Land Reclamation Education At The University of Alberta
• The University of Alberta offers a full suite of programs for careers in land reclamation including BSc, MSc, PhD and college transfer degrees and certificates.
• The Land Reclamation International Graduate School provides training and professional development to foster highly qualified land reclamation professionals with the education and experience to take on leadership roles in industry, consulting, government and academia.
• Land reclamation is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary field and the programs offered by the University of Alberta ensure students gain knowledge across diverse areas.
• Graduates can obtain employment in industry, government, consulting, not for profits and academia.
• Graduates work on a diversity of human and nature caused disturbances that need reclamation; such as natural disasters like earthquakes and floods; protected areas like national parks; urban; oil and gas operations; agriculture; sand and gravel operations; coal, metal and mineral mining.
Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences questions.ales@ualberta.ca | ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/ Phone: (780) 492-4933
Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS) lrigs@ualberta.ca | lrigs.ualberta.ca
Phone: (780) 492-9088
contents
Message from CLRA President Kelly Zadko — 10
CLRA Executives and Directors — 12
CLRA Chapters and Past Presidents — 14
The Green Retort with Chad Green — 16
Why join the CLRA/ACRSD? — 18
CLRA's National Awards — 20
Happy birthday to the CLRA — 22
Empowering reclamation careers through education and opportunity — 23
A prairie view of the Atlantic Reclamation Conference — 24
Pathway to regulatory closure:
Reclamation certificates for decommissioned transmission lines — 26
Keeping reclamation in the conversation — 28
Collaboration and communication between stakeholderes equals remediation success! — 30
Peatland restoration in Manitoba — 34
The Faro Mine Remediation Project — 36
Native Meadows: A powerful tool for carbon sequestration in Canadian land reclamation — 38
A legacy of innovation and excellence in environmental products — 41
A frog's-eye view on reclamation in the energy sector — 44
Orano's Cluff Lake Project:
A milestone for uranium mining — 46
Growing new life in an old pit:
Creating tailgrass prairie in a community-focused, multi-use reclamation space — 48
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national president's message KELLY ZADKO
WELCOME TO THE SPRING 2025 EDITION OF THE CLRA MAGAZINE!
This year marks a momentous milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association. As we celebrate this incredible achievement, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the journey that has brought us here.
Having worked in the field of land reclamation for over 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of our profession and the growth of our association. Over the years, the CLRA has fostered a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to restoring and revitalizing landscapes across Canada. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, we have achieved remarkable progress.
Serving on the National CLRA board for the past four years, and now as your President for the last two, has been an honor. It has allowed me to witness firsthand the passion and dedication of our members, as well as the extraordinary impact we’ve made together. The foundation laid by those who came before us con-
tinues to inspire new generations of reclamation professionals, ensuring a bright future for our field.
This special edition of our magazine celebrates the people, projects, and partnerships that have shaped the CLRA over the past five decades. It also highlights the incredible reclamation efforts taking place across Canada, showcasing the diverse landscapes and innovative approaches that make our work so impactful.
To all our members, sponsors, and partners, thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared mission. Here’s to 50 years of reclaiming the land and transforming challenges into opportunities.
Warm regards,
Kelly Zadko, B.Sc., P.Ag. President, Canadian Land Reclamation Association
• Tractors & Grapples • Rotospikes & Paratill
Seeders & Mowers
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Contaminated
Sludge
On-site Services
Soil
Contaminated
Environmental
Environmental
Regulatory
Cost Efficiencies Analysis
Remediation and Reclamation
Decommissioning,
Landfill Construction
Dredging and Dewatering
CLRA Executives and Directors
President Kelly Zadko Calgary, AB
EXECUTIVE
Treasurer & Past President Fannie DesRosiers Calgary, AB
Secretary Maria Kudienko Calgary, AB
DIRECTORS
Frank Potter Sydney, NS
CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES
AWARDS CHAIR
Director - Awards Chair Maria Kudienko
Ian Young Winnipeg, MB
Justin Straker Duncan, BC
Amber Flamand Calgary, AB
Lucie Labbé Montréal, QC
CLRA Chapters and Past Presidents
ALBERTA EXECUTIVE
President Amber Flamand Calgary, AB
Vice-President Liana Phoenix Calgary, AB
Treasurer Megan Valvasori Calgary, AB
Secretary Susan Tiffin Calgary, AB
Past President Kelly Zadko Calgary, AB
DIRECTORS
Angela MacKinnon Calgary, AB
Brent Walchuk Sherwood Park, AB
Diana Dunn Calgary, AB
Duncan Mathers Calgary, AB
Troy Gooch Calgary, AB
Meghan Olesiuk Calgary, AB
ATLANTIC EXECUTIVE
President
Frank Potter Sydney, NS
Vice-President Chris Thomson Saint John, NB
Past President
Abby van der Jagt Dartmouth, NS
Treasurer Carman Stevens Halifax, NS
Secretary Dawn Negus Bedford, NS
DIRECTORS
Bob Pett Halifax, NS
Jim Barnet Kilarney Road, NB
Tony Bowron Terence Bay, NS
Vicki Nash, Fredericton, NB
MANITOBA
CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVE
Ian Young Winnipeg, MB
BRITISH COLUMBIA
CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVE
Justin Straker Duncan, BC
ONTARIO
EXECUTIVE
Acting Co-Presidents
Quentin Smith Sudbury, ON
Sarah Barabash Etobicoke, ON
Acting Treasurer
Sarah Barabash Etobicoke, ON
Acting Secretary Lesley Hymers Toronto ON
DIRECTORS
Bill Mackasey Lindsay, ON
Christopher Hey Ottawa, ON
Peter Beckett Sudbury, ON
Samantha McGarry Sudbury, ON
QUEBÉC EXÉCUTIF
Présidente
Lucie Labbé
Montréal, QC
Vice-président Vacant
Secrétaire
Martin Beaudoin Nadeau Québec, QC
Trésorier
Nicolas Roy Outremont, QC
Coordonnateur
Pierre Fardeau
Montréal, QC
DIRECTEURS
Benoit Limoges Québec, QC
Gabriel Charbonneau
Val-David, QC
Kawina Robichaud
Saint-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, QC
Line Rochefort Québec, QC
Mélanie Pelletier Québec, QC
Pascal Guérin
Québec, QC
SASKATCHEWAN EXECUTIVE
President
Mariela Kunz
Saskatoon, SK
Vice -President Vacant
Past President Todd Clouse Regina, SK
Treasurer Vacant
Secretary Vacant
DIRECTORS
Christopher Gallop Regina, SK
Jessica Spira Saskatoon, SK
Josh Gibb Saskatoon, SK
Reese Giraudier Regina, SK
Todd Han Regina, SK
PAST PRESIDENTS
1976 – 1978 Jack Winch, Ontario
1978 – 1979 Jack Thirgood, British Columbia
1979 – 1980 Phil Lulman, Alberta
1980 – 1981 Bernard Brooks, Québec
1981 – 1982 Tom Peters, Ontario
1982 – 1983 Gordon Boutilier, Nova Scotia
1983 – 1984 Percy Sims, Alberta
1984 – 1985 Alex Ansell, Ontario
1985 – 1986 Paul Ziemkiewicz, Alberta
1986 – 1987 Keith Winterhalder, Ontario
1987 – 1988 Holly Quan, Alberta
1988 – 1989 Chris Powter, Alberta
1989 – 1990 Daniel Boivin, Québec
1990 – 1991 David Murray, Ontario
1991 – 1992 Thomas Oddie, Alberta
1992 – 1994 Margarete Kalin, Ontario
1994 – 1995 Judith Smith, Alberta
1995 – 1996 Darl Bolton, Ontario
1996 – 1997 Carol Jones, British Columbia
1997 – 1998 Moreen Miller, Ontario
1998 – 1999 David Lloyd, Alberta
1999 – 2000 Al Fedkenheuer, Alberta
2000 – 2001 David Polster, British Columbia
2001 – 2002 M. Anne Naeth, Alberta
2002 – 2003 Tracy Patterson, Alberta
2003 – 2004 Peter Beckett, Ontario
2004 – 2005 Lisa Lanteigne, Ontario
2005 – 2006 David Polster, British Columbia
2006 – 2007 Sherry Yundt, Ontario
2007 – 2008 Roger Didychuk, Alberta
2008 – 2010 Bryan Tisch, Ontario
2010 – 2015 David Polster, British Columbia
2015 – 2021 Andrea McEachern, Alberta
2021 – 2023 Fannie DesRosiers, Alberta
2023 – 2024 Abby van der Jagt
The GREEN RETORT with CLRA CORRESPONDENT
Chad Green
GOING DOWN THE ROAD
What’s the name of that road paved with good intentions? Maybe it’s all roads, considering a recent US EPA research paper. Dr. Paul Mayer, et al. with the US EPA (2024) say billions of tires are produced annually worldwide and the ubiquitous treadwear emits “chemical cocktails” and material particulates (generic term: nano/microplastics) which persist in the environment. That’s billions of kilograms of treadwear emissions to land, water, and atmosphere. We’ve known of this issue, and now it’s getting more thoroughly researched and quantified. Dr. Mayer says this research is only the beginning and that there are many unanswered questions. “Where the rubber meets the road: Emerging environmental impacts of tire wear particles and their chemical cocktails”, Paul M. Mayer, et al. (US EPA, 2024) is thoroughly engaging and recommended for all remediation and reclamation practitioners.
The tire as a mode of transportation is of great benefit to society, yet treadwear emissions have complex fate and transport pathways which result in environmental and human health risks. I will name 6PPD-quinone which Dr. Mayer provided focus on. The US EPA even found that electric vehicles are worse culprits than conventional vehicles of similar type – read the paper to find out why. I won’t spoil your anticipation by revealing the details.
cles and compounds are under consideration by the US EPA. And this will influence policy in Canada. I expect policy makers to find creative, and probably restrictive, ways to reduce impacts from our transportation system road network. I say this after just buying a new set of tires for my truck. I’m guilty.
I actually discovered this research in webinar format. The recording by Dr. Mayer was a gem found during my annual quest for selfstudy credit hours. Many of us are associated with a professional body, are bound by a continuing competence program (CCP), and know the stress of sometimes scrounging for hours. I watched a lot of webinars! Dr. Meyers’ was the best and only truly memorable webinar I watched.
Remember that the US EPA is an outstanding resource, particularly when you’re trying the satiate the demands of your CCP. Getting your credit hours can seem like feeding an insatiable goat. When the time is ripe, search Google for EPA Tools and Resources Training Webinar Series and, the EPA’s Office of Research and Development webinar series and you will find tremendous volumes of self-study material.
Stay smart. Watch the webinar.
The issues are not easily solved. Solutions to reducing tread wear, limiting emissions transport and exposure, and remediating parti-
Membership is for one calendar year and includes member-exclusive access to the secure online CLRA Member Directory, news and event updates, and presentations and proceedings. You will also receive a subscription to our semi-annual publication, Canadian Reclamation, which features articles about current and emerging reclamation projects and practices.
These publications allow the organization to have an informal, instructional role in the decision-making processes of reclamation/rehabilitation projects and to act as a forum for the dissemination of ideas and information pertinent to reclamation activities.
CLRA/ACRSD is an active member of the International Affiliation of Land Reclamationists. As such, all members of CLRA/ ACRSD are also members of the IALR.
Sign-up for a three-year membership term and save up to 20 per cent on corporate and individual membership dues.
Select your preferred chapter affiliation(s) during the application/renewal process to receive updated specific to your geographical location (Alberta, Atlantic, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan).
Note: Membership is free for full-time students.
MEMBER BENEFITS
• Listing and access to membership directory with over 500 individual and corporate members involved in land reclamation across Canada.
• Corporate members will have access to employee accounts and opportunity to share relevant events on our Website Event Calendar.
• Subscription to Canadian Reclamation magazine, featuring news, project articles, supplier information, and articles pertaining to land reclamation in Canada and around the world.
• Receive notices, calls for abstracts, and discounted registration fees for CLRA events, annual meetings, and conferences.
• Tremendous networking opportunities at national and chapter events.
• Link to other professional land reclamation associations in the UK, USA, Australia, and China.
• Initiatives to support educational awards and scholarships in land reclamation.
• Continuing education and development in professional land reclamation and remediation through lunch and learns, field trips, and workshops.
• Access to members-only portal including full online membership directory, job posting module, file sharing, webinars, and more!
CLRA’s National Awards
The Canadian Land Reclamation Association (CLRA/ ACRSD) believes in celebrating the remarkable contributions of individuals who make a difference in the field of land reclamation and remediation. Through awards and scholarship programs, these recognitions honour the dedication, innovation, and volunteerism of those who strive to advance the practice and understanding of reclamation across Canada. By spotlighting
DR. EDWARD M. WATKIN AWARD
exceptional achievements and encouraging new talent, our awards and scholarships reinforce our commitment to fostering a vibrant community of professionals and students dedicated to environmental stewardship. We invite you to explore our various awards that acknowledge the hard work and passion of individuals making positive impacts in their respective fields.
The award is presented in recognition of major contributions of the nominee to land reclamation, especially through service to foster advances in regulation, reclamation success or development of personnel or students.
IN-TECH RECLAMATION AWARD (GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL)
The award celebrates innovative techniques that advance the practice of reclamation in Canada within any sector of industry (i.e., mining, forestry, oil & gas).
LINDA JONES MEMORIAL AWARD
Two awards are presented annually to students in a reclamation related program at a Canadian institution in recognition of excellence in academic studies which advance the theory, knowledge, or practice of land reclamation. One award will be for a poster presentation and one for an oral presentation. The competition for the awards is held in conjunction with the CLRA Annual Meeting.
THE DR. JACK WINCH EARLY CAREER AWARD
The award acknowledges the efforts of Early Career Reclamation Professionals. The award is presented annually at the CLRA National Conference to an individual in recognition of their outstanding contribution to reclamation research and practice.
ANDREA MCEACHERN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The award honours Andrea McEachern and will be awarded annually to a candidate that exemplifies volunteerism and initiative in the reclamation/remediation industry.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CANADIAN LAND RECLAMATION ASSOCIATION
A message from the American Society of Reclamation Sciences
Happy birthday to our Canadian sister organization, which promotes reclamation and remediation of environmentally disturbed lands and waterways. Fifty years as an organization is a great accomplishment!
According to their web page, “As the leading Canadian organization in land reclamation and remediation, the CLRA/ ACRSD promotes professional development and regulations in the field through inclusive partnerships, information exchange, and public understanding of the
potential and practice of land reclamation.”
The American Society of Reclamation Sciences (formerly ASMR) wishes you well as a national organization and individual chapters in your endeavors in reclamation and remediation throughout Canada. Our shared vision for our respective countries is very similar, as we seek similar objectives. The mission of fostering collaboration on your web page is something we seek as well.
Good luck with your annual meeting March 5-7, 2025 in Edmonton! We’ve added it to our web page www.asrs.us/other-societies-events/.
EMPOWERING RECLAMATION CAREERS THROUGH EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association (CLRA), ECO Canada is proud to highlight the vital role of education and workforce development in advancing reclamation efforts across Canada. With over 26 years of experience, ECO Canada’s employment programs have bridged the gap between academic training and impactful careers in environmental fields like land reclamation.
BUILDING CAREER PATHWAYS
Ensuring students and postgraduates have access to meaningful jobs that align with their aspirations is critical for individual and organizational success. ECO Canada’s employment programs are designed to stimulate career pathways, support skill development, and contribute to business growth through wage and training funding. Over the years, these initiatives have made a tangible difference:
• 18,421 youth jobs created;
• $198 million in funding provided;
• Support for over 5,000 employers across Canada.
These programs give young professionals hands-on experience in the environmental sector, kickstarting their careers while addressing the need for skilled talent in reclamation and sustainability.
SUCCESS IN ACTION: SAHAR AND FORESTS ONTARIO
One example of the impact of our programs is the story of Sahar, a master’s student in Environment and Sustainability at the University of Western Ontario. Through ECO Canada’s Student Work Placement (Co-op) Program, Sahar connected with Forests Ontario, where she played a pivotal role in advancing their mission to restore forested landscapes and sustain biodiversity.
Sahar’s work included verifying and updating native tree databases, enhancing sustainability strategies, and researching nature-based solutions and carbon markets. She applied her academic skills to ensure the right species were planted in the correct ecological zones, directly supporting Forests Ontario’s goal of planting the right tree in the right place for the right reasons.
MENTORSHIP AND GROWTH
A key element of Sahar’s success was the mentorship she received from Peter Moddle, the National Program Manager at Forests Ontario. Peter’s guidance enhanced Sahar’s professional development and empowered her to explore new ideas and attend sustainability-focused events, broadening her industry knowledge and network.
“The dedication and commitment demonstrated by Sahar during her co-op brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that helped drive progress,” Peter said. “It’s a win-win experience when both employers and employees invest in each other.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As we celebrate this milestone with the CLRA, we’re reminded of the power of education and collaboration in advancing reclamation. ECO Canada’s employment programs not only help students start impactful careers but also support organizations to access top talent, creating a brighter future for land reclamation across Canada.
LEARN MORE
Discover how ECO Canada’s Employment Programs and Student Work Placement programs can benefit you or your organization. Visit eco.ca to explore opportunities and join us in driving sustainable change through education and innovation.
