City of Edmonton Biosolids Management

Biosolids generated from the Edmonton region’s two wastewater treatment plants have been historically lagoon stored and managed either through composting or agricultural land application. Planned expansion to the wastewater treatment facilities, predicted biosolids production increases, and diminishing storage capacity have served as drivers for finding new opportunities for Edmonton biosolids. SYLVIS worked with the City of Edmonton and its partners at EPCOR Water Services Inc. and the Edmonton Waste Management Centre of Excellence to diversify its biosolids management program. A phased approach was taken to investigate options.

In Phase 1 of the project SYLVIS reviewed and presented a range of beneficial use options to the City including landfill final cover or biocover development for fugitive methane mitigation, mine reclamation, oil and gas site reclamation, parkland development, marginal land improvement, forestry and biomass production. An evaluation matrix was developed and the options were assessed on environmental, social, economic and technical factors as well as market potential. Three options were prioritized for further review: marginal land improvement, mine reclamation and biomass production.

Phase 2 involved the identification of project partners to establish operational-scale demonstration projects to assess the prioritized options. SYLVIS worked with stakeholders to further develop the proposed projects. Activities included securing project sites, liaising with regulators having jurisdiction over the project areas, identifying overall project requirements and conducting baseline environmental monitoring. SYLVIS worked closely with the City in developing an expanded biosolids management portfolio to diversify their program and to facilitate addressing their growing biosolids inventory.