Wastewater biosolids as an environmentally sustainable resource: Keys to success

The paper traces the success of a large Canadian wastewater utility that has dealt with the issue of biosolids management and recycling to the extent that it now has more demand for its biosolids than it produces. The Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission's (GMSC) problem is not one of disposing of biosolids, but one of determining which product and uses will be best for the environment as well as being most sustainable and cost effective in the long term. Wastewater treatment and the management of the sludge or biosolids produced are global issues, with growing challenges, that must address the concerns of all of the stakeholders, including the facility administrators and operators, regulators and elected officials, the scientific community, wastewater generators, taxpayers and the general public. The failure to take into consideration the concerns of all of the stakeholders including the lack of meaningful communication with the public has resulted in predictable but preventable problems, including the banning of scientifically acceptable biosolids recycling options in different countries. Consequently, a successful and viable wastewater treatment and biosolids recycling management plan requires a "big picture" view and a sustainable approach, which takes into consideration the concerns of all stakeholders. The paper will deal with key issues to the success of an environmentally sustainable biosolids management programme.