A PRAIRIE VIEW OF THE ATLANTIC RECLAMATION CONFERENCE
By Amber Flamand
In November, I attended the Atlantic Reclamation Conference (ARC) in Halifax. I was there representing the National Chapter and to host the National AGM portion of the conference. It was my first visit to the Maritimes, and I was charmed. Despite the high winds, I ventured out for a lobster roll and experienced a memorable night with candlelight due to a power outage. Apparently high winds and above ground power lines are not the best of friends!
The following day, the ARC conference began at Saint Mary’s University, and I had the opportunity to learn about reclamation practices unique to the Atlantic region. With over 27 years of experience in western Canada, I was impressed by how different the landscapes needing reclamation were from the ones I’m accustomed to. But the goal of reclamation remained the same: to work with the disturbed soil, landscape, and vegetation at each site to give the land the best chance of being restored to a functional state within the ecosystem.
Things I learned at ARC included understanding shoreline ero-
sion, tidal wetlands, salt and freshwater marshes, gold mine reclamation (from both an academic/research and practical perspective), and Piping Plover habitat restoration. One project that particularly stood out was the Cogswell District project, Halifax’s largest waterfront revitalization initiative, which was truly impressive.
A big thank you to Atlantic Chapter President Frank Potter and the Board for organizing an excellent conference, which included a pub night and tours of local reclamation projects. I chose the downtown Cogswell District Project walking tour, which showcased the significant efforts in urban remediation and reclamation – despite the sideways rain. The scale of the project was astonishing: moving large amounts of red soil and rock, realigning streets, uncovering significant archaeological finds, and managing impacted soil and water – all while maintaining a thriving, active city in the area. All I can say is, wow – quite different from having a few curious cows hanging out at my site, judging my every move!
Looking back at the conference, I was reminded of the unwaver-
Atlantic board and me.
Presentation.
ing passion shared by people in this industry for reclaiming our natural spaces, no matter where they are from. It also highlighted the critical role of volunteers in organizing such events, the importance of sponsors in making them accessible, and the value of practitioners sharing their knowledge and experiences. Without these efforts, we wouldn’t be able to continue advancing the science of reclamation (I am using the definition of reclamation of overall site closure). So, regardless of which chapter you belong to, I encourage you to consider volunteering your time. It’s through
these collective efforts that we ensure the growth of our profession and provide new entrants with the opportunity to learn from past successes – and more importantly our “learnings”.
The afternoon after the conference, I was fortunate enough to drive down to visit Peggy’s Cove, where I picked up some local art and indulged in more lobster rolls and oysters. A big thank you to the Atlantic Chapter for hosting such a fantastic conference! I’ll definitely be back to explore more of your beautiful region!
Loving Peggy’s Cove.
Items unearthed during Cogwell project.
PATHWAY TO REGULATORY CLOSURE: RECLAMATION CERTIFICATES FOR DECOMMISSIONED TRANSMISSION LINES
By Brent Saulnier. P. Bio.
In Alberta, high-voltage powerlines, known as transmission lines, are designated as specified land under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and its regulations. As a result, Transmission Facility Operators (TFOs) must reclaim transmission lines to an equivalent land capability and obtain a reclamation certificate (excluding road allowances) upon decommissioning, in accordance with the Act. To date, no TFO has received a reclamation certificate for a transmission line, as procedural guidance was lacking for decades.
In 2020, the Government of Alberta, with support from Alberta’s TFOs, published
the Reclamation Practices and Criteria for Powerlines. This document provides long-awaited guidance on the reclamation process for decommissioned transmission lines. Achieving equivalent land capability requires addressing two key components:
• Ensuring the land’s capacity to support various uses after reclamation is comparable to its pre-activity state, even if specific uses may differ.
• Addressing any contamination in alignment with Alberta’s Remediation Regulation and Contaminated Sites Policy Framework.
While the release of the Reclamation Practices and Criteria for Powerlines was a major milestone, a significant challenge remains: assessing and remediating residual contamination from treated wood utility poles. These poles are commonly treated with wood preservatives such as pentachlorophenol, creosote, and chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Over time, these treatments can emit contaminants into the surrounding soil. Contaminants of concern include pentachlorophenol itself, along with dioxins and furans, petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals, depending on the type of treatment applied.
The Reclamation Practices and Criteria for Powerlines simply states that decommissioned transmission lines must meet Alberta Tier 1 (or Tier 2) Soil and Groundwater Remediation Guidelines. However, the challenge lies in addressing contamination at the discrete, discontinuous locations of each treated utility pole along a transmission line. Poles are spaced approximately 150 metres apart, and a single transmission line can contain hundreds of poles. Conducting conventional Phase II assessments and remediation (e.g., “dig, dump, and test”) at each pole site is impractical and does not appropriately align with the localized nature of the contamination and its relative risk.
Recognizing this issue, Alberta’s TFOs have collaborated with the Government of Alberta to develop a risk-based approach to contamination assessment and remediation for transmission lines, within the context of the Contaminated Sites Policy Framework. This multi-year collaboration has improved the collective understanding of contamination associated with treated wood utility poles, with the shared goal of developing guidelines and practical practices that protect ecological and human health while remaining cost-effective for Alberta’s ratepayers.
A major milestone in this collaboration was achieved this past December. Alberta’s TFOs submitted the Literature Review and Risk Categorization for Transmission Line Poles in Alberta to the Government of Alberta for consideration. This report synthesizes a decade of research into contaminant modeling and soil investigations, offering a risk categorization framework that considers contaminants, receptors, and pathways associated with treated wood utility poles. The supporting dataset included over 6,000 analytical data points collected from nearly 300 transmis-
sion line structures across Alberta. This submission represents a foundational step toward enabling the Government of Alberta to establish the necessary guidelines for contamination assessment and remediation of decommissioned transmission lines.
Next steps now rest with the Government of Alberta as they review the report and its findings to shape future remediation policy for decommissioned transmission lines. With approximately 2,500 kilometers of transmission line already decommissioned and awaiting assessment, and more anticipated in the coming years as assets age, the importance of practical, risk-based remediation approaches cannot be overstated.
• Remediation
• Reclamation
• ARO
• Liability Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Environmental Assessments
RemedX Remediation Services Inc. 715 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2X6 (403) 209-0004 contact@remedx.net www.remedx.net
• Own and Operate 2 Industrial Landfills
KEEPING RECLAMATION IN THE CONVERSATION
By Bill Whitelaw
Alberta’s next generation energy workforce will boast an important skill on its resume: reclamation. It will be right at the top as a strategic attribute as energy systems of all types continue to evolve.
But “reclamation” will be as much a philosophy and attitude as it is about a broad range of technical skills. Indeed, recla-
mation will also rank with engineering, geoscience, business, and sustainability in terms of demand.
All of Alberta’s diverse energy systems will require reclamation-oriented skills to ensure the systems remain stable, secure, and resilient. That’s why Ten Peaks Innovation Alliance is weaving the diverse dimensions of reclamation into the pro-
gramming it delivers to high school students and their teachers, notes founder and Executive Director Dagmar Knutson.
“Reclamation is a fascinating and complex subject, one that touches many aspects of what students want to learn and talk about,” she says. “That’s why we take a very interdisciplinary approach to programming.”
The Ten Peaks team is hard at work planning its fifth annual fall conference, the 10Peaks Innovation Xchange, held every October at Red Deer Polytechnic. Hundreds of students and teachers attend in person, with hundreds online.
This year’s themes of climate and biodiversity are ideal backdrops for reclamation-related learning, says Knutson. “We started the conversation in 2023 with an Art in Reclamation workshop hosted by Tanya Richens and Shannon King and had such a demand from students that we added a second workshop that year. It’s an important topic, and we will continue to have reclamation represented at every conference.”
Canada's track record of reclamation achievement will help cement the link to issues front and centre for students, she adds.
“Climate and biodiversity are not well-embedded in the classroom and curriculum. From speakers to workshop leaders to exhibit tables, we give students an oppor-
tunity to talk to professionals in reclamation. By incorporating reclamation into the conversation, we help students expand their critical thinking skills in areas like the circular economy, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility.”
A key skill linked to a future-focused reclamation skill set will be communications.
“Our energy sectors have always had good reclamation stories to tell, in terms of technology and process. But reclamation was always in the shadows as a functional requirement of regulation. Now, we’re firmly in the era of reclamation as something that requires strategic thinking and strategically communicating the results.”
COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STAKEHOLDERS EQUALS REMEDIATION SUCCESS!
Most of the world will never forget 2020 as the pandemic swept across the globe. In the far corner of southeast Saskatchewan, it was also the year one of Good Lands Environmental Inc.’s oil & gas-producing cli-
ents experienced their largest catastrophic pipeline release. The pipeline carried produced water, and approximately 2,400 m3 was released at the time of the event, affecting approximately 7,600 m2. The surface point was located on the top of
a hill; the fluid ran 560 metres down a 30-metre gradient drop through pasture and bush towards a Class V wetland.
Good Lands led the environmental support efforts and successfully executed
Aerial view looking southeast at the south section of the spill (upgradient). (September 15, 2020).
Aerial view looking northwest at the north section of the spill from the base lease. Impacted trees have been mulched and excavation activities have been initiated (downgradient, to Class V wetland in top of photo).
Looking southeast from the north spill area during excavation and fluid recovery activities. (October 13, 2020).
Looking southeast along the south spill area during excavation activities.
a large, complicated remedial project during pandemic conditions on behalf of their client. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources, the regulatory body for oil & gas, was engaged immediately and provided ongoing support and approval of remedial efforts. The affected landowners were notified and kept abreast of all aspects happening on their lands.
The remedial response included assess-
ment and delineation of the affected pathways as soil, groundwater, and surface water were identified as receptors of the contaminant of concern, sodium chloride. The detailed assessment process involved experts from Good Lands who engaged experienced hydrogeologists and a biologist for groundwater and wetland support. Once it was determined the Class V wetland had, indeed, been a receptor, immediate action was taken to execute recovery of the sodium chloride
affected water from the wetland. The soil impacts were delineated and the remedial action plan culminated in removal of more than 26,000 tonnes of sodium chloride affected soils within the rooting zone. Additionally, vertical collection culverts and interceptor trenches were installed along the hillside to recover impacted groundwater both during and after the initial soil excavation. An important step in the reclamation activities involved backfilling the excavation with
Aerial view looking northwest at the north spill area after excavation activities have been completed with the Class V wetland in the background. (November 6, 2020)
Aerial view looking south towards the base lease and the north spill area excavation.
Aerial view looking southeast at the south spill area during excavation activities.
soil from a hill adjacent to the site. This limited heavy equipment and traffic in and out of the area, and thus, the environmental footprint. Contouring of the area occurred in mid-summer of 2021 and included both silt fencing to add sediment protection for the Class V wetland and coconut matting to reduce soil sloughing and erosion on the hillside slopes.
Extensive remedial monitoring contin-
ues at the site and includes groundwater and wetland assessments, with vegetation monitoring via drone orthomosaic imagery, along with ongoing reporting to the Ministry. The response and collaboration between the client, Good Lands, hydrogeologists, biologist, the Ministry, and the landowners during turbulent times shows how important communication is to a positive outcome for all stakeholders.
Good Lands ensured the remedial activities protected the soil and water, and they did so with the smallest environmental footprint, meaning less water and soils were removed and disturbed. This site is an example of how we can move efficiently and effectively from a catastrophic event to a restored site and fully functional Class V wetland with strong teamwork and collaboration!
Aerial view looking down gradient, northwest from the break point at the spill path excavation. Large groundwater interceptor collection trenches are visible east of the main excavation area.
2021 Mapping –North is top of photo. Note the site has been excavated, backfilled and seeded to a grass blend. The groundwater collection system is in place and operational with four vertical culverts and interceptor trenches designed to collect and dispose of the chloride impacted groundwater. The Class V wetland that acted as a receptor during the release is fully functioning.
2023 Mapping –the vegetation continues to improve, and the water collection system is operating.
2022 Mapping – the site has very strong grass germination and the water collection system is operating year-round to collect the impacted groundwater.
2024 Mapping – Vegetation establishment is excellent; the water collection system is operational and the 4 culverts within the huts are visible in the photo. The Class V wetland shows no effects of the release.
PEATLAND RESTORATION IN MANITOBA
By Peter Whittington
Peatlands, globally, store twice as much carbon than all the world’s forests combined, representing approximately one third of the terrestrial soil carbon despite only covering three per cent of the Earth’s surface; Canada contains about 20 per cent of the world's peatlands – the most of any nation! Peatlands, or organic wetlands, are typically divided into two main categories: bogs and fens (some swamps are peatlands too). Bogs are ombrogenous, meaning that they receive water from precipitation only (ombros being Greek for rain shower), whereas fens can receive water from surface and groundwater inputs which are typically more nutrient rich. As such, fens are minerotrophic and bogs are ombrotrophic (low nutrient status). As fens start to store more and more soil carbon, they grow vertically becoming isolated from the surrounding landscape’s water inputs and become bogs.
Canadian peatlands offer a vast array of important ecosystem services, with an important one being a source for horticultural peat. The high porosity, water holding capacity and cation exchange ca-
pacity of bog peat is highly sought after for commercial growers to use in greenhouses to grow seedlings, vegetables, and flowers.
Unfortunately, extraction of peat requires drainage of the peatlands by creating a network of drainage ditches to lower the water table, as well as the removal of the surface vegetation (e.g., Sphagnum mosses). Ironically, once the peat has been extracted as a growing medium, getting peatland vegetation (e.g., Sphagnum mosses) to reestablish passively/naturally is very difficult, mostly due to challenging hydrological conditions for the moss. Fortunately, a team of researchers from the Peatland Ecology Research Group, headed by Line Rochefort at Laval University, and supported by the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA) and NSERC (Natural Science and Engineering Research Council) pioneered a globally recognized bog peatland restoration method called the Moss Layer Transfer Technique (MLTT). The MLTT, briefly, involves spreading donor moss (obtained from a nearby bog and is of minimal disturbance) over the extracted peat fields,
Additionally, as the bog peat is extracted it eventually gives rise to fen peat, which does not have the same properties and it not as commercially viable as bog peat for horticultural purposes.
spreading of straw mulch to reduce evaporation (the light colour reflects light reducing heating and traps a layer of moist air near the surface to prevent drying), and finally the blocking of drainage ditches. In as little at 10 to 15 years, the bog can be a carbon-accumulating ecosystem once again, complete with a Sphagnum moss cover. The MLTT represents a prompt and active restoration method; simply rewetting a peatland for restoration is not sufficient in most cases.
The MLTT was developed in eastern Canada, where the annual precipitation is higher, and evapotranspiration rates much lower, than the drier climate of Manitoba. Additionally, as the bog peat is extracted it eventually gives rise to fen peat, which does not have the same properties and it not as commercially viable as bog peat for horticultural purposes. As such, the conditions (such as pH,
electrical conductivity) left in an extracted peat field might be closer to fen peat than bog peat, suggesting restoration to a fen might be more appropriate.
The peatland restoration project in Manitoba seeks to determine if the MLTT can be adapted to a drier and more drought-prone climate, as well as to restore the site to a fen (rather than a bog). We are using different water retention techniques on the surface of the peatland, such as furrow diking, to try to trap snow and retain precipitation on the site, giving the donor mosses a chance to establish.
This work is supported by an NSERC Alliance Grant between the CSPMA, Brandon University, and the University of Waterloo to Drs. Pete Whittington and Maria Strack.
THE FARO MINE REMEDIATION PROJECT
The Faro Mine site is approximately 200 kilometres north of Whitehorse, Yukon (as the crow flies), and is located within the traditional territory of the Kaska Nation, with Ross River being the most directly affected and closest Indigenous community to the site [see photo 1.1 and 1.2]. The mine produced lead and zinc intermittently from the late 1960s until 1998 when Anvil Range Mining Corporation was placed into receivership. At one point, it was the largest open pit lead/zinc mine in the world and is now one of the most complex contaminated sites in Canada with over 320 million tonnes of waste rock and 70 million tonnes of tailings. As owner of last resort, the Government of Canada is responsible for funding the remediation of the abandoned Faro Mine site.
The Faro Mine Remediation Project team, in partnership with the Government of Yukon, the Kaska Nations, Selkirk First
Nation, and other affected and interested groups, completed numerous studies to characterize the environmental issues at the site which culminated in the development of several viable remediation options. In 2009, a consensus was reached on a preferred remediation option known as the “stabilize-in-place” approach. Since then, the project team has been working to finalize the detailed Remediation Plan and seek all the necessary regulatory approvals, licenses, and permits before remediation of the site can begin. Implementation of the Remediation Plan is expected to start in 2029 and take approximately 15 years to complete.
Since 2018, Parsons has supported the Government of Canada, as the Construction Manager and Care & Maintenance contractor, to undertake urgent works and ultimately the final remediation plan for the site. In addition to numerous care and maintenance improvements, a num-
ber of larger construction work packages have been completed, to date, including construction of a new Cross Valley Pond Water Treatment Plant to increase treatment capacity; construction of a seepage collection system at station X13 to reduce iron loading into Rose Creek; and construction of the realignment of the North Fork Rose Creek to ensure clean water is diverted away from a significant source of zinc contamination [see photo 3].
