FAQs

The CRD is taking an important next step towards introducing new carbonisation technology to the Residuals Treatment Facility at Hartland Landfill to transform Class A biosolids [the leftover solids from wastewater treatment] into biochar.

Carbonisation technology uses high heat [over 500 degrees] and low oxygen to cut residuals volume by half and destroy contaminants of concern [e.g. PFSA and forever chemicals], and creates a stable material known as biochar that can be used in a variety of positive ways.

Biochar is fundamentally different from biosolids.   Whereas biosolids are the leftover solids from wastewater and are not stable and cannot be stored for more than a few days, biochar is a carbon-rich, charcoal-like material that can be recycled to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and capture carbon from the atmosphere, a priority of the CRD Board and residents of the region. The added step of processing biosolids into biochar, destroys contaminants of concern, including “forever chemicals” like PFAS and microplastics.

Biochar has been used for centuries, from creating rich, fertile soils known as terra preta in the Amazon, where charcoal was added to improve soil health, to modern regenerative agriculture that enriches soil and boosts crop yields.   

Since wastewater treatment was introduced in 2020, the CRD has been pursuing sustainable, cost-effective options to use biosolids for community benefit. Although CRD biosolids contain few contaminants and meet provincial standards, the CRD has been responsive to community concerns about ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS, and microplastics and has taken a precautionary approach by prohibiting the application of biosolids on land within the region.  

The Long-term Biosolids Management Strategy approved by the CRD Board in 2024 outlines a sustainable approach to managing biosolids produced within the region and to fulfill obligations set out in the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Plan. The plan outlined the intention to pursue innovative advanced thermal technology - also known as carbonisation - as an additional processing step to turn biosolids into biochar.   

A Loan Authorization Bylaw and alternate approval process will be recommended to the Board to seek elector approval [Core Area residents] for borrowing for wastewater infrastructure including $2 million for detailed design of the carbonisation equipment. Funding options for the construction will be determined following design. The CRD is also pursuing grants. 

Biochar production uses high heat to destroy chemicals like PFAS, and microplastics. It also offsets operating greenhouse gas emissions and removes additional carbon from the atmosphere, offering a pathway for permanent carbon storage. An estimated 2,500 tonnes of carbon would be sequestered annually, equivalent to the emissions generated by close to 600 gas-powered cars.

The biosolids are baked [or “carbonized”] in a high-heat, low-oxygen environment. This prevents combustion and removes moisture and destroys contaminants.   A similar system in Australia has proven to destroy 95% of synthetic chemicals [such as pharmaceuticals] and 82% of microplastics, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology.  With limited heavy industry and a strong source control program in the capital region, our wastewater contains fewer contaminants than what facilities in Australia must treat. This additional technology is expected to reduce those already low levels to the point where they are virtually undetectable.

The new add-on technology does not increase odour, noise, or trucking activity at the facility. In fact, it reduces the volume of residuals by half, meaning fewer trucks coming and going.

Pyrocal, the technology vendor behind the Australian system, has been selected as the preferred proponent to integrate this technology into the Residual Treatment Facility at Hartland Landfill. The CRD is currently in active negotiations with Pyrocal. 

The initial step in introducing thermal technology is intended to:

• Cut the volume by half
• Destroy contaminants of concern
• Stabilize the material, enabling safe, odourless storage
• Cut greenhouse gases by storing carbon instead of releasing it.

Once in place, decisions on future optimizations would be made. A stepped approach to introducing the technology minimizes upfront costs while allowing time for analysis and performance evaluation before considering future optimizations and end-uses of biochar.

Thermal technologies have long been used in agriculture and forestry to process organic materials, [e.g. wood chips, manure, and yard waste] into biochar. This would be the first time in Canada this technology is being used to transform wastewater biosolids into a stable, carbon-rich product, however similar systems designed to treat biosolids from wastewater are now operating in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the United States. 

A waste discharge authorization will be required from the Province of BC for air discharge under the Environmental Management Act (EMA). The permit review process has been initiated. Public notification will be required within the permit application process.  Air emissions and mitigations will be determined through the detailed design process, followed by the required public and First Nations notification process.

