Review of Land Application of Sewage and Septage Sludge

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR -Review of Land Application of Sewage and Septage Sludge

Sewage and septage sludges can no longer be applied to property in Nova Scotia. The Department of Environment and Labour has suspended land application of the sludges until officials complete a review of the approval process for the activity.

Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash released further details of the review today, Jan. 16, saying it is intended to ensure that Nova Scotia's policy reflects best practices.

"There are many benefits to using these sludges to enhance agricultural land, but it's also understandable that people could have concerns about their safety," Mr. Morash said. "So we'll impose a time out to make sure that it's the right choice."

Septage sludge is the solid material that remains after water is removed from the sediments pumped from a septic tank. Sewage sludge is the residue generated during the treatment of sewage in a treatment plant.

The review began in the fall of 2003 and will be complete by May 1, and will lead to a recommendation to Cabinet.

It includes assessment of standards used for approving land application of sludges; consideration of alternatives to land application and discussions with concerned groups. Municipal governments, septic tank pumpers, and the agricultural community will be among those invited to submit comments.

"We want provincial policy to lead to appropriate and sustainable solutions for local governments and individual homeowners," Mr. Morash said.

The department has stopped issuing new approvals for land application of sewage and septage sludges. Current approval holders are being contacted and advised that they may not apply sludges until further notice.

The decision should have no short-term consequences for approval holders. All current approvals forbid the land application of sludges when the ground is frozen.