biosolids EMS how to

Step 1 - Make the commitment	Know what you are trying to achieve (goals and priorities) Understand and commit to the Code of Good Practice Prepare and communicate your Biosolids Management Policy

Step 2 - Plan the system	Understand your key EMS processes and responsibilities (see below) Identify your critical control points (EMS scope) Determine environmental impacts, legal and other requirements at each critical control point (involve interested parties in this) Learn about NBP's expectations and requirements

Step 3 - Document your system	Communicate EMS plans internally (including contractors) and externally (to interested parties) Determine and document EMS procedures and related responsibilities

Step 4 - Develop objectives and programs	Determine objectives (and related targets) to address your goals and priorities at all relevant functions. Ensure objectives are established in at least each of the four outcomes areas (environmental performance, regulatory compliance, community awareness, quality practices) Agree on action plans to achieve each objective (including responsibilities and timing) Establish your Communications Program (internally and externally)

Step 5 - Implement controls needed	Determine how you will control biosolids activities at each critical control point (address environmental impacts, legal and other requirements and objectives) Document your operational controls (such as operating procedures) Determine document control and recordkeeping requirements

Step 6 - Train and communicate	Hold EMS Awareness communication and training sessions Identify competency training needs (including contractors) and conduct required training (keep records) Perform desired external communications (per your Communications Program)

Step 7 - Monitor performance	Monitor key characteristics of your operations (keep records) Monitor regulatory compliance Monitor progress and performance in achieving objectives (and make any corrections needed). Monitor EMS outcomes in other areas

Step 8 - Assess and improve EMS performance	Conduct internal audits (include contractors) Assess conformance with Code of Good Practice Identify and correct / prevent EMS nonconformances Review EMS suitability, adequacy and effectiveness (Management Review) Look for ways to improve the EMS and its outcomes

Processes that comprise your environmental management system are always specific to your operation. There are, typical processes that can be considered at the beginning. These are listed below with corresponding EMS Elements.

EMS Process

Applicable EMS Elements

EMS Documentation

Element 1 – Documentation of Environmental Management System for Biosolids

Element 3 – Critical Control Point

Biosolids Management Policy

Element 2 – Biosolids Management Policy

Compliance with Legal & Other Requirements

Element 4 – Legal & Other Requirements

Element 13 - Monitoring & Measurement

Element 14 – Nonconformances: Corrective & Preventive Action

Goals & Objectives

Element 5 – Goals & Objectives for Continual Improvement

Element 6 – Public Participation in Planning.

Element 13 - Monitoring & Measurement

Public Participation & Communication

Element 5 – Goals & Objectives for Continual Improvement

Element 6 – Public Participation in Planning

Element 9 – Communication

Roles / Responsibilities & Job Competency

Element 7 – Roles & Responsibilities

Element 8 – Training

Element 9 – Communication

Identification and Control of Critical Control Points

Element 3 – Critical Control Points

Element 10 – Operational Control of Critical Control Points

Element 13 – Monitoring & Measurement

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Element 11 – Emergency Preparedness & Response

Nonconformances: Preventive & Corrective Action

Element 14 – Nonconformances: Preventive & Corrective Action

Performance Reporting

Element 9 – Communication

Element 15 – Biosolids Management Program Performance Report

Internal EMS Audit Program

Element 16 – Internal EMS Audit

Management Review

Element 17 – Periodic Management Review of Performance

Document Control & Recordkeeping

Element 12 – EMS Documentation, Document Control & Recordkeeping

Contractor Control *

Element 1 – Documentation of Environmental Management System for Biosolids

Element 2 – Biosolids Management Policy

Element 7 – Roles & Responsibilities

Element 8 – Training

Element 9 – Communication

Element 10 – Operational Control of Critical Control Points

Element 11 – Emergency Preparedness & Response

Element 12 – EMS Documentation, Document Control & Recordkeeping

Element 13 – Monitoring & Measurement

* - Note that "contractor control" is included in many other processes. Because of the importance of controlling contractors, we have repeated it separately for reference.