The Toronto Port Lands -- the site of heavy industry on the waterfront since the 1800s -- represents one of the largest soil remediation projects in the world. And rather than "digging and dumping," the standard practice for such sites,
Waterfront Toronto has opted to attempt a massive soil recycling project on the spot.
It has partnered with international environmental consulting giants
DEC and
Tetra Tech on the
Port Lands Pilot Soil Recycling Facility to test the effectiveness (and environmental soundness) of reusing the soil rather than dumping it. If it is successful, Waterfront Toronto President and CEO John Campbell says it could "change the way impacted soil is managed in Ontario."
Last week, the project was recognized with a technological innovation award at the prestigious
Canadian Urban Institute Brownie Awards.
"We are very proud and honoured that the Canadian Urban Institute
acknowledged our pilot soil recycling facility with a Brownie," said
Campbell in a statement. "Soil recycling is
an opportunity to turn contaminated soil into a resource instead of a
liability."
The pilot testing, which began in September, should conclude this month. After review and assessment, the decontamination process is expected to take place over the next 10 to 20 years.
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Tari Stork, Project Communications Manager, Waterfront Toronto