Parsons has been recognized for their efforts on the project with several awards, including the 2024 Yukon Regional Business Sustainability Award from the Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) of Canada. This award recognized Parsons for integrating sustainable practices and championing sustainability, while prioritizing First Nations reconciliation and collaboration. The company also received the 2024 Environmental Project of the Year Award from the Environmental Services
North Fork Rose Creek Realignment Ribbon Cutting –October 2020 [Greg Sutherland, Senior Vice President, Parsons, and Kathlene Suza, Kaska Elder].
Association of Alberta (ESAA), recogniz ing innovation and execution of an ongo ing environmental project.
Before mining commenced, the Ross Riv er Dena Council members used the area, historically known as Tse Zul, for subsis tence. The construction and operation of the Faro Mine destroyed an environment which was rich in food resources and had sustained families for generations, displaced Kaska people from important spiritual and burial sites, and resulted in the creation of the Faro townsite, including associated socio-economic impacts. Today, the remediation project has become an important mechanism for ensuring that some of these injustices are confronted and that Indigenous people can begin to see healing while benefiting from the remediation of the site.
of the Ross River Dena Council, to significantly grow their existing fuel supply business Tu-Lidlini Petroleum Corporation. In addition, the project supported Dena Nezziddi’s interest in developing a camp supply and services business. Thanks to the work received through the Faro Mine Remediation Project, Dena Nezziddi is now the largest camp supplier in the Yu
kon providing services to private mining companies, telecommunication firms, local governments, and other businesses. As a result of the ongoing work on the Faro Mine Remediation Project, Dena Nezziddi was awarded the 2023 Indigenous Business of the Year from the Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce.
For example, the project has worked closely with Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation, the business development arm
Professional Vegetation Managers Association
PROACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
• Providing training and education (pesticide applicator credits for BC, AB, SK, MN licenses and ISA credits offered at workshops and conferences).
• Developing operating standards.
• Consulting with govenment on regulatory issues.
• Communicating industry changes to members.
Kaska Traditional Territory.
NATIVE MEADOWS: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN CANADIAN LAND RECLAMATION
By Jenny Fortier, Founder and CEO of Northern Wildflowers Inc.
With the urgent global need to combat climate change and restore degraded landscapes, native meadow habitats are emerging as a key strategy for carbon sequestration. While forests often dominate discussions
around nature-based climate solutions, grasslands and native meadows offer a compelling, yet underutilized, approach to storing carbon, enhancing biodiversity, and improving long-term resilience in land reclamation projects.
THE SCIENCE OF CARBON SEQUESTRATION IN GRASSLANDS AND MEADOWS
Unlike forests, which store most of their carbon in aboveground biomass, grass-
A seed-based restoration project implemented at a mining site in Northeastern Ontario. Photo by Dwight Chorney (Erocon Environmental Group), Gogama, Ontario.
A restored native meadow in bloom, three years after seeding. Site restoration was done in partnership between Hydro One Networks and Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF). Photo by Tracey Etwell (CWF), Smiths Falls, Ontario.
lands and meadows store most of their carbon underground in deep root systems and soil organic matter. Globally grasslands store up to 30 per cent of the Earth's soil carbon, with deep-rooted native species playing a critical role in long-term sequestration (IPCC, 2019).
In Canada, native meadows – comprised of native grasses and wildflowers – can sequester carbon at rates comparable to or even exceeding those of forest ecosystems, particularly when compared to older forest stands (20+ years). A study by Congreves et al. (2021) found that prairie grasslands in Canada can store between 0.74 to 4.2 metric tons of carbon per hectare annually, depending on species composition
Canada has vast areas of disturbed land, ridors, and abandoned agricultural fields, -
tegrate native grasses and wildflowers not only sequester carbon but also contribute
mation Program has incorporated native grassland species to restore soil structure and reduce erosion, demonstrating that
tegrate ecological and climate benefits (Straker et al., 2019). Similarly, Ontario’s Hydro One Biodiversity Initiative has been reintroducing native meadow species
ELEVATE YOUR PROJECTS NATIVE WILDFLOWER SEED
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Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum), a tallgrass prairie native flower and popular nectar source for pollinators like this Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus).
tering habitats while reducing maintenance costs associated with tree regrowth (Hydro One, 2023).
CHANGES IN POLICY ARE NEEDED
Currently, government programs primarily focus on afforestation for carbon credits, often overlooking grasslands as a legitimate sequestration tool. For instance, Canada's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Offset Credit System encourages projects that reduce GHGs, including better management of forests and avoiding releases of methane gas from landfills, but does not explicitly highlight grassland restoration (Government of Canada, 2025). Expanding carbon offset programs to include native meadow restoration could accelerate adoption.
A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS
As the Canadian Land Reclamation Association marks its 50th anniversary, the sector stands at a pivotal moment. The next era of reclamation must embrace diverse ecological solutions, recognizing native meadows as a high-impact, climate-smart strategy for carbon sequestration. By in-
vesting in domestic seed supply chains, improving policy frameworks, and prioritizing meadow restoration in project planning, we can enhance carbon storage, biodiversity, and landscape resilience across Canada.
The future of land reclamation must go beyond traditional forest-focused approaches. Native meadows are not just an alternative – they are an essential part of Canada’s climate and conservation toolkit.
Jenny Fortier is the Founder and CEO of Northern Wildflowers Inc., a native seed and seed technology company based in Sudbury. With over 15 years of experience in habitat restoration, she holds a B.Sc. (Laurentian University), an M.Sc., and is a Master Gardener with a certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design. In 2024, Jenny completed Arlene Dickinson’s Venture Park Labs Accelerator and was nominated for the RBC Women of Influence Awards. Northern Wildflowers' dedication to sustainability was recognized with the RT Foundation Award in 2021, and in 2023, they were finalists in the Bell Business Excellence Awards.
REFERENCES:
• Congreves, K. A., Hayes, A., Verhallen, E., & Van Eerd, L. L. (2021). "Soil organic carbon sequestration in Canadian agroecosystems: A review." Canadian Journal of Soil Science, 101(4), 520–541.
• Government of Canada. (2025). "Canada's Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System." Retrieved from https:// www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/ pricing-pollution-how-it-will-work/ output-based-pricing-system/federal-greenhouse-gas-offset-system.html
• Hydro One. (2023). "Hydro One launches biodiversity initiative in southwest Ontario to fund habitat creation and invest in the natural environment." Retrieved from https://hydroone. mediaroom.com/2023-10-30-Hydro-One-launches-biodiversity-initiative-in-southwest-Ontario-to-fund-habitat-creation-and-invest-in-the-natural-environment
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019). "Climate Change and Land: An IPCC Special Report."
• Lerman, S. B., & Contosta, A. R. (2022). Lawn to meadow conversion improves carbon sequestration and biodiversity in suburban landscapes. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 3(1), 12243.
• Milesi, C., Running, S. W., Elvidge, C. D., Dietz, J. B., Tuttle, B. T., & Nemani, R. R. (2005). Mapping and modeling the biogeochemical cycling of turf grasses in the United States. Environmental Management, 36(3), 426-438.
• Straker, J., Hinton, J., & Bradshaw, B. (2019). "Community perspectives on oil sands mine reclamation and its implications for corporate social responsibility." Environmental Management, 64(2), 157–170.
A crew of staff and volunteers work together as part of a meadow restoration at Fisherman’s Park. Site restoration was done in partnership between Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) and the City of Thunder Bay. Photo by Jessie McFadden (LRCA), Thunder Bay, Ontario
A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS
Cascade Geotechnical, founded in 1981, has become a trusted leader in manufacturing and supplying high-quality environmental products across Canada.
Co-founded by Craig Miller and Gordon Dennis, the company is driven by a team of professionals who carry on their legacy and ensure the day-to-day operations continue smoothly.
SERVING MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES ACROSS CANADA
Whether it’s a reclamation or civil construction project, a forestry initiative, pipeline installation, agricultural development, or private land home project, Cascade Geotechnical stands ready to provide the products and solutions that ensure success.
Despite being based in Edmonton, Cascade’s reach extends nationwide, shipping products across all provinces in Canada.
COMPETITIVE FREIGHT RATES AND RELIABLE SERVICE
Nationwide shipping capabilities, com-
bined with competitive freight rates, ensures that products are delivered on time and in optimal condition, helping to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
CUSTOMER-FOCUSED APPROACH
At the heart of Cascade’s operations lies a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to exceeding client expectations and earning a reputation for reliability and expertise.
Whether offering detailed quotes, recommending the right products, or providing support throughout seasonal purchasing cycles, Cascade goes above and beyond
to meet client needs. The company’s commitment to ethical standards and building trust helps foster long-term relationships with clients and partners alike.
LOOKING FORWARD
With over four decades of experience and a team of skilled professionals, Cascade is well-positioned to support the evolving needs of industries across Canada. Their strong foundation of quality, service, knowledge and innovation ensures that Cascade will remain a leader in the environmental products sector for years to come.
How can we help you in making your next project more successful?
CASE STUDIES
CANADA OLYMPIC PARK, CALGARY
MILNER RIDGE – ORIGINAL CASE STUDY
This project for a provincial medium-security jail called for two wastewater treatment ponds, with 70,000 m2 (83,719 sy) of slopes and channels to install and protect. The project location had incredibly sandy and erodible soils.
Challenges:
• Highly erodible slopes composed of sandy soil
• Little-to-no reclaimable topsoil
• Other revegetation options cost prohibitive
• Significant rain event soon after installation
Application:
Verdyol Biotic Earth was chosen as a topsoil alternative at a cost of only 54% what topsoil had been priced at. S31 and S32 straw blankets were used for erosion control on the project. Seed and fertilizer were applied along with the standard application rate of 3,900kg/ha of Verdyol Biotic Earth. With no cure time, the erosion control blankets could be installed right after the Verdyol Biotic Earth was applied.
Results:
Vegetation was established quickly and evenly. Additionally, a significant rain event of 100mm over 2 days soon after caused no damage. There has been no erosion to speak of due to the full vegetation that has been maintained on the site.
The Canada Olympic Park featured steep slopes that were highly erodible due to the extremely sandy slopes. This caused runoff and sediment accumulation on the COP West Parking Lot. Due to the steep, sandy slopes, manually placing soil improvement products and rolled erosion control products proved difficult. Poor soil fertility coupled with the erodible soils made achieving successful vegetation densities difficult.
Verdyol Biotic Earth was applied at a rate of 3900 kg/ha. Separate tacking agents were not required as the erosion control used on the site was a Bonded Fiber Matrix that includes tackifying agents. With no cure time, erosion control blankets could be installed right after Biotic Earth was applied.
Results:
One year later, grass establishment on the 2:1 slopes was thick and robust, and some turf varieties were spiking seed-bearing heads. Slope erosion and sedimentation onto the parking lot was eradicated, and posed no further maintenance issues. Only one application was required.
Cascade Geotechnical is also a manufacturer of AT Spec Biodegradable Silt Fence that is designed to be left in place and biodegrade over time.
From Start to Finish we provide a range of products to meet your needs…
We welcome all kinds of inquiries, big or small. Thanks to our strong relationships, we can even source materials we don’t typically stock or connect you with trusted partners.
We provide detailed quotes for the products and accessories you need for installation, and we always aim to minimize lead times. Just let us know what you need, where, and when, and we’ll handle the rest.
OUR PASSION LIES IN FINDING SOLUTIONS TO OUR CUSTOMER’S NEEDS.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN SOURCING MATERIAL FOR YOU NEXT PROJECT?
TEMPORARY EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL
• Erosion Control Blankets reduce rainfall impact and help establish vegetation.
• Coir 700/900 and Geojute for biodegradable stabilization.
• Straw Wattles slow down the flow of water and trap sediment.
• Silt Fence is used to retain sediment in place where soil is disturbed.
PERMANENT EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL
• Turf Reinforcement Mats are designed for critical slope and channel application. Some with biodegradable components and some fully synthetic. The biodegradable components hold moisture, reduce temperature and provide organic matter for soil development.
• Gabion Baskets for free draining slope armoring.
Cascade Geotechnical is your Edmonton based distributor of
Biotic Earth - Vegetation needs healthy soils that contain abundant microbial activity, proper organic matter content, and nutrients in order to thrive. Biotic Earth BSA (Biotic Soil Amendment) improves both germination expression and establishment, and long-term vegetation survivability. Close out projects faster and increase success rates on your sites by choosing the only Biotic Soil Amendment with a guaranteed 2-year product viability.
• Improves low-quality soils, enhancing water retention and microbial life.
• More cost-effective and faster to apply than other soil improvement methods.
• No need for extra microbial additives with Biotic Earth.
• Speeds up project completion with easy loading and quick installation.
WESTERN CANADA
A FROG’S-EYE VIEW ON RECLAMATION IN THE ENERGY SECTOR
Alberta Order of Excellence-nominated artist displays reclamation site art at SAIT
By Natalie Brodych, Communications Specialist, Stategic Content Communications, SAIT
Travelling around Alberta, you can find many scenes of energy development: cul-de-sacs built around pumpjacks, flare stacks winking on the horizon, and mining sites rising into the sky. But the frogs at Syncrude’s Sandhill Fen see it differently.
Yes, we said frogs.
Shannon Carla King grew up with energy development practically in her backyard near Drayton Valley, AB. With 30 years of experience working in the industry, she is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engi-
neering, Arts and Mathematic) professional who now focuses full-time on her art. Each piece she creates is a celebration of the oil & gas sector’s conservation and reclamation efforts, meant to educate and inspire – like “What the Frogs Saw,” now on display at SAIT.
Dale Hansen, Dean of Energy at SAIT, recalls of his first impression of King’s art at the World Petroleum Congress in 2023. “It was the story that drew me in,” he says. “Shannon’s art celebrated the beautiful things that come from reclamation.”
“What the Frogs Saw” creates a narrative in the viewer's imagination of what might have happened during the construction of the reclamation site: Syncrude Sandhill Fen. Many of these reconstructed wetlands offer a haven for frogs, who were helicoptered (helicoptered!) in as part of relocation and habitat and biodiversity monitoring plans.
But a few short decades before this frog’seye view was captured, this land was used for mining.
Until 2000, before it became Sandhill Fen, Syncrude’s site in northern Alberta was a fully operational oilsands mining operation. After mining was completed, Syncrude set to work reclaiming the land – a process that includes removing equipment, cleaning up contamination, replacing soil, and revegetating the area, as is required of all oil & gas operations in Alberta.
“What the Frogs Saw” was unveiled (along with another King original “Hungry Syncrude Dudes,” featuring wood bison grazing on reclaimed land) in SAIT’s Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre to MacPhail School of Energy students, who study reclamation and conservation in their curriculum.
Hansen hopes learners will come away understanding that Alberta’s energy abundance coexists with water-and-land stewardship. “We can do the things we need to do to meet energy demands and still be
Krishi Yadav and Shannon Carla King in front of “What the Frogs Saw” in SAIT’s Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre.
good and responsible corporate citizens.”
He also wants them to feel pride in the energy industry.
“There is always land disturbance from energy development, but companies are about returning things to the way they were or better. That’s really important, how they demonstrate responsibility in operations while also making the sector more diverse and sustainable.”
King herself echoes this.
“In the reclamation profession, talented people show up every day, everyone from heavy equipment operators to biologists and researchers who help remove infrastructure and support these new ecosystems. To me, they’re the unsung heroes of our environmental accomplishments. We really should be talking about them more and saying thank you.”
One Applied Petroleum Technology stu-
dent in attendance, Krishi Yadav, felt strongly moved by the piece and King’s experience. As a photographer himself, he reflects on how an artistic perspective can make complex topics accessible.
“Shannon used to work full-time in oil & gas, and now she’s a full-time artist using her background to inform audiences. It’s all about telling a story.”
Yadav, learning about energy regulation in his classes, says, “I’m very passionate about
the energy industry and how it provides essentials we need every day, but I don’t want us taking Mother Nature for granted. We have a personal responsibility to clean up the land.”
You can view King’s art in the Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre. “Hungry Syncrude Dudes” is located on the first floor in the hallway leading to the escalators and main elevator, and “What the Frogs Saw” is on the third floor by the escalators.
50 YEARS | 3200 REGISTRANTS
ORANO’S CLUFF LAKE PROJECT: A MILESTONE FOR URANIUM MINING
After producing over 28,123 tonnes of uranium concentrate during its operation from 1979 to 2002, Orano Canada’s Cluff Lake project has reached the end of its mining life cycle through remediation. This comes after a decade of the site being fully decommissioned and open to the public.
By Orano Canada Staff
On May 11, 2023, following a virtual public hearing held two months prior, the regulating body of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to revoke the uranium mine licence held by Orano for the Cluff Lake project of northwestern Saskatchewan within Treaty 8 territory.
Orano began pursuing this application in 2020 with the intention to transfer the site to the Government of Saskatchewan’s Institutional Control Program (ICP), which is designed to ensure properties are monitored and managed in perpetuity. Additionally, the CNSC granted an exemption
from licensing to the province to enable the acceptance of the site into the ICP in 2024.
Orano Canada, a subsidiary of the French nuclear energy company the Orano Group, and headquartered in Saskatoon, has been exploring for uranium, developing mines, and producing uranium concentrate for over 55 years. The company operates the McClean Lake mill, an advanced facility which allows for processing of high-grade uranium ore without dilution.
