Executive Summary

The ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) re-registration audit was conducted at Charleston Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) on March 8-10, 2005. The Advanced Waste Management Systems Inc. (AWM) audit team conducted the audit by examination of documentation, sample observation of activities at the facilities, and by interviews with targeted and randomly selected employees. The audit team conducted a detailed audit of all the ISO 14001 elements at all CPW sites.

No nonconformances to the ISO 14001 Standard or CPW internal requirements were identified. The lead auditor recommended that AWM continue ISO 14001 registration of CPW.

AWM was impressed by the scope and breadth of the continual improvement activities such as:

• Stoney Clearwell #4 Project completed ahead of schedule not only increases finished water storage capacity but also decreases use of chemicals and trihalomethane generation/exposure risks.

• Wastewater Tunnel Replacement Project protects the environment and public health by replacing the tunnels that carry wastewater from the Peninsula to the Plum Island treatment plant.

• Trenchless Point Repair Program is expected to minimize land disturbance associated with large excavations, reduce infiltration of water entering the system through pipe repairs, and reduce exfiltration-loss of wastewater to the environment. Research to identify available technology is underway.

• New web site features diagrams of the water and wastewater treatment processes, a search function, and an extensive list of technical papers published by CPW associates.

• Benchmarking with private companies (Coke, FedEx etc.) and government agencies (City of Charleston etc.) to facilitate technology transfer.

• Quick Parts List is documented evidence of systemwide planning and coordinating with suppliers

• Customer survey conducted by College of Charleston indicated that a majority of CPW customers are pleased with the utility’s service

• Internal Associates Survey in which over 40% of all associates responded. Overall responses were positive. The majority felt CPW obeys laws and regulations, has high standards and ethics, and has a safe work place.

CPW has implemented outstanding monitoring and measurement programs for objectives/targets performance tracking, equipment calibration, and evaluating compliance with relevant environmental regulations/legislation. Board Reports and Monthly Operating Reports track performance of 2005 objectives and targets. Monitoring equipment is calibrated, maintained and records are retained according to the organization’s procedures. CPW, working with South Carolina Water Quality Association, is supporting efforts to help SC DHEC and US EPA resolve differences on two new regulations affecting wastewater permits.

Based on the sampling performed during the audit, AWM found that the CPW EMS is fully implemented and functional. It is effective for the purpose of enabling the organization to achieve its environmental objectives and targets. CPW demonstrates commitment and capability to fulfill its environmental policy through maintenance of its EMS. 

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