Transforming Biosolids into Biochar

Innovating Wastewater Treatment: Transforming Biosolids into Biochar

The CRD is taking an important next step toward introducing carbonisation technology to transform Class A biosolids, the solids left over from wastewater treatment, into biochar, a carbon-rich material that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, destroy contaminants of concerns, and store carbon. This will be the first project of its kind in Canada and builds on the CRD’s strategic investments in wastewater treatment to maximize resource recovery. 

Since wastewater treatment was introduced in 2020, the CRD has been pursuing sustainable, cost-effective options to use biosolids for community benefit. In 2024, the CRD Board identified thermal technologies [carbonisation] as the long-term approach to converting biosolids to biochar - a stable, carbon-rich product offering a variety of potential benefits across construction, industrial, agriculture, and forestry sectors.

Introducing the added carbonisation step to wastewater treatment is cost-competitive with the CRD’s current biosolids management practices, while significantly reducing volumes, destroying contaminants of concern, and locking in carbon.  The process will move forward in stages, with clear decision points for the CRD Board and opportunities for input from First Nations and the public. At each stage, engagement and feedback will help shape the next steps.  

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Questions?
biochar@crd.bc.ca

Innovating Wastewater Treatment: Transforming Biosolids into Biochar

Subscribe for updates to keep informed on the project.

Questions?
biochar@crd.bc.ca

Core Area Wastewater AAP

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On June 18, the CRD initiated an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval for the purpose of capital renewal and wastewater system upgrade projects planned for the Core Area and Western Communities service area.
One item in the AAP includes up to $2 million to support design, site planning, and air quality modelling for the introduction of carbonization technology to the Residuals Treatment Facility at the Hartland Landfill.
You can find more information about the AAP, including the elector response form, at www.crd.ca/Wastewater-AAP.
On June 18, the CRD initiated an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval for the purpose of capital renewal and wastewater system upgrade projects planned for the Core Area and Western Communities service area.
One item in the AAP includes up to $2 million to support design, site planning, and air quality modelling for the introduction of carbonization technology to the Residuals Treatment Facility at the Hartland Landfill.
You can find more information about the AAP, including the elector response form, at www.crd.ca/Wastewater-AAP.
The public feedback period is now complete.

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Thank you for your interest in the CRD’s plans for introducing biochar technology to the Residuals Treatment Facility at the Hartland Landfill. Input collected through the recent public engagement process will inform further planning around introducing carbonisation technology to convert biosolids to biochar.
The What We Heard report summarizes what we learned through the online survey and open house.
The planning and implementation of carbonisation technology is a multi-step, multiyear process with several opportunities for public feedback. We have completed our engagement on the overall process and planning . There will be future opportunities to provide input on permitting for air emissions, borrowing, and end uses of biochar.
Thank you for your interest in the CRD’s plans for introducing biochar technology to the Residuals Treatment Facility at the Hartland Landfill. Input collected through the recent public engagement process will inform further planning around introducing carbonisation technology to convert biosolids to biochar.
The What We Heard report summarizes what we learned through the online survey and open house.
The planning and implementation of carbonisation technology is a multi-step, multiyear process with several opportunities for public feedback. We have completed our engagement on the overall process and planning . There will be future opportunities to provide input on permitting for air emissions, borrowing, and end uses of biochar.
Public invited to learn more about innovative system to convert biosolids to biochar

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The public is invited to provide feedback as the Capital Regional District (CRD) prepares to take an important step in the treatment of wastewater and processing of biosolids, introducing high-heat technology to help reduce greenhouse gases, capture carbon, and improve soil nutrients.
Media Release
The public is invited to provide feedback as the Capital Regional District (CRD) prepares to take an important step in the treatment of wastewater and processing of biosolids, introducing high-heat technology to help reduce greenhouse gases, capture carbon, and improve soil nutrients.
Media Release