Pyrocal to build biosolids processing facility in Canada

Engineering company Pyrocal has been selected as preferred contractor on a Canadian regional government project, with the Toowoomba-based business to contribute its Continuous Carbonisation Technology (CCT) process for converting biosolids into biochar.

According to a statement from Pyrocal on Monday, its pyrolysis process will be integrated into the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Residuals Treatment Facility at the Hartland Landfill in British Columbia. 

(CRD covers 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.)

The upcoming facility will process 100 per cent “of the region’s Class A biosolids… into valuable biochar.”

Biochar is made by converting organic materials using heat in the absence of oxygen. The product has benefits including carbon sequestration during its manufacture and soil improvement properties.

Pyrocal delivered Australia’s first continuous carbonisation facility at Logan Water’s Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant in Queensland, which was opened in 2022.

“From an Australian first to a Canadian first, we’re thrilled to bring our technology to the CRD,” said Pyrocal CEO Barry Croker on Monday.

“This project is a major milestone, not just for CRD and Pyrocal, but for global biosolids innovation. We’re proud to support the CRD’s forward-thinking approach, delivering lasting environmental and economic benefits to Vancouver Island and demonstrating our ability to deliver impactful solutions across borders.”

The project is expected to begin “early next year” following a planning and consultation period.

Picture: supplied

Further reading

Australian-first, $28 million biosolids plant opened at Loganholme

Yarra council orders new Australian made biochar plant for woody waste

Biochar: an ancient waste-to-value product

New Logan waste-to-energy plant creating three truckloads of biochar a day