Biosolids

Sewage biosolids are nutrient-rich materials that result from the treatment of municipal wastewater.

Each year, Ontario generates approximately 300,000 dry tonnes of municipal sewage biosolids of which approximately 40% is land applied, 40% goes to landfills and 20% is incinerated.  Sewage biosolids and other nutrients, such as manure, contain nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter as well as essential micro-nutrients such as copper, iron, molybdenum and zinc.  These are important for plant growth, soil fertility and improving the physical condition of the soil.

Effective January 1, 2011, non-agricultural source materials (NASM) will be managed under the Environmental Protection Act until it arrives at the farm gate where it becomes subject to the General Nutrient Management Regulation under the Nutrient Management Act. 2002.

This change establishes consistent environmental standards across the province and clearly defines who is impacted and the requirements they must follow.  For more information on the new regulatory requirements for the agricultural land application of biosolids and other NASM go here

Guidelines for the Utilization of Biosolids and Other Wastes on Agricultural Land

The Guidelines for Utilization of Biosolids and Other Wastes on Agricultural Land will continue to be used for those agricultural land applications that are operating under a Certificate of Approval for an Organic Soil Conditioning Site issued under the Environmental Protection Act. The MOE will stop issuing Organic Soil Conditioning Sites Certificates of Approvals for the application of NASM on agricultural land as of January 1, 2011. NASM may continue to be applied at sites operating under an existing Organic Soil Conditioning Sites Certificate of Approval until it expires or is revoked or until December 31, 2015, after which a NASM Plan is required.

Science

For more information on the latest health and environmental studies see Land Application of Sewage Biosolids: Environmental Protection, Science, Policy and the Nutrient Management Regulation

For more information on the agricultural use of biosolids, visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at www.ontario.ca/nasm-omafra and the following fact sheets:  

• Understanding the Agricultural Use of Biosolids - Frequently Asked Questions
• Sewage Biosolids: A Valuable Nutrient Source
• Sewage Biosolids: Managing Urban Nutrients Responsibly for Crop Production