Biosolids Compost Feasibility Study - Halton Region's Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy Development to Improve Diversity and Sustainability

摘要

The main biosolids management program for the Region of Halton has been agricultural land application, which has become more challenging primarily due to loss of local farmlands to development. The updated Ontario Compost Quality Standards (2012) supports the composting of biosolids. Through a multi-criterial evaluation approach, construction and operation of a Region-owned biosolids composting facility is recommended to enhance the existing land application program, based on implementing covered aerated static pile technology to compost all cake biosolids and 50 to 100 percent of the liquid biosolids year-round. This model is the basis for further development of business case and implementation plan of the study. This paper provides a real-world example of an in-depth planning evaluation which demonstrates how a regional biosolids management plan can be implemented to provide multiple outlets and operational flexibility in the light of changing regulatory frameworks, public scrutiny, and expansion needs of a regional operation.