Good Practice and standardized auditor protocol established by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP). To review information about the NBP program, access the National Biosolids Partnership EMS program website.

In June 2003, an independent audit firm, KEMA-Registered Quality Inc. conducted the first audit of the City’s Biosolids Environmental Management System. The City received certification of its Biosolids EMS on September 4, 2003. This meant that the City has a national certified program that supported excellence in biosolids management practices, exceeded regulatory compliance and provided meaningful opportunities for public participation. The City met all the requirements for admittance into the National Biosolids Partnership Environmental Management System Program and was the second agency in the United States to be admitted in the program.

Interim audits are recommended by the NBP to verify that the City’s Biosolids EMS continues to meet the expectations and requirements of the NBP EMS program. Interim audits were conducted on the City’s program in 2004 and 2006 by an independent auditor. The auditor verified that the biosolids management system used by the City met the requirements established by the NBP EMS program and recommended continued certification.

In August 2008, the City conducted a re-verification audit of its biosolids management system. This audit was performed to ensure that the City’s Biosolids EMS continued to meet the expectations and requirements of the NBP EMS program. The re-verification audit was conducted by an independent audit firm KEMA-Registered Quality Inc., who performed the initial audit in 2003. The audit covered the entire City’s biosolids management program, including the contractors who manage the City’s product.

The auditors found that the City’s biosolids environment management system continued to meet the NBP EMS program requirements and recommended continued certification in the NBP EMS program. The City of Los Angeles maintained NBP EMS Platinum Level status, which is the highest level of achievement for a biosolids management program.

To view the audit process and findings click on the links below. If you have questions or comments concerning the audit results, contact us at the information listed on the bottom of the page.

Audit Program

Audit procedures

• 2009 Internal Interim Audit Scope
• NBP Appeal Process

Audit Results

• 2009 Interim Audit Summary <<New
• 2009 Interim Audit Report <<New
• 2008 Re-Verification Audit Findings

The City invites you to be involved in the audit process. If you would like to participate in the audits please contact us.

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