City of Iqaluit Biosolids Treatment and Diversion Field Study
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Waste
Project value$170,000
Project Type
Pilot Project
Sub Sector
Composting
Grant amount$46,750
Program type
GMF
Municipality
City of Iqaluit, NU
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
7,429
Project timeline
2007 - 2011
Project number
9090
Description
The City of Iqaluit will conduct a field test to determine the optimum conditions for freeze-thaw moisture reduction and open composting of its primary sewage sludge. Both processes will be conducted in an open area at the landfill site with an expected process cycle time of 20 months from start to finish. The study will evaluate variations in biosolids layering, requirements for the use of bulking agents, mixing schedules, and timing for process completion. The composition of the resulting compost (moisture content, pathogen reduction, and metal content) will be the deciding factor in proceeding to full-scale implementation at the City’s new mechanized wastewater treatment plant. The eventual capital project has the potential to divert 1,940 m3 of untreated biosolids from the primary and secondary treatment processes from entering the landfill. The processing of biosolids would also result in a valuable resource to be used as landfill cover material. As such, the potential for soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination would be reduced and public health concerns would be alleviated. The results will be applicable to communities across the Canadian North.
Applicant
City of Iqaluit, NU