[All] biosolids

[Bob Burtt]

This is an attempt to update anyone interested in the Region of Waterloo
Biosolids Strategy.
The region has identified and evaluated the four final alternatives that
are still being considered.
The region is going to the public with three public information centres.
Dec. 5, Waterloo Region Museum, 5 p.m. to  7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Waterloo Recreational Complex
Dec. 14 Cambridge City Hall, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

My understanding is that the region will go ahead and decide on a strategy,
but no decision will be made about where or when the strategy will be
implemented in the near future. After some study, it seems that they feel
they can get by with the existing program with some tweaking and the
addition of some storage facilities. They do want to have a strategy in
place in case of new regulations that could force change or other factors
that could make the status quo a non starter.

Alternative one is to produce fertilizer. The focus will be on technologies
that reduce the volume of biosolids (sewage sludge) such as stabilization
or hydrolysis.

Alternative two: produce a compost. This would involve adding 25 per cent
biosolids with wood chips. This alternative would have a processing and
curing area and space for up to four months storage.

Alternative three:  Produce dried low volume fertilizer. This would mean
adding additional drying to the current process. The product could be used
as a soil amendment on agricultural or non-agricultural lands, landfill,
energy from waste or incineration.

Alternative four: Thermal reduction to ash (incineration). This would
create an ash to be landfilled.


The last two options get the highest ratings based on the set of objectives
used for the evaluations. Alternative three is also the cheapest of the
options, provided that they go with a centralized facility.

One of the knocks against incineration would be that there isn't much use
for the ash that is produced and would be seen as wasting a resource.

Our group had a chance to see the poster presentation planned for the open
houses and I found them to be helpful and informative. We had a chance to
ask questions and make comments and there were a lot of both.

If you are at all interested I'd recommend dropping in at one of the open
houses.

Thanks,
Bob
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