Brenda Environmental – Back to nature

Peachland, BC. - Back to nature (2154)

Compost for revegetation

Brenda Renewables, in collaboration with Westbank First Nation and Glencore Closed Mines, is spearheading a pioneering composting project in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. This spotlight outlines the key components and features of the state-of-the-art composting facility located at the former Brenda Mine site, highlighting its role in setting a new standard for environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of closed mine site restoration.

Glencore Canada owns the Brenda Mine site, situated 22 kilometers northwest of Peachland. The mine, operational for 20 years until its closure in 1990, primarily produced copper and molybdenum concentrate. As part of its responsibility, Glencore undertakes the restoration of approximately 750 hectares of rock piles left behind by the mining activities. Efforts thus far have involved contouring and terracing extensive rock piles, along with seeding, fertilization, and irrigation to initiate vegetation growth. Brenda Renewables, a partner company to Glencore, has made a long-term commitment to restore the site to a natural state by revegetating it with grasses, shrubs, and trees. This commitment underscores the dedication to environmental stewardship and the restoration of ecosystems disrupted by mining activities.

The Brenda composting facility represents a significant milestone in sustainable waste management practices. It is designed to produce Class A compost from municipal food waste and grape skins sourced from local wineries. This innovative approach not only addresses waste management challenges but also contributes to environmental sustainability objectives.

Facility overview

The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art measures to ensure environmental protection and regulatory compliance. In 2023, a 30,000 square foot MegaDome® compost building was designed and constructed by BuildWorks Construction. The compost systems, including Airfloor® in-floor aeration and leachate collection, as well as aeration blowers and controls, were designed and supplied by Bioworks Compost Systems Inc. Moreover, all compost air extracted from the facility undergoes treatment in biofilter odor control systems to meet provincial organics recycling and environmental standards.

 

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