This transfer marks a significant milestone for Canada’s mining industry as Cluff Lake is the first modern uranium site to
be transferred to the province through the ICP. Only the Contact Lake gold property and several satellite sites of the historic Beaverlodge uranium project have been successfully transferred.
In addition to an assurance fund to cover costs related to unexpected events, as part of the ICP, Orano is providing funds for long-term environmental monitoring and maintenance of the site, and engagement with Indigenous rightsholders. The process is also designed to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of future generations by meeting national and international standards and requirements.
In making its decision to revoke Orano’s licence, CNSC considered oral and written submissions from the company, CNSC staff, and 12 public intervenors. Its Participant Funding Program (PFP) allocated resources and invited interventions from Indigenous groups and communities, members of the public, and stakeholders.
Additionally, an independent funding review committee considered the applications and the CNSC awarded up to $201,699 to six organizations for their participation, including: the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Birch Narrows Dene Nation, Clearwater River Dene Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation,
Métis Nation Saskatchewan, and the Ya’thi Nene Land and Resource Office representing seven Athabascan communities.
After reviewing all technical submissions and these interventions, the CNSC concluded that the Cluff Lake project met the established decommissioning objectives and criteria. Furthermore, the site is considered passively safe for the long term. The CNSC determined that exempting the province from licensing does not pose unreasonable risks to the environment, health and safety of persons, national security, or international obligations.
The success of Cluff Lake is a point of pride for Orano because at the beginning of the site’s operational phase Canada’s current decommissioning standards were still in their infancy with modern reclamation standards not being introduced until the late 1990s.
“The best demonstration of responsible mining is the remediation management,” Nicolas Maes, president of Orano Mining, said in a statement. “The decision of the CNSC is recognition of Orano’s expertise in sustainable mine closure, which is part of our DNA.”
Ongoing environmental monitoring shows that Cluff Lake’s decommissioning was successful with water quality meeting objectives, and the fish, animals, and plants harvested on site are determined to
be safe for consumption.
“I am grateful to our dedicated staff for their commitment to this project from the first days of exploration in the 1970s, through operations, decommissioning, and monitoring to today ensuring that the project was responsibly managed such that the land is now available for local traditional use,” Jim Corman, president and CEO of Orano said.
“We are also appreciative of the Indigenous, Métis, and other community members who shared their knowledge of the lands. We have many employees who remember the days of working at Cluff Lake and we celebrate the successful decommissioning of the project,” added Corman.
The transfer of the project site to Saskatchewan’s ICP demonstrates a successful transition from mining operations to environmentally-sound decommissioning and reclamation. As Canada continues to play a significant role in meeting the world’s demand for uranium, it’s important that such transitions and present operations are carried out in a similarly responsible manner.
Although most of the decommissioning and reclamation activities usually occur after the completion of the operating phase of the project, Orano actively pursues “progressive decommissioning and reclamation” efforts at the McClean Lake operation.
“We do as much work as possible reclaiming the former working areas at the site while we are still operating,” Corman said.
These initiatives include work to proactively re-slope, seed, and vegetate the various site waste rock piles to prevent unnecessary run off and erosion. A shredder has been used to begin removing unused buildings while reducing landfill waste.
Orano continually optimizes its site environmental monitoring program, adapting to changing conditions and ensuring that the monitoring and sampling programs are performed in the appropriate locations and frequencies necessary.
“At Orano Canada, we are committed to progressive decommissioning and reclamation as part of our strategic ambition to be a responsible player in terms of health, occupational safety, community involvement, environmental protection, and business ethics,” Corman explained.
“Our Cluff Lake project is a prime example of how responsible resource development can demonstrate that mining can be viewed as a temporary use of the land. We are proud of Orano’s expertise and leadership in sustainable mine operations and closures that stems from our commitment to stakeholder engagement and returning the land to its natural state,” added Corman.
GROWING NEW LIFE IN AN OLD PIT: CREATING TALLGRASS PRAIRIE IN A COMMUNITY-FOCUSED, MULTI-USE RECLAMATION SPACE
By Cara Steele1, Autumn Watkinson2, and Kaitlyn Fleming3
ABBEY GARDENS
Sand, gravel, and crushed stone are some of the most highly used natural resources in Ontario (Altus Group Economic Consulting, 2009). With over 2,000 aggregate pit and quarry sites requiring reclamation in Ontario (Government of Ontario, 2019), opportunities to grow new life in old aggregate pits are plentiful and varied. Many pits become residential areas, wetlands, parks, or agricultural lands. In some cases, these spaces become community destinations. Inspired by Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC and the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK – both rehabilitated open-air mines and world-class gardens –John Patterson, a retired businessman and local philanthropist, was inspired to create a greenspace for the community to gather, learn, and enjoy. In 2009, he secured an aggregate pit two hours north of Toronto in picturesque cottage country. Powered by community volunteers, a Board of Di-
rectors, and a team of staff, John’s vision quickly took on a life of its own to become a charitable organization focused on sustainability and education. Abbey Gardens is now a flourishing community hub visited by over 50,000 people annually. The site hosts festivals, music events, summer camps, and weddings. Visitors can explore over five kilometres of trails, play, disc golf, and visit the Ojibwe Horses. An on-site store and cafe sell vegetables from Abbey Garden’s large vegetable garden and serves homemade lunches and treats made with the produce.
THE LITTLE PIT PRAIRIE
Tucked between the Ojibwe Horse paddock and the vegetable garden is a 1.7-ha area affectionately referred to as the Little Pit Prairie (Figure 1). Although outside of the historical range of tallgrass prairie, which are predominantly found in southwestern regions of Ontario (Bakowsky,
1993), restoration ecologist Cara Steele believed that the site’s conditions – infertile, sandy soils in an area with full sunlight – lent themselves to tallgrass prairie creation. “With limited resources, no access to irrigation, and a slim budget, I knew I had to work with the conditions on site, rather than alter them. My mind immediately went to tallgrass prairie.”
In Ontario, less than two per cent of tall-
Aerial photo of Little Pit Prairie (with seeding dates).
Little Pit Prairie.
Student setting up transect lines.
grass prairie remains intact and in fair conditions (Rodger & Woodliffe, 2001), and the restoration of prairies has increased to combat the decline of endangered ecosystems (Hickson, 2014). There have been many efforts to restore abandoned agricultural lands and farmlands into tallgrass prairies because of the loss of this essential ecosystem (Foster et al., 2007). There have been far fewer examples of aggregate pits restored to tallgrass prairie, and limited research on using prairie vegetation for reclamation in areas that weren’t historically prairie (Swab et al., 2020). Armed with theory and trust in the resiliency and resourcefulness of native plants, the reclamation plan moved ahead. After a few years of hand-broadcasting grass and wildflower seed, the pit slowly turned from a sandy wasteland to a greenspace alive with plants and buzzing with insects (Figure 2). While plant establishment was evident, it was clear that some sown species dominated the space while others were underrepresented or absent.
PARTNERSHIP WITH TRENT UNIVERSITY
To better understand the Little Pit Prairie’s status and to help identify viable options for adaptive management, Abbey Gardens partnered with Trent University. Located just an hour and a half drive from Trent
University’s Symons campus in Peterborough, ON, Abbey Gardens offers students a unique opportunity to engage in research within a dynamic setting focused on active reclamation and adaptive management. This collaboration has provided valuable experiential learning opportunities to Trent School of the Environment students at Trent University, allowing them to engage firsthand with the challenges and intricacies of ecological restoration. Students have been involved in fieldwork, data collection, and analysis, gaining practical experience while contributing to ongoing research and monitoring of the prairie. Since 2022, two undergraduate and three graduate students from Trent have conducted research studies at the Little Pit Prairie, with many more students involved in different aspects of the site through theses, community-based research, and reading course projects.
In addition to providing education benefits, the partnership is poised to generate actionable insights into the successes and challenges of the restoration process. By examining plant community dynamics, soil health, and biodiversity trends, the collaboration aims to develop more effective strategies for fostering ecological
resilience in disturbed sites. The research will help refine techniques for managing species composition, enhancing plant establishment, and mitigating invasive species encroachment.
Looking ahead, the outcomes of this research could have broader implications for the restoration of other disturbed landscapes, particularly in areas where traditional restoration models may not be applicable. The lessons learned from the Little Pit Prairie could inform future efforts in habitat restoration, not only benefiting the local ecosystem but also contributing to the wider goal of preserving Ontario’s endangered tallgrass prairie habitats. Through this ongoing partnership, Abbey Gardens and Trent University hope to create a model of ecological restoration that balances environmental, educational, and community goals, ultimately ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the Little Pit Prairie.
STUDENT RESEARCH & MONITORING
Initial Vegetation & Soil Studies
Initial vegetation- and soil-focused studies aimed to provide a status of the Little Pit and identify areas of concern. These
Ojibwe horse grazing in tallgrass prairie.
Invertebrate species abundance across the Little Pit.
studies were completed in fall 2022 as a graduate reading course and fall 2023 as a community-based research project hosted by U-Links. A grid of evenly spaced transect lines (Figure 3) was used to establish a set of permanent, evenly spaced one metre by one metre monitoring plots across the Little Pit Prairie. Using visual estimates of vegetation cover in each quadrat and bunchgrass density counts along each transect, students found that seeded bunchgrasses like Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) had established well from seed but had not reached cover values comparable to those found in a native tallgrass prairie. Seeded wildflower (herbaceous) cover was much lower and was dominated by species native to the Haliburton region. Encroachment of woody species like Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and white pine (Pinus strobus) was noted. Recommendations included reseeding herbaceous tallgrass species and initiating some form of disturbance regime to support prairie maintenance. Dry prairies
may need four to six years to reach preburn levels (Packard and Mutel, 2005), but after six years, the Little Pit does not yet have an even fuel load to support prescribed burning. Thus, grazing or mowing of some form was recommended (Figure 4). Soil analysis provides a baseline of pH, electrical conductivity, and soil organic matter across the site that can be used to compare the site’s progress as recovery continues.
Initial Invertebrate Study
The initial invertebrate study was conducted to assess the diversity and abundance of invertebrate species present in the Little Pit Prairie, with a focus on understanding the role of these species in the ecosystem’s development and overall health. The first year of sampling was completed in the fall of 2022 as part of a community-based research project. Pitfall traps were set randomly throughout the Little Pit Prairie from September to the end of October, capturing invertebrates that are active in the Fall. The pitfall traps were collected on a weekly basis, capturing a range of invertebrate taxa, including ground beetles, ants, spiders, and other soil-dwelling and surface-dwelling arthropods, which play essential roles in pollination, decomposition, and soil aeration. The study aimed to establish baseline data on the invertebrate community and to identify any potential shifts in species composition over time. Preliminary findings from the study suggested that while the invertebrate community was diverse (Figure 5), species typically found in established tallgrass prairies were absent. This is likely due to the Little Pit Prairie being situated outside the natural range of tallgrass prairie ecosystems, which may limit the presence of certain species. Nonetheless, common prairie groups such as ground beetles and ants were well-represented, suggesting that the restoration is supporting some key ecological functions.
Subsequent Paired Plant & Invertebrate Studies
In subsequent years, the vegetation and invertebrate studies were combined. In summer 2023 and summer 2024, vegetation and ground beetle data were collected in paired plots using the permanent monitoring plots established during the vegetation and soil surveys in fall 2022. Pitfall traps were placed in the center of vegetation plots and collected approximately every week (Figure 6). The point of this was to continue building a baseline for both vegetation and invertebrates as we were expecting rapid changes in vegetation on the site after the initial seeding and re-seeding in 2017 and 2022, respectively. As for invertebrates, due to the location of the site being well outside of the natural range of tallgrass prairies and severely disconnected from any remnant tallgrass prairies, we needed to establish a baseline of invertebrates, as we would be unable to rely on existing tallgrass prairie invertebrate inventories. Initial results indicate invertebrate species and abundance are significantly affected by cover of plants, bare ground and litter. As plant and litter cover are expected to increase and bare ground decrease as the tallgrass prairie matures, continued monitoring will provide insights into how these species use the site and contribute to important ecological functions such as pollination and nutrient cycling. These early results are important for tracking the success of the restoration over time and for informing future management strategies, particularly in understanding how species may colonize or adapt to a prairie ecosystem in a novel location. Further monitoring will be essential to assess how the invertebrate community evolves as the prairie matures and whether additional management strategies are needed to support its full ecological development.
Abbey Gardens is an outstanding example
Student installing pitfall trap.
of a holistic approach to reclamation benefiting the community of Haliburton, as well as the environment. We believe Abbey Gardens can provide a template for other nonprofits, community groups, and universities to work together towards a more sustainable future through reclamation.
REFERENCES
Altus Group Economic Consulting. (2009). State of the Aggregate Resource in Ontario Study (SAROS) Paper 1 - Aggregate Consumption and Demand. Retrieved from https://files.ontario.ca/saros-paper-1-aggregate-consumption-demand-en.pdf
Bakowsky, W. D. (1993). A review and assessment of prairie, oak savannah and woodland in Site Regions 7 and 6 (Southern Region). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southern Region, Aurora.
Foster, B. L., Murphy, C. A., Keller, K. R.,
Aschenbach, T. A., Questad, E. J., & Kindscher, K. (2007). Restoration of prairie community structure and ecosystem function in an abandoned hayfield: a sowing experiment. Restoration Ecology, 15(4), 652-661.
Government of Ontario. (2019). Find pits and quarries. Ontario.ca. Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-pitsand-quarries
McKone, M.J. and Hernández, D.L. (2021), Community-level assisted migration for climate-appropriate prairie restoration. Restoration Ecology, 29: e13416. https:// doi.org/10.1111/rec.13416
Packard, S. and Mutel, C.F. (2005). The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook: For Prairies, Savannas, and Woodlands. Society for Ecological Restoration International: Tucson, Arizona
Rodger, L., & Woodliffe, P. A. (2001). Re-
covering tallgrass communities in southern Ontario: An ecosystem-based recovery plan and implementation progress. In Proceedings of the 17th North American Prairie Conference (Vol. 85, p. 87).
Swab, R. M., Lorenz, N., Lee, N. R., Culman, S. W., & Dick, R. P. (2020). From the ground up: prairies on reclaimed mine land—impacts on soil and vegetation. Land, 9(11), 455.
2 Assistant Professor, School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 7B8
3 Post-Doctoral Fellow, TRACE Lab: TRansdiciplinary Action confronting Contaminants in the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9L 7B8
As the head of Tree Canada’s National Greening Program, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how planting trees can transform landscapes, strengthen communities, and restore ecosystems. In 2024, Tree Canada planted over 2 million seedlings in areas of need across the country, and we expect to exceed 3 million this year. These efforts are more than just numbers – they’re about addressing environmental degradation, fostering biodiversity, and creating lasting positive change in Canada’s forests. But we can’t do it alone. This important work is only possible thanks to strong partnerships with landowners, planting contractors and funders.
PLANTING WITH PURPOSE
Every tree we plant serves a purpose. Through the National Greening Program, we target areas that have been impacted by wildfires, insect outbreaks, and human-caused disturbances. These are places where reforestation and afforestation can have the greatest impact. By collaborating with local authorities and landowners, we ensure our projects are aligned with conservation goals, such as creating wildlife corridors and enhancing habitat quality.
One of the projects I’m particularly proud of is the Tłıchǫ reforestation initiative in the Northwest Territories. This groundbreaking project, a partnership with the Tłıchǫ Government and Let’s Plant Trees, aims to heal lands devastated by wildfires and regenerate caribou habitat by planting 1 million trees. During a recent visit to Tłıchǫ Lands, I was fortunate to meet with community Elders who shared how wildfires have impacted their lands and people. Their stories underscored the urgency of our work.
Guided by the Tłıchǫ philosophy of “Strong Like Two People,” this project combines Traditional Knowledge with Western science to identify priority planting areas and suitable tree species for reforestation. Tłıchǫ citizens collected millions of black spruce cones and white birch seeds in 2023 and millions of white spruce and tamarack seeds in 2024, which are now being grown into seedlings. Initial planting is set to begin in 2025.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS
The success of projects like this wouldn’t be possible without the expertise and dedication of our planting partners. Tree Canada is committed to supporting contractors not only with funding but with the tools and accountability needed to ensure high survival rates for the trees we plant.
We conduct rigorous survival assessments in the first, second, and fifth years after planting. If survival rates fall below our standards, we replant at our own cost. This isn’t just about meeting goals; it’s about ensuring every tree we plant contributes to ecological restoration. We strive for partnerships that are built on trust and shared purpose.
I can’t overstate the value of multi-year partnerships with corporate sponsors and funders like the federal government’s 2 Billion Trees program. These agreements provide stability, allowing us to plan ahead and maximize the impact of our projects.
With annual impact reports, project updates, and branding opportunities, sponsors gain recognition for their long-term commitments. More importantly, they become integral to the story of Canada’s reforestation efforts.
GROWING TOGETHER
Thanks to these partnerships, Tree Canada is growing a legacy of healthy forests and communities. Whether you’re a planting contractor ready to bring your expertise to impactful reforestation projects, a landowner looking to steward your land, or a corporation that’s committed to making a difference, we welcome you to join us!
Learn more about the National Greening Program and how you can get involved by visiting https://treecanada.ca/reforestation/.
