BIOSOLIDS PROGRAM [EMS]
Biosolids Policy Statement
ASA is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability. We pledge to consistently deliver a high level of public service to our customers and the community by optimizing both the environmental and business performance of our biosolids management program. We commit to following the principles as set forth in the National Biosolids Partnership Code of Good Practice. We believe that adhering to these principles will help us fulfill our mission of protecting the environment for today and tomorrow.
Alexandria Sanitation Authority EMS Program
An Environmental Management System ( EMS) is a modern management approach to develop, implement, and monitor environmentally sustainable practices. An EMS helps a utility be more efficient, responsive, and protective of the environment beyond regulatory compliance.
A successful biosolids EMS depends on input from interested parties and external oversight from independent auditors. The auditors verify that the utility is effectively managing their environmental and community health impacts. The Alexandria Sanitation Authority (ASA) is preparing for an independent audit. Contact ASA at (703) 549-3381 or emsadmin@alexsan.com to request being added to the Interested Parties List, request specific information, and/or receive biosolids EMS program correspondence.
National Biosolids Partnership Code of Good Practice
The “Code of Good Practice” , adopted from the National Biosolids Partnership, is a broad framework of goals and commitments to guide the production, management, transportation, storage, and end-use of biosolids, a comprehensive environmental management plan. ASA has adopted this code and to that end, our environmental management system for our biosolids includes the following:
Principles of Conduct
- Compliance: To commit to compliance with all applicable federal, state and local requirements regarding the 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 meets 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 ongoing 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 operations.
- Contingency and 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.
Alexandria Sanitation Authority Biosolids Management Policy
2.1.1 Purpose
This Element describes Alexandria Sanitation Authority's (ASA's) biosolids management policy and establishes the guiding principles for the environmental management system and operations. The goals and objectives, biosolids management program, procedures and work practices, monitoring and measurement, internal auditing, and performance reporting should all align to support the facility's efforts to meet the commitments and apply the principles established in this policy.
2.1.2 Scope
This Element covers ASA's biosolids policy and adopted code of good practice.
2.1.3 Responsibility
Refer to Element 7 – Roles and Responsibilities.
2.1.4 Communication of Biosolids Management Policy
The Biosolids EMS Coordinator shall communicate this policy and code of good practice to all facility staff, other ASA staff as appropriate, relevant contractors, and interested parties. The policy and code of good practice shall be posted on the ASA public website.
References
- Element 4 – Legal and Other Requirements
- Element 5 – Goals and Objectives
- Element 6 – Public Participation in Planning
- Element 7 – Roles and Responsibilities
- Element 9 – Communication
- Element 16 – Internal EMS Audit
- Element 17 – Management Review
Send your questions and comments concerning EMS to emsadmin@alexsan.com |
