BIOSOLIDS: Environmental Management System

A Biosolids Environmental Management System (EMS) is a program developed by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) to improve the quality of biosolids management programs nationwide and to promote public acceptance of biosolids use and disposal practices. In 2002, the City of Los Angeles implemented a Biosolids EMS to meet one of its program goals that was adopted in the Biosolids Policy by the Mayor and City Council in 2000. The biosolids EMS is a management tool utilized by the City to document regulatory compliance requirements and best management practices for biosolids, and to gain public confidence and acceptance in its biosolids beneficial use program

The EMS documents and records monitoring results of biosolids produced by the City and provides detailed information on the management aspects of the City’s biosolids program. The City’s Biosolids EMS was implemented to help foster public awareness about the biosolids program and encourage public participation. The use of the Biosolids EMS helps the City manage its biosolids in an environmentally sound, socially acceptable, cost-effective, and safe manner that is protective of public heath and the environment.

In September 2003, the City's Biosolids EMS was verified by an independent third party auditor. The City was the second agency in the nation to be admitted to the NBP EMS program. The audit firm verified that the City’s EMS exceeded environmental performance, exceeded regulatory compliance, followed best management practices, and provided meaningful opportunities for the public input. The certification was retained in 2004 and 2006 after the program was verified again by an independent auditor. The City achieved the NBP EMS platinum certification status in September 2004. This status designates that the City has maintained the highest standards possible for biosolids management and environmental stewardship. LESS

Biosolids are the nutrient–rich organic byproducts resulting from wastewater treatment. Biosolids are not raw human waste and do not include ash from incinerators, grit and screenings collected during preliminary treatment of wastewater, industrial residues, municipal solid waste, or hazardous waste. Biosolids can take several forms, including a liquid, a rich moist soil, a dried pellet, or compost. Biosolids, when used according to regulations, are safe and can be used as a soil amendment, a fertilizer, as an ingredient in compost, or as an energy source.

The City is committed to managing its biosolids in an environmentally sound, socially acceptable, and cost-effective manner. We are constantly reviewing the program and incorporating continual improvements. In 2005, the City was directed by a writ of mandate issued by the Tulare County Superior Court (Writ) to undertake an evaluation under Section 15168(c) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines to determine if additional CEQA review was required for the 2000 purchase of the Green Acres Farm site in Kern County and the 2000 amendment of the Responsible Biosolids Management (RBM) contract for the transportation and land application of biosolids. Based on the Writ, an addendum to the 1989 and 1996 Biosolids Program Environment Impact Reports (EIR) was prepared and approved by the City Council on December 8, 2010. In April 2012, the Court Order ruled that the addendum was inadequate to discharge the Writ and directed the City “to do a new Initial Study per §15168(c)(1), and to proceed thereafter as required by law.” As directed by the court, the City has prepared an Initial Study and will prepare the Green Acres Biosolids Land Application EIR. Click here to view the CEQA documentation and find out how to provide comments on the process.

contact	For more information, call (310) 648-5877 or send your questions and comments to San.BiosolidsEMS@lacity.org	CITYWIDE SERVICES DIAL 3-1-1