Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the biological and physical treatment of wastewater in a treatment facility. When treated and processed, these residuals can be recycled and applied as fertilizer to improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth.
To ensure sound and safe management of biosolids, a voluntary Environmental Management System (EMS) is now being developed by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP). The NBP consists of members from the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agency, the Water Environment Federation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other stakeholders including the general public. Those facilities who pledge to follow the EMS are agreeing to follow community-friendly practices in addition to being in compliance with applicable state and Federal regulations. Community friendly practices refer to the control of odor, traffic, noise, and dust as well as the management of nutrients. Those who pledge to follow the EMS will be subjected to audit by impartial independent third parties.
The Water Pollution Control is one of the facilities that is voluntarily implementing the EMS and is going to be audited by a third party to verify the sound management of its biosolids.
