Harms of PFAS, the CRD’s contract with Lafarge, and Celebrating the Long-standing Ban on the Land Application of Biosolids

A CTV news story on the pervasiveness and dangers of PFAS, a VicNews story on the ongoing issues with biosolids disposal at the Lafarge Cement kiln, and an op-ed by BioSolids Free BC founder, Philippe Lucas, celebrating the popular CRD ban on the land application of biosolids:

1. https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/millions-of-canadians-have-been-exposed-to-potentially-toxic-chemicals-and-they-re-not-going-anywhere-1.6878917

“An international study published last month found PFAS to be “pervasive in [surface and ground water] worldwide,” with 69 per cent of samples exceeding concentration limits proposed by Health Canada, even when a specific source of contamination could not be identified.”

2. https://www.vicnews.com/local-news/850k-flowed-to-company-that-took-2-of-greater-victorias-biosolids-in-2023-7357828

“Lafarge accepted 67 of the 2,908 tonnes of Class A biosolids produced last year, and received zero tonnes through the first three months of this year due to ongoing issues.

The partnership has faced challenges in recent years, mainly due to equipment breaking down and other issues at the cement plant, although the CRD was also at fault for a short period last year when its biosolids didn’t meet the plant’s requirements.”

3. https://www.saanichnews.com/opinion/letter-petition-aims-to-keep-toxic-chemicals-out-of-greater-victoria-environment-7353906 

“The CRD ban on the land application of biosolids is strongly supported by local residents and numerous organizations. At a time when other communities are having to destroy cattle or spend millions to remediate farms contaminated with PFAS-laden biosolids, the ban has successfully kept biosolids out of our farms, forests, and waterways. Moreover, our region has become an international environmental leader in the fight against the land application of biosolids.”