Management challenges of urban biosolids: narratives around facility siting in rural Ontario |
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Authors: | Sarah A Mason Jenna Dixon Faith Mambulu Andrea Rishworth Paul Mkandawire Isaac Luginaah |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Geography, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada;2. The Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Human Rights Program, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada |
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Abstract: | The emerging challenge of managing increasing volumes of urban sewage has resulted in municipalities pursuing sustainable ways to manage urban biosolids and their by-products. Using content analysis of public debates, and situating the debate within science, policy and facility siting literature, this study examines claims and counterclaims relating to the siting of a biosolid processing facility in rural Ontario. The equivocal evidence on the health and environmental effects of biosolids resulted in a heated “expert versus lay” debate. The study critically evaluates the importance of trust and the shifting role of scientific evidence in politicised settings, while making relevant policy recommendations. |
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Keywords: | policy science biosolids health Ontario |
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