Atlantic Packaging Ltd. Paper Fibre Biosolids Andsound-sorb Berm, Oshawa Skeet and Gun Club:results of Chemical and Microbiological Testing

PIBS: 4277e 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report summarizes the findings of the chemical and microbiological analysis of: 1. paper fibre biosolids generated by the Whitby paper recycling mill owned by Atlantic Packaging Ltd. and 2. Sound-Sorb, a product, comprised of an approximate 70:30 mixture of paper fibre biosolids to screened mineral soil. Paper fibre biosolids have been spread on agricultural land since 1991 under a Certificate of Approval issued to Atlantic Packaging Ltd. and Courtice Auto Wreckers Ltd. for an organic waste management system. Sound-Sorb is produced by Courtice Auto Wreckers Ltd. and is currently being used to construct sound and bullet attenuation berms at gun clubs in Ontario. Through the mixing of paper fibre biosolids with mineral soil, Sound-Sorb is exempt from the Ministry of Environment and Energy's waste management regulations and the Environmental Protection Act. Considerable concern has been raised by the public regarding the possible environmental effects of the land application of paper fibre biosolids and the use of Sound-Sorb. In response, the ministry is currently reviewing both the land application of paper fibre biosolids and the management of Sound-Sorb. The data provided in this report will contribute to the information used for deciding on the next steps in this review. Samples were taken from the Whitby mill of Atlantic Packaging and from the Sound-Sorb berm at the Oshawa Skeet and Gun Club in the Regional Municipality of Durham. Samples were analyzed for a large variety of inorganic and organic elements and compounds. Results for fresh Atlantic Packaging Ltd. paper fibre biosolids were compared to the Guidelines for the Utilization of Biosolids and Other Wastes on Agricultural Land. For parameters for which there are no biosolids standards, results were compared to the typical range of background for uncontaminated soils in Ontario. Microbiology results for both fresh paper fibre biosolids and Sound-Sorb were compared to the United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for fecal coliform in biosolids used for application to agricultural land. Results for Sound-Sorb were compared to remediation guidelines outlined in the Guidelines for Use at Contaminated Sites in Ontario. Fresh Paper Fibre Biosolids The fresh paper fibre biosolids met all guideline levels in the Guidelines for the Utilization of Biosolids and Other Wastes on Agricultural Land. and sodium. The fresh paper fibre biosolids were lower in fecal coliform indicator bacteria (E. coli) than the United States Environmental Protection Agency fecal coliform guideline for Class B …