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| Agriculture is a significant market for the cement and concrete industry in Canada. |
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| Agriculture is a significant market for the cement and concrete industry in Canada. |
The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) is to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate a promising new integrated agricultural waste management solution. The study will gauge the adaptability of European technology to North American agriculture standards. In Europe, the Integrated Waste Management Solution has proven to be economically viable as well as environmentally efficient.
The study is made possible by funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Green Municipal Enabling Fund (GMEF) and will be conducted in partnership with Outlook Pork Ltd. and the County of Lethbridge, in Alberta.
"Livestock waste management is an environmental issue that could have a significant impact on the primary livelihood and economy of our municipality. With the support of the FCM in this initiative, the County of Lethbridge can participate in finding a lasting solution for managing both livestock and municipal waste," says David Oseen, Reeve for the County of Lethbridge.
Outlook Pork Ltd. President, Peter Klok said that his company had been proactive in the search for new ways to manage livestock waste for some years. "We are strongly encouraged that this private-public partnership will provide a lasting benefit for County residents and all parties involved," he said.
Turning agricultural waste into renewable resources
The proposed IWMS is a European manure management solution that will help to protect surface and groundwater from contamination, reduce odour created from both the storage and spreading of manure, and reduce emission of methane and nitrous oxide in the form of greenhouse gases. It incorporates wastewater treatment, and aerobic and anaerobic digester systems. The system separates the waste into anaerobic material, and liquids and solids. Treatment produces safe, clean and profitable resources, including energy and fertilizer. The feasibility study is slated for completion by the fall of 2002.
Green Municipal Enabling Fund
The FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. FCM membership includes Canada's largest cities, small urban communities, rural municipalities, and the 19 major provincial and territorial municipal associations. The Green Municipal Enabling Fund is a five-year, $25 million fund that provides grants for energy audits and feasibility studies. Its basic objective is to implement innovative technology and management approaches in municipal operations. To be approved, a proposal must demonstrate high levels of innovation, performance improvement and replication potential.
Agriculture is a significant and strategic market for the cement and concrete industry in Canada, accounting for 4% of annual cement output. Concrete accounts for more than 17% ($76 million) of the total construction spending incurred on building products in the industrial market.
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