Public reminded of opportunities to comment on the future of Winnipeg's biosolids

Released: January 14, 2014 at 9:32 a.m.
Public feedback a key step in building a sustainable master plan for Winnipeg's biosolids

Winnipeg, MB - The public is reminded about the opportunities to provide feedback on the potential options for managing biosolids, the nutrient-rich, organic, solid by-product of sewage treatment.

Two public meetings will take place at the Manitoba Children's Museum, 45 Forks Market Road.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

presentation at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

presentation at 9:30 a.m.

Comments can also be provided by Friday, January 24, 2014:

The City of Winnipeg must submit a Biosolids Master Plan to the province by October 2, 2014, outlining an environmentally sound and sustainable strategy to manage our community’s biosolids to 2037. One of the key steps in developing the master plan is to consult with the public on the potential treatment options and incorporate this feedback into the final recommendations.

The meetings will include a 30-minute presentation, a question and answer period and an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to provide their feedback on six potential biosolids treatment options:

  • Land application - apply biosolids to land in either a liquid or cake form to condition the soil or to fertilize crops or other vegetation
  • Thermal oxidation/combustion and energy recovery - firing the biosolids at a high temperature, producing recoverable heat and energy, leaving only ash, which is suitable for beneficial reuse
  • Pelletization for soil conditioner - use heat drying technologies to produce pea-size pellets, which are suitable for beneficial reuse (e.g., fertilizer or biofuel)
  • Compost - mix biosolids with woodchips and air to make compost for use as a soil amendment
  • Land restoration/revitalization �"- apply biosolids to land to replace lost topsoil (e.g., landfill cover, large construction sites, surface strip mines, parks and road cuts, wetlands, wildlife habitat, conservation areas)
  • Landfill disposal - co-disposal of biosolids and municipal garbage in a landfill

More than 13,000 dry tonnes of biosolids are produced annually at Winnipeg’s three sewage treatment plants, and that number is expected to increase by 50% by 2037. Subject to Council approval, about $200 million has been allocated in capital funding over the next five years for a new long term biosolids management program (includes engineering and construction costs).

More details on the potential treatment options and the steps involved in developing the Biosolids Master Plan is on the City’s website at wwdengage.winnipeg.ca

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