Construction has begun on Sudbury’s new $63.1-million biosolids management facility.
The plant will process sludge resulting from sewage treatment. For the last 30 years, the city has used tailings ponds as a disposal site, but due to changing environmental standards and recurrent episodes of a foul odour, is required to cease that method.
N-Viro Systems Canada LP will design, build, finance, operate and maintain (DBFOM) the facility, while the city retains ownership. Under a Private-Public Partnership (P3), the P3 Canada Fund is contributing $11 million, while the remainder of costs will be financed by the city and N-Viro.
According to a city release, the DBFOM model offered the city the best value for money. Under the DBFOM model, the private sector accepts more of the risk and is responsible for meeting the standards established by the city through the procurement process.
N-Viro began mobilizing equipment on June 17, and construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015.
