Synagro South Kern Compost Manufacturing Facility Achieves Platinum Certification

Congratulations to Synagro South Kern Compost Manufacturing Facility in Taft, CA on successfully completing a third party audit to achieve Platinum Certification.  DEKRA Certification, Inc. (DEKRA) conducted an independent audit of the facility January 23-24, 2014 as part of its participation in the National Biosolids Partnership Biosolids Management Program (NBP BMP). During the audit, DEKRA complimented the Synagro South Kern Compost Manufacturing Facility BMP on the adoption of a more results-oriented approach leading to improvement through measurement and analysis.  The following are among the many positive outcomes in which the DEKRA review of BMP program dynamics confirmed regarding the facility:

• An initiative (objective) is in place to reduce energy consumption by 5% within the next year.
• Increased aeration in the process water retention basin is leading to reduced odors and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). Monitoring equipment (Nasal Ranger) is being used to track odors.
• Targeted training programs are being used to focus on key biosolids program activities.
• Customer acceptance of the compost product is demonstrated through continuing sales increase and no returns in over a year.
• A Behavior-based Safety Program is in place and leading to employee engagement in continuing safety improvements.
• Key performance indicators (KPI) have been developed and are being used to track performance of the compost operation.

In 2013, the facility additionally appointed a new Plant Manager, Operations Manager, and Regional Manager.

Congratulations to all of the staff of the Synagro South Kern Compost Manufacturing Facility on achieving Platinum Certification status!

To view the report, please see http://www.wef.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=8589935384&libID=8589935377

For additional information, please see http://www.synagro.com/about/case-studies/south-kern-compost-manufacturing-facility/