Group claims dust from Blackwell Dairy contains biosolids

KAMLOOPS – A group of concerned Dallas residents say dust from Blackwell Dairy is impairing their quality of life.

According to a group of residents lobbying city council to investigate the issue, the dust makes it impossible to enjoy the outdoors and is responsible for respiratory and other health issues.

City staff believe the dust comes from a sawdust pile, which is mixed with biosolids to create fertilizer, on the Blackwell Dairy farm but the residents believe the dark-coloured dust is actually a biosolids blend. 

The city has already taken steps to eliminate the sawdust pile from the farm.

According to Community Safety and Enforcement Manager Jon Wilson, the dairy farm was first investigated back in May. Staff ordered the removal of the sawdust pile, which the farm was not aware it could not have on site.

The farm has gradually removed the large pile of sawdust, and Wilson says it is almost half the size it once was. He believes residents might be experiencing an influx of dust because moving the pile has created flyaway. 

Wilson says there is no evidence to suggest the black dust blowing into Dallas is made of biosolids. He is confident that when the pile is removed, the issue will be settled.

Mayor Peter Milobar notes the subject of biosolids is provincial jurisdiction and the city doesn’t have the power to remove any operation. What is in the city’s control, is the sawdust pile only.

The farm has until Aug. 10, 2015, to remove the entire pile, which Wilson admits is already an extended deadline. City council will re-examine the issue after the sawdust pile has been removed.

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