A Vancouver Island company has unveiled the findings of a trial initiative conducted last summer aimed at mitigating dust pollution on unpaved roads in British Columbia. Ergo Eco Solutions, based in Cobble Hill, B.C., collects used cooking oil from local eateries in the mid and south island regions. The company then refines the oil using a unique process and transforms the food waste into a concentrate that can be mixed with water and applied to dirt roads.
CEO Brian Roberts explained that once the solution is spread, it combines with fine particulate matter to minimize dust levels. Additionally, it reinforces the road surface to prevent erosion, deterioration, and pollution. Roberts emphasized the adverse effects of dust pollution on health, visibility, and road safety, highlighting the necessity for effective dust control solutions.
Roberts and provincial authorities noted that more than 90% of B.C. roads are unpaved and require dust prevention measures. Traditionally, chloride salts are used for dust management, but Roberts, an environmental consultant, cautioned against their corrosive nature and environmental impact. Currently, the most eco-friendly method involves watering dirt roads using diesel trucks multiple times a day, which can be detrimental to both the roads and the vehicles.
Results from Ergo Eco Solutions’ summer pilot project indicated that using refined cooking oil could reduce water consumption by up to 99.5%. The Malahat Nation was an early adopter of this innovative solution, with their chief administrative officer, Josh Handysides, noting significant improvements in dust control and road stability after the application of the product.
Partnering restaurants like the Cobblestone Pub contribute to the initiative by providing used cooking oil to Ergo Eco Solutions. The pub’s manager, Ashley Carlson, highlighted the program’s dual benefits of waste recycling and supporting environmentally friendly practices. Roberts emphasized the circular economy aspect of the project, emphasizing the local production and distribution of the solution from nearby restaurants.
Overall, Ergo Eco Solutions’ approach offers a promising and sustainable alternative for dust suppression on dirt roads, showcasing the potential for environmentally conscious practices in road maintenance.
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