Long-Term Biosolids Management Plan

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is exploring long-term options and technologies to harness the benefits of biosolids. The CRD produces some of the highest quality biosolids in North America and wants to ensure they are being used in a beneficial manner.

In 2020, when the CRD first introduced wastewater treatment, short-term plans were put in place regarding biosolids management. Now, with a better understanding of our operations and available options, we are actively exploring long-term solutions.

The Province of BC requires that the CRD submit a Long-Term Biosolids Management Plan by June 2024. The plan must consider land application options, which are included with advanced thermal options among others. Since 2011, the CRD Board has banned the land application of biosolids within the capital region.

As we look to the future, we will need to consider a range of possibilities to maximize the benefits of this nutrient-rich, organic material and ensure a resilient and reliable portfolio of management options.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the open house on February 20th and completed the online survey. All of the input received is being compiled into a What We Heard consultation summary report.

Watch the recording of the Long-Term Biosolids Management Plan Open House held Tuesday, February 20, 2024: Harnessing the Benefits of Biosolids - Virtual Open House (youtube.com)

Fertilizer for Agriculture

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The nutrient-rich organic material can improve soil conditions to promote plant growth and increase crop yields.
Can improve water retention to reduce water-usage as well as reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Timeline: Immediate
Estimated Cost: less than $500/tonne
Industrial Land Reclamation (e.g. mine/quarry)

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Mining activities often result in disturbed and degraded soils, which can be challenging for plant growth. Biosolids can be applied to replenish organic matter and essential nutrients, improving soil fertility, soil structure, and increasing water-retention.
Can be applied directly or blended with compost, soil, or woodchips to restore degraded mine or industrial sites. Biosolids can improve soil quality and promote vegetation growth. Can also reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Timeline: Immediate
Estimated Cost: less than $250/tonne
Forest Fertilization

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Can help improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and accelerate plant and tree growth.
In addition, after wildfire, biosolids can help forests regenerate, increasing water-retention and providing essential nutrients and organic matter to promote plant and tree growth. Can reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Timeline: Immediate
Estimated Cost: less than $400/tonne
Wholesale Fertilizer for Landscaping

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The nutrient-rich organic material can improve soil conditions to promote lawn and plant growth.
Can improve water retention to reduce water-usage as well as reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
(e.g., lawns, boulevards, golf courses)
Timeline: Immediate
Estimated Cost: less than $500/tonne
Fuel for Incineration / Combustion

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Biosolids are burned or used as an alternative fuel to power facilities, such as cement kilns and pulp mills, reducing reliance on other non-renewable sources like coal or natural gas.
Timeline: Limited facilities available. The CRD currently utilizes this technology at a plant in Richmond. In-region options are not available.
Estimated Cost: Less than $500/tonne
Bagged Fertilizer for Residential Use

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The nutrient-rich organic material is bagged and distributed as fertilizer for residential use.
Can also be blended with soil, compost or wood chips and made available for residential use.
Can improve water retention to reduce water-usage as well as reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Timeline: Immediate
Estimated Cost: less than $500/tonne
Pyrolysis or Gasification Technology to Create Biochar/Gas

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Biosolids are heated (using little or no oxygen) to make a gas or “biochar”. The gas created can be used to produce heat or electricity. Biochar is a type of charcoal that is made from organic material. It can be used as a soil additive to improve soil fertility and enhance water retention.
Timeline: 7-10 years for permitting, siting and construction of a permanent facility. Advanced thermal technology is not currently used for processing biosolids in Canada.
Estimated Cost: $500-$4,500/tonne