WHEREAS the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health are responsible for reviewing and approving bio solid composting facility permits and land application notifications under the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation; and the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for administration of the Agricultural Land Commission Act; AND WHEREAS, due to these activities being carried out within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the inter-jurisdictional importation of bio solid waste materials is being authorized and land application and composting facilities are being permitted without a public consultation process in locations where residents and the environment may be adversely affected by the potential health risks, noise and odor nuisances, property value reductions and community well-being: Therefore be it resolved that the Province form a committee including local government representatives to examine and make recommendations for changes to the Provincial bio solid review process and changes to the content in the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation and Agricultural Land Commission Act that govern the bio solid regulatory process in the Province of British Columbia.
Ministry of Environment The preamble of the proposed resolution is not based on an accurate representation of the requirements of the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation OMRR. The regulation does not require the Ministry to issue permits or approve land application plans or biosolids composting facilities. The Ministry hosted a UBCM workshop on September 21, 2015 for interested local governments, where the current Organic Matter Recycling Regulation and the ongoing scientific review of biosolids in the Nicola Valley were discussed. On April 4th, 2016, the Ministry announced British Columbians will have a chance to engage with government as part of a comprehensive review of OMRR to ensure it remains protective of human health and environment. Over the coming months, detailed policy proposals will be drafted with respect to biosolids and other municipal wastewater by-products. A policy intentions paper will then be posted online by fall 2016, for the public to provide comments and feedback. Concurrent with the public engagement, discussions will also take place with First Nations, agriculture producers and local governments. In advance of the formal review of OMRR, biosolids soil sampling will be completed to assess metal and pathogen levels against current OMRR standards. The ministry will also conduct exploratory sampling of biosolids for selected organic contaminants. Sampling results will support and information the formal review of OMRR, which is expected to be completed in 2017.