rmwb.ca/northernroots
Process Cycle
From Wastewater
to Biosolids
to Compost
1
Wastewater generated
by residents
2
Released and
recycled back into
the environment
Separation of solids
from liquids
Wastewater Treatment Plant
3
4
Liquid effluent
– treated water
Sludge and
biosolids
5
1 – Wastewater Generated by Residents
Wastewater is generated every day
throughout the community from showers,
sinks and toilets and laundry. This
wastewater is collected through the
underground sanitary collection system
2 – Separation of Solids from Liquids
Wastewater arrives at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant where it is treated to
legislated standards and released back
into the environment. The wastewater
treatment process generates two primary
outputs: a liquid effluent, and a residual
solid material called biosolids.
Biosolids:
the foundation
of compost
3 – Liquid effluent – treated water
Effluent is a technical term for the outflow
of treated water from a wastewater
treatment facility. This is wastewater that
has been treated, sterilized and tested to
meet legislated standards and released
back into the environment.
4 – Sludge and Biosolids
The semi-solid material left over from
the separation process is called sludge.
This material is dewatered to remove
excess liquid and results in biosolids,
which are organic solids that can be
reused after stabilization.
6
Final product:
Northern Roots
Compost
5 – Biosolids: The Foundation
of Compost
The dewatered biosolids are then sent
to our state-of-the-art composting facility
where it goes through an extensive
process to control odour, pasteurize,
aerate and test to ensure all legislated
health and safety requirements are met
before use.
6 – Final Product: Northern
Roots Compost
Once the process is complete, the
compost is tested by a third-party
laboratory and classified in accordance
with legislated health and safety standards.
Then result is a healthy, organic compost
called Northern Roots Compost.