Project: Information Session

Transcription

1 : Information Session John Lavery and Mark Teshima SYLVIS Environmental July 15, 2013

2 Outline SYLVIS who we are What are biosolids? How are they used regionally? Beaver Municipal Solutions biosolids project Past regional projects Environmental protection Questions

3 Objectives know what biosolids are and how they are beneficially managed understand objectives of the BMS project learn about the outcomes of similar projects in the area understand environmental controls provide an opportunity to discuss and ask questions

4 Who We Are Residuals management company Contracting and consulting services Develop residuals management policy

5 What are Biosolids? Treated solids from municipal wastewater treatment Treatment to capitalize on beneficial properties (not sludge or septage) Benefits include nutrients and organic matter Intensively researched with respect to environmental protection and human health

6 Beneficial Opportunities Disposal Energy Product Development Agriculture Forestry Landfill closure/methane Land reclamation Land restoration Woody biomass production

7 Development Proposed conceptually to City of Edmonton (CoE) by SYLVIS in 2011 Introduced concept to BMS early 2012 Procurement of land and regulatory authourization undertaken in Based on stakeholder feedback, evaluating new areas for demonstration

8 A research and monitoring intensive project designed to achieve the following objectives: Demonstrate environmentally protective use of biosolids Assess ability to grow willow in Beaver County (potential agricultural diversification) Assess effects of biosolids applications on the production of agricultural crops Understand use of biosolids to improve solonetzic soil conditions and fertility status Educate region s farmers on biosolids use

9 Highlights Site 1 dedicated to growing willows and grass Site 2 dedicated to growing wheat (2014) and likely canola (2015) Intensive monitoring to demonstrate environmental protection and educate region on biosolids

10 Application Rates 25 dry tonnes per hectare (dt/ha) standard agronomic application 64 dt/ha soil reclamation rate calculated to improve solonetzic status 45 dt/ha intermediate rate Rates have been trialed in other project throughout region

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13 Edmonton Demonstration Program History Initiated in 2009 Demonstrations in Lamont, Sturgeon, Strathcona and Leduc counties Largely mine reclamation / marginal land improvement Vegetation primarily ag crops, two poplar plantations Designed in consultation with ESRD to answer questions about biosolids Two years monitoring and research post-application

14 Edmonton Demonstration Program History Initiated in 2009 Demonstrations in Lamont, Sturgeon, Strathcona and Leduc counties Largely mine reclamation / marginal land improvement Vegetation primarily ag crops, two poplar plantations Designed in consultation with ESRD to answer questions about biosolids Two years monitoring and research post-application

15 Key Findings Edmonton Demonstration Program No impacts on surface or drinking water Beneficial increases in soil fertility parameters No growth / migration of pathogens Substantial increases in yield and crude protein content in grain crops Soils do not exceed Tier 1 ag standards Stockpiling an environmentally protective management tool for biosolids

16 Environmental Concerns Heavy metals / trace elements Odour Impacts on water quality How do we protect the environment through biosolids applications?

17 Trace Elements / Heavy Metals Present in soil Biosolids guidelines Edmonton biosolids frequently tested and do not exceed limits Soils will be sampled and compared to AB agricultural standards Following the most restrictive loading limits

18 Trace Elements in Biosolids Concentration (mg kg -1 ) As Cd Cr Cu Hg Mo Ni Pb Se Zn Trace element

19 Biosolids Odour Odour is not a health concern Biosolids does have an odour (not like animal manure as it is treated) Odour is managed through treatment and incorporation Minimal odour generation while stockpiled Intensive operations to minimize application period Musty, peat-like smell

20 Impacts on Water Quality Controls ensure environmental protection (e.g. buffers, incorporation, appropriate application rates) Assessed as part of our projects (surface, ground and dugouts) No negative impacts (i.e. no change from pre-application conditions) Constituents well below livestock watering limits

21 Water Quality Protection What are we doing to protect water quality? Vegetated buffers exceeding biosolids guidelines Preferentially place controls (i.e. no biosolids) near dugouts Appropriate application rates (minimize excess nutrients) Ongoing monitoring to demonstrate no impacts

22 Summary Biosolids used in similar beneficial manner throughout region seeks to demonstrate environmental protection and opportunities for farming community Processes and controls used to manage odour and protect water quality

23 Questions?