EMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The FAQ section attempts to answer some of the most frequently asked questions relating to the Environmental Management System (EMS) for Biosolids.
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Q: – What is an EMS for Biosolids?
A: – An EMS for Biosolids is an organized management system 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.
Q: – Who is the NBP?
A: – The NBP is a non-profit group that was formed in 1997 and is made up of representatives from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the National Association for Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), with advisory support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Q: – What are the goals of the NBP?
A: – To help develop EMS programs that will:
- Endorse environmentally sound and sustainable biosolids management practices that build public confidence in local communities;
- Help program participants demonstrate to their communities that they are committed to go beyond meeting regulatory requirements and to explain how they are working to improve their environmental performance; and
- Help program participants involve their communities in defining improved performance in areas that still require attention.
Q: – Why did the Metro District implement an EMS?
A: – To show commitment to producing a high-quality biosolids product surpassing minimum regulatory and other requirements, and to strive for continual improvement.
Q: – What are the benefits of an EMS?
A: – Benefits are numerous and include improved regulatory compliance, enhanced environmental performance, reduced cost, improved process controls and consistency, improved internal communication, more employee accountability and understanding of biosolids management processes, and improved public communication and involvement.
Q: – How is the EMS monitored?
A: – Various mechanisms are built into the EMS that track conformance and monitor progress such as internal audits and independent third-party audits that are conducted on an annual basis.
Q: – Why is the EMS monitored by a third-party?
A: – To support the goals of environmentally sound and publicly accepted biosolids management practices, the NBP developed the independent, third-party EMS verification component so organizations participating could achieve formal recognition of their EMS Program. This is achieved through the NBP’s Third-Party Verification program. The Third-Party Verification program includes the following objectives:
- Ensure that the environmental management systems of participating biosolids organizations meet the expectations and requirements established by the NBP.
- Verify that EMS activities at participating organizations are being implemented in practice, as well as on paper.
- Assure environmentally sound performance of biosolids management practices.
- Increase public trust and confidence in biosolids management practices.
Q: – How is the NBP's EMS for Biosolids Program different than ISO 14001?
A: – The EMS for Biosolids was derived from International Standards Organization (ISO) 14001 and contains many of the same elements. However, the EMS for Biosolids includes best management practices specific to biosolids and elements designed to enhance public participation and communication. Where ISO 14001 is designed to improve performance and reduce all environmental impacts associated with all managed activities, the EMS for Biosolids is focused on environmental impacts and continual improvement associated with all aspects of biosolids management activities.
Q: – What does participation in the NBP’s EMS for Biosolids Program entail?
A: – Biosolids organizations that wish to participate in the EMS Program and receive NBP recognition must complete the following steps:
- Sign a letter committing the organization to follow the NBP’s Code of Good Practice.
- Implement an EMS for Biosolids utilizing NBP recommended documents.
- Operate the EMS for at least six months prior to first internal audit.
- Apply for and successfully complete a third-party EMS verification audit.
- Maintain the EMS for Biosolids on an ongoing basis.
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