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Water Practice & Technology © IWA Publishing 2007  |  doi10.2166/wpt.2007.084

Public acceptance and independent certification of biosolids in Canada

M. Hébert¹

Reclamation of biosolids through land application generally meets 2 key components of Sustainable Development: environment and economics. Unfortunately, societal acceptance is the weakest part of it, despite the scientific evidence that risks with biosolids are low or lower than with farm manures. Beside unacceptable odor problems in some areas - that have to be dealt with - there is a general pre-conception that biosolids are at risk. This pre-conception has to deal with modern urban culture, beliefs, values and taboos. Communication must therefore be an important part of every biosolids strategy. However, since some actors of the private and public sectors are not always trustworthy in the minds of the general public, it is necessary to have some kind of independent organization that states that a given biosolids is safe. Therefore, third-party standardization and certifications of biosolids appear to be a key component to Sustainable Development. However, it is important that the certification label is well known and trustworthy by stakeholders. Pro’s and con’s of the Canadian voluntary certification of biosolids will be presented.

Keywords: Biosolids, certification, public perceptions, Sludge Diet, trust

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