Utilities Kingston Invites Public to Drop-in Session for Integrated Biosolids and Source-Separated Organics Processing Facility
Utilities Kingston is inviting the public to join a drop-in session at its main offices at 85 Lappan’s Lane on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to learn about the Kingston Regional Biosolids and Biogas Facility project. The project is continuing to investigate the feasibility of an integrated biosolids and source-separated organics processing facility, and it is proceeding to Step 2, which includes public consultation and vendor engagement.
The proposed facility, referred to as the Kingston Regional Biosolids and Biogas Facility project, would be located at the City of Kingston-owned Knox Farm property on the west side of Perth Road, north of Highway 401. The project was triggered by the need to expand solids treatment infrastructure at the Cataraqui Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant and the desire to investigate innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact of delivering utility services.
“Managing sludge and other organic wastes to produce renewable end products is expected to reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions from operations, helping Utilities Kingston and the City of Kingston to become carbon neutral by 2040,” says Heather Roberts, Director of Water and Wastewater Operations.
Conceptually, the facility will process organic waste from several sources, including sludge (a product of wastewater treatment) from both the Ravensview and Cataraqui Bay Wastewater Treatment Plants, the City’s Green Bin program, and potentially other local and regional providers. After treatment, these organic wastes would create two sources of renewables: biogas and digestate.
Step 1 of this project, completed in January 2023, was to review the Master Plan and complete a suitability assessment of the Knox Farm property. At this stage, no major barriers were identified with this location.
As part of Step 2, a public drop-in session will be held on March 28 at Utilities Kingston’s main offices. The public can learn about the project and discuss the results of the preliminary assessments of the Knox Farm property in terms of its suitability for the proposed facility. Access is through the front, south-facing entrance, while parking is available at the front and back of the building.
Step 3, starting in the summer of 2023, will be to formally initiate the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process to develop and evaluate alternative design concepts for the facility.
After also investigating a business plan, Utilities Kingston expects to make the final recommendation to City Council on the facility by the end of 2024.
This project is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating renewable energy sources through the processing of organic waste. Those interested in learning more about the project can visit utilitieskingston.com.
