First of its kind soil washing facility coming to B.C.

Key Takeaways:

• Headlands Environmental is building North America’s first modular, scalable soil washing facility in Chilliwack, B.C., set to operate in 2026.
• The facility will recover reusable sand, stone, and aggregates from contaminated soils, reducing landfill use and supporting circular infrastructure practices.
• The project partners with Shxwhá:y Village to create local jobs, training, and economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability.

The Whole Story:

Headlands Environmental has announced a major investment in a new soil washing facility in Chilliwack, BC—the first of its kind in North America. This development establishes the company as a leader in large-scale soil and aggregate recycling in British Columbia.

Soil washing is a proven technology that separates reusable sand, stone, and aggregates from contaminated or excess soils. Targeted to begin operations in 2026, the state-of-the-art, closed-loop, scalable facility will offer industry partners a sustainable alternative to traditional soil disposal, while returning high-quality aggregate to local construction projects.

Designed by Irish firm Tyrone International and supplied by local equipment provider Frontline Machinery, the facility will be among the largest in Canada and the first truly modular, scalable, dual-feed wash plant of its kind in North America. Its patented system allows operators to add modules easily as production ramps up or relocate the plant quickly if required.

The plant will strengthen the region’s ability to manage excavation waste, reduce reliance on landfills, and support a circular approach to infrastructure and development. While the facility will be installed in Chilliwack, Headlands plans to extend soil washing services to infrastructure and industrial projects across British Columbia.

“We are proud to partner with Shxwhá:y Village to ensure this project, an endeavor that’s been years in the making, creates both environmental and economic benefits locally,” said Mike Hofer, Principal of Headlands Environmental. “Together, we’re building opportunities for employment, training, and business growth in Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley, and beyond.”

“The Shxwhá:y Village is building for the future, aiming to establish an economic base that is both culturally sensitive and environmentally sustainable,” said Chief Robert Gladstone. “This new soil washing facility will help bring us into a new era of self-determination by providing jobs to the community and enhancing our ability to support the health, housing, and education of our people. Most importantly, it will provide hope for a better tomorrow.”

As infrastructure investment expands across the Lower Mainland, so does the need for sustainable soil management solutions. Headlands’ investment reflects a proactive commitment to delivering the capacity and expertise required for large-scale projects and long-term community benefit.