Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are biosolids?

Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic product of wastewater treatment. A beneficial resource, biosolids contain essential plant nutrients and organic matter and are recycled as a fertilizer and soil conditioner.

2) What are “Class A” biosolids?

“Class A” biosolids are biosolids that meet the criteria outlined under the provincial Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR). Under OMRR, “Class A” biosolids must meet strict regulations and quality standards including numerical limits for metals in biosolids, pathogen reduction standards, and sampling and analysis protocols and frequency. JAMES Plant biosolids are sampled and tested on a regular basis to ensure all quality criteria is met and to ensure a “Class A” rating is maintained for our biosolids. Only “Class A” biosolids are used in the production of Val-E-Gro™.

3) What is Val-E-Gro™?

Val-E-Gro™ is a “growing media” formulated from biosolids, composted bark and washed sand designed to meet horticultural and landscape standards.

4) What are the benefits to using Val-E-Gro™?

Val-E-Gro™ is ideal for all outdoor horticultural applications and is ready to plant on arrival. Val-E-Gro™ has optimum concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and does not require any additional fertilization at the time of planting. Not only does Val-E-Gro™ have a history of proven results, you will also become a full-cycle recycler by using it in your horticultural activities.

5) Is Val-E-Gro™ safe to use in my vegetable garden and with other food crops?

Yes. Using “Class A” biosolids based products such as Val-E-Gro™ on home-grown produce has been researched extensively and is considered to be safe. The use of any product on your home vegetable garden is as much a matter of personal opinion as scientific fact. Some home gardeners are uncomfortable with a variety of products for a variety of reasons. Some employ only composts they have made, while many utilize imported chemical and organic amendments.

6) Will Val-E-Gro™ hurt my pets?

No. It is safe to allow pets onto Val-E-Gro™ treated lawns, but wait a few days until the Val-E-Gro™ has worked its way into the roots. Some animals are attracted to and eat organic based soil products. While it is nutritious for your plants, it doesn’t contain the nutrients your pets need. And, if they track it into the house, Val-E-Gro™’s organic materials can be difficult to clean from carpets.

7) Since Val-E-Gro™ is a natural and organic product, why should I be concerned about how much I use?

A thick layer of Val-E-Gro™ holds too much water and provides more nutrients than your lawn can possibly use. Your lawn could get soft and even swampy if you don’t have adequate drainage, and you’ll be mowing far more than you should. Also, thick applications of Val-E-Gro™ will retain odor for much longer.

8) Does Val-E-Gro™ smell?

Because it is nutrient rich, Val-E-Gro ™ has an “earthy” smell that dissipates after a few days, depending on how much drying or watering it receives. When odor is an issue, you have most likely over applied Val-E- Gro™.

9) Where can I get Val-E-Gro™?

Val-E-Gro™ is distributed and sold through Yardworks Supply Inc. For more information on purchasing Val-E-Gro™ please go to www.yardworks.com or phone direct at (604) 607 – 3302.

10) Is Val-E-Gro™ available year-round?

Yes. For information on purchasing Val-E-Gro™ please contact Yardworks Supply Inc. by going to www.yardworks.com or phone direct at 604-607-3302.

11) How is Val-e-gro made and distributed?

Solids in wastewater treatment go through a number of steps before they are turned into Class “A” biosolids that can be used in manufacturing Val-E-GroTM.  Click here to find more information on how Val-E-Gro is produced and distributed.

12) Where can I get more information on Val-E-GroTM?

For more information on Val-E-Gro™ contact:

Joe Vurzinger, Ctech
Utilities Environment Manager
Email: jvurzinger@abbotsford.ca
Tel: 604-853-5485 ext 5663