COMPARING NOTES ON THE FIELD
Alumni and learner share experiences
Lethbridge Polytechnic has been preparing learners for a career in Environmental Sciences since the 1970s. Over the decades, the industry may have seen changes and the jobs may have varied, but the people who choose them have something in common: they care greatly about the world around them. From past graduates to current students, each shares a passion for the planet that brought them to Lethbridge Polytechnic.
As a young boy, Jim Mitchell (Environmental Sciences – Resource Enforcement 1980) spent time fishing and bird hunting with his father. This early connection with nature was perhaps a driving force for his interest in protecting resources and aspirations to become a Fish and Wildlife Office or Game Warden one day.
Initially applying to NAIT and being rejected due to full enrolment, Mitchell applied to what was then Lethbridge Community College. He was accepted and received what he describes as an exceptional quality of education.
“Of particular note was an instructor named Ken Reilly, who was a retired RCMP officer who taught us law and court procedures. He relayed many examples from his extensive career which were ultimately relevant to what I would later experience while testifying in court,” says Mitchell.
Mitchell has experienced the institution in a variety of capacities – as a student learning the craft, an employer hiring within the
industry, and as an instructor at the polytechnic relaying his own experiences and providing direct examples of working the field. Mitchell’s 38-year career includes no shortage of stories – so many, in fact, that in his retirement he wrote a book, Alberta Game Warden – Behind the Badge of 172.
He shares three pieces of advice for those starting in the field: “One, learn to write and communicate effectively; two, build your network by getting involved in extracurricular activities and by volunteering; and three, get experience in the field that you are going into. Take summer jobs, wherever they are, to gain seasonal experience between semesters.”
You never know when that summer job may just turn into a career. This was the case for Kerri Allard, Bachelor of Ecosystem Management student and Renewable Resource Management graduate 2023. Allard’s post-secondary journey began with an interest in pursuing family law. However, she dropped out after her first semester of university when she found it difficult to make friends and connect with others in huge lecture halls.
One day, while sitting in a wildfire bunk house in Paint Lake Provincial Park, Manitoba, she picked up a friend’s book on fire management. Her friend was enrolled in Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Natural Resource Compliance program. Allard had worked in fire management over the summers since she was 17 but hadn’t considered it as a career. Hearing others’ experiences and realizing she loved her job and being outdoors, she applied to the polytechnic.
Opportunities to practise classroom theory and work hands-on in the field are a crucial part of the polytechnic’s programs. Allard says such experiences have helped build her confidence and prepare for her career, something she may not have gotten elsewhere.
“I get to band birds,” says Allard. “If I go ask another university student, they’ve probably heard about it, they get to learn about it, but we get to do that, and that’s super exciting,”
No two days in the industry are the same, say both Allard and Mitchell. Reflecting on their experiences, Allard says a favourite memory was a trip to Memphis, Tennessee this past summer as a member of the polytechnic’s Ducks Unlimited student chapter. This was quickly followed up by getting access to drive boats during a fishery management class field trip.
Mitchell reflects on a favourite personal memory: a trip hiking
into a remote location along the Banff National Park boundary with his daughter Kailtyn.
“We went in to capture some young wolf pups to take DNA samples while they were still in the den,” he says. “We were successful. It was an incredible experience.”
For those who, like Allard and Mitchell, are energized by being outdoors and look to create positive change for a healthier envi-
ronment, the Environmental Sciences may just be the career path for them.
For information about Lethbridge Polytechnic’s School of Environmental Sciences, visit lethpolytech.ca/programs. The polytechnic also has programs to help high school students explore environmental education. To learn more about the polytechnic’s youth initiatives, visit lethpolytech.ca/youth-programs.
Lethbridge Polytechnic has decades of experience preparing professionals to protect our lands, wildlife and waters. You’ll learn the science of nature from our highly skilled, experienced instructors and have opportunities to put that learning into practice in the real world.
Discover our diploma and degree programs in environmental sciences and turn your passion for the planet into a rewarding, in-demand career.
LEARN MORE AT: lethpolytech.ca/nature
WESTERN CANADA
RETURNING HABITAT TO SPECIES AT RISK Reclamation in the critical greater sage-grouse habitat
By Samantha Price, RT (Ag.), Environmental Lead, Orphan Well Association
Southeast Alberta near Manyberries epitomizes the challenge of restoring native prairie.
Once a thriving crude oil production network, there are now approximately 250 oil & gas sites that reside within the Orphan Well Association (OWA) inventory to decommission and reclaim.
The landscape has already transformed five years after the OWA received the sites. Through downhole well and surface decommissioning, the infrastructure has been removed, and most sites are now at various stages of assessment and reclamation. The goal: return the land back to its original land use of native prairie, as quickly as possible.
What’s the rush? And why is reclamation so challenging? This area, largely under a
federal government Emergency Order for the protection of the greater sage-grouse, is home to several Species at Risk. Among the vulnerable wildlife and plant species are the greater sage-grouse, greater shorthorned lizard, ferruginous hawk, and swift fox. The greater sage-grouse is Alberta’s most imperiled species, and critical to its survival is the silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), which offers food, protection and nesting sites. Our efforts to advance the land use trajectory are set within a semi-arid region, with a harsh climate that’s prone to drought, with nutrient-poor soils. Soils are predominantly Dark Brown Solonetz, with areas of Dark Brown Chernozems. The Manyberries area has Alberta’s lowest recorded precipitation, warmest summers, and the longest growing season.
“Our prime contractors are the heart of
Above top: In 2024, 270 greater short-horned lizards were relocated as part of the reclamation process.
In 2025, a pilot initiative will be launched to harvest creeping juniper seeds in the greater shorthorned lizard’s habitat as part of revegetation efforts on reclaimed sites.
the reclamation program, says Samantha Price, Environmental Lead at the OWA. “This goes beyond a standard client-contractor relationship. It’s a long-term collaboration with industry experts who are deeply committed and passionate about the area’s ecosystem.”
Past construction methods, deemed unsuitable by today’s regulations due to the sensitive nature of the land, have left their impact. For the long-term success of the project, there is significant collaboration among the OWA, OWA environmental prime contractors – Jorgensen Land Management (JLM), TerraLogix Solutions, and Salix Resource Management –
Before and after the reclamation efforts in southeast Alberta. Meticulous planning has been critical to restoring the native prairie landscape, the habitat of the greater sage-grouse.
grazing lessees, and four regulatory bodies: the Alberta Energy Regulator, Alberta Forestry Parks and Tourism - Lands Division, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Following the Species at Risk Act permitting process and conditions requires meticulous planning and communication across the team; in particular, to maximize fieldwork in the annual provincial work-window from September 15 to November 30. This window ensures minimal disruption to the greater sage-grouse. However, balancing the needs of other species, such as the greater short-horned lizard, poses additional challenges. With the lizard observed burrowing late September to mid-October, optimizing fieldwork to support both species has proven doable but extremely demanding. As Price explains, “At the height of fall 2024 operations, 75 people worked in the field, daily. We relocated approximately 270 lizards, remediated 40 sites, and completed surface reclamation on 60 sites, including transplanting 24,000 silver sagebrush.”
Recognizing the need for silver sagebrush seeds, the OWA embraced the EPA’s original seed collection initiative. JLM organizes an annual seed harvesting event, now in its third year. With help from students of Lethbridge Polytechnic, the day has created a valuable student en-
gagement opportunity while supporting reclamation efforts. With the seed bank depleted for the last two years, the collaboration continues to provide immense value. In 2025, the initiative will pilot harvesting creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) berries to support revegetation efforts of sites within the greater short-horned lizard’s habitat.
With 50 per cent of the sites now advanced through surface reclamation, it will take five to 10 years for the vegetation to fully establish. Dave Jorgensen, owner of JLM, emphasizes the importance of creating a lasting impact. “Our goal is
for this work to outlast our lifetimes and leave behind a legacy for species and a self-sustaining ecosystem,” he says.
As with any ecosystem, the decline of one species can have a cascading effect on others. While the area’s ecological resilience is still unfolding, early indicators offer hope that the area is on a positive trajectory. Notably, the critically endangered greater sage-grouse has been tracked moving to nearby recently reclaimed land.
To learn more about the Alberta Orphan Well Association, visit https://www.orphanwell.ca.
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CURRENT STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON RESTORATION AND RECLAMATION TERMINOLOGY
By Vienna Munck
At the most recent CLRA conference, an interesting topic emerged from a social event: what language is most useful to a project when communicating with stakeholders? Specifically, should a proponent include the word “restoration” or “reclamation” when describing the work?
After the conference, I remained contemplative about this question, and it led to another which I was well-positioned to ask: what do current university students think about each of these words? I intend to elucidate the perspective of this class and perhaps glean insight into effectively communicating the intent of projects in this field. A personal response question was added to a lab report in a class on the Structure and Development of Woody Plants at the University of New Brunswick this January.
For some, reclamation and restoration were interchangeable, broadly meaning a return of land to a natural state. Where they were considered similar, students agreed that disturbed land would be improved or recovered to a previous condition.
Where restoration and reclamation were considered separate, they were differentiated in a manner which was consistent across the class. Restoration was associated with processes which returned the ecosystem services to an area resulting in a return to a specific historic state. A common example which was planting after a forest fire and other practices which resulted in a forest composition that mirrored a previous state. One student mentioned returning prairie conditions with the re-introduction of plains bison.
Reclamation was usually referred to in more negative contexts, such as oil spills or other detrimental incidents, where the activity was primarily repair or containment focused. A common example was Alberta’s oil sands.
An interesting observation from students was the methods involved in a project. When a more natural approach was used, this was considered a restoration project. When more direct anthropogenic means were used, some believed this was a reclamation project. Some of the suggested restoration methods were re-introduction of native wildlife, removing invasive species, or intervening to halt stream-bank erosion. Students mostly agreed that removal of introduced infrastructure was either required or the purpose of
a reclamation project, like removal of parking lot structures and materials.
Students also differentiated by the intensity of a previous project’s disturbance of an area. Where rehabilitation also included no maintenance or storage of soils and no biological legacy could be considered intact, these were reclamation projects. If a site could be managed by planting or removal of invasive species because the site was degraded but mostly intact, students believed these were restoration projects. The time horizon required to return a site to an original state was considered: both terms could describe a project where a site required intervention to quickly revert to a historic condition. However, examples from reclamation tended to include projects with acute effects on the environment (which could be enduring without intervention) and restoration tended to be less acute but show chronic damage an environment would be slow to respond to.
While these students are likely more familiar with these two terms than the public (by virtue of their enrolment in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management at UNB), non-expert stakeholders may hold. It is intriguing that while some students considered the terms interchangeable, a majority chose to differentiate by method, impact, or the nature of the project which had previously been operated on the site.
What is lacking from these responses is the resulting condition of a site. While students often understood that a project was the reversal or mitigation of harm, they did not mention secondary benefits, such as climate change mitigation or development of secondary projects on a site. With either of these terms, no future beneficials were produced aside from a return to an original state.
While either term may suit a project, I suggest using “restoration” to emphasize encouraging ecological harmony and natural methods of intervention and “reclamation” when discussing environmental damage and interventions which are more extensive. Communicating the method, result, and existing site conditions help to illustrate the nature of a project, and including the long-term benefits could influence the framing of these projects in the public consciousness.
A DECADE OF RESEARCH INNOVATION PROVES BOREAL PEATLAND RESTORATION IS ACHIEVABLE FOR IN-SITU OIL & GAS FOOTPRINTS
By Dr. Bin Xu, NAIT Applied Research, Centre for Boreal Research
The northern peatlands of Canada represent some of the world’s most crucial ecosystems, covering 12 per cent of the country and about 20 per cent of Alberta. These landscapes are generally classified as bogs or fens, based on their flora, hydrology, and water chemistry (Figure 1A&B). Dominated by bryophytes such as mosses, Canadian boreal peatlands undergo thousands of years
of development (Vitt 2000). They provide vital habitats for wildlife, including woodland caribou, and are home to culturally and commercially significant plants like Labrador tea, lingonberry, and bog cranberry. These ecosystems also support traditional activities like trapping, hunting, and gathering. Boreal peatlands are significant carbon reservoirs, accounting for 56 per cent of Canada’s organic soil carbon
(Tarnocai et al. 2009), and they serve essential roles in regulating water flow and filtering pollutants between upland forests and open water bodies (Devito et al. 2012). Consequently, restoring vital functions to disturbed peatlands has become a priority for stakeholders and regulators.
Due to their saturated, deep organic soils and the slow growth of vegetation, peatlands are notoriously difficult and costly to
restore after disturbance. For more than a decade, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) through the Centre for Boreal Research has built on existing peatland science and previous smallscale trials to develop effective restoration methods for peatlands impacted by in-situ oil & gas extraction in Alberta.
We experimented with and operationalized two distinct approaches for restoring well pads in peatlands. The first approach involves completely removing mineral fill to expose buried peat, thereby creating a flat surface for revegetation. Our findings
indicate that this method is effective in dry, Sphagnum-dominated bogs, where excavated Sphagnum peat retains its physicochemical properties and can be used for moss donor transfer and planting vascular species (Xu et al. 2022) (Figure 1C). However, in wetter fens, this complete removal can lead to prolonged flooding and dominance by marsh species. In extreme cases, such as rich fens, the buried peat may be too decomposed to support vegetation growth, resulting in the formation of open water with emergent marsh plants at the edges.
Figure 1. A: field view of a continental bog dominated by Sphagnum moss, ericaceous shrubs, and black spruce trees. B: Field view of a treed fen dominated by larch, deciduous shrubs, and true mosses. C: A restored peat surface dominated by Sphagnum and true mosses six months following bog donor transfer. D: A mix of shrubs, sedges, true mosses and germinating larch seedlings following fen donor transfer.
As an alternative, we developed a second approach that involves partially removing mineral fill to adjust its height to match the surrounding water table. This saturated mineral substrate fosters the development of typical fen vegetation through a process akin to Paludification, which is the common pathway through which most of Alberta’s peatlands have formed (Kuhry & Turunen 2006). This method is particularly successful when there is good connectivity between the restored well pad and neighboring fens (Lemmer et al. 2023) (Figure 1D).
Once the mineral fill is adjusted, the most cost-effective and efficient revegetation technique we have tested is the Moss Layer Transfer Technique (MLTT). Developed by the peat mining industry to restore rewetted cutover bogs (Quinty & Rochefort 2003), MLTT aims to actively reintroduce peat bog plants while gradually stabilizing the water level. The six steps of MLTT include: 1) surface preparation, 2) donor plant collection, 3) plant spreading, 4) straw spreading, 5) fertilization, and 6) blocking drainage. While MLTT is a proven method for horticulturally harvested bogs, it requires significant modifications for implementation in well sites and roads to ensure consistent outcomes under often remote and variable conditions.
In contrast to traditional horticultural peat mining where donors are sourced from intact peatlands, we innovatively utilized existing seismic lines and winter roads as donor areas. This approach helps minimize transportation costs and additional
disturbances. Donor collection should focus on Sphagnum moss-dominated sources for peat substrate and true (brown) moss-dominated sources for mineral substrate restoration.
The donor collection and transfer methods offer clear advantages over conventional planting techniques. Collected donors contain a diverse array of propagules, including moss fragments, spores, seeds, roots, and rhizomes, enabling rapid establishment and growth when conditions are favorable (Figure 1 C, D). Establishing a moss ground cover is essential for successful peatland restoration, as mosses effectively regulate and modify their environment, reducing the need for intensive management and invasive species control after restoration. As the hydrology and chemistry stabilize with moss growth, other peatland plants can regenerate from existing seed banks or through wind and water dispersal.
Our research over the past decade indicates that:
1. Peatland restoration is feasible for in-situ features like well pads and roads.
2. Establishing a stable, saturated substrate
and ensuring a hydrological connection between reclaimed areas and surrounding peatlands is key to vegetation establishment, particularly for mosses.
3. Moss donor transfer (e.g., MLTT) should be the primary strategy for revegetation and implemented as early as possible. Establishing a healthy ground cover of mosses can significantly enhance restoration success.
4. Prioritizing proper site preparation and using donor transfer for revegetation can lead to consistent outcomes in a timely manner.
For further information on site preparation and donor transfer techniques, or to connect with Dr. Xu, please visit the Centre for Boreal Research on the NAIT website (nait.ca/research).
LITERATURE CITED:
Devito K, Mendoza C, Qualizza C (2012) Conceptualizing Water Movement in the Boreal Plains. Implications for watershed reconstruction.
Kuhry P, Turunen J (2006) The postglacial development of boreal and subarctic peat-
lands. Boreal Peatland Ecosystems 25–46
Lemmer M, Xu B, Strack M, Rochefort L (2023) Reestablishment of peatland vegetation following surface leveling of decommissioned in situ oil mining infrastructures. Restoration Ecology 31
Quinty F, Rochefort L (2003) Peatland Restoration Guide. Second Edition. Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, St. Alberta, Alberta & New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Tarnocai C, Canadell JG, Schuur EAG, Kuhry P, Mazhitova G, Zimov S (2009) Soil organic carbon pools in the northern circumpolar permafrost region. Global Biogeochem. Cycles 23
Vitt DH (2000) Peatlands: ecosystems dominated by bryophytes. Bryophyte biology
Xu B, Rochefort L, Bird M, Khadka B, Strack M (2022) Restoration of boreal peatland impacted by an in-situ oil sands well-pad 1: Vegetation response. Restoration Ecology 30:e13514
RESTORING NETLEY-LIBAU MARSH FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE
By Chris Adams
Netley-Libau Marsh, North America’s largest coastal freshwater marsh, has undergone significant ecological decline, losing over 10,000 acres of vegetated area since 1979. Once a thriving ecosystem, it has been severely impacted by eutrophication, invasive species, dredging, and altered water management, resulting in widespread vegetation loss, habitat degradation, and diminished wetland function.
