Stronger Guidelines for Biosolids Use/Storage

Nova Scotia has taken another step toward protecting the environment and human health by introducing stricter guidelines for the land-application and storage of municipal biosolids.

"Biosolids are organic, nutrient-rich materials that help plants and trees grow, and need to be properly managed," said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau.

"The province has listened and we are addressing concerns about the way biosolids have been managed in the past, so that biosolids users, and all Nova Scotians benefit."

The stricter guidelines were developed from recommendations by an independent committee of citizens, facility managers, wastewater researchers, regulators, and representatives from all levels of government. The guidelines are based on the latest biosolids science and research.

The Nova Scotia Biosolids Science and Advisory Committee gave its report, Biosolids Management in Nova Scotia: Issues and Recommendations, to the Department of Environment last year.

The report contains many recommendations intended to improve the way biosolids are managed and used. The province is implementing all recommendations, many through the guideline revisions.

"We are thankful for the independent committee's work," said Mr. Belliveau.

Biosolids come from a treatment process that transforms sewage sludge into a low-pathogen, organic material that helps plants and trees thrive. The material is a benefit to foresters, farmers, and other biosolids users. Pathogens, or harmful bacteria, are decreased by physical and chemical treatment processes that raise the PH level, add heat, and remove water.

It is not permitted to use untreated wastewater or sewage on agricultural land in Nova Scotia.

The biosolids recycling process is an environmentally acceptable way to manage the sewage sludge that continues to be generated by municipal treatment facilities.

The use of biosolids on land is common throughout Canada, the United States, and other countries.

The renewed guidelines will help protect the environment by helping biosolids users with proper land application and storage of the material. Municipal treatment facilities that make biosolids must follow the guidelines and have approval from the Department of Environment.

The guidelines only allow for the highest quality biosolids on agricultural lands.

All facilities' approvals will be reviewed to ensure the guidelines are being followed.

The guideline revisions will also require treatment plants to do more intensive analysis to test for contaminants such as dioxins, furans, and fire retardants. This extra requirement is in response to requests from concerned Nova Scotians.

Nova Scotia is working with other jurisdictions across the country to develop national standards and policies for the use of biosolids.

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/wastewater/.