A recent surveillance audit of the Public Works Wastewater Division resulted in continued certification and high praise. The Wastewater Division continues to maintain a highly effective Environmental Management System under the ISO 14001:2015 Standard. A major strength is the top management support and participation. Another major strength is the active support and participation of all the employees as demonstrated by the projects that have originated from the associate level.
Summary of findings: no non-conformances or recommendations for improvement. A considerable list of continual improvement accomplishments were noted. Odor reduction measures implemented over time have improved public relations at the facilities. A considerable number of completed projects has increased revenue and productivity of the treatment facilities. Examples include the Biosolids Management Facility and Biocycle Farm, use of digester gas (a byproduct from the treatment process) into an energy source and the solar array. The auditor also noted that our facility has the best housekeeping he has ever seen. The audit results illustrate how the EMS program is imbedded in the Wastewater Division culture.