Government Extends Moratorium

The moratorium on applying biosolids to land has been extended for another two weeks, until May 15.

Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash said the extension will allow the government to finalize its policy on land application.

"Department staff conducted a thorough review of the options and has presented draft guidelines based on discussions with stakeholders and the public," Mr. Morash said. "We're taking the time we need to understand the issues involved with this important decision."

All approvals related to land application of sewage and septage sludges and other biosolids remain suspended until further notice. New approvals for land applications will not be issued until government finalizes its policy on the matter.

Department staff are contacting approval holders to discuss the extension of the moratorium. This process will assist in determining whether there are any emergency situations that will need to be addressed during the extension.

Biosolids are nutrient-rich materials that come from stabilizing or composting sludges. They are used as fertilizers for improvement of poor soils. The sludges can come from the sediments pumped from a septic tank or they can be generated during the treatment of sewage in a treatment plant.