British Columbia’s Capital Regional District (CRD) has secured $7 million in federal infrastructure funding and selected Australian engineering firm Pyrocal Pty Ltd. as the preferred proponent for a first-of-its-kind Canadian project that will convert wastewater biosolids into biochar at the Hartland Landfill Residuals Treatment Facility in Saanich, B.C.
The funding, provided through the Community stream of the Build Canada Strong Fund (BCSF), will support the integration of carbonisation technology designed to transform all of the CRD’s Class A biosolids — the solids remaining after wastewater treatment — into biochar, a carbon-rich material that can permanently store carbon while creating a product with potential applications in construction, agriculture, forestry and industry.
The proposed system will use Pyrocal’s continuous carbonisation technology (CCT), which converts biosolids and other organic materials into biochar while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a pathway for long-term carbon capture and storage.
According to the CRD, the technology is expected to destroy contaminants of concern, including PFAS and microplastics, stabilize the material for safe, odourless storage, reduce the volume of biosolids by approximately half, and sequester an estimated 2,500 tonnes of carbon annually — equivalent to removing roughly 600 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road each year.
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“This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable and innovative waste management solutions,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith in a statement. “The advanced technology and infrastructure that Pyrocal provides will not only enhance our biosolids management capabilities but also contribute to the long-term environmental benefits for our community.”
The project forms part of the CRD’s Long-term Biosolids Management Strategy, which was confirmed in March 2025 to meet obligations under the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Plan. The strategy identified advanced thermal technologies, including gasification, pyrolysis and carbonisation, as a long-term approach to managing biosolids while maximizing resource recovery.
The CRD began evaluating advanced thermal treatment technologies in 2024 and completed public engagement on the overall planning process in March 2026. Additional public consultation is planned as the project advances through permitting for air emissions and discussions on potential end uses for the biochar.
“We are proud to lead the country with this innovative solution,” said Chris Coleman, chair of the CRD’s Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee. “This state-of-the-art technology will set a new standard for managing liquid waste in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner.”
Market opportunities for the biochar will also be explored to assess potential revenue streams from the project. The CRD said production costs using Pyrocal’s technology are expected to be competitive with its current practice of transporting biosolids outside the region for management.
Pyrocal CEO Barry Croker said the project represents a significant milestone for both the company and the North American biosolids sector.
“From an Australian first to a Canadian first, we’re thrilled to bring our technology to the CRD region,” Croker said in a statement. “This project marks a major milestone not just for the CRD and Pyrocal, but for biosolids innovation in North America. We’re proud to support the CRD’s forward-thinking approach to biosolids management, delivering real and lasting environmental and economic benefits to Vancouver Island and demonstrating our ability to deliver impactful solutions across borders.”
Before construction can proceed, CRD staff will return to the board with a refined financial analysis, operations plan, project agreement and a proposed approach to seek elector approval for financing.
The project will also undergo provincial and local regulatory reviews, including authorization for air emissions under B.C.’s Environmental Management Act, a process expected to take up to two years. The Capital Regional District said it will continue consulting with First Nations throughout the regulatory process to identify and address potential impacts.
