DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR BIOSOLIDS – EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM 27 DEMONSTRATION AGENCIES

摘要

In 1997, the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA), the U.S.rnEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF)rnformed the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP). The NBP is a not-for-profit alliance whosernpurpose is to promote safe and environmentally sound biosolids management. As one of itsrninitial activities, the NBP has developed an environmental management system (EMS)rnapproach to help facilities manage their biosolids programs more effectively. The Partnershiprnhopes that this EMS approach will be adopted throughout the biosolids profession, byrnwastewater treatment utilities, their contractors, and other stakeholders involved in biosolidsrnproduction and management.rnAn EMS is a set of standard procedures and steps – or framework – based on the principlesrnof total quality management (TQM), that biosolids managers can voluntarily use to improvernthe effectiveness of their operations, to meet regulatory requirements, and address otherrnissues of concern to local citizens like odor, noise, etc. The EMS approach originated inrnprivate industry and is now being embraced at a rapid rate by all types of organizationsrnaround the world, including public sector organizations. The benefits of adopting an EMS arernnumerous, including, but not limited to, better compliance and overall environmentalrnperformance, increased efficiency and cost savings, pollution prevention, consistent, highrnquality biosolids and improved relations with local citizens.rn27 Demonstration Agencies agreed to participate in a pilot test of the Biosolids EMSrnProgram. Each of the demonstration agencies conducted an initial assessment of theirrnbiosolids program, and are now at varying stages of EMS development and implementation.rnOnce EMS implementation is complete, agencies will undergo an independent verificationrnaudit to receive the NBP third-party certification.rnAs part of ongoing program evaluation, the NBP conducted a comprehensive survey of therndemonstration agencies to gauge program effectiveness, identify key barriers to EMSrnimplementation, and get feedback on technical assistance activities and methods.rnThis paper presents the key findings and lessons learned from the NBP EMS demonstrationrnprogram. Although an EMS cannot be viewed as a “silver bullet” where simply “puttingrntogether an EMS Manual” will automatically reassure the public and solve odor, pathogens,rnand other kinds of biosolids concerns and barriers, it is an effective step to addressing manyrnof the challenges that plague biosolids programs across the United States.