DC Water Maintains Platinum Certification

Congratulations to DC Water on continued platinum certification under the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP), Biosolids Management Program (BMP).

On 03-JUN-2016, the release of the final audit report provided detail of successful completion of the audit, which took place March 8-10, 2016.

The audit report noted the following:

• “Significant Changes — The Thermal Hydrolysis process has been operating for about 1 year with excellent results (see “Outcomes”).  A marketing program for DC Water biosolids focused on the “Bloom” trademark is working effectively.  Biosolids use as Alternative Daily Cover in landfills has begun successfully.  The previous Asst General Manager retired and Aklile Testfaye has been promoted to Assist GM. A new COO has also been appointed.
• BMP Documentation — The BMP Manual, top-level documentation and major processes within the Biosolids Management Program were reviewed. There were no structurally significant revisions. The manual is consistent with NBP requirements.
• BMP Policy — The DC Water Biosolids Policy remains as approved by the Board of Directors in 2013. The policy continues to include a commitment to follow the principles of NBP’s Code of Good Practice. Discussion of the suitability of the current Policy suggested that it could be revised to reflect new principles for the DC Water biosolids plans (see “Opportunities”).
• Communications Program — The Communications Program continues as a top priority, with several proactive communications to the public and opportunities for interested parties to provide input. The Communications Program is functioning effectively.
• Goals and Objectives — Goals and objectives for the biosolids program are directly related to Strategic Focus areas for the District and are monitored through regular management meetings. All biosolids-related objectives were achieved in 2015. The Goals and Objectives process is functioning effectively, except as noted in Minor Nonconformance 16-04.
• Internal Audits — Internal audits were conducted in November 2014 and December 2015. Findings from these audits are addressed by the BMP Workgroup. The Internal Audit process is functioning effectively.
• Corrective & Preventive Action — The Corrective and Preventive Action process is being used to address internal and external audit findings. The Corrective and Preventive Action process is functioning effectively.
• Management Reviews — Workgroup meetings held monthly are used to monitor and evaluate ongoing BMP performance. Reports to the General Manager, at least quarterly, are used to assess overall BMP suitability and effectiveness. The Management Review process is functioning effectively.”

For additional detail, please see the attached report.

2016 DCWater biosolids I audit final 06-03-16