Pot of gold to be found in sewer sludge?

BY BRENT FOX

The Advertiser

NovaNewsNow.com

What’s full of poop and could be an environmental economic opportunity for Nova Scotia?

The Norwegian Altinex Group demonstrated its sewage sludge dewatering technology at Environment Minister Mark Parent’s house in Pereau Friday afternoon, Sept. 14.

The unit drained Parent’s household septic tank. The fee went to the Friends of the Cornwallis River.

Odd Nygaard and Svein Thommassen demonstrated the process to a number of department, municipal and business representatives.

The unit is mounted on a Scania truck body. To be available on this continent, the units would be on North American chassis and bodies.

Parent said those attending the event could see the technology first-hand. “We know that with environmental protection comes economic opportunities and this technology is a perfect example of that.” It’s part of advancing the environmental economy.

Noting that environmental technology have already provided economic potential, Parent pointed out the province’s recycling efforts have received world attention and have brought offshore business opportunities.

A number of municipalities and industries in the province are working toward purchasing such technology, which offers reduced costs and times for pumping and less septate lagoon use.

Working with the Environment and Labour Department, Altinex plans to establish a base in the province leading to manufacturing opportunities for Nova Scotia companies. The province would then become the company’s gateway to the $1.86 billion industry in the United States.

Anticipated employment opportunities in the province include manufacturing, sales and technical support. The solid waste from the process can be treated and used in non-food chain compost.

The Environment Department sees the opportunity as working with the private sector to develop a market niche for new technology.