Biosolids Beneficial Use Planning

The Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy was developed through extensive research, First Nations engagement, stakeholder engagement, and public consultation. The Strategy consists of a portfolio of options that prioritize advanced thermal processing while also considering out-of-region and in-region contingency options to ensure regulatory compliance and adaptability. Ongoing engagement with First Nations will be pivotal in the development of specific projects located on their traditional territories.

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:

1. 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):

1. Industrial land reclamation such as mine and quarry sites (acknowledging that some reclaimed sites may eventually have a pasture land end use)
2. Forest fertilization
3. Production of biosolids growing medium and/or feedstock in soil production
4. Partnerships with established biosolids programs
5. Continue alternative fuel combustion in the cement manufacturing facility in Richmond, BC. Prioritize this option when available.
6. 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):

1. Industrial land reclamation such as mine and quarry sites (acknowledging that some reclaimed sites may eventually have a pasture land end use)
2. Forest fertilization
3. 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

On April 13, 2022, the CRD Board approved next steps for a pilot program that will evaluate potential thermal resource recovery options for the Class A biosolids produced through wastewater treatment.

Outcomes have provided valuable insight into the operation of these technologies. Thermal pilot results alone are not expected to be sufficient to definitively confirm the viability of onsite advanced thermal processing of CRD biosolids. Preliminary evaluation of the thermal pilot studies indicate an on-site trial would be beneficial to determine the viability of advanced thermal technology as an option for long-term biosolids management.

Given the complex nature of thermal technology, the Board directed staff to explore the possibility of a long-term beneficial use option for the region’s biosolids through pilot studies at existing processing facilities in February 2021. On April 13, 2022, the CRD Board approved next steps for a pilot program that will evaluate potential thermal resource recovery options for the Class A biosolids produced through wastewater treatment. Pending provincial approvals and public support, a pilot project could likely commence by the beginning of 2026.

If an advanced thermal option is selected as a long-term option, a major amendment to the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Plan and ministerial approval will be required, including a separate consultation process. Should advanced thermal options prove successful through that process, it will take 7-10 years to implement them as a long-term option.

In April, 2023, a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) was issued to identify companies with the ability to design, manufacture, install and operate a biosolids advanced thermal processing demonstration plant for a period of up to 12 months. Ten submissions were received and evaluated, and six will be invited to proceed to a Request for Proposals.

Selected proponents:

• Pyrocal
• VOW ASA
• Waste Management
• Green Impact Partners
• IQ Energy
• Pivotal IRM