Local governments are responsible for designing, planning, constructing, financing, operating, and maintaining wastewater treatment plants or publicly owned treatment works (POTW). In particular, a POTW is responsible for collecting, treating, analyzing, and discharging wastewater received from separate sanitary or combined sewer systems, as well as for disposing of sewage sludge, or "biosolids," generated during the treatment process.

Numerous POTWs from around the country have implemented or are implementing environmental management systems (EMSs). The resources below provide EMS tools, case studies, the benefits realized, procedures and training, frequently asked questions, and points-of-contact from wastewater organizations that have developed EMSs.

Sector Spotlight:

Toolkit for Wastewater Utilities 
Environmental Management Systems

This toolkit provides a collection of innovative tools designed specifically to assist wastewater utilities from making the initial business case decision for EMS implementation to step-by-step EMS implementation and best practices guidance.  The Toolkit was developed in partnership with U.S. EPA's Office of Wastewater Management as well as wastewater managers and practitioners with experience in EMS implementation at their facilities.  To enter the Toolkit, click here!

How the NBP EMS Program Benefited the City of Raleigh, NC Public Utilities Department (case study)
City of Raleigh, North Carolina Public Utilities Department became one of the newest wastewater agencies in the United States to have its biosolids environmental management system (EMS) certified by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP).  Representatives from NBP, Water Environment Federation, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and EPA attended the EMS celebration at the Nuese River Wastewater Treatment Plant in March.  The case study above describes costs, benefits and lessons learned from developing and implementing the NBP EMS program. 

EMS Toolbox
EMS Benefits
Case Studies & Articles
Mentors & Contact Info
FAQs