Environment Minister says composting of sewage sludge now taking place in province

Environment Minister Bob Mercer said there is no need at this time to call for a feasibility study into composting sewage sludge when the private sector in this province is already doing such work. Minister Mercer was responding to recent comments made by the Opposition environment critic calling on the province to investigate the viability of processing sewage sludge into compost.

"There is already a licensed septic recycling facility operating in this province doing exactly what Mr. Osborne is asking to be done," said Minister Mercer. "I cannot believe he is unaware of these efforts when his own caucus colleague, Terry French, the MHA for Conception Bay South, has been critical of the recycling of sewage sludge that is taking place on Incinerator Road, near Foxtrap."

Minister Mercer says the provincial Department of Environment has been working with and monitoring the sludge processing facility since its construction and is quite familiar with its operation.

"I see no need to waste taxpayers dollars at this time to reinvent the wheel as Mr. Osborne suggests," said Minister Mercer. "I am quite aware that there is a Newfoundland and Labrador-based company that has shown that such an operation is viable and is environmentally-beneficial."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications (709) 637-2676 or (709) 685-4624

2003 07 08                                       2:00 p.m.