The Region of Halton Biosolids Management into the Future Regional Municipality of Halton Ontario, Canada

Current Status Ability to remove solids from WWTP’s “on demand” is critical to maintain effluent quality Production in ,848 m 3 liquid biosolids 8,216 m 3 dewatered cake Liquid biosolids applied to land within Halton Dewatered cake stored and applied to land within and outside Halton Program operations under contract by Terractec Environmental Ltd.

Limitations of Current Strategy Insufficient land within Halton to apply 100% of biosolids currently produced Available agricultural land expected to decrease marginally in the future Biosolids quantities estimated to increase by 60% over next 20 years Storage time at BMC estimated to decrease to less than regulation minimum 6 months by 2008 Inability to access farmland during wet weather can result in inadequate storage at the BMC

Biosolids Projections

Required vs. Available Land

Considerations for Future Biosolids Management Management Continue land application to the extent that can be supported by land within the Region highly successful program continuing demand from farmers Regional investment in infrastructure Diversify biosolids management program to include one of the following options: non-competing nutrient end use non-nutrient end use

Non-Competing Nutrient End Use Ontario Compost Guidelines – compost from biosolids does not meet criteria for unrestricted utilization – not an option MOEE/OMAF Guidelines – pathogen free biosolids (US EPA Class A) not recognized at this time, crop restrictions in Ontario – not an option Ag Canada Fertilizer Act – biosolids marketed as fertilizer under the Act must meet certain requirements including metal content but no site or crop restrictions – potential option

Non-Competing Nutrient End Use (cont’d) Halton biosolids meet metal requirements in Agriculture Canada Fertilizer Act and US EPA limits for “Exceptional Quality” biosolids Alkaline stabilization and drying/pelletization are producing products in Ontario that are being marketed, under the Fertilizer Act, for higher value end uses

Non-Nutrient End Use Thermal destruction of organic material leaving inert ash for disposal Potential energy recovery from combustion of the organics in biosolids Fluidized bed combustion considered state-of- the-art incineration technology based on: energy efficiency air emission control

Existing Management Options Biosolids Management Centre Storage Liquid to LandDigested Biosolids Mobile Dewatering DewateringCake to Land Cake to Halton Landfill Cake to Private Landfill Diversification Options Contingency

Diversification Options Dewatered Cake Temporary Storage IncinerationAsh to Landfill Alkaline StabilizationProduct to Market Land Application Landfill Cover Disposal in Landfill Thermal DryingProduct to Market Land Application Landfill Cover Disposal in Landfill Contingency

Alkaline Stabilization Beneficial use option Inactivation of pathogens to produce Class “A” biosolids addition of alkaline mixture such as lime or cement kiln dust elevate pH > 12 for 72 hours maintain temperature > 52 o C for 12 hours dry to > 50% solids

Alkaline Stabilization (cont’d) Product fertilizer value acts as liming agent for low pH soil improves soil structure No site or crop restrictions on use Operating facilities approved in Ontario Product marketed under Fertilizer Act Experience with marketing product in Ontario

Thermal Drying/Pelletization Beneficial use option Inactivation of pathogens to produce Class “A” biosolids temperature of biosolids > 80 o C moisture reduced to < 10% Product used directly as a fertilizer component for the manufacture of commercial fertilizer

Thermal Drying/Pelletization (cont’d) No site or crop restrictions on use Operating facilities approved in Ontario Product marketed under Fertilizer Act Experience with marketing product in Ontario

Incineration Complete destruction of pathogens, viruses and organics high temperature combustion >800ºC Heat recovery possible for in-plant use Autogenous combustion at 28% solids no additional fuel required Majority of metals immobilized in ash Minimal volume of residue for ultimate disposal Can meet stringent air emission criteria

Sites Visited by Halton Team Incineration –London Alkaline Stabilization –Sarnia –Leamington –Syracuse Drying/pelletization –Windsor –Smiths Falls –Toronto

Technology Rating Criteria EnvironmentalSustainabilityReliabilityCost OdoursChanges in legislation Proven technology Capital Air emissionsPublic opinionComplexityO&M Surface/ground water Ability to expand Dependence on weather SoilCompetitionWaste on demand Public exposureContingency Ease of permitting

Rating of Acceptable Technologies IncinerationAlkaline Stabilization Thermal Drying Environmental Sustainability Reliability Cost22.5 Total Score

Preliminary Identification of Recommended Solution Diversify Halton’s biosolids management program to address land availability limitations by: Building an alkaline stabilization facility to process the excess biosolids Developing a program to market the resulting product to end users outside the existing land application program

Implementation Plan Public consultation process to present recommended solution to public and seek input Confirm preferred solution Submit “Notice of Completion” to review agencies and public Submit recommendation to Council for approval Select site for facility Complete pre-engineering and tender documents Call for tenders on the project Award contract Initiate construction