A collaborative team led by the Red River Basin Commission is working to restore vegetation, enhance sediment retention, and rebuild the marsh’s ability to improve water quality. This project unites government agencies, Indigenous groups, researchers, and conservation organizations in a shared effort to reverse vegetation losses and reclaim the wetland’s lost ecological functions.
A major milestone in 2024 was the construction of biodegradable baffles, de-
signed to trap sediment and create conditions for plant growth. First proposed in 2022, these structures are strategically placed in an area that receives 30 to 50 per cent of the Red River’s flow, accelerating the natural delta formation process – where accumulating sediment creates shallow, vegetated habitats.
Made from 100 per cent biodegradable materials, the baffles will gradually decompose, becoming part of the restored landscape as they are buried by sediment and overgrown with vegetation. Designed to mimic natural sediment deposition, they aim to fast-track the re-establishment of plant life and reclaim lost wetland areas.
The project launched with an opening ceremony and feast led by Peguis First Nation, reinforcing the marsh’s ecological and cultural importance. Following this ceremony, the baffles were built in July, with the construction effort led by ECB
Verdyol, an erosion control company based out of Riverton, Manitoba.
Over the next two years, the team will monitor sediment accumulation and plant regrowth to evaluate restoration progress. In 2024, baseline data collection included:
• LiDAR surveys to track elevation changes.
• Sediment core sampling to assess background deposition rates.
• Aerial vegetation surveys to document plant cover.
Researchers from the University of Manitoba are studying sedimentation, carbon sequestration, and phosphorus retention. Since Netley-Libau captures one-third of the Red River’s annual sediment load (0.9 Tg), its restoration is critical to improving Lake Winnipeg’s water quality.
To further accelerate restoration, bulrush
The
project launched with an opening ceremony and feast led by Peguis First Nation, reinforcing the marsh’s ecological and cultural importance. Following this ceremony, the baffles were built in July, with the construction effort led by ECB Verdyol, an erosion control company based out of Riverton, Manitoba.
(Schoenoplectus spp.) transplants will take place in 2025, helping plants establish in newly formed shoals. Additionally, project partners from Peguis First Nation are leading an effort to reintroduce wild rice (Zizania aquatica), a species of both ecological and cultural significance. Potential seeding locations were identified in 2024, with seeding planned for spring 2025.
While the current activities are relatively modest in scale, the long-term goal is to develop restoration methods that can be scaled up across the entire marsh complex. By testing and refining sediment trapping, emergent vegetation planting, and wild rice reintroduction, the project is developing a model for wetland restoration in Manitoba and beyond. If successful, it will enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and sequester carbon, ensuring a healthier future for Netley-Libau Marsh and Lake Winnipeg.
THE PRESENCE OF H3M ENVIRONMENTAL: A BRIDGE BETWEEN PAST AND FUTURE
Reclamation is more than restoring land to its previous state. At H3M Environmental, we focus on fostering meaningful relationships, collaborating with stakeholders, and envisioning the best possible outcome for future land use. Our approach transforms reclaimed areas into sustainable ecosystems, habitats, or productive agricultural spaces –aligning with environmental standards and client expectations while creating terrain that can support future generations.
By using innovative techniques such as drone-assisted mapping, soil rejuvenation, and habitat restoration, we turn reclaimed land into opportunities for responsible development. Our focus extends beyond recovery, prioritizing the creation of vital lands that promote growth and sustainability.
For over 100 years, oil & gas activities have significantly shaped northeast British Columbia, including within the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area (MKMA). This region, celebrated for its globally significant wilderness, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, lies on traditional Indigenous territories. Established in 1998 through agreements with local councils and governments, the MKMA was safeguarded for future generations. Today, reclamation within this area not only restores the land to its traditional capacity but also breathes new life into northern BC, setting a foundation for environmental restoration and growth.
Central to our mission is establishing meaningful connections with Indigenous communities across Western Canada. We build these partnerships on trust, inclusivity, and collaboration with
Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Holders, and community members. This collaborative approach ensures our projects respect both the land and its cultural significance, while meeting the requirements set by regulators.
Last year, H3M Environmental successfully reclaimed access roads and wellsites within the MKMA. Reclamation in this region presents unique challenges, requiring the navigation of complex agreements and stringent regulations, including obtaining access permits and adhering to timing restrictions. Additionally, the process demands compliance with a comprehensive set of rules and standards beyond typical site restoration. For example, large amounts of woody debris are imported to create seven-foot-high piles across the site, providing shelter and cover for wildlife, establishing micro-ecosystems, and mitigating erosion.
Adaptability is the cornerstone of our work. By tailoring solutions to meet client needs and regulatory requirements, we ensure projects progress smoothly, even in complex environments. Driven by authenticity and reliability, our team works diligently through every project phase, balancing technical expertise with a deep respect for the land and its stakeholders.
The importance of collaboration and shared purpose is evident across our reclamation portfolio. Whether restoring habitat, enhancing soil quality, or facilitating community-driven initiatives, we remain committed to investing in Western Canada’s future.
Through ongoing engagement with clients, communities, and regulators, we build a foundation of trust and cooperation. This collaborative effort not only fosters lasting relationships but also ensures that reclaimed resources contribute to Canada’s growth and development.
Reclamation is about more than returning land to its former state – it’s about envisioning what it can become. At H3M Environmental, every project is an opportunity to bridge the past and future, honouring the land’s history while preparing it to thrive amid new challenges and possibilities.
jfletcher@h3menviro.com 403.870.0843
OLDS COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA PROGRAM
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been preparing students to work in reclamation and remediation for over 35 years through its Land and Water Resources Program. Graduates from this program have a reputation for being able to hit the ground running as soon as they are hired, thanks to the combination of in-class and hands-on training that is the trademark of an Olds College education. That tradition continues this fall with the launch of the Environmental Science and Technology Diploma Program.
After extensive consultation with industry partners, alumni, current students,
UNLOCK YOUR FUTURE with Olds College’s Environmental Science & Technology Diploma!
• Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been a leader in handson education for over a century. As Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, we specialize in environmental stewardship, horticulture and agriculture.
• Our dynamic two-year Environmental Science & Technology program (formerly Land & Water Resources program) immerses you in practical learning. Students learn about land reclamation, land management, environmental stewardship and conservation, while gaining the skills to lead efforts in making our world more environmentally sustainable.
• With strong industry connections, Olds College prepares graduates for careers like Land Reclamation Technician, Environmental Consultant, Surface Land Agent, Water Quality Technician, Research Assistant and more.
Start your journey toward a sustainable future — apply today at oldscollege.ca!
Olds College has a long-standing partnership with CLRA, providing our students opportunities for mentorship programs, volunteering on various committees and networking with other land and reclamation professionals. In addition, CLRA offers Olds College reclamation students annual awards.
and subject matter experts, the program has been updated with a new name and a revised curriculum designed to better meet the evolving needs of the sector.
The core set of 20 courses provides students with a strong foundation in soils, vegetation, water, wildlife and agriculture through both theoretical classroom instruction and hands-on lab and field learning experiences. Field trips to various ecosystems and industry sites complement classroom learning, offering students real-world exposure to the subjects they study. Students also gain skills and experience using the technologies required for their future careers, such as Geographic Information Systems, GPS, drones, water and soil sampling equipment. An added bonus is that all students will have an opportunity to participate in a work-integrated learning experience in the middle of their program.
After completing the program, graduates are eligible for membership in the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) to pursue the Agrology Technologist in Training
(ATT) designation, leading to Registered Technologist in Agrology RT(Ag). Graduates are also eligible for membership in the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, where they can pursue the Biological Technologist in Training (BTT) designation, progressing to Registered Technologist in Biology (RT.Biol.).
One of the key strengths of the Environmental Science and Technology Diploma program is that students benefit from the close integration of Olds College’s academic and applied research programs. Research conducted at the college often directly informs the curriculum, ensuring students are learning the most current industry practices. For example, one of the faculty members, George Gaeke (MGISA), was extensively involved in a research project at Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI), sponsored by Ember Resources Inc. and Canadian Natural Resources Limited. The project explored the potential of using remote sensing technologies to perform the vegetation assessment component of the Detailed Site
Assessment (DSA) on cultivated sites. He will present the results of that research at the upcoming CLRA conference. Students in the Environmental Science and Technology Diploma program not only learn about the science behind this type of research but also have the opportunity to apply it to real-world scenarios.
Olds College has a long-standing partnership with CLRA, providing our students opportunities for mentorship programs, volunteering on various committees and networking with other land and reclamation professionals. In addition, CLRA offers Olds College reclamation students annual awards.
We are proud to introduce the Environmental Science and Technology Diploma program, continuing our commitment to supporting the reclamation and remediation industry. Faculty remain deeply engaged with ongoing education, research and industry partnerships, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the changing needs of the sector.
TECHNOLOGY
go.erisinfo.com/your-tech-friend-clra
FROM QUARRY TO OPPORTUNITY: THE POWER OF AGGREGATE SITE RECLAMATION
By Bill Gowdy
In any given year, few commodities shape Canada’s infrastructure as profoundly as aggregates, with an annual consumption rate of 12 tonnes per person, fueling the construction of everything from roads, bridges, schools, homes, hospitals, and water and sewer systems. With all essential infrastructure critically dependent on this finite resource, the aerial footprint of pits and quarries throughout the country is relatively significant. In turn, the demand for this vital resource has led to a large network of pits and quarries across Canada, ranging from small, one-acre sites to operations covering well in excess of a thousand acres.
Aggregates are, however, interim land use. Once depleted, they present an opportunity to get continued use out of the same piece of land through the reclamation process. It is critical to return those lands to something which is continuously useful post-mining that will benefit society. Reclamation can be as simple as re-establishing the post-activity lands to their original pre-disturbance use, or increasingly, many reclaimed gravel pits and quarries are departing from what would be the status quo. There is certainly no cookie-cutter approach to reclamation, and often an adaptive approach is needed. Every site is unique, and each location can represent varying opportunities and
multiple pathways to achieving successful reclamation. The resulting outcome of the reclamation may be dictated by the local needs of the area. The end land use is seldom recognized by the public as having once been a pit or quarry.
Getting public or regulatory buy-in at an early stage ensures a project’s success and makes it easier to secure approvals to extract aggregate from the outset. Consultation and engagement with third-party stakeholders is becoming more prevalent in achieving a successful project outcome. The ability to be flexible and adapt throughout the project is essential.
An important first step is understanding the baseline conditions before mining, including the geometry of the material to be mined, the climate, the site hydrogeology, the suitable flora and fauna at the subject site, and the types of soils present. Communication and public engagement can assist in determining goals and values of stakeholders, and in guiding the potential options and opportunities. Producers and stakeholders must realistically understand what can be accomplished at any given location; some types of reclamation cannot be achieved given the parameters to work with. Numerous experts, in addition to local and operational
Lafarge Lake, Coquitlam, BC.
An important first step is understanding the baseline conditions before mining, including the geometry of the material to be mined, the climate, the site hydrogeology, the suitable flora and fauna at the subject site, and the types of soils present.
knowledge, are available to guide a project and monitor its progress.
Former mine lands can be transformed into landscapes with waterbodies and upland areas that provide high-quality habits or recreational spaces. Possible habitats include fishponds, forests or grasslands, bird nesting areas, plants for pollination, or wetlands for amphibian habitat and surface water filtration. Well-defined mine and reclamation plans manage the conservation of topsoil and the sequencing of overburden movement to minimize rehandling and to position these materials for final landscape contouring, vegetation establishment and either built or natural environment development.
As for recreation, the opportunities are endless. Alberta Transportation reclaimed one of their pits to a motocross facility. Virtually the entire river valley in the City of Edmonton was once aggregate extraction and is now currently occupied by parks, trails, and golf courses. Lafarge Lake is a recreation focal point of down-
town Coquitlam, BC for recreation. It hosts numerous community events and is stocked with fish. The City of Coquitlam even completed their Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system to Lafarge Lake so that the public could have access to the now coveted recreation area.
It’s important for industry consultants and regulators to document and celebrate these successes, ensuring the public recognizes former gravel operations and the many great reclamation projects that have come to fruition.
It is also incumbent upon municipal and
provincial regulators to not be so rigid, allowing industry and consultants to employ adaptive reclamation. Otherwise, progressive and creative reclamation projects may be stifled. Societal needs and desired end uses can change during the life of a pit or quarry, often to one that was not originally contemplated when an operational plan was first developed.
Overall, the extraction of aggregates is incredibly necessary for the growth of our economy, but the subsequent reclamation of pits and quarries provides continuing and varied benefits and uses for society.
Hawrelak Park, Edmonton, AB.
LAKELAND COLLEGE’S FIELD WEEK FOCUSES ON RECLAMATION
Field week is an annual tradition for second-year environmental sciences students at Lakeland College. It’s an intense week of labs that sees the students taking daily trips to different fields, forests, and wetlands on and around campus, perfecting the handson skills they practiced in first year. Soil sampling, wetlands assessment, snake habitat construction, electrofishing, and fish sampling are traditional items on the itinerary, as well as visits to mines in various stages of reclamation and bird sanctuaries. This year, however, the students had the opportunity to experience a new reclamation exercise – a prescribed fire lab at the Emergency Training Centre.
For land stewardship and conservation student Olivia Hordos-Goyer, it was an especially wonderful experience, because it merged her background in emergency services with her passion for environmental sciences.
“It was awesome and showed me a side of environmental sciences that I’d never considered before. We learned about different fuel types and how to make sure the fire is safe and controlled. We learned what would make a fire burn hotter, faster, more slowly. We learned about how important communication is in those situations and how to work as a team.”
A prescribed fire is one deliberately set to manage the environment. Hordos-Goyer explains that it can be a way to deal with issues like too much litter material, which, when burned away, can help
A prescribed fire is one deliberately set to manage the environment.
restore nutrients to the soil and give it a fresh start. It can also help with invasive plant species.
Hordos-Goyer and her classmates also spent a night at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, first working with Project Forest to sample different plots to monitor tree growth. They spent the night sharing dinner and a bonfire, growing closer as a class. The next day, they toured a mine in the process of reclamation, which she lists as another highlight of the week.
“The engineer spoke to us about how they’d stopped production in the mine 40 years ahead of schedule. We learned about that process and what they’re doing with the site now which was really cool,” Hordos-Goyer explains. “They’re turning some of the mine site into cropland, which I never would have imagined.”
After that, the class visited a fully reclaimed mine site.
“Seeing the process and then the end product was awesome,” she says.
That hands-on experience is what drew Hordos-Goyer to Lakeland. When she decided to go into environmental sciences, she researched schools that offered the program and chose Lakeland.
“Lakeland had the most impressive courses by far,” she says. “The biggest draw for me was field work, getting the applicable skills in school and bringing them right to employment.”
Congratulations to the Canadian Land Reclamation Association on 50 Years!
Lakeland College is proud to be a long-standing CLRA member. We launched our conservation and reclamation program in 1978 and, by the late 1980s, shifted from an agricultural focus to environmental reclamation to meet the growing demand for specialized skills.
The Conservation and Reclamation major continues to be a cornerstone of Lakeland’s Environmental Sciences program. Students gain hands-on experience in fields, forests and wetlands, graduating with in-demand skills.
Visit lakelandcollege.ca/enviro for program details.
RECLAIMING THE PAST. EMBRACING THE FUTURE.
WestMET is a leading provider of environmentally sustainable mineral, energy, and technology (MET) products and services. WestMET is committed to establishing and maintaining environmental protection programs that prevent injury or harm to the environment in its operating communities. The company strives to set the benchmark for environmental stewardship and takes pride in all project work to enhance our reputation as a good corporate citizen and an industry leader in environmental and engineering services.
WestMET is also involved in the energy transition through the development of advanced agricultural products, environ-
mental services, and emerging energy technologies.
WestMET continues to complete reclamation at our legacy mine site, the Sheerness Mine, located south of Hanna, Alberta, where the team actively mines humalite for agricultural and soil amendment products rather than thermal coal. WestMET is committed to provide and expand our supply of professional services in the consulting industry focusing on environmental, engineering, regulatory approvals & compliance, and reclamation projects across Western and Northern Canada. WestMET believes the experience and insights gained from its mining and operational experience in Alberta can be applied to neighbouring
provinces, territories, and states.
The WestMET Earth Reclamation Services (ERS) team is composed of a diverse group of professionals with decades of experience in coal mining and consulting. Their experience is drawn from years of work in Alberta and Saskatchewan at Westmoreland sites, as well as other mining and consulting projects. This range of experience makes the WestMET ERS team a robust and unique group with specialized skills across mining, environmental, and consulting disciplines.
