The new bio-solids composting facility at 4142 Thicke Road is up and running. The plant is now processing bio-solids from Ladysmith’s waste water treatment plant and turning the material into Class A compost.

Bio-solids are nutrient-rich materials that result from the treatment of waste water (sewage). At Ladysmith's Waste Water Treatment Plant, we process waste water from kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. The treatment process removes the solid waste from the waste water, resulting in bio-solids. As part of our Waste Water Treatment System, Ladysmith is required to dispose of these bio-solids. Composting is a beneficial and viable option for the responsible management of bio-solids.  Check out our FAQs below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Our Composting

  • What are bio-solids, and why is Ladysmith composting them? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • Where is the composting facility located? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • Will neighbours of the new facility notice any odour? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • What are some of the design elements of the new facility? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • How often does Ladysmith test its bio-solids and what does it test for? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • Why don’t you test for pharmaceuticals? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • Will the composting facility be expanded as the Town grows? Will the Town take bio-solids from other areas? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • At what stage is there the greatest potential for odor and/or water contamination? What will be done to mitigate the risk at each stage? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • How does the composting facility tie into Ladysmith’s “Sustainability Vision”? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • Technology regarding the treatment of bio-solids is progressing rapidly. Is composting still the best method for dealing with the bio-solids?

  • How much noise is generated by the facility? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • How does the plant fit into the Vancouver Island Plan for bio-solids? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • What licensing does the composting facility need? Who will inspect it and report out? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • How does this facility compare with other operations, both in the Cowichan Region (Fisher Road and Coast Environmental) and further afield? (updated March 15, 2018)

  • Where does the product from this plant go? (updated March 15, 2018)

Below are some links to research, reports and regulations relating to bio-solids composting.

Two European perspectives:

  1. http://www.phosphorusplatform.eu/scope-in-print/news/1363-outcomes-onoutcomes-online-espp-workshop-pharmaceuticals-in-sewage-biosolidsline-espp-workshop-pharmaceuticals
  2. http://www.phosphorusplatform.eu/images/download/Malmo-pharmaceuticals-workshop/Rye-Ottosen-Malm%C3%B6-27-10-16.pdf

Canadian research suggesting that composting is an effective treatment of bio-solids in terms of reducing potential risk to humans and the environment

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/waste-management/recycling/organics/biosolids/lit-review-biosolids-nicola-valley.pdf

 

General background on bio-solids use in agriculture in Canada:
http://www.cwn-rce.ca/assets/resources/pdf/McCarthy-Risks-Biosolids-2015.pdf

Results of a 2009 Canadian study on the use of bio-solids:
http://www.ccme.ca/files/Resources/waste/biosolids/pn_1440_contam_invt_rvw.pdf

BC Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR)