Compost Maker Fined $125,000

Compost maker Scott Environmental Group Limited has been fined $125,000 plus the 25% victim fine surcharge, for breaching multiple conditions of its Certificate of Approval. Scott (operating as Norterra Organics in Kingston) pleaded guilty to accepting too much daily waste, storing more than its limit of 100 tonnes of biosolids per day, and storing biosolids outside, contrary to ministry requirements to have all handling done indoors to control and reduce odours.

On several occasions, the company accepted biosolids (sewage sludge) that exceeded the allowable metal limits as set out in the Environmental Protection Act. As a result, it produced and sold more than a thousand tonnes of contaminated compost, which in turn contaminated several properties where it was used.