GL 09-9166-50
Terry Osko, University of Alberta
Data collection for the reclamation and ecohydrological assessment portion of this study has been conducted over 3 years, and will continue for another 2, which is a minimum period required for any assessment of restoration success. A minimum period is required to quantify the range in driving variables so that any modeling of the future trajectory of the site can be done.
Data collection for characterization of the area ecohydrology includes:
- Evapotranspiration, water storage, water table depth and ground thermal regime measurements in the natural, road and reclaimed road areas.
- Water flow through the natural fen and reclaimed areas – requires quantifying inflow and outflow, as well as determining flow paths.
- Characterization of peat physical, hydrological and biogeochemical properties at depth in the natural and impacted areas.
- Quantification of the carbon functioning of the reclaimed road and natural fen areas; vegetation community contributions; and the amount of carbon storage.
Policy Issue
The effectiveness of industrial footprint reclamation. One of the primary challenges facing the oil and gas industry is effectively returning a range of landscapes to pre-disturbance conditions.
Knowledge Gap
Reclamation effectiveness of anthropogenic footprints
