Mine and brownfield remediation
Biosolids have been used successfully in Canada at mine sites and brownfields to establish sustainable vegetation. The organic matter and nutrients in the biosolids may help to reduce organic contaminants found in disturbed mine sites and degraded soils while also regenerating the topsoil layer to provide a foundation for new plant growth. This regeneration is especially important for the reclamation of abandoned mine sites that have little or no topsoil. The application rate for these uses can also be higher than the agronomic rate used for agricultural soils.
Timber industry
Biosolids have been found to promote rapid timber growth, allowing for the quicker and more efficient harvest of an important natural resource.
Source of soil and organic matter in construction projects
Biosolids can also be used in the construction of highways, golf courses and other development projects that require contouring and grading landscapes. In these cases, biosolids are combined with a mineral source and a carbon source such as wood shavings, or saw dust and sand to create a “manufactured soil” with the texture, consistency, nutrient content and physical characteristics of typical topsoil.