WestMET’s unique combination of mine engineering and operations, environmental, and consulting experience allows our team to deliver exceptional technical support in any capacity required to create a collaborative partnership. Areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Exploration Engineering
— Drill data analysis
— Model analysis
• Mine Design Engineering
— Pit design and geotechnical inspections
— Optimization of dozer and truck fleets
— Budget and forecasting
— Production and productivity efficiency studies
— Drill and blast planning
— Drainage design, water retention and pond development
• Supervision
— Working with unionized workforce
— Negotiating collective bargaining agreements
— Extensive equipment operating experience
• Regulatory Liaison
— Direct communication and interaction with the AER and other regulatory agencies
— Development of innovative concepts
• Environmental Monitoring and Reporting
— Application preparation and submission
— Compliance program development and implementation
— Reclamation monitoring and closure activities
— Soil and water sampling programs
• Indigenous Engagement
— Site tours and reclamation collaboration
WestMET has a long-standing reputa-
tion of providing safe operations, through strong duty of care for its employees, and promoting high levels of engagement. This commitment to safety and positive business culture underpins WestMET’ s approach of conducting business with integrity while delivering exceptional customer service. Employee and client safety is our number one priority, and staff members adhere to the established safety program. WestMET is committed to working in a way that places the highest priority not only on our own safety and health, but also on the safety and health of coworkers, contractors, and members of the community. These programs are structured to comply with and exceed applicable laws and regulations and show the company’s commitment to maintain our reputation as an industry leader in safety. A testament to this commitment is displayed at our Sheerness Mine who recently celebrated 29 years without a lost time incident.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and WestMET staff members support the company’s commitment to health and safety by the letter and the spirit of safety laws, the company’s Code of Conduct, and individual location policies. WestMET is COR certified in Alberta and is also active on ISNetworld (ISN) and AVETTA.
The WestMET ERS team approaches every project with a client mindset, as WestMET is also an active operator. This mentality leads to successful collaboration with clients, resulting in developed efficiencies, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and high safety standards. Our team looks forward to developing new relationships and advancing our services and market sectors throughout 2025 and beyond.
WestMET ERS has a robust team that provides the necessary skillsets to ensure projects are completed in a safe and successful manner. We specialize in providing tailored solutions for mining, oil & gas, quarries, and industrial sectors across Western and Northern Canada.
• Project and Site Management
• Regulatory & Compliance
• 3D Modelling & Optimization
• Topsoil and Subsoil Salvage & Replacement Visit our website to learn more: www.westmeters.com
ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR AN EVOLVING WORLD
Founded in 2002 in Calgary, TerraLogix Solutions Inc. has specialized in environmental management in the upstream oil & gas industry for over 20 years. Our purpose has always been to provide safe, cost-effective, honest, and professional industry-leading environmental consulting solutions. We are experienced in the development and coordination of environmental programs, environmental project management, and on-site day-to-day project supervision. With office locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Cliff, TerraLogix can provide timely and cost-effective service across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.
We are dedicated to consistently delivering high-quality work that meets or
exceeds industry standards and our clients’ expectations. We take a proactive approach to environmental consulting, identifying and addressing potential issues before they become problems, and minimizing environmental risks. Sustainability drives our purpose and is key in our goals and methodologies.
OUR PEOPLE
TerraLogix Solutions Inc. features a talented, specialized and fully trained team of experienced staff to manage and fulfill your demanding project requirements.
TerraLogix Solutions employes more than 60 team members across our Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Cliff locations. We are proud to have a talented team of people
who hold professional designations including agrologists, hydrogeologists, biologists, and engineers. Having a diverse team of professionals allows TerraLogix Solutions to provide well-rounded and knowledgeable environmental solutions for our clients.
At TerraLogix, we believe that even our most senior staff are “evolving” experts. We believe in providing continuing education and learning opportunities throughout the year, as there are continually new advancements and techniques that can be utilized or built upon. With constant changes in regulatory guidelines and approaches, we ensure that all our staff are highly adaptable, guaranteeing that their expertise is always current.
Areas where TerraLogix Solutions Inc. personnel have a proven record of performance:
• Biophysical Services and Pre-construction Assessments
• Corporate and Site-Specific Liability Assessments
• Upstream O&G/ Industrial/ Commercial Phase I ESAs
• Phase II ESAs
• Contaminant Hydrogeology
• Tier II Risk Assessments
• Soil and Groundwater Remediation
• Spill Response, Assessment and Closure
• Waste Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Reclamation
• Vegetation Management
• Post reclamation soil and vegetation assessments
• Area Based Closure Program Management
• Facility Decommissioning Management
• Operations in Western Canada, including: AB, BC and SK
OUR CORE VALUES
At TerraLogix Solutions Inc., the foundation of success is built on four core values: integrity, quality, safety, and team. These values not only guide our operations but also drive us to continuously exceed the expectations of our clients, partners, and employees alike.
Integrity: At TerraLogix, we take accountability in our work, which fosters trust and respect from our coworkers, clients and contractors. Our high ethical standards and professionalism allow us to uphold an excellent reputation within the environmental industry.
Quality: TerraLogix is dedicated to taking a proactive, professional approach to all work being conducted to ensure we sustain industry standards and add value to the operations of our clients by striving to exceed their expectations.
Safety: The safety and health of staff, clients, vendors, and contractors is our highest priority. Through awareness, education, and individual commitment, we maintain working conditions that are
within industry guidelines and promote employees to make decisions that will sustain a safe working environment.
Team: As a team, Terralogix encourages the collaboration, mentorship and comradery between employees and senior leadership. We support individual contributions, cooperative learning, and growth toward various types of leadership roles in both the office and the field.
OUR ALTERNATIVE AND VALUE-ADDED APPROACHES
The experience TerraLogix has within industry has allowed us to develop some unique reclamation and remediation approaches which clients have drastically benefitted from including deliverables and reduced reclamation timing requirements. Some of these include:
• Terralogix-owned light reclamation equipment
• Licensed herbicide applicators and spraying equipment
• Advanced solutions for soil water retention
INTEGRITY. QUALITY. SAFETY. TEAM.
These values not only guide our operations but also drive us to continuously exceed the expectations of our clients, partners, and employees alike.
• Use of erosion control techniques to expedite reclamation success in sensitive areas
• Transplantation of sagebrush to well sites
• Gravel screening and conservation of native soil
• Growing and transplanting native sod
• Native core transplant
• Prairie Trail reclamation
• Remedial approaches that limit our environmental footprint
OUR FUTURE
The future of the environmental industry is rooted in sustainable practices that protect our resources, empower communities, and foster long-term ecological balance. With a focus on sustainability, TerraLogix Solutions’ mission is to create environmental solutions that not only address today’s environmental challenges but also protect and restore the world for future generations.
PROTECTING THE SAINT JOHN RIVER IN NEW BRUNSWICK: SULLIVAN CREEK INFRASTRUCTURE RESTORATION
OVERVIEW
In the 1970s, a 1.52-metre diameter corrugated metal pipe had been installed by hand digging under Temple Road at Sullivan Creek (Asset S883), Middle Southampton York County, New Brunswick, to drain the waters that were ponding on the inside of the TransCanada highway to discharge under the road into the Saint John River.
By 2016, the situation had deteriorated where water was draining in and ponding on the inside of the TransCanada Highway as the pipe previously installed had collapsed. In effect, the highway was now acting as an earthen dam with a high hydraulic load on the road structure. The opposite side of the highway had a 25-metre high 1.5:1 undulating slope cascading down to the Saint John River, resulting in sedimentation and bank erosion.
The Saint John River is a 673-kilometre-long river flowing from the Maine-Quebec border through western New Brunswick and southward to Saint John on the Bay of Fundy. Eastern Canada's longest river, its drainage basin is one of the largest on the east coast at about 55,000 square kilometres.
SOLUTION
The New Brunswick Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (NBDTI) issued a contract to excavate down 25 metres and place one new three-metre, 140-D Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) with an induced trench, cut-off walls and tension bars. The decision was made to leave the old pipe remaining in-place as the Saint John River had rose and the old pipe structures were underwater.
NBDTI had stability and erosion control concerns about the 1.5:1 gravel/mixed granular slopes on both sides of the road, which presented a high risk of sediment entering the fragile Saint John River.
Maritime Hydroseed, a Saint John-based company, has been in the ESC and Revegetation industry for more than 50 years and specializes in erosion solutions and vegetation establishment on difficult project sites. Maritime Hydroseed was contracted to remedy the erosion and vegetation challenges. Both 1.5:1 slopes were contoured and graded by the general contractor once the pipe was installed.
As there was no topsoil available onsite or nearby for grass vegeta-
tion, Maritime Hydroseed’s owner Chris Thomson proposed utilizing a topsoil substitute referred to as a Biotic Soil Amendment (BSA), specifically Biotic Earth manufactured by ECBVerdyol in Manitoba. The BSA product was applied to both sides of the road, at a rate of 3,900 kgs per hectare.
Projects often have severely degraded topsoil/subsoil which lacks many of the essential organic materials, nutrients, microbial population and pore space to establish, grow and sustain effective mature vegetation that can withstand the forces of erosion. Biotic Earth kickstarts the process and adds the first layer of organic material, soil builders, and growth stimulants designed specifically to mimic Mother Nature and help poor soils come alive and vegetation to thrive.
There is always well-founded concern about rain events and sheet rain cascading down 25-metre unprotected slopes. Maritime Hydroseed supplied Sediment Retention Fibre Rolls (SRFR) as slope interrupters – a product called TerraTubes manufactured by Profile Products. Due to the long slope length of 25 metres, multiple rows of TerraTubes were installed on each side of the road to address excessive surface water during storm events.
The final job action was vegetation and stabilization by hydroseeding with a custom roadside seed mix and utilizing a Hydraulic Erosion Control Product (HECP) called a Fiber Reinforced Matrix (FRM) to hold all the above in place. The FRM-HECP is a wood mulch with 10 per cent tackifier, a glue-like substance to lock the Biotic Earth and seed in place to stabilize the banks and was applied at 3,900 kg/ha. Seed was applied at 125 kg/ha and contained 40 per cent Creeping Red Fescue, 20 per cent Hard Fescue, 15 per cent Canada Bluegrass, 15 per cent Annual Ryegrass, five per cent Alsike Clover and five per cent Red Top.
RESULT
The vegetation establishment was possible with the use of a soil amendment, combined with erosion control measures to ensure minimal disturbance (washouts) during the germination-to-establishment cycle. This environmentally sensitive site has been restored to pre-construction surface conditions and protected the major river system during the process.
Job site photos show erosion and sediment controls (ESC), vegetation at install and establishment progress.
ACE VEGETATION: OVER 40 YEARS OF VEGETATION MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE
Delivering trusted solutions in vegetation spraying, invasive species management, brushing, ROW clearing, and reclamation across oil & gas sites, agricultural, utility, and landscape sectors.
For over 40 years, Ace Vegetation has been a trusted leader in vegetation management across Western Canada. From our beginning as a small operation in the 1980s, Ace has grown into an industry leader, providing comprehensive vegetation management services to clients in industrial, utility, agricultural, municipal, and residential sectors.
With a reputation built on quality service, innovation, and strong client relationships, Ace is the go-to partner for tackling vegetation challenges of all kinds.
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS
Ace Vegetation offers a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of our diverse clients. Key services include:
• Vegetation spraying and invasive species management: Providing targeted vegetation and invasive species control for oil and gas, utilities, agriculture, and aquatic environments.
• Brushing, clearing, and mulching: Safe and efficient right-of-way (ROW) maintenance and clearing, including hazard tree removal to keep infrastructure corridors clear and safe.
• FireSmart programs: Helping communities and businesses reduce wildfire risks through proactive vegetation management.
• Reclamation services: Providing comprehensive land restoration after a disturbance has been cleaned up and needs the final steps of reclamation.
Ace's comprehensive approach ensures that every project is completed with the highest level of expertise, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Ace Vegetation’s commitment to innovation and sustainability sets us apart in the vegetation management industry. Our company actively partners with local agriculture and vegetation control industries to advance solutions for invasive species management. By participating in product trials and contributing expertise, Ace plays a pivotal role in testing and refining new techniques and products to address the ever-changing challenges in industry.
A LEGACY OF TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP
Over the past four decades, Ace Vegetation has developed an industry-leading training program, mentoring more than 2,400 Vegetation Management Technicians through the years. These licensed pesticide applicators leave Ace with the knowledge and skills that jumpstart their careers in various areas of environmental services. Many former employees have returned as clients through the years, trusting Ace's expertise and commitment to excellence.
ENGAGEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY
Ace Vegetation is deeply involved in advancing the vegetation management profession. The company and its employees are active members of key industry organizations, such as the Profes-
sional Vegetation Management Association (PVMA) and the Alberta Invasive Species Council.
Through these associations, Ace has contributed to the development of industry standards, government regulations and programs, and provided knowledge and expertise gained through the years to other companies in the industry.
ACE VEGETATION – YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER
With over four decades of experience, Ace Vegetation combines expertise, innovation, and a commitment to quality service to deliver effective vegetation management solutions.
Our team understands the complexities of working across oil & gas, industrial, utility, agricultural, and municipal sectors, ensuring tailored approaches that meet regulatory requirements and environmental best practices.
Ace is more than just a service provider – we are a long-term partner invested in sustainable land management. Our depth of experience allows us to anticipate challenges, adapt to changing industry needs, and implement the most effective solutions for every project.
Whether managing vegetation for industrial developments, maintaining rights-of-way, or restoring land to its natural state, clients trust Ace for reliable, results-driven service backed by decades of knowledge and a dedication to environmental stewardship.
FROM THE EARTH TO US
Calgary's Tanya Richens, P.Ag., has published her second children’s book on responsible natural resource development. From the Earth to Us: Discovering the Origins of Everyday Things is a companion to her first book, Adventures in Land Reclamation: Exploring Jobs for a Greener Future. Illustrated by Shannon Carla King, the new book follows young Nessy and her dog Riley at summer camp, where they learn about the origins of raw materials used in everyday items such as transportation, infrastructure, buildings, technology, clothing, beauty products, and food. The book connects individuals to the broader picture, highlighting that countless everyday items depend on natural resources from the mining, oil, and natural gas sectors.
With the goal of emphasizing that everyone contributes to land disturbance simply by living their daily lives, Tanya also connects readers to the importance of land reclamation. For those interested in learning more about reclamation and the green jobs that support it, Adventures in Land Reclamation offers a deeper dive into this topic.
Both books align with Alberta’s grade 3 through 6 science curriculum and serve as excellent resources for parents and teachers across Canada.
For more information about the books, including sample pages and purchase links, visit Tanya’s website at tcrenvironmental.com/portfolio.
NAIT APPLIED RESEARCH GIVES YOU SOLUTIONS FOR THE LONG TERM
Nestled in the heart of Alberta's north lies NAIT Applied Research’s Peace River facility. This is deep Alberta country, where vast natural landscapes yield a land of opportunity.
As one of the largest applied research centres in Canada’s north, our Centre for Boreal Research comprises a team of research scientists and technicians specializing in forestry, biology, and agrology. Our team lives and works in the region they serve and are dedicated full time to applied research.
In fact, NAIT Applied Research was recently ranked #3 in Canada amongst colleges and Polytechnics for applied research activity – a recognition that’s no small feat. It’s a testament to the impactful work happening here and the trust we’ve earned from our partners.
“We are explicitly designed and purpose-driven to support industry and communities,” says Olle Lagerquist, Associate Vice President, NAIT Industry Solutions. “Everything we do is in service of industry and communities, bar none. Our success is measured by our partners' prosperity and the impact on the communities we serve.”
We understand that every partnership is unique. That’s why we provide multidisciplinary, customized solutions that address your specific challenges, ensuring that the solutions are driven by you and built for you.
With our open IP policy, we keep intellectual property where it belongs. By
ensuring that our industry partners and communities retain full ownership of their intellectual property, we support commercialization and enable their longterm success.
Empowering our partners goes beyond intellectual property. With over 65 active Indigenous community partnerships, we help create solutions that respect the land and culture of Indigenous communities while also addressing industry needs. Through technical capacity building and by incorporating Indigenous Traditional Knowledge into our applied research practices, we foster more comprehensive and sustainable solutions for challenges like land reclamation, environmental monitoring, and forest restoration.
WE WORK FOR YOU
With over 15 years of expertise and a commitment to collaboration, NAIT Applied Research works with partners to restore and protect vital landscapes through applied research. We support the full life cycle of projects – from initial assessment and planning, through to execution, monitoring, and final reporting.
Here is a closer look at some of the services we offer.
FOREST RECLAMATION
Reclamation of industrial sites to a forested state can be challenging, due to competing, ruderal vegetation, changes in soil quality and increasingly, climatic extremes. Our team applies practical solutions to these challenges by applying mechanical soil treatments, novel vegeta-
tion management strategies, and manipulating seedling stock types and planting arrangements. In the end, our aim is to support industry and communities in developing forest reclamation practices to ensure these sites become functional and resilient forest communities.
WETLAND RESTORATION
Boreal wetlands are invaluable for both ecological and socioeconomic services including water regulation, pollutant filtration, carbon sequestration and storage, wildlife habitat, and natural resources. Our wetland team specializes in peatland restoration – key to the boreal landscape – conducting cutting-edge research to understand and mitigate the impact of both natural and human-caused disturbances. By restoring critical ecosystem functions and services, we develop innovative solutions through collaboration, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these vital ecosystems.
