Headlands soil washing plant a first for North America

Key Takeaways:

• Headlands Environmental has started assembling a new soil washing plant in B.C. that is expected to be operational by April 2026.
• The facility uses a modular, patented system from Tyrone International and will be the first of its kind in North America to process contaminated soil into reusable sand and stone.
• Developed in partnership with Shxwha:y Village, the project aims to help the construction industry meet strict environmental regulations while creating local jobs and business opportunities in the Fraser Valley.

The Whole Story:

Headlands Environmental has begun assembling the first shipments of its new soil washing plant, a major milestone that positions the company as a leader in large-scale soil and aggregate recycling in B.C. The facility is expected to be operational by April 2026.

The plant, engineered by Tyrone International, will be the first of its kind in North America once commissioned this spring. Its patented system allows operators to add modules as demand grows or relocate the facility when required.

For construction and demolition contractors across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, the facility addresses a growing need for sustainable soil management. Soil washing plants separate reusable sand, stone and aggregates from contaminated or excess soils, allowing fill to be treated and reused on site or processed for future projects—reducing waste and supporting a circular construction economy.

“Seeing these first components arrive on site is like watching a dream become reality,” said Mike Hofer, principal of Headlands Environmental. “It’s the culmination of work that has been years in the making, and watching the facility take shape in the coming months will be incredibly exciting for our team at Headlands, our partners at Shxwha:y Village and the industry in general.”

Current site preparation includes pouring the concrete foundation, installing utilities, water distribution lines and water wells. Additional work includes sanitary sewer, electrical infrastructure, concrete, asphalt, a scalehouse, security gates and cameras, and a double disposal bay for vac trucks anticipated to be in place by June.

Hofer noted that increased infrastructure and industrial investment across British Columbia has created demand for compliant soil management solutions. “With more and more dollars being invested in infrastructure expansion and industrial projects within the Lower Mainland, not to mention across British Columbia, there’s an increased need for sustainable soil management solutions,” he said. “This facility will provide huge benefits to companies so that they can meet the compliance and disposal requirements that have been recently introduced.”

Headlands selected the Tyrone system for its proven performance, durability and scalability, as well as local support from Chilliwack’s Frontline Washing, a subsidiary of Frontline Machinery and the official North American dealer for Tyrone systems. The design aligns with British Columbia’s increasingly stringent regulatory demands.

The plant represents a multi-million-dollar capital investment and will be operated and staffed by local workers, including members of Shxwha:y Village. The partnership ensures the project will create environmental and economic benefits locally, including employment, training and business growth opportunities in Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley.