Improved NASM Framework for the Land Application of Food Processing Wash-water and Solid Residuals

Abstract

The land application of food-processing wash-waters provides valuable nutrients and soil organic matter to agriculture lands if properly applied. Many jurisdictions have processes in place to ensure that land application provides positive benefits while protecting the environment. However, Ontario food processors have indicated that the land application regulations for wastes are overly burdensome and hindering economic opportunities. Therefore, research was completed to identify potential improvements to Ontario’s land application framework. The research revealed that Ontario has one of the best regulatory frameworks for land application compared to other North American jurisdictions. Ontario’s documents are easy to find and navigate, but the standards are overly burdensome for lower risk sources of waste. For example, high-risk sources for pathogens and heavy metals such as sewage wastewater are grouped with lower risk sources such as food-processing wash-waters. Potential improvements are presented, including decreased sampling frequencies.