For a century, the landscape of Alberta, Canada, has been molded by the extraction of its natural resources, everything from oil and gas to mining and agriculture. Although these industries are key contributors to the provincial economy, they can hurt the land they disturb, and their impact needs to be restored in a thoughtful way. The reclamation of land in Alberta is crucial in rehabilitating these lands to a productive or natural state, which maintains the environment and land use over time.
Reclamation process explained
Land Reclamation process in Alberta, several reclamation practices are limited by provincial regulations, which require industry to return disturbed areas to a land capability essentially identical to pre-disturbance. That requires the land to support comparable uses today as it did before industrial activity, which could include such uses as agriculture, forestry and wildlife habitat. This generally includes soil removal, re-vegetation, erosion control and long-term monitoring until the site has been restored to a level which complies with regulations.
A site-specific Phase I environmental investigation is performed to assess the level of risk associated with contamination at the site and to establish the appropriate remediation plan before reclamation. After they restore the land, operators need to apply for a reclamation certificate, which proves the site complies with Alberta’s environmental standards.
Environmental and economic advantages
Land reclamation in Alberta does more than look beautiful. This is where reclaimed land helps cut down on erosion, improve water quality and restore biodiversity. It also supports local economies allowing land to be used for agriculture, recreation, or development. And in rural areas, reclamation may be successful in returning the land to farmers and ranchers, and in so doing may be crucial for protecting livelihoods and community stability.
Nor do reclamation efforts, and reclaiming well sites, are part of Alberta’s larger suite of environmental goals, including carbon sequestration and habitat conservation. Through native revegetation and enhancement of soil health, reclaimed sites can help mitigate climate change and help ecology become more resilient.
Challenges and innovations
Although Alberta land reclamation is a crucial industry, it remains difficult. Extreme weather, soil degradation and invasive species can prevent the recovery process. In addition, legacy sites — lands that were disturbed before current regulations — often need more complicated and expensive remedies.
To meet these challenges, scholars and managers are developing novel approaches like bioengineering, local seed storing, and drone-enabled monitoring. The goal is to increase the rate and success of reclamation, and to reduce costs and environmental liability.
A shared responsibility
Landowners, companies and government all have a hand in reclaiming Alberta lands. Open dialogue, community involvement and continuing education are necessary to develop trust and help to ensure reclaiming is consistent with local values and land use preferences.
As Alberta strives to manage growth with environmental responsibility, land reclamation continues to be an important aspect of responsible resource development. Through strong reclamation requirements, it can ensure that the province’s natural legacy is protected as the province moves toward sustainable growth for its children.
Mike Gibbs is the author of this article. For more details about Drilling Waste Hauling in Edmonton, please visit our website: whiterocktrucking.ca.