The raw material involved in the manufacture of Papier Masson newsprint is 100% recovered wood chips. These represent the residues from wood used in Quebec sawmills. Recycling, reclamation and conversion are a fundamental part of daily operations at Papier Masson. As well as using sawmill residues for our raw material, we work at putting our own residues to use by sorting out what can serve as raw material for other companies.

This way, Papier Masson manages to recover or convert more than 98% of its residues. This rate is distinctly higher than the average rate in many other sectors (Figure 4).

The largest portion (around 80%) of all our residues is treated wastewater sludge called biosolids. These residues are entirely converted, either as compost (40–50%) or as agricultural fertilizer spread directly on fields (50–60%).

Figure 4

Using Biosolids as Agricultural Fertilizer⁵

What exactly is being recycled?

The processes used for manufacturing pulp and paper need huge amounts of water. Generally drawn from a river located near the mill, this water, once used, is cleaned prior to being returned there. Ever since new water treatment systems were implemented in the mid 1990s, more than 98% of solids (often small wood fibres) and dissolved organic matter suspended in the water have been reclaimed. The product of this process, called biosolids or residual fertilizing material, is what paper manufacturers provide to farmers.

What was done with this fertilizing material in the past?

Traditionally, most of the solids produced by this water treatment process were simply buried in specially designated sites, and what was left was incinerated. This meant that a large quantity of potentially useful, recyclable organic material was lost forever.

What is the incentive for recycling this organic material?

The desire to contribute to sustainable development prompts business and governments to implement measures to reduce, reuse and recycle residual materials. Recycling fertilizing materials from pulp and paper manufacturers shows us how everyone can benefit from it.

Farmers can take advantage of an appreciable yet low-cost addition of organic material to their fields. These fertilizing materials help to retain nutrients and soil water; contribute a significant amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; stimulate micro-organisms already present in the soil; and increase the effectiveness of inorganic fertilizers. Where biosolids reclaimed from pulp and paper mill waste have been added, the soil is better structured, meaning it has better resistance to compaction and erosion and facilitates the growth of roots.

The pulp and paper manufacturers also benefit, as this practice improves their environmental report card by returning to the earth organic products taken from the forest. This practice also helps to control the costs of burying waste.

Lastly, the community benefits as well from the reduced use of waste as landfill and the reduced use of inorganic fertilizers. By recycling biosolids, pulp and paper manufacturers ensure better protection of groundwater by significantly improving the capacity of the soil to retain nutrients. By being substituted for a portion of inorganic fertilizers, this reclamation of biosolids also allows for using a Québec product.

Are these materials dangerous?

Québec’s environmental standards are among the most stringent in the world. They have been developed in a way to avoid the contamination of soil, groundwater and plant life. The biosolids produced from the pulp and paper manufacturing processes easily meet these criteria and compare very well with other materials that have been used extensively in the past. Whenever biosolids are to be spread on agricultural land, it is first necessary to obtain a certificate of authorization from the Ministère de l’Environnement. Prior to issuing a certificate for any such project, the Ministry requires a statement of compliance with municipal regulations, the specifications of the work to be done and the results of analyses showing the environmental qualities of the fertilizing material. In addition, the storage and spreading of biosolids must be done in the way prescribed by an agrologist.

The practice in Québec of reclaiming biosolids from waste is built on the experience acquired over more than 20 years in Québec, Ontario, the United States and elsewhere in the world. The interest paper manufacturers have in establishing healthy, sustainable relations with the agricultural sector, coupled with the stiff criteria set by the Ministère de l’Environnement, ensure sustainable agriculture development for farmers and their communities.

Is there an unpleasant odour? ⁵

Organic fertilizers, such as manure, give off odours that almost everyone can identify. Biosolids too give off some odours during their handling. These odours, however, are not as familiar to us. Proper planning of when they are spread avoids any possible annoyance.

Conclusion

Reclaiming biosolids from waste allows for better conservation of soil and groundwater and improves agricultural productivity. This practice meshes well with Québec’s action plan on managing residual materials, as established by the Ministère de l’Environnement du Québec, which promotes waste reclamation over the use of landfill sites.

If you need more information about the use of biosolids look on the web site of Ministry of the Environment at: http://www.menv.gouv.qc.ca/matieres/mat_res-en/fertilisantes/faq.htm

Or on the web site of « Conseil de l’industrie forestière du Québec » at www.cifq.qc.ca

⁵ Our translation (unofficial) of De l’arbre au champ : les papetières et la fertilisation des terres agricoles, published by the Québec Forest Industries Association.