Evaluating how biosolids are managed at Renfrew’s wastewater treatment plant
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Water
Project value$50,400
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
Wastewater Management and Treatment
Grant amount$22,700
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Town of Renfrew, ON
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
8,190
Project timeline
2021 - 2023
Project number
DFC-22-0013
Description
The Renfrew Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at the Town of Renfrew in the County of Renfrew. The plant has a rated capacity of 9,500 m3/day. Sludge produced at the plant is aerobically digested and dewatered before being disposed to the landfill.
The project will evaluate potential diversion options of an estimated 1300 tonnes of biosolids from landfill annually, which is critical. It has been estimated that the fourth cell of the landfill will be filled to capacity in 12 to 20 years and “substantial investment” will be needed to obtain Ministry approval to access a fifth cell of the land fill.
The project has mainly the following objectives-
• In depth assessment pf the biosolids management options including solids treatment and destination options;
• Review of regulatory landscape and drivers for beneficial use of biosolids as opposed to landfill disposal;
• Assess the costs of each option, with and without on-site storage and present a financial analysis;
• Estimate the GHG emissions associated with the biosolids management options and
• Provide recommended next steps for implementation.
In addition, OCWA will investigate different stakeholders that could be benefitted from the proposed solution to the Town:
1. The nearby surrounding Municipalities that lack sustainable processing capacity of their biosolids and organics, which could include both residential and agricultural organics.
2. Public private partnerships to co-develop a solution that addresses additional organic
streams.
3. Possibilities to use existing/expanded organics processing infrastructure as a centralized facility for the surrounding municipalities as part of the solution.
OCWA, as a Crown Agency, will undertake the complete study and will follow public procurement policy and delegation of authority guidelines if needed. OCWA will carry out all the tasks identified here with its internal team of subject matter experts (SMEs). OCWA will be fully responsible for the project management and contract administration of this project and ensure a smooth and successful project delivery. OCWA will develop and present benefits and limitations of all scenarios
and will submit a draft and Final report to the town.
• In depth assessment pf the biosolids management options including solids treatment and destination options;
• Review of regulatory landscape and drivers for beneficial use of biosolids as opposed to landfill disposal;
• Assess the costs of each option, with and without on-site storage and present a financial analysis;
• Estimate the GHG emissions associated with the biosolids management options and
• Provide recommended next steps for implementation.
In addition, OCWA will investigate different stakeholders that could be benefitted from the proposed solution to the Town:
1. The nearby surrounding Municipalities that lack sustainable processing capacity of their biosolids and organics, which could include both residential and agricultural organics.
2. Public private partnerships to co-develop a solution that addresses additional organic
streams.
3. Possibilities to use existing/expanded organics processing infrastructure as a centralized facility for the surrounding municipalities as part of the solution.
OCWA, as a Crown Agency, will undertake the complete study and will follow public procurement policy and delegation of authority guidelines if needed. OCWA will carry out all the tasks identified here with its internal team of subject matter experts (SMEs). OCWA will be fully responsible for the project management and contract administration of this project and ensure a smooth and successful project delivery. OCWA will develop and present benefits and limitations of all scenarios
and will submit a draft and Final report to the town.
Applicant
Town of Renfrew, ON