News | July 28, 2011

National Biosolids Partnership Announces A New Class Of Participating Agencies

Source: Water Environment Federation (WEF) - WEFTEC

Thirteen agencies will undergo training, assistance for NBP's EMS-based biosolids management system certification program

The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) announces a new class of agencies who have been accepted for training and assistance for its rigorous biosolids management system certification program. The agencies will work towards developing and instituting a management system in accordance with NBP guidelines ahead of an independent third-party audit and full program certification next year.

Operated by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), in collaboration with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the NBP provides training and support to help biosolids management organizations go beyond regulatory requirements to ensure that their programs are environmentally sound and protective of public health.

Based on internationally recognized standards for an Environmental Management System (EMS)/International Organization of Standardization (ISO 14001), NBP's management program serves as a model for continuous improvement in the areas of environmental performance, regulatory compliance, quality management practices, and relations with interested parties and other stakeholders.

Upon completion of the program in August 2012, the following agencies will join a select group of international organizations that have been certified by the NBP. The new class is a mix of public and private sector organizations and includes one public agency from Canada:

  • Atlantic County Utilities Authority, Pleasantville, N.J.
  • Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, Ky.
  • City of Houston, Texas
  • City of Moorhead Wastewater Treatment Facility, Minn.
  • City of Springfield, Mo.
  • City of St. Cloud, Minn.
  • Harford County Department of Public Works, Bel Air, Md.
  • Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant, Colo.
  • Metro Vancouver, Burnaby British Columbia, Canada
  • NEFCO – Greater Lawrence Sanitation District Facility, North Andover, Mass.
  • Synagro-South Kern County Manufacturing Facility, Calif.
  • Upper Montgomery Joint Authority, Pennsburg, Pa.
  • Waco Metropolitan Area Regional Sewerage System, Texas

The NBP encourages all biosolids management organizations — small, medium, and large — with all types of biosolids treatment and management options to participate in the program. Organizations have the option either to develop an audit-ready program or to pursue certification.

In addition to its management certification program, the NBP offers information and training for biosolids professionals including a newsletter and Web cast program that each reaches over 2,500 professionals each year as well as a Web site that attracts more than 15,000 users annually.

Click here for more information on the NBP program.

About WEF
Formed in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF and its Member Associations proudly work to achieve our mission of preserving and enhancing the global water environment.

SOURCE: Water Environment Federation (WEF) - WEFTEC