Physical alterations to the Residuals Treatment Facility must meet BC Building Code and District of Saanich bylaws and installation of the new equipment requires applicable permits from Technical Safety BC prior to commissioning.

Pyrocal, an Australian engineering company, will integrate the innovative carbonisation technology into the Residuals Treatment Facility at the Hartland Landfill.  The preferred location for the new carbonisation equipment is the northwest corner of the existing facility, occupying less than 2% of the 2.7-hectare site footprint. The site will be finalized based on further planning and design.  Most of the equipment is 5 metres [16 feet] tall. At its highest point, the stack would be approximately 9 metres [29 feet] high, which is significantly smaller than the structures within the Residuals Treatment Facility, at 15 metres [49 feet] in height.

Biochar has been used for centuries, from creating rich, fertile soils known as terra preta in the Amazon - where charcoal was added to improve soil health, to modern regenerative agriculture that enriches soil and boosts crop yields.   Modern use of biochar includes soil amendment, green building materials, stormwater filtration, water treatment, and odour control, making it a versatile solution for environmental challenges. The CRD is exploring opportunities to maximize the technology for community benefit, support local sustainability, and generate economic opportunities. 

Once operational, the characteristics of the finished biochar, markets and various regulatory considerations would  inform options and decisions about its best applications. Further public engagement would occur to inform those decisions.

Biochar can be stored safely without risk of combustion or breakdown, allowing time to strategically assess and utilize biochar to maximum community benefit. Further planning is underway about the potential approach to biochar storage and its end-uses.  Some of the key considerations include environmental impacts, regulatory compliance, carbon offsets, volume, market value, and Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland markets. 

The planning and implementation of carbonisation technology is a multi-step, multiyear process with several opportunities for public feedback. We are currently providing an update on the overall process and planning and are offering opportunities for the public to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback. There will be future opportunities to provide input on permitting for air emissions, borrowing, and end uses of biochar.

We invite you to attend the Residuals Treatment Facility Open House and Tour. Saturday, February 28, 2026, or share your thoughts through an online survey until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 5 ,2026.

All feedback during this phase of engagement will be summarized in a ‘What We Heard’ summary report and presented to the CRD Board in Spring 2026.

A two-year demonstration project was initially considered; however, the required capital investment for the carbonisation equipment remains the same regardless of project length, meaning a short-term trial would cost nearly as much as a long-term commitment.  Once in place, annual capital and operating costs are expected to cost less than the current lifecycle costs. Final costs will be confirmed through negotiations, and the business case will be updated before the CRD Board considers final project approval.

The CRD would initiate the process to pursue carbon credits once biochar is being produced and volumes and composition are confirmed.  Carbon markets vary. Based on 2025 values, credits would be about o $380,000 in annual revenue.   

 Biochar is currently one of the most established and credible sources of carbon credits. The benefit of biochar is its ability to store greenhouse gas emissions/carbon, which would have otherwise been released through the decomposition of biomass. Biochar can sequester carbon for hundreds of years.   

“Carbonisation” is a thermal process that transforms the leftover solids [biosolids] from wastewater treatment into a stable, charcoal-like substance known as biochar. High heat is applied to biosolids, the nutrient-rich solids left after treating wastewater. The biosolids are baked [or “carbonised”] in a high-heat, low-oxygen environment. This prevents combustion, removes moisture, and destroys contaminants. What’s left is a lightweight, carbon-rich material like charcoal. It doesn’t easily break down, and locks carbon away for centuries.

Protecting air quality is built into the design, permitting, operations, and ongoing monitoring. The project draws on proven technology and real-world operations, including lessons from the City of Logan, Australia, where the same carbonisation system is already in use.  

At the City of Logan facility, air discharges are primarily carbon dioxide and water vapour, with low levels of nitrogen oxides, particulates, sulphur oxides, and trace compounds - well below permitted limits. The fully enclosed, high-temperature process operates under negative pressure, meaning air flows into the system rather than out - preventing untreated gases or odours from escaping during operation. This layered emissions-control represents best-available air-pollution control technology and is specifically designed to meet regulatory air-discharge limits.  

Waste discharge authorization is required from the Province of BC for air emissions. Detailed design will inform the air management systems. Public notification is required within the permitting process.