Title
Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy
Recommendation
That the CRD Board:
1. Endorse the following portfolio of options in alignment with the Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy (prepared by GHD, April 2024), utilizing each option under a prioritization structure, as follows:
(a) Tier 1: Advanced thermal option: Constitutes the preferred long-term solution and will be pursued concurrently with options in other tiers. Current projects include:
(i) 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.
(b) 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):
(i) Industrial land reclamation such as mine and quarry sites (acknowledging that some reclaimed sites may eventually have a pasture land end use)
(ii) Forest fertilization
(iii) Production of biosolids growing medium and/or feedstock in soil production
(iv) Partnerships with established biosolids programs
(v) Continue alternative fuel combustion in the cement manufacturing facility in Richmond, BC. Prioritize this option when available.
(c) 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. These include (in priority order):
(i) Industrial land reclamation such as mine and quarry sites (acknowledging that some reclaimed sites may eventually have a pasture land end use)
(ii) Forest fertilization
(iii) Maintain the option of biosolids application in engineered cover systems at Hartland Landfill to act as an emergency support option; subject to space availability and cover needs of the Landfill;
2. Direct staff to continue to explore biosolids beneficial use opportunities with those First Nations that express interest both in-region and out-of-region, and to address any concerns First Nations may have regarding the beneficial use options;
3. Refer the Draft Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy and portfolio of options to the TCAC for review and comment;
4. Post the Draft Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy and portfolio of options on the CRD webpage for 21 days (May 13-June 3) for First Nations and public review and comment; and
5. Direct staff to bring back the comments received during the 21-day posting period from the TCAC, First Nations and public, along with a final Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy and portfolio of options for the Board’s consideration and approval at the June 12, 2024 Board meeting, for submission to the Province by June 18, 2024.
(WP - Colwood, Esquimalt, Langford, Oak Bay, Saanich, Victoria, View Royal)