The Smiths Falls biochar pilot project continues to make progress in its effort to contribute to a cleaner environment and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Biochar is described as a type of charcoal primarily used as a soil enhancer made from organic material, like tree branches, exposed to elevated temperatures under low oxygen conditions. The initiative is expected to contribute to the Town’s Climate Action Plan currently in the development stages.

The experimental project was launched at the Smiths Falls Compost Site in 2023 and was lead by the Rideau Roundtable in partnership with the Town of Smiths Falls to manage wood waste and turn it into biochar for use as an organic garden supplement. The Town contributed the space and materials along with financial assistance to apply for a Research and Development (R&D) permit with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

As part of the R&D permit application process, soil testing was required to identify a baseline of soil characteristics. Sampling results detected slightly elevated levels of lead, cadmium, and zinc; the source of the metals is unknown. The results have been reported to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks as part of the application process.

The overall site has served as a repository for inert fill material used for the construction of onsite berms and potentially for future road building projects. Town staff regularly remove unacceptable and illegally dumped materials that enter the site from time to time for proper disposal.

“The Town of Smiths Falls remains committed to environmental sustainability and responsible diversion of waste materials from landfill disposal,” said the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer Malcolm Morris. “We have identified a series of action items related to the biochar project and will be working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to address”.

The biochar project could also help support other environmental initiatives. One potential example is a tree nursery on the compost site property. Saplings would be planted and fertilized with biochar for eventual replanting as part of the Town’s tree canopy expansion initiative.

The Compost Site accepts leaf & yard waste and brush for open air composting into a nutrient rich and natural fertilizer. The last day for drop off in 2024 is Saturday, November 23rd. The site will re-open in the spring of 2025.

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Media Contact
Joanne Plontz
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8
613-283-4124 ext. 1122
Communications@smithsfalls.ca