Details Announced for Science Forum on Biosolids

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Details Announced for Science Forum on Biosolids

Nova Scotia is bringing experts to the province on June 13 to discuss the most up-to-date information on biosolids -- the materials produced during the treatment of sewage and septage sludges.

The science forum, which will take place at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, will cover the latest research, health risk analysis, and experience in other jurisdictions.

"Every citizen who lives in this province contributes to the creation of sewage and septic sludge. For years we didn't deal with it at all. However, as more focus is placed on protecting our water supplies, more effort is put into addressing how we manage this material," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash.

A steering committee has been established to help set the content and identify potential speakers for the one-day forum. The committee will consist of staff from the Department of Environment and Labour, a representative from the Federation of Agriculture, and two residents from Truro.

Mr. Morash said the science forum is just one of many initiatives underway on waste water and solid waste management. Nova Scotia has raised the topic at the national level, and it will be on the agenda of a meeting of environment ministers that Nova Scotia will host later this year. A provincial delegation also attended a biosolids conference in Nashville, Tenn., from April 17 to 20. The delegation consisted of two representatives from Environment and Labour, one from Agriculture and Fisheries, one from the Federation of Agriculture, and one citizen from Truro.

Biosolids have been treated to reduce or eliminate pathogens and to meet certain chemical parameters, according to guidelines established by the province. The guidelines were updated just over a year ago, making Nova Scotia one of five provinces to ban the land application of untreated biosolids. Land application of treated biosolids has been occurring in Nova Scotia for many years. An approval is required to store biosolids or apply them to land.

The science forum on biosolids will be open to the public. More details will be made available once an agenda has been finalized.