Viridis environnement and Services sanitaires Denis Fortier, in collaboration with the Comité citoyen de l’environnement de la Ville de Thetford Mines, allowed the population to visit the new Centre régional de traitement de la matière organique de Thetford (CRTMO) on October 26th. The 150 participants were able to learn more about how the site works, the management of organic materials and the composting process, but also to discover the work being done to ensure a second life for their food and plant waste. The two companies chose to combine their fields of expertise in environmental engineering and waste management and recovery to become co-partners in this facility located on the former National Mine site in Thetford Mines. Viridis environnement is recognized for its innovative solutions in the recovery of fertilizer waste and is carrying out, since 2012, a similar project on the site of the former chrysotile mine in the Black Lake sector. As for Services Sanitaires Denis Fortier of thetfordoise, it has been dedicated for more than 40 years to the collection of residual materials, with the utmost respect for the environment and safety. “This major project adds a new string to our bow, namely compost treatment, and thus continues the green shift we have been making for several years,” said Steve Fortier, President of Services Sanitaires Denis Fortier. The composting site processes source-separated organic materials from the brown bin collection introduced by the city in 2017 as well as bulk green waste received from the region’s ecocentres. The implementation of this third route will allow a large portion of these residues to be diverted and, consequently, reduce landfill costs and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the compost resulting from the decomposition of these materials will serve as organic compost to plant the mine workings of this former mine (La Nationale), gradually allowing nature to come back to life and beautify the landscape. “The opening of the Centre is really positive for the region since the residual materials of some become essential products for others. This is a very good example of a collective regional waste reuse project that perfectly respects the criteria of the green, circular and social economy,” says Simon Naylor, Vice President Administration and Development at Viridis Environment. The mayor of the City of Thetford Mines, Marc-Alexandre Brousseau, welcomes the project with enthusiasm: “The city is always happy to welcome new businesses to our region. Our concern for the environment is great and we are very happy that we can now be more autonomous when it comes to composting. We now have all the facilities and equipment we need to produce our compost and use it locally. I encourage all citizens to integrate this practice into their daily lives. Composting is an easy gesture that really makes a big difference for the environment. In addition, the CTRMO is in line with the environmental objectives set out in the Québec Residual Materials Management Policy, which aims to encourage more environmentally friendly societal behaviour and better practices for the consumption and sound management of residual materials.
Success of the Open House activity for the new Regional Organic Matter Treatment Centre
