The Capital Regional District (CRD) of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada is exploring a partnership with Australian engineering company Pyrocal PTY Ltd. to convert its sewage biosolids into biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More. This initiative, still in its preliminary stages, could make the CRD the first in Canada to adopt such a system.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material similar to charcoalCharcoal is a black, brittle, and porous material produced by heating wood or other organic substances in a low-oxygen environment. It is primarily used as a fuel source for cooking and heating.   More, has agricultural and environmental applications, particularly in enhancing soil health and sequestering carbon. The CRD plans to integrate the biochar production process into its Residuals Treatment Facility at the Hartland Landfill. According to the district, this approach could capture more carbon than it emits, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

The CRD currently handles its Class A biosolids—produced at the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant—by shipping them to a quarry near Nanaimo or using them as fuel at the LaFarge cement plant in Richmond. Both methods have faced scrutiny, particularly the land application near the Nanaimo River, which raised local environmental concerns.

When the LaFarge facility temporarily closed in 2022, the province allowed limited landfill disposal of biosolids. However, permanent disposal at Hartland is not a legal option, reinforcing the need for a long-term solution.

The estimated cost of implementing the biochar system is projected to be comparable to the CRD’s current biosolid management expenses. Approximately 7,000 tonnes of biosolids are generated annually, containing various nutrients and meeting provincial safety standards regarding pathogens and contaminants.

Final decisions on the project are pending. CRD staff are completing financial evaluations, operational logistics, and public consultation plans. The project also requires provincial approval, a process that could take up to two years. Only after these steps are complete will the CRD determine whether to move forward with the investment.

If approved, the Pyrocal system would represent a significant step forward in the CRD’s strategy to find sustainable, local solutions for biosolids management.