Durham Residents Demand Solutions to Sludge Problem
May 3, 2002
Solution wanted for sludge concerns, says group
DURHAM - A residents' group, concerned about the local use of paper sludge, is less
than impressed by a provincial government announcement concerning quality standards
review of sewage and paper biosolids.
Environment Minister Chris Stockwell announced his ministry is accelerating its
review of quality standards and testing requirements for sewage biosolids and paper
sludge being used on farm fields throughout Ontario.
The ministry will speed up consultations with stakeholders on the matter and
immediately review consultation and notification requirements of the land application
programs.
"We're concerned with this report because we had understood there hadn't yet been
found any benefit for the spreading of paper sludge on farm fields," said Deb Vice,
spokesman for Protect The Ridges, a group formed to deal with the use of paper sludge
in north Oshawa and Clarington.
With 700 tons of the waste material from the paper recycling process being produced a
day, "there has to be a solution with accountability for this huge waste-disposal
problem and a solution that will protect water quality in Ontario," Mrs. Vice said.
Protect the Ridges was formed two years ago due to residents' concerns about
stockpiles of paper sludge on several sites in north Oshawa and Clarington, its use
in the production of SoundSorb (a mixture of sludge and sand) and the use of
SoundSorb in a berm at a nearby gun club. The group has been lobbying for more
restrictions on the use of paper sludge and more reviews into the environmental
impact of the material, especially in regards to water.
Oshawa, Clarington and Durham Region councils have also become involved. The presence
of raw sewage was found at the base of a pile of SoundSorb during tests conducted by
a consultant, hired by the Region. The Province has not been able to duplicate those
results.
Mr. Stockwell announced a review of criteria for issuing certificates of approval for
spreading of sludge and sewage biosolids.
"We know we can further improve standards for testing and enforcement of biosolid
use," he said.
Solution wanted for sludge concerns, says group
DURHAM - A residents' group, concerned about the local use of paper sludge, is less
than impressed by a provincial government announcement concerning quality standards
review of sewage and paper biosolids.
Environment Minister Chris Stockwell announced his ministry is accelerating its
review of quality standards and testing requirements for sewage biosolids and paper
sludge being used on farm fields throughout Ontario.
The ministry will speed up consultations with stakeholders on the matter and
immediately review consultation and notification requirements of the land application
programs.
"We're concerned with this report because we had understood there hadn't yet been
found any benefit for the spreading of paper sludge on farm fields," said Deb Vice,
spokesman for Protect The Ridges, a group formed to deal with the use of paper sludge
in north Oshawa and Clarington.
With 700 tons of the waste material from the paper recycling process being produced a
day, "there has to be a solution with accountability for this huge waste-disposal
problem and a solution that will protect water quality in Ontario," Mrs. Vice said.
Protect the Ridges was formed two years ago due to residents' concerns about
stockpiles of paper sludge on several sites in north Oshawa and Clarington, its use
in the production of SoundSorb (a mixture of sludge and sand) and the use of
SoundSorb in a berm at a nearby gun club. The group has been lobbying for more
restrictions on the use of paper sludge and more reviews into the environmental
impact of the material, especially in regards to water.
Oshawa, Clarington and Durham Region councils have also become involved. The presence
of raw sewage was found at the base of a pile of SoundSorb during tests conducted by
a consultant, hired by the Region. The Province has not been able to duplicate those
results.
Mr. Stockwell announced a review of criteria for issuing certificates of approval for
spreading of sludge and sewage biosolids.
"We know we can further improve standards for testing and enforcement of biosolid
use," he said.
posted by Sludge at 5:44 AM
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