Regional District of Nanaimo Biosolids Forest Fertilization

The majority of the biosolids produced by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) are managed by SYLVIS in a forest fertilization program in Nanaimo, BC. Concurrent with an extensive multi-year biosolids forest fertilization research and demonstration project in 1992, SYLVIS participated in a comprehensive stakeholder consultation program providing scientific and technical expertise. Based on the results of monitoring, research, and the input from stakeholders, an operational-scale biosolids forest fertilization program was initiated in 2003.

Biosolids are applied to forests throughout the world to improve productivity and increase tree growth rates. Using biosolids to fertilize forests provides several benefits: biosolids act as a complete nutrient source – providing essential plant macro and micronutrients to nutrient deficient forests. Biosolids are a soil conditioner improving soil physical properties. The addition of organic matter improves overall soil structure, water-holding capacity, and bulk density. These physical changes, together with the addition of nutrients, lead to an overall and permanent increase in site productivity. As a carbon feedstock which may persist in the soil over the long term, biosolids are an effective tool for sequestering atmospheric carbon in the soil and mitigating the effects of climate change.

SYLVIS has managed all aspects of the RDN's biosolids forest fertilization program since 2013. Biosolids forest fertilization occurs under a Land Application Plan (LAP) authored by SYLVIS. SYLVIS is responsible for all regulatory authorizations, environmental monitoring, site maintenance, and biosolids fertilization activities using specialized equipment which applies dewatered biosolids from a network of trails thirty metres into the forest stands. As the site has concurrent recreational use, SYLVIS interfaces regularly with other site users and project stakeholders to ensure that the project is well notified and accommodating of other site uses.

This successful, award-winning, long-term biosolids management program was initiated through the partnership of numerous stakeholders and biosolids generators. This biosolids forest fertilization program was highlighted by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in the development of a Canada-wide policy on biosolids as a resource. Proactive stakeholder consultation and environmental monitoring continues to support and realize a local cost effective use of biosolids that benefits the RDN, the local forest industry and the environment.