Encina Wastewater Authority | Serving Carlsbad, Vista, Buena Sanitation District, Vallecitos Water District, Leucadia Wastewater District, and Encinitas

Departments

Administration | Operations | General Services | Environmental Compliance

Biosolids | Plant Operations | Water Recycling | Remote Facilities

Biosolids Information

Biosolids are the nutrient-rich, organic, soil-like product resulting from wastewater treatment. This by-product is given additional treatment that renders it safe for use as a soil amendment. Encina's biosolids program is characterized under five sections: Environmental Management System (EMS), Goals and Objectives, Outcomes, Good Practices and the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP).

The solid material that is taken out of the wastewater during primary and secondary treatment is comprised of organic (carbon based) and inorganic (non-carbon based) substances. Heating this material in anaerobic digesters encourages the growth of bacteria that reduces the volume of sludge, and also generates gases (methane/carbon dioxide) that can be used to make electricity for the plant (see Cogeneration).

Once this material has been treated in the anaerobic digesters for a minimum of 15 days, it is sent to large presses to have the water "pressed" out of it. This dewatered, anaerobicly treated material, called biosolids, is sent to farms for use as a soil amendment to grow non-human consumable products.

Environmental Management System (EMS)

In the Spring of 2000, the Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) committed to participate in the National Environmental Management System Demonstration Program sponsored by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP). The NBP is a not-for-profit alliance between the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF), whose purpose is to promote safe and environmentally sound biosolids management.

The NBP Biosolids Environmental Management System is a program developed by the NBP to improve the quality of biosolids management programs nationwide and to promote public acceptance of biosolids use and disposal practices.

The EWA has developed a Biosolids Environmental Management System (EMS) that encompasses all of the EWA's biosolids activities. The EWA's Biosolids EMS has been implemented and consists of biosolids management related documents, a tracking and control system, and a set of standard procedures and steps that are being used to improve the effectiveness of plant operations, to meet regulatory requirements, and to address any environmental issues associated with biosolids production and handling. The EWA's Biosolids EMS also includes an internal auditing and is designed to ensure that the Goals and Objectives of the EWA's Biosolids Policy are met.

The Biosolids EMS was independently verified on August 10, 2005 by the audit firm, KEMA-Registered Quality, Inc., to conform to the NBP EMS guidance. The EMS verification signifies that EWA meets the requirements for certification and admittance to the NBP EMS program and supports excellence in biosolids management practices, exceeds regulatory compliance obligations, and provides meaningful opportunities for public participation. With this achievement, EWA became only the ninth agency nationwide to have been independently verified as having an effective Biosolids EMS program.

EMS Goals and Objectives

The EWA is committed to managing its biosolids in an environmentally sound, sustainable, socially accepted, cost-effective, and safe manner. The EWA's Biosolids EMS provides the framework for achieving this goal as a biosolids management program that cuts across and integrates pretreatment, wastewater treatment, and biosolids activities.

To continually improve the environmental performance of the EWA biosolids management program, the EWA will establish and periodically review measurable biosolids program goals and objectives for its biosolids activities. The EWA goals and objectives will reflect identified priorities for improving the environmental performance of biosolids management activities based on identified critical control points (see Element 3 & Element 10), identified potential environmental impacts (see Element 10), legal and other requirements (see Element 4) and applicable best management practices as defined in the NBP National Manual of Good Practice and various authoritative information sources on biosolids management (e.g., Water Environment Federation Manuals of Practice).

The biosolids program goals and objectives must be integrated with other Elements of the EWA EMS and biosolids management activities, developed and documented using SMART criteria (i.e., be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bounded), and updated on a regular basis.

EMS Outcomes

The NBP identified Four Outcomes that are designed to build public trust and confidence. These outcomes include Environmental Performance that protects the environment for future generations, Regulatory Compliance that exceeds minimum regulatory compliance, Quality Management Practices that ensures best management practices and Better Relations with Interested Parties to establish and maintain credibility. These outcomes are measured on a regular basis through internal audits, third-party audits and management review.

Annual Biosolids EMS Audit

A qualified independent third-party auditor using a standardized protocol to verify conformance with the requirements of the NBP Code of Good Practice, the EWA's Biosolids Policy, and the EWA's Biosolids EMS Manual will perform a systematic, structured audit of the EWA's Biosolids EMS every five years in addition to annual verification audits. A copy of the third-party audit report will be sent to Interested Parties and will be posted on EWA's website. Biosolids EMS Third-Party Audit Results.

Management Team EMS Review

On an annual basis, the EWA's Management Team will review the Biosolids EMS and its performance relative to policy commitments, goals, objectives and established performance measures to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. The review will address the possible need for changes to policy, Goals and Objectives, the biosolids management program, and other EMS Elements based on internal EMS audit results, third-party audit results, changing circumstances, and the commitment to continual improvement. Information from the Management Team EMS review will be summarized in the Annual Program Performance Report, . This report will be posted on the website and sent to Interested Parties upon request.

Code of Good Practice

The Code of Good Practice (the Code) is a broad framework of goals and commitments to guide the production, management, transportation, storage, and use or disposal of biosolids - in short, a comprehensive Environmental Management System for Biosolids (EMS). Those who embrace the Code and participate in the EMS commit to "do the right thing." Specifically, Code subscribers and EMS participants pledge to uphold the following principles of conduct:

COMPLIANCE

To commit to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements regarding production at the wastewater treatment facility, and management, transportation, storage, and use or disposal of biosolids away from the facility.

PRODUCT

To provide biosolids that meet the applicable standards for their intended use or disposal.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

To develop an environmental management system for biosolids that includes a method of independent third-party verification to ensure effective on-going biosolids operations.

QUALITY MONITORING

To enhance the monitoring of biosolids production and management practices.

QUALITY PRACTICES

To require good housekeeping practices for biosolids production, processing, transport, and storage, and during final use or disposal options.

CONTINGENCY & EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS

To develop response plans for unanticipated events such as inclement weather, spills, and equipment malfunctions.

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND OPERATIONS

To enhance the environment by committing to sustainable, environmentally acceptable biosolids management practices and operations through an environmental management system.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

To prepare and implement a plan for preventive maintenance for equipment used to manage biosolids and wastewater solids.

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

To seek continual improvement in all aspects of biosolids management.

COMMUNICATIONS

To provide methods of effective communication with gatekeepers, stakeholders, and interested citizens regarding the key elements of each environmental management system, including information relative to system performance.

National Biosolids Partnership (NBP)

The goal of the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP), a not-for-profit alliance formed in 1997 with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) - (formerly Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies), Water Environment Federation (WEF), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is to advance environmentally sound and accepted biosolids management practices. Biosolids producers, service contractors, and users - together with stakeholders from regulatory agencies, universities, the farming community, and environmental organizations - will have input into shaping NBP priorities through scientific and technical support and communications linkages relating to biosolids issues.

The mission of the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) is to: Advance environmentally sound and accepted biosolids management practices, Develop a comprehensive environmental management system (EMS) for biosolids that will serve as a model for the wastewater profession, Help EMS program participants demonstrate to their communities that they are committed to performing above and beyond mandatory regulatory requirements and to explain how they are working to improve their environmental performance, Help EMS program participants involve their communities in defining improved performance or areas that still require attention, and Develop and administer a centralized clearinghouse for biosolids information.

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