What concerns were raised by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario?
In his Annual Report of 2000/2001, “Having Regard”, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario identified concerns raised by farmers and citizens about the land application of biosolids and septage. He recommended that the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food ensure that new legislation and policies for sewage sludge and septage address the need for overall ecosystem protection and the protection of groundwater recharge areas. He identified the following problems with Ontario’s rules for sewage and septage spreading: • Nutrient management plans are not required for an approved site that is receiving sewage. This means that there is no accurate or current information about nutrient loads being applied, soil or weather conditions, or actual crop nutrient needs. This lack of information increases the risk of run-off to ground or surface water. • There is no recognition of groundwater recharge areas or environmentally sensitive areas that are more prone to co
