The first analysis of a biosolids application trial at Fosterville Gold Mine was completed this week, showing positive signs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The two-year trial is a collaboration between Coliban Water and FGM and will assess whether the application of biosolids on rehabilitated mine land will assist in growing pasture and plants.
Coliban Water general manager water quality performance and regulation David Sheehan said it was a method that could be used to turn by-product into a valuable resource.
“We recognise the environmental value in reusing resources. Biosolids contain nitrogen, trace metals and phosphorus, which are all beneficial for soil conditioning,” Mr Sheehan said.
“We’ve just completed our first review of the four-hectare trial site after the seeds were spread in late autumn. There is plenty of green popping up, so things are looking good so far. This project is a win-win.”
“It benefits FGM as they have free biosolids to help rehabilitate the land, and it benefits Coliban Water by having a secondary use for the treated biosolids. The pasture growth also helps to reduce dust in the mine vicinity.”
Biosolids are a by-product of the wastewater treatment process, but can be utilised as fertilisers or soil conditioners.
An Environmental Improvement Plan for the trial was developed in consultation with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and a range of stakeholders.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
