Notice of Completion: Biosolids Management Master Plan Update Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
Niagara Region has completed a Biosolids Management Master Plan Update. The study reviewed the existing biosolids management strategies and treatment needs through 2051. It aimed to be transparent, sustainable, reliable, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and flexible.
The Biosolids Management Master Plan Update was developed to:
- Meet the unique needs of Niagara Region and its customers, including treatment requirements, land uses and users, and environmental features
- Meet future needs related to population growth, new regulations, climate resiliency and energy efficiency
- Provide more flexibility and reliability for biosolids management in the short term (five years) and long term (to 2051)
- Improve biosolids marketability
- Address community expectations for service levels, odour, air and noise, water quality, environmental protection and aesthetics
Through this study, alternative strategies for managing biosolids were developed and evaluated, considering environmental and socio-cultural impacts, along with technical feasibility and cost. Overall, the study recommends increasing diversification of how biosolids are managed in Niagara. This includes continuing land application of liquid biosolids on agricultural lands and advanced stabilization of biosolids at the Walker Environmental Facility to produce a fertilizer product. The study also recommends increasing dewatering of biosolids to reduce the volume of biosolids to be hauled.
The Garner Road Biosolids Facility will continue to serve as a centralized facility for dewatering in Niagara with proposed upgrades to meet increasing demands over time. The master plans also recommends reviewing the feasibility of a centralized anaerobic digester facility at the Garner Road site to increase opportunities for producing and using renewable energy, in line with the Region’s Corporate Climate Action Plan.
Process
The study followed the master planning process set by the Municipal Engineer’s Association Class Environmental Assessment process for Master Plans. This is an approved Ontario Environmental Assessment process. The Biosolids Management Master Plan Update was completed to meet Phases 1 and 2 of this process.
The update followed Approach #1, which involved preparing a Master Plan Report at the end of Phase 2. Additional investigations will be carried out at a later date and published to meet Schedule B or C requirements or approvals through the Planning Act, as described in the report.
Public review
Your feedback is important in the Environmental Assessment process. You're invited to review the final Biosolids Management Master Plan Update Report.
The report, which documents all phases of the study process, is available for public review on the 2021 Biosolids Management Master Plan project page.
Contact
If you have questions or comments, contact the project manager.
Jason Oatley
Manager, Quality and Compliance (Wastewater)
Niagara Region
3501 Schmon Pkwy., PO Box 1042
Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7
905-685-4225 ext. 3758
niagarabiosolidsmp@niagararegion.ca
Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The written submissions, including names, contact information, and reports of the public meeting, will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca.
If you need accommodations for a disability to attend and participate inmeetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca.
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