How many biosolids are produced in one day?
The Norm Wood Environmental Centre produces about one metric tonne of biosolids each day on a dry weight basis. This amount will increase in future as the service population expands. The biosolids are temporarily stored in liquid form in a basin at the treatment plant. Many municipalities have traditionally disposed of biosolids through burial in landfills or ocean disposal, however, these methods are now regarded as poor practice in British Columbia and elsewhere.
What are biosolids?
Biosolids are now recognized as a valuable organic soil conditioner, which act as a slow release fertilizer and improves soil water holding capacity. Both of these attributes are beneficial to plant growth. However, biosolids must meet strict environmental standards before application to soils is permitted. Fortunately, Campbell River's biosolids are well within the standards for beneficial reuse set by the B.C. Ministry of Environmental, Lands and Parks.