Biosolids in B.C.

Biosolids are the stabilized products that are recovered at the end of the wastewater treatment process. 

Biosolids are rich in nutrients that may be beneficially used to improve soil conditions and provide nutrition for plants. Because of the biological components of biosolids, proper management is important to control the impact on the environment and human health.

In B.C., the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation sets requirements for the production of high-quality biosolids and subsequent beneficial use in land application and composting.

For questions or concerns regarding the current land application season, please email env.omrr.reg.reviews@gov.bc.ca.

Related documents and reports

Use these resources to learn more about biosolids:

• Biosolids Infographic (PDF)
• Biosolids: Alternative Management Options (PDF)
• Soil Amendment and Fertilizer Comparison (PDF)
• Biosolids Regulatory Framework (PDF)

Scientific review

On June 17, 2015, due to an increase in questions concerning biosolids land application, the B.C. government announced a technical working group would conduct a scientific review of biosolids.

The scientific review includes 2 key components:

• A review of scientific and academic literature on biosolids land applications
• A sampling project for both soils and biosolids

The literature review and technical reports are available:

• Biosolids Literature Review Covering Memorandum: June 6, 2016 (PDF)
• Literature Review of Risks of Using Biosolids and Compost from Biosolids with Relevance to the Nicola Valley in B.C. (PDF, 8.1MB)
• Soil Sampling Report (October 2016) (PDF, 2.6MB)
• Biosolids Sampling Report (January 2019) (PDF, 2.5MB)