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In August, a Ramsay ward resident and current council candidate, John Cochran made a presentation to Mississippi Mills council, outlining what he considered a major environmental threat caused by the application of wastewater treatment plant bio-solids on farm fields. He stated the plant operator, OCWA and GFL, the company applying the solids were in contravention of regulations regarding the amount of waste applied, how that process was completed, under what conditions, and the toxins he felt were a risk. He called for greater public scrutiny of the practice and more information about how the material is treated, tested and regulated.
The presentation drew strong interest, with a large crowd attending the council meeting.
Council directed staff to complete a review of how these bio-solids were handled and report back. That presentation was made on October 6th. The sewage plant operator and the bio-solids handler provided detailed information on the regulations they operate under, including requirements by receiving farms to have a registered and approved plan before any spreading takes place.
GFL indicated that the amount of bio-solids applied had to be compliant with the farmer’s provincially approved plan which must include details of the crop to be planted and how the application would be of benefit.
Councillors asked questions about issues including PFAS (forever chemicals) testing, how bio-solids are applied to land and the provincial and federal rules governing the practice. They also asked about the amount of materials spread and if the regulated limits were ever exceeded. OCWA staff reported their operation exceeded all provincially-set output content limits. They added that there are currently no provincial regulations on PFAS content, although OCWA stated they will do voluntary testing for them to obtain benchmarks. GFL reported that all bio-solids spread on farm land had to be incorporated into the soil by plowing within 6 hours of application. They stated that all applications were logged and recorded and added that numerous provincial inspections have been completed in the last 5 years and there has never been a compliance infraction reported. When asked by Mayor Lowry if any part of the operation of the wastewater plant presented any risk to Mississippi Mills residents, OCWA staff answered with a firm no.
Story by Brian Turner
