About CBP

A Canadian Biosolids Partnership has been proposed with the objectives of:

• Encouraging the best management of biosolids production, storage, transportation and uses;
• Strengthening communications and coordination between governments and stakeholders;
• Harmonizing wastewater and biosolids practices and regulations;
• Identifying and coordinating research;
• Promoting biosolids education and awareness.

Why a Partnership?

Forty-nine Canadian municipalities generate more than 555,000 tonnes annually of biosolids (based on 2001 data). Land application in 2001 was the predominate method of utilizing the biosolids product. But times are changing and land application is becoming more difficult to achieve due to siting practices and new regulations. Mixed messages from the regulators place wastewater treatment managers in a quandary. On the one hand: improve technologies to produce cleaner wastewater effluents and biosolids, but on the other, continue to treat the products as waste and spend money to dispose of them e.g. landfill sites. The broader issue relating to biosolids is that a valuable resource (organic residuals) is not being used to the maximum economic or environmental benefit – and in an era of sustainable development, this must be remedied.

The patchwork of legislation, terminology, and policy governing the management of “biosolids” in Canada suggests a coordinated approach is timely. A Canadian Biosolids Partnership of federal, provincial and municipal governments, researchers from academia, industry and other institutions e.g. National Research Council (NRC), Canada Centre for Inland Waters (CCIW), etc., environmental groups, health practitioners and user groups will provide benefits to all stakeholders.

The many beneficial uses of biosolids should be publicly accepted, scientifically defended, and economically viable (or available) for agriculturalists, silviculturalists, horticulturalists, energy producers, and technological developers. The organic residuals contained in biosolids are a valuable resource, which can substantially contribute to national sustainable development goals. The potential for realizing the beneficial uses of biosolids is limited mainly by negative public perceptions (e.g. odour, pathogens, illness). If we can change these perceptions, the possibilities for new uses and associated innovation and technologies can brand Canada as a leader in reuse, reclamation and recycling of wastewater treatment products (biosolids).

Public perception is a huge factor in the success of using biosolids as beneficial products or developing new uses (e.g. biofuels). The public perception of how governments work could also be improved if stakeholders see all levels of government working in concert with them. Integrating the economy, human and natural environmental health, and societal values through a partnership would strengthen our individual efforts to address the matter. So, a Canadian Biosolids Partnership as proposed would benefit government, industry, other stakeholders and the public at large.

Municipalities are spending millions of dollars annually to treat wastes generated by citizens and industry. They must have the tools and support from senior governments to effectively do so while providing citizens with a healthy environment. In several current situations (e.g. Toronto where Michigan the recipient of excess biosolids, is closing its borders) - production of biosolids is outstripping currently acceptable available uses or storage.