Environmental Management System (EMS)
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of standard procedures and steps that biosolids managers can use to:
- Ensure the environmental integrity of their biosolids program
- Improve the effectiveness of their operations
- Meet regulatory requirements
- Address issues of concern to stakeholders and the public
The Biosolids EMS Program also relies on outside stakeholders and independent auditors to ensure that Western Carolina is effectively implementing plans that promote environmental and community health.
The EMS approach was developed by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP), a nonprofit alliance of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Water Environment Federation. It is a voluntary program that can be adapted to meet the needs and goals of each participating agency. The Biosolids EMS Program is used to promote continual advancements in activities pertaining to environmental performance by helping agencies identify and create plans for improvement in:
- Product and Service Quality
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management and Preparedness
- Credibility with Stakeholders
- Record-keeping, Documentation and Information Management
Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority has voluntarily adopted
the NBP approach and committed to the 10 principles in its Code
of Good Practice, to help ensure that our biosolids program
runs as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Western Carolina is in the process of following the steps to become
a wastewater agency certified by the NBP. In order to become certified,
we must successfully complete a third party audit. The findings from
our verification audit will be posted on our web site when it is
completed.
Once we are certified, interim audits will be conducted annually to confirm that we are continuing to improve and meet NBP program requirements. Every five years, a complete re-certification will be performed.
The EMS Manual is the framework for Western Carolina’s Biosolids EMS Program. This manual will be completed prior to the completion of our certification and will also be posted on our web site.
We invite you to submit questions and comments pertaining to our Biosolids EMS Program.