Sudbury Biosolids Management Facilities

operational

Opportunity The City of Greater Sudbury had been using tailing ponds near Lively for over 30 years as a disposal site for wastewater sludge from its nine wastewater treatment facilities. While this was once acceptable, it caused foul odours and was increasingly viewed as an unacceptable practice no longer in line with environmental standards. In 2009 the City decided to proceed with the construction of a new facility that will treat the sludge for re-use as a soil fertilizer. In December 2011 the Government of Canada contributed $11 million to the project through the P3 Canada Fund. Challenges There were a number of civil and structural engineering challenges to be overcome while ensuring a durable, cost-effective solution in accordance with the requirements of the city. Due to the project’s relatively small size and the transaction expenses related to P3 projects of this nature there were challenges in attracting potential project partners. Innovations The project was the first P3 for Greater Sudbury and the first P3 biosolids project in Canada using PPP Canada Funding. A number of innovations were used to deal with civil and structural engineering challenges including using a non-traditional construction foundation and alternative processing equipment. Using a P3 transferred significant construction and operating risk to the private sector while minimizing access to private sector innovation and experience. The Project Agreement included a Handover Holdback provision which requires the private sector to provide the City with funds that might be necessary to bring the facility and equipment up to the expected standard when the City takes over the facility after 20 years of operation. Results The Biosolids Management Facility is designed to handle up to 15,000 wet tonnes of dewatered biosolids per year and produces approximately 30,000 tonnes of Class A biosolids product—called N-Rich®— annually. As part of the agreement with the city, N-Viro is responsible for marketing the final product and for transporting it off site. The majority of the end product has been pre-sold for the next ten years. The process is an entirely closed system designed to protect the environment inside and out by preventing the escape of odours, dust and particles. The city will be receiving five per cent of revenues from the sale of the end-product produced at the Biosolids Management Facility. The facility created engineering, construction and maintenance jobs and also supported the development of the local economy. Learn more at: Case Studies

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