The City of Los Angeles Biosolids Environmental Management System (EMS)

The City of Los Angeles recovers residues, known as biosolids, from its wastewater treatment plants. The Hyperion Treatment Plant (HTP) and the Terminal Island Treatment Plant (TITP) are responsible for managing the biosolids that are produced from the wastewater processing. Strict quality control procedures and regulatory compliance with federal and local laws are followed for the production and use of biosolids. Farmers use some of the biosolids as a soil amendment and fertilizing material and some are mixed with green materials to produce compost.

The biosolids produced at the HTP were disposed in the ocean from 1957 to 1987. Between 1987 and 1989, biosolids were primarily disposed in landfills. The City started an extensive beneficial reuse program in 1989, which continues today. The City received national awards from the U.S. EPA for rapid conversion from disposal to beneficial use of biosolids in 1989 and outstanding 100% beneficial reuse in 1994. In 2003, special recognition and awards were received from the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) and U.S. EPA for the City's Exceptional Quality Biosolids Program. In addition, a video produced by the City entitled "Where Does it Go? received a National Environmental Achievement Award for Public Information and Education, Video Category from AMSA.

The 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. The EMS addresses the management aspects of the City's biosolids program and encourages public participation and communication. In September 2003, the City's EMS program was verified by an independent third party auditor and became the second agency in the nation to be admitted to the NBP EMS program. The certification was retained in 2004 and 2006 after the program was verified by an independent auditor. See audit results under the Program Performance section. The City received the NBP EMS platinum certification status in October 2006. This status designates that the City has maintained the highest standards possible for biosolids management and environmental stewardship.

Click links below for more information.

Biosolids EMS Platinum Achievement

2006 Performance Report