Se rendre au contenu

1. Marine and Port Industry 


Background 

The Port of Bayhaven, a mid-sized commercial harbor located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, handles approximately 5 million tons of cargo annually. During routine fueling and cargo transfer operations, Bayhaven Port Authority began experiencing recurring small-to-medium hydrocarbon spills, primarily diesel and bunker fuel. Seeking to adopt more sustainable practices, the authority initiated a pilot test using Canadian sphagnum peat moss, both treated and untreated, across key operational zones. 

Problem 

Conventional absorbents like polypropylene pads and booms were widely used but posed significant challenges:  

  • Ineffective Selectivity: Absorbed both oil and water, reducing hydrocarbon retention. 
  • Environmental Cost: Non-biodegradable and required expensive hazardous waste disposal. 
  • Marine Limitations: Poor hydrocarbon separation in tidal and wave conditions. 

Solution 

Port Operations Director Angela Ramirez led a pilot program in partnership with Coastal Spill Response Inc., a regional spill response contractor, and a Canadian supplier of sphagnum peat products.  

  • Land-Based Applications: Untreated peat moss was applied at fueling stations and maintenance depots, where operators reported a 40% faster cleanup time compared to synthetic pads. 
  • Marine-Based Applications: Treated peat moss, refined to a 0.5mm grade and heat-dried to 6% moisture, was deployed in booms and spill kits for immediate waterborne spill response. It demonstrated superior oil-selectivity, floating stably while capturing slicks without absorbing seawater. 

Results An independent study published in The Bayhaven Herald (May 2024 Edition) reported: 

  •  A 56% reduction in absorbent disposal volume. 
  •  Cost savings of approximately $18,000 per quarter on waste handling. 
  •  Notably improved response times and lower risk of secondary contamination. 

Bayhaven Port Authority has since standardized the use of sphagnum peat-based absorbents and is in talks with other Gulf Coast ports to share results and support regional adoption. 

Feature Oil Absorption Polypropylene Untreated Peat Treated Peat ~8:1 Water Absorption High Biodegradable Disposal Cost No High ~10:1 Moderate Yes Low 

  •  Cleanup times improved by 30–40% • Marine-safe, non-toxic, biodegradable • Compliant with IMO and MARPOL guidelines ~12:1 Very Low Yes Low Recommendation: Use treated peat moss in dockside booms and marine kits. Deploy untreated moss for land based fueling zones and mechanical cleanup.

2. Oil and Gas Industry


Background 

ClearRock Energy Services, a mid-sized oilfield services company based in Red Deer, Alberta, operates across several upstream sites in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. With growing pressure from both provincial regulators and major clients to implement greener remediation practices, the company explored alternatives to conventional absorbents after persistent issues with pipeline drips, hydraulic leaks from service trucks, and soil contamination near wellheads. 

Problem 

Conventional absorbents—mostly clay granules and polypropylene mats—presented several operational challenges: 

  • Bulk and Weight: Difficult to transport and store efficiently on mobile rigs. 
  • Disposal Costs: Single-use and classified as hazardous waste post-use. 
  • Low Performance in Moist Environments: Particularly poor in spring and fall during Alberta's wet season. 

Solution 

Under the guidance of Environmental Manager Tanya Bruneau, ClearRock partnered with a Canadian supplier of sphagnum peat-based sorbents, for a 3-month pilot project: 

  • On Dry Ground: Untreated peat moss was deployed around rig bases, frac tanks, and diesel pump pads. Crews reported faster response times and better surface coverage. 
  • In Wet or Sensitive Areas: Treated, heat-dried peat moss was included in emergency spill kits stationed near creeks, retention ponds, and pipeline crossings. It outperformed synthetic pads, floating while retaining hydrocarbons even during rainfall. 

Results 

According to a March 2024 feature in the Red Deer Field Times, ClearRock reported: 

  • 12x absorption efficiency per unit weight for hydrocarbon spills. 
  • 25% drop in remediation costs, largely due to reduced transport and disposal fees. 
  • In select zones, peat was tilled directly into the soil with Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) approval, accelerating bioremediation with no offsite hauling required. 

Recommendation

  1. ClearRock has now integrated both peat moss types across its upstream operations. Treated peat is specifically stocked in high-risk wet zones and field spill kits. The company plans to share data with other operators through the Canadian Oilfield Sustainability Alliance (COSA) later this year. 