PLANT AND SEED SCIENCE
Reclamation of boreal landscapes requires native plant species yet seed stocks for understory plants are often unavailable. Our team provides expertise in seed harvesting, handling, viability, dormancy, germination, storage, longevity, greenhouse production, and field establishment. We work with industry and communities to develop practical methods, technologies, and services to advance the use of native plants in lessening the environmental footprint of industrial disturbance in the boreal forest.
Learn more at nait.ca/research.
PRAIRIE MEADOWS IN THE CITY –ARE THEY ACHIEVABLE?
By Elizabeth W. Murray1, Mathis Nativik2, Kent Cryer1, and Adam Dunn1
In May 2021, Earthmaster was hired by the City of Calgary to naturalize five hectares of roadside along an urban section of the Trans-Canada Highway located in the NE portion of the city. The site was covered in thick manicured turfgrass (Kentucky bluegrass). The project objective was to demonstrate proof of concept for naturalization of roadside vegetation, on a large scale, to increase plant diversity and reduce maintenance requirements by replacing manicured turfgrass with mixes of wildflowers and native grasses. Two seed mixes were chosen for the site, each consisting of a variety of native grasses with annual and perennial wildflowers. The seed mixes were installed into the eradicated turfgrass stubble using a no-till seed drill to minimize soil disturbance and protect seedlings from harsh conditions (see Canadian Reclamation Fall/Winter 2022 (1)).
FINAL RESULTS
The pilot project ended in 2023 after three growing seasons. Species abundance studies were conducted to compare the project site to the unmowed, non-naturalized control area immediately west, an undisturbed urban prairie at Nose Hill Park (naturalization standard), and three turfgrass areas in the city that had been left to grow for at least 10 years with no active naturalization activities.
Table 1. Summary of species present at the project and comparison sites.
Table 2. Summary of species present at the long-term comparison sites.
The project area went from less than five per cent native species to between 41 and 70 per cent native species after three years following active naturalization (Table 1). The unmowed control area showed very little ingress of native species over the three-year period, similar to what was seen with the three long-term sites across the city (Table 2), indicating that turfgrass areas left unmowed will not significantly increase the number of native species through ingress. Non-native species such as agronomic grasses, kochia, thistle, and dandelion continued to dominate these sites even more than 20 years after mowing.
When compared to the undisturbed urban prairie meadow at Nose Hill Park in NW Calgary (Table 1), the project site was similar. Nose Hill Park showed 80 per cent native species and 20 per cent non-native species which were mostly agronomic grasses and Eurasian forbs such as thistle and dandelion, similar to the non-native species present at the project site. Species diversity was higher in the park (58 vs. 17 to 38) reflecting the difficulty encountered during the project with sourcing sufficient quantities of native seed to reflect the desired diversity. The project area is missing the early spring bloomers such as crocus and golden bean as well as the fall bloomers such as aster and goldenrod that are found at Nose Hill Park due to seed availability limitations.
CONCLUSIONS
Replacing agronomic manicured turfgrass with native species to create an urban prairie is achievable without having to physically remove the establish turfgrass, which is not economically viable for large areas. Retaining the turfgrass stubble is also critical to protecting the seed and minimizing the ingress of weedy species. Achieving 100 per cent native species is not realistic and does not reflect undisturbed prairie areas which naturally have non-native species. The project also shows that naturalization needs to be an active process and will not occur passively through ingress even after 20+ years.
Naturalization provides an aesthetically pleasing low maintenance option for urban roadsides (Figure 1). In addition, vegetation diversification is critical to supporting pollinator populations and climate resiliency in urban settings. Learnings from this project are being used to establish naturalized areas as part of reclamation strategies in other areas in Calgary (2).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Earthmaster would like to thank the project team from the City of Calgary (Ethan Askey, Jenna Cross and Peter Yee) and ISL Engineering (Gavin Wyman) for all their assistance with this project.
See the Earthmaster website at www.earthmaster.ca for more information.
REFERENCES
1 Murray EW, Cryer K, Poltorak B, Quesnel M, Nicolay C, Dunn A, and PD Gerwing, (2022) Urban Roadside Naturalization Pilot Project. Canadian Reclamation Fall/Winter 2022.
2 Canadian Geographic. Biodiversity by design: A birds and bees tour of Calgary. August 2023. https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/biodiversity-by-design-a-birds-and-bees-tour-ofcalgary/
A Earthmaster Environmental Strategies Inc.
B University of Calgary
Earthmaster Figure 1. Examples of flowering species observed in 2024.
URBAN NATURALIZATION
PHYTOTECHNOLOGIES
AQUATICS ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
REMEDIATION & RECLAMATION
REVITALIZING THE LAND RECLAMATION INDUSTRY THROUGH EDUCATION
By M. Anne Naeth, PhD, PAg, PBiol
We are a third of the way through the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ecological Restoration (2021-2030). Although the lofty aim to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation on every continent and in every ocean is a long way from achievement, we’ve made considerable progress that should be celebrated.
Over 700 people attended the 2024 Canadian Land Reclamation Association (CLRA) Alberta Chapter conference, showing continuing commitment to our industry. We are positioned to do our share to meet international goals. This year, CLRA celebrates its 50th anniversary! What an ideal opportunity to focus our commitment to educate and train practitioners for the land reclamation needed into the future.
Land reclamation remains one of humanity’s most pressing challenges, as our growing population couples with a rapidly degrading arable land base, with half the land on planet earth degraded by human and natural disturbances. We all know resilient reclaimed landscapes are needed to provide services and necessities for life on earth.
To address this challenge and secure the livelihood of future generations, land reclamation professionals are increasingly in demand. Sadly, land reclamation is no longer drawing young professionals and students as it once did. Land reclamation has become associated with what is often perceived by the media and much of the general public as dirty energy (oil, gas, coal, mines, pipelines). Thus, young minds and hearts are being drawn more to conservation and protection of undisturbed envi-
ronments that remain. These individuals do not see, or want, their future associated with what they consider to be unsustainable practices. Some see land reclamation as condoning such practices.
Several realities need to be brought to the centre of our thinking and accepted. Mines and pipelines and hydrocarbon-based energy will be with us for some time. Even if we could stop all non-renewable energy today, we have decades of legacy disturbances to reclaim throughout the world. Renewable resource based energy is not disturbance free; ecosystems are impacted and in some cases highly disturbed. Cities, towns, and villages will continue to exist, grow, decline, and yield dead abandoned inner areas and brown fields. All requiring reclamation. Even pristine, protected environments feel human footprints and require restoration and reclamation. Land reclamation is alive and more than ever in need of well-educated and trained practitioners.
The field of land reclamation is rich with rewarding career opportunities. The work is diverse, including project design, stakeholder and community engagement, policy and criteria development, contaminated soil and water remediation, landscape building, revegetation, technology, and process development reducing environmental impacts – all while navigating the regulatory process.
The University of Alberta (UofA) land reclamation program is unique in Canada and the world. By harnessing teaching and research capacities of one of Canada’s top five universities, our offerings benefit students at all stages of studies and careers. Undergraduate programs prepare grad-
uates to step directly into a job. Graduate programs focus on research or management. Graduates are eligible to apply for Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Professional Biologist (PBiol) designations, needed for professional sign off of reclamation projects in Canada.
UofA students can take a four-year Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences program majoring in land reclamation. They combine natural and applied sciences to understand and assess environmental impacts; conduct remediation, soil reclamation, revegetation, and monitoring; develop skills in assessment, land use planning, and managing the complex ecological relationships of natural and anthropogenically disturbed environments. Two-year diploma programs at Lakeland or Olds colleges, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and other institutions, can be used for transfer to UofA. UofA graduate programs include thesis-based masters (MSc) and doctoral (PhD) degree programs in land reclamation, with a course-based master’s program under development.
UofA is home to the Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS), a unique, award-winning program complementing degree or diploma programs. LRIGS provides education and professional development in land reclamation to students and practitioners. Members increase knowledge, skills, and employability, and connect in an engaging environment with others passionate about land reclamation.
Come join us in the challenging and rewarding field of land reclamation and make an impact on the world we share!
RECLAMATION AND BIOLOGY
Driven by a deep sense of curiosity, wonder, and innovation, biologists play a pivotal role in the field of land reclamation. Members of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists are naturally curious about the world around them, and this curiosity fuels their desire to understand how ecosystems function and how they can be restored.
The ASPB BIWEEKLY reached out to Elvie Reinson, a reclamation practitioner, owner of Ballast Environmental, and a former president of the ASPB. She pointed out that in reclamation projects, professional biologists explore the intricate relationships between air, soil, water, plants, and animals.
“Biologists marvel at the resilience of nature and the ability of ecosystems to recover and rebound when given the right conditions, and they are inspired to find creative solutions to restore disturbed lands.”
Often, innovation is at the heart of biological reclamation, and biologists apply cutting-edge technologies and techniques to address complex environmental challenges. For example:
• Genetic Engineering: By understanding the genetic basis of plants, biologists can develop species that are more resilient to harsh conditions, aiding in the restoration of degraded lands.
• Phytoremediation: The use of plants to remove, degrade, or stabilize contaminants in soil, water, or air.
• Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA): A passive remediation method that utilizes natural processes like biodegradation, dilution, and sorption to decrease contaminant levels.
• Remote Sensing and GIS: Advanced tools Biologists use, like remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to monitor and make data-driven decisions for effective reclamation.
When curiosity and wonder meet innovation, remarkable things happen. Biologists working in reclamation are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. They experiment with new methods, learn from each success and failure, and adapt their approaches to achieve the best outcomes. This dynamic interplay leads to the development of sustainable practices that not only restore ecosystems but also enhance their resilience to future disturbances.
During the ASPB BIWEEKLY’s conversation with Ms. Reinson, she emphasized that the field of biological reclamation is a testament to the power of curiosity, wonder, and innovation.
PROFESSIONAL HAULING
Transportation Of Invert Drill Cuttings
Contaminated Dirt Hauling
Bulk Sawdust Sales & Delivery
Pellet Sales & Delivery
Aggregate Supply & Delivery
General Oilfield & Heavy Hauling
Winch Tractor Service
PREDICTING AND MANAGING PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON MIGRATION WITH INTELLEKTEIG'S NATURAL ATTENUATION TOOL
OVERVIEW
A former service station site was identified as a source of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) impacts in soil and groundwater. This project aimed to assess the extent of the PHC plume using the IntelleKtEIG Natural Attenuation Tool (NAT) to determine if off-site migration posed a risk to surrounding properties.
KEY CHALLENGE
Assessing and modelling the movement of contaminants over time to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize third-party impacts.
PROJECT GOALS
• Utilize IntelleKtEIG’s NAT to model PHC transport and natural attenuation processes.
• Demonstrate the extent of contamination relative to regulatory compliance objectives.
• Evaluate whether PHC migration could affect adjacent commercial properties.
• Provide a scientifically backed assessment to determine if further monitoring or remediation was necessary.
THE APPROACH
Site Background & Data Analysis
• The site, previously a service station, had underground storage tanks (USTs) removed in 2003. The location is now a vacant gravel lot.
• Historical sampling (2002-2024) identified key contaminants: toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and F1 PHCs, primarily along the southern and southeastern boundaries.
• The municipality was notified of PHC impacts on their property.
• Groundwater flow was determined to be southeast, with the nearest commercial property south of the municipal roadway.
TECHNOLOGY & IMPLEMENTATION
• IntelleKtEIG’s Natural Attenuation Tool (NAT) was employed to model contaminant behaviour over a 500-year period, following worst-case regulatory assumptions.
• The Domenico (1987) 3D analytical solute transport model was used to assess groundwater dilution, partitioning, leaching, and transport.
• All site data was imported into IntelleKtEIG’s 3D visualization module to refine the conceptual site model and validate contamination boundaries.
• The assessment used regulatory-approved default values, aligning with federal and provincial environmental quality guidelines (CCME, AEPA, US EPA).
RESULTS
• Containment Confirmed: The PHC plume was projected to remain within the municipal roadway, with no expected migration to adjacent commercial properties.
• Maximum Contaminant Reach:
— Ethylbenzene and xylenes: Maximum migration of about 19.5 metres from the source.
— Toluene: Extended up to 29 metres but did not reach the nearest commercial properties.
— F1 PHCs: Limited mobility; predicted migration less than two metres from the source.
• Regulatory Compliance: The conservative model confirmed that natural attenuation would mitigate further contamination over time.
CONCLUSION AND BENEFITS
• No further delineation, monitoring, or third-party notifications required.
• Cost savings for stakeholders by eliminating unnecessary remediation efforts.
• Enhanced regulatory confidence through data-driven modeling and transparent reporting.
• Improved decision-making using IntelleKtEIG’s advanced environmental data governance capabilities.
• Elimination of greenhouse gases from unnecessary remediation
• Reduced landfill impacts
• Improve environmental impacts by reallocating money to high impact projects
WHY INTELLEKTEIG?
IntelleKtEIG’s NAT provided a reliable, scientifically validated approach to assessing
PHC migration, ensuring compliance while optimizing resource allocation. By leveraging industry-approved modeling techniques, the software empowered environmental consultants and regulators to make informed decisions with confidence.
Ready to transform your environmental data analysis? Visit https://www.intellekt-eig.com/ to learn more about our solutions.
Leverage Your Data To Reduce Your Environmental Budget
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MANAGING LANDFILLS: CHALLENGES, SOLUTIONS, AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
By Katie Oliver
Landfills play a crucial role in waste management, but they present a range of challenges for municipalities and private operators. From initial site selection and regulatory approvals to ongoing operations and eventual closure, each stage of landfill management requires careful planning and expertise. Common challenges include environmental compliance, leachate and gas management, and maximizing landfill capacity while minimizing long-term liabilities.
Understanding these challenges, KBL Projects Ltd. has worked with landfill operators across Canada to develop tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability. Their expertise extends across all aspects of landfill management, including bioremediation facilities, hazardous waste storage areas, leachate treatment systems, and gas collection infrastructure, ensuring a fully integrated approach to landfill development and long-term waste management.
COMPREHENSIVE LANDFILL SOLUTIONS: FROM DEVELOPMENT TO LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
Permitting and Planning: Navigating regulatory complexity
Landfill development requires thorough environmental assessments, permitting, and compliance with federal, provincial, and municipal regulations. Securing approvals can be time-consuming and complex, requiring expertise in environmental planning and regulatory frameworks. KBL has helped numerous municipalities streamline this process, ensuring projects remain compliant and on schedule.
Liner Installation and Cell Construction: Protecting soil and water
A landfill’s liner system is its primary defense against leachate contamination. Improperly installed liners or poor cell construction can lead to environmental risks. KBL specializes in high-quality liner installations and engineered landfill cells that effectively contain waste and protect groundwater. Their experience in cell construction ensures operational efficiency and long-term environmental safety.
Leachate Collection and Treatment Systems: Managing contaminants effectively
Leachate, the liquid that percolates through waste, poses a significant environmental risk if not managed properly. Many landfill operators struggle with aging infrastructure or inefficient collection systems. KBL designs and implements advanced leachate collection and water treatment systems tailored to each landfill’s specific needs, reducing contamination risks and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
Operations and Facility Management: Maximizing efficiency and waste diversion
Daily landfill operations must balance waste compaction, safety, and airspace management. Without proper planning, landfills can reach capacity prematurely, leading to costly expansions. KBL provides expert guidance on daily operations, including optimal compaction techniques, waste handling strategies, and facility management to maximize landfill lifespan and efficiency. In addition to traditional landfill operations, KBL supports waste diversion initiatives, helping landfill operators identify materials that can be repurposed or beneficially reused instead of being landfilled. This includes preparing certain waste streams for alternative daily cover (ADC), repurposing construction and demolition materials, and implementing programs to extend landfill airspace through innovative waste diversion strategies. By integrating these practices, KBL assists municipalities and operators in reducing overall waste volumes, lowering environmental impact, and optimizing landfill resources.
Capping and Gas Collection: Turning waste into energy
As waste decomposes, it produces landfill gas – a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. Without proper collection systems, these emissions contribute to greenhouse gases and can pose safety hazards. KBL has assisted landfill operators in designing and implementing landfill gas collection systems that not only mitigate environmental impact but also provide an opportunity to generate renewable energy.
Monitoring and Reporting: Ensuring long-term compliance
Landfills require continuous environmental monitoring, including groundwater testing, gas emissions tracking, and regulatory reporting. Many municipalities face challenges in keeping up with compliance requirements. KBL provides routine monitoring and comprehensive reporting, ensuring landfills remain compliant with evolving regulations.
Reconstruction and Rehabilitation: Extending landfill life
Aging landfill infrastructure often requires reconstruction to maintain efficiency and safety. KBL has worked with operators to repair and optimize landfill systems, from addressing settlement issues to upgrading drainage and gas capture systems.
Landfills frequently accept contaminated soil, but safe handling and remediation are critical. KBL provides on-site treatment and disposal solutions, helping operators manage contaminated materials in compliance with environmental regulations.
Closure & Decommissioning: Planning for the future
Once a landfill reaches capacity, proper closure and long-term monitoring are essential to prevent environmental hazards. KBL supports landfill operators through the entire closure process, from engineered capping systems to post-closure monitoