On June 12, 2024, the Capital Regional District Board approved the final Long-term Biosolids Management Strategy for submission to the province. This strategy outlines a sustainable approach to managing biosolids produced within the region. The Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy is subject to provincial approval, as part of the CRD's commitments under the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Plan.
The options in the Long-term Biosolids Management Strategy will be utilized under a prioritization structure:
Tier 1: Advanced Thermal Option
This is the preferred long-term solution, which includes the development of a demonstration facility for advanced thermal processing.
Current projects include:
- Develop a demonstration facility for advanced thermal processing, as planned. Outcomes from the demonstration project will serve as the basis for a scaled, long-term solution.
Tier 2: Out-of-Region Compliance Options
Constitute measures that the CRD will utilize to ensure regulatory compliance is continuously achieved while the Tier 1 thermal processing option is being implemented and when options in Tier 1 are unable to process the totality of biosolids produced in the region.
These are (in priority order):
- Industrial land reclamation such as mine and quarry sites (acknowledging that some reclaimed sites may eventually have a pasture land end use)
- Forest fertilization
- Production of biosolids growing medium and/or feedstock in soil production
- Partnerships with established biosolids programs
- Continue alternative fuel combustion in the cement manufacturing facility in Richmond, BC. Prioritize this option when available.
- Explore partnerships with additional industrial partners interested in combustion.
Tier 3: In-Region Contingency Options
Constitute contingency options to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The CRD would implement Tier 3 options on a contingency basis, only when options within the Tier 2 portfolio are unavailable, and only after receiving explicit consent from the Board and consulting and engaging with any affected First Nations, should the need for Tier 3 arise.
These include (in priority order):
- Industrial land reclamation such as mine and quarry sites (acknowledging that some reclaimed sites may eventually have a pasture land end use)
- Forest fertilization
- Maintain the option of biosolids application in engineered cover systems and biocell at Hartland Landfill to act as an emergency support option; subject to space availability and cover needs of the Landfill
