GSI relies on many treatment processes for organic waste. We work together with our clients to find the right treatment process to suit their specific requirements or needs. We currently process organic waste through composting at our eight Quebec-based composting and storage facilities, dehydration and granulation, co-generation plants as well as through direct land application.
Composting
Compost is produced through the activity of aerobic (oxygen-requiring) microorganisms. These microbes require oxygen, moisture, and food in order to grow and multiply. When these resources are maintained at optimal levels, the natural decomposition process is greatly accelerated. The microbes generate heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide as they transform raw materials into a stable soil conditioner. Active composting is typically characterized by a high-temperature phase (up to 65 degrees celcius) that sanitizes the product and allows a high rate of decomposition, followed by a lower-temperature phase that allows the product to stabilize while still decomposing at a lower rate.
GSI has an impressive network of eight composting and storage facilities in Quebec located in Bury, L’Ange-Gardien, Lachute, Saint-Basile-Le-Grand, Saint-Fabien, Saint-Henri, Saint-Hyacinthe and La Compostière.
Our composting processes are based on state-of-the-art treatment technologies including aerated composting platform technology, windrow composting and odour control.
We use the outdoor pile composting technology (also known as static pile technology) which allows the production and marketing of a range of high quality composts, potting mixes and topsoils. The process consists of mixing and piling organic waste on an outdoor platform and then turning the piles on a monthly basis with an excavator for aeration purposes. Several of our facilities have automated turning systems.
We also provide transport and other services for municipal, industrial, commercial and institutional generators of organic waste.
GSI places importance on ensuring open and transparent communications with neighbouring residents. This is fundamental to the success of any project. We are committed to facilitating the integration of our activities within the local communities in which we are present. We accomplish this by implementing numerous communications initiatives in the communities and by participating in local events.
Dehydration and Granulation
GSI has developed a process by which manures, pulp and paper sludges and municipal sludges are dehydrated and then granulated to create a product that has high agronomic value and that enables a slow and gradual release of the nutrients to the soil. Our environmental vision is what led us to begin researching dehydration and granulation more than 12 years ago. Our research done in collaboration with Université Laval and the Coopérative Fédérée du Québec led to the marketing of the first organo-mineral fertilizer.
We continue to pursue organo-mineral fertilizer development and expect to apply the developed technology for the beneficial reuse of fertilizing organic matter.
Land Application (Direct Application)
Over the past fifteen years, we have developed agricultural procedures for the beneficial reuse of residual waste. The beneficial reuse of residual waste maintains and improves plant nutrition as well as the agronomic quality of soil. Agricultural beneficial reuse operations begin with the characterization of matter in order to assess the residue’s agronomic potential. Our team of agronomists then support and guide our agricultural clients though the process. This includes:
- Recommendations and agronomic monitoring
- Administrative process and spreading regulations
- Guarantee of product quality
- Rigourous analytical control
We are also active in communicating with and educating the communities where we conduct our activities by providing early notice of land application activities to neighbouring residents and by producing informational tools that explain the benefits and safeness of using organic residual matter for fertilization.
Co-Generation Plants
Our goal being beneficial reuse, we offer our clients the possibility to co-utilize organic waste for power generation as part of our wide range of alternative solutions. These biomass and waste fuels can be available for energy production purposes. Often in a densified form (pelletized, dehydrated and granulated) these fuels include crop residues, forestry residues, agricultural wastes and municipal sludges.