Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) invites members of the public to provide feedback on the draft Long-term Biosolids Management Strategy which identifies a portfolio of options for biosolids beneficial use.

The draft strategy, endorsed by the CRD Board on May 8, includes the following options which will be utilized under a prioritization structure:

Tier 1: Advanced thermal option: Constitutes the preferred long-term solution and will be pursued concurrently with options in other tiers.

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

Staff will 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.

Feedback will be received from May 13 – June 3 and presented to the CRD Board for consideration as part of the final approval process taking place on June 12. Feedback will also be included with the Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy submission to the Province by June 18, 2024.

To learn more and provide feedback, visit https://getinvolved.crd.bc.ca/biosolids.

The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492

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