3. Mining Industry 


Background 

Northpoint Nickel Corp., a mid-sized nickel mining operator located 40 km west of Kirkland Lake, Northern Ontario, has been in continuous operation since 2008. Facing growing environmental expectations from both investors and Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), the company set out to reduce hydrocarbon contamination risks around tailings ponds, fueling areas, and maintenance yards. 

Problem 

Northpoint’s previous use of synthetic absorbents (polypropylene rolls and mats) exposed several limitations: 

  • Runoff Risk: During rainfall, hydrocarbon residues bypassed containment zones due to poor selectivity. 
  • Environmental Conflict: Non-biodegradable materials hindered Northpoint’s broader land reclamation goals. 
  • Costly Disposal: Spent absorbents were transported offsite as Class II industrial waste, raising operational costs. 

Solution 

With support from the Northern Sustainability Alliance and supply chain partner, the environmental response team—led by Chief Environmental Officer Renee LaFlamme—initiated a full-season field test using sphagnum peat moss: 

  • Untreated Peat Moss: Spread around crusher pads, equipment garages, and high-traffic fueling stations to soak up oil leaks before they penetrated the substrate. 
  • Treated Peat Moss (heat-dried, 5–8% moisture): Packed into floating boom socks and deployed along the perimeter of tailing pond runoff channels and settling areas. The moss maintained buoyancy while selectively absorbing oil and hydraulic fluids even in pooled or flowing water. 

Results 

According to a report featured in the Northern Ontario Mining Chronicle (March 2025 edition): 

  • No confirmed water contamination incidents occurred during the spring melt. 
  • Reclamation crews reused the peat as part of a topsoil amendment strategy in non-sensitive areas, aligning with MECP guidelines. 
  • Local environmental officers praised the move as “a textbook case of low-impact remediation” for Northern Ontario mine sites. 

Recommendation 

Following the success of the trial, Northpoint Nickel Corp. now mandates the use of Canadian sphagnum peat moss products in all field spill kits, shoreline barriers, and heavy-equipment zones. The company has committed to presenting its results at the upcoming PDAC Conference in Toronto and is preparing a joint white paper with a Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss provider.

4. Manufacturing Industry 


Background

 Valtera Dynamics Inc., a Tier-1 supplier of suspension and engine components for North American automakers, operates a 180,000 sq. ft. facility in Windsor, Ontario. Amid a broader push to improve ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics, the company launched an internal initiative to reduce workplace hazards and transition toward renewable safety and cleanup materials. 

Problem 

Daily operations exposed several persistent issues with their existing spill management system: 

  • Non-renewable Synthetic Pads: High monthly costs and lack of biodegradability conflicted with corporate sustainability goals. 
  • Slip Hazards: Low retention led to frequent re-spill incidents, particularly during overnight shifts. 
  • Audit Failures: External ESG auditors flagged the company’s waste handling as inconsistent with ISO 14001 standards. 

Solution 

Led by Health & Safety Officer Melissa Chan, Valtera partnered with Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss provider to test a dual-application strategy using Canadian sphagnum peat moss: 

  • Untreated Peat Moss: Deployed in floor-level spill stations near production lines and maintenance zones. The moss offered rapid absorption and stayed in place, reducing slip-and-fall incidents. 
  • Treated Peat Moss: Stocked in mobile spill carts and wall-mounted kits around chemical storage rooms and CNC lubricant bays. The treated variant absorbed more rapidly and retained oils without leaching, even on smooth epoxy floors. 

Results 

A March 2025 article in The Windsor Manufacturing Review highlighted Valtera’s measurable gains: 

  • 15% drop in maintenance downtime due to faster cleanup and fewer equipment slips. 
  • Peat-based waste was composted under Ontario’s green industrial waste program, saving on landfill fees. 
  • The facility achieved full GreenShield Tier II certification for sustainable operations, improving its procurement score with major auto clients. 

Recommendation 

Valtera recommends replacing synthetic absorbents with Canadian sphagnum peat moss in all high-risk, high-volume production zones. Treated variants are ideal for mobile kits and spill carts, while untreated moss works effectively for general maintenance and safety stations. The company plans to expand this model to its new facility in Kentucky later this year.



