Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has received $7 million in funding through the Community stream of the Build Canada Strong Fund (BCSF) to support the introduction of new carbonisation technology at the Residuals Treatment Facility (RTF) at Hartland Landfill to transform Class A biosolids [the leftover solids from wastewater treatment] into biochar.
Biochar is a charcoal-like material that captures and stores carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is a valuable, carbon-rich product with potential applications across construction, industrial, agriculture, and forestry sectors.
Introducing this new thermal technology to the RTF is intended to:
- Destroy contaminants of concern including PFAS and microplastics
- Stabilize the material, enabling safe, odourless storage
- Lower greenhouse gases by storing carbon instead of releasing it
- Reduce the volume of material by half
Once operationalized, it is estimated that 2500 tonnes of carbon could be sequestered annually, equivalent to the emissions generated by removing approximately 600 gas powered cars from the road.
This project would be the first of its kind in Canada, positioning the CRD as a national leader in biosolids management, carbon reduction, and resource recovery. It represents the CRD’s next strategic investment in wastewater treatment and biogas recovery to maximize resource recovery from regional waste.
In 2024, the CRD began exploring advanced thermal technologies, such as carbonisation, as a long-term approach for managing biosolids in ways beneficial to the community and the environment.
The planning and implementation of carbonisation technology is a multi-step, multi-year process with several opportunities for public feedback. In March 2026, the CRD completed its engagement on the overall process and planning for the introduction of biochar technology to the RTF. There will be future opportunities to provide input on permitting for air emissions and end uses of biochar.
Learn more about this project: Innovative Wastewater Treatment: Transforming Biosolids into Biochar - YouTube
The BCSF Community stream is a transfer-based program that provides $2.5 billion per year in funding to communities across Canada. The Province of British Columbia receives over $310 million annually from this stream, which is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and distributed to local governments through the Community Works Fund, Strategic Priorities Fund, and Metro Vancouver Regional Fund.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications & Engagement
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
