Capital Regional District advances regional biosolids integration alongside spring procurement for beneficial use outlets

Capital Regional District advances regional biosolids integration alongside spring procurement for beneficial use outletsThe British Columbia utility has successfully begun processing Saanich Peninsula wastewater sludge at its central Residuals Treatment Facility, marking a major step in its long-term biosolids management strategy while preparing to tender for new disposal options.

Saanich Peninsula Wastewater Treatment Plant residuals are now being tested at the Residuals Treatment Facility to be processed into Class A biosolids alongside McLoughlin Point WWTP residuals.

The district is advancing a procurement this spring to secure additional long-term beneficial use options for its biosolids.

All Class A biosolids produced in March were beneficially used, primarily for quarry reclamation in Cassidy, though the district pays for all current disposal methods.

A final investment decision on an advanced thermal biochar carbonization project is expected in early 2027, following the conclusion of public engagement.

The Capital Regional District (CRD) in British Columbia is making significant strides in its regional biosolids management strategy, successfully integrating new sludge streams into its central processing infrastructure while preparing to go to market for long-term beneficial use outlets. During the April 8 board meeting, the Chief Administrative Officer announced that the district's Residuals Treatment Facility (RTF) has begun receiving and testing sludge from the Saanich Peninsula Wastewater Treatment Plant. Following the successful completion of these tests in the coming weeks, the district anticipates utilizing the RTF on a full-time basis to process the Saanich Peninsula sludge into Class A biosolids, alongside residuals from the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Chief Administrative Officer described the integration as an exciting development resulting from years of planning, bringing the district closer to fulfilling biosolids management on a regional scale across its sub-regional services. In a corresponding monthly update on biosolids management, a General Manager noted that all Class A biosolids produced at the RTF in March were beneficially used in alignment with the CRD's long-term strategy. The primary outlet for the month was quarry reclamation in Cassidy, British Columbia. To ensure future reliability and flexibility, the district is currently assessing additional non-agricultural beneficial use opportunities. The General Manager confirmed that the CRD is advancing a procurement this spring to support and secure additional long-term options. Responding to inquiries from the board regarding the financial dynamics of the disposal program, the General Manager clarified that the CRD currently pays for all of its beneficial use options, including land application and industrial use for cement manufacturing. Despite these costs, overall biosolids management is currently tracking within the approved 2026 budget. Meanwhile, the CRD continues to evaluate an advanced thermal carbonization—or biochar—project as a potential long-term technological solution for its residuals. Public engagement for the biochar project concluded in March, and staff are scheduled to bring a report to the board in May. Technical and project development work remains underway, keeping the district on track to make a final investment decision on the biochar facility in early 2027.