Regulatory Considerations for Peat Moss in Environmental Applications


Recognized Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA)


Peat moss is widely recognized for its exceptional absorbent properties, making it a valuable material in environmental remediation—particularly for hydrocarbon and chemical spill response. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, peat moss-based absorbents are considered non-leaching and safe for landfill disposal, meeting key criteria such as the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and the Paint Filter Liquids Test (PFLT). This ensures that once peat moss has absorbed hazardous materials, it can be securely and legally disposed of without posing secondary environmental risks.


a green and white pillow


In Canada, the environmental regulation of peat moss falls under Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

Canadian farmers harvesting Sphagnum Peat Moss operate under strict environmental stewardship programs, including sustainability plans, ecological impact assessments, and post-harvest land restoration requirements. These regulations ensure that peat moss extraction and usage support long-term environmental conservation goals.

By aligning with both U.S. and Canadian regulatory frameworks, peat moss absorbents offer a safe, sustainable, and landfill-compliant solution for industrial spill cleanup and environmental protection.

Landfill considerations for 

Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss


Both untreated and treated peat moss can be disposed of in landfills if they meet certain regulatory conditions, but treated peat moss is more commonly approved and preferred for hazardous spill cleanup due to its consistent


Treated Peat Moss:

  • Specially processed to reduce moisture (typically to 5–10%)
  • Hydrophobic (repels water), so it only absorbs hydrocarbons
  • Non-leaching, meaning it won’t release absorbed contaminants over time
  • Regularly tested and certified to meet landfill regulations like:
    • TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure)
    • Paint Filter Liquids Test
    • Liquid Release Test
  • Therefore, clearly approved for landfill disposal, especially when saturated with hazardous materials like oil or fuel.


Untreated Peat Moss:

• Typically contains 30–50% natural moisture content (varies by harvest and climate) • Hydrophilic (absorbs both water and hydrocarbons), which can reduce its effectiveness in water-oil mixtures • May leach contaminants when oversaturated, especially in high-moisture environments • Rarely certified for direct landfill disposal without additional testing • May fail landfill compliance tests like: TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure), Paint Filter Liquids Test, Liquid Release Test • As a result, untreated peat moss often requires pre-treatment or controlled disposal methods when used in spill cleanup involving hazardous materials.

Regulatory Endorsements

Treated peat moss is recognized or permitted for use by several key international and national environmental agencies, including:

  • 🇺🇸 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • 🇺🇸 U.S. Coast Guard (33 CFR Part 153)
  • 🇺🇸 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
  • 🇺🇸 NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
  • 🇨🇦 Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
  • 🇨🇦 Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)
  • 🇨🇦 Transport Canada – ERAP (Emergency Response Assistance Plan)
  • 🇨🇦 Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME)

These agencies recognize or allow the use of organic absorbents like treated peat moss in oil spill cleanup and emergency response.

Conclusion

Treated Canadian sphagnum peat moss delivers a powerful, natural solution for industrial spill remediation—offering unmatched absorption efficiency, hydrocarbon targeting, and environmental safety.

With its ultra-high hydrocarbon absorption rates and hydrophobic properties, treated peat moss performs significantly better than traditional silica-based absorbents. Lightweight and easy to deploy, it is ideal for industries such as oil & gas, transportation, marine, and manufacturing.

Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Treated peat moss is 100% biodegradable and landfill-safe. Once hydrocarbons are absorbed, biodegradation begins within weeks, and most hydrocarbons are fully neutralized within 12 to 24 months, depending on site conditions and microbial activity. This makes it a safe and sustainable choice that won’t contaminate soil or water systems long-term.

“Treated Canadian peat moss is more than an absorbent—it's a responsible solution for industrial cleanup aligned with both global safety standards and sustainability goals.”

Frequently asked questions


Treated peat moss is processed to reduce moisture and enhance hydrophobic properties, making it ideal for hydrocarbon-only spills. Untreated peat moss retains its natural moisture and can absorb both water and oil, though with less selectivity.

Yes. Both treated and untreated peat moss are biodegradable and non-toxic. Treated peat moss is often certified for landfill disposal due to its non-leaching properties, making it a safer choice for regulated environments.

Peat moss offers superior absorption ratios, especially for oil and hydrocarbon spills, and is significantly more environmentally friendly. Unlike clay-based absorbents, peat moss is lightweight, easier to dispose of, and renewable.

Yes. Treated peat moss is especially effective in marine settings because it repels water while absorbing oil. It floats on water and captures hydrocarbons without sinking or dispersing.

Treated peat moss typically meets standards like the TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) and other liquid release tests. Always check with local environmental regulations, especially for untreated products, which may not be approved in all landfills.

Let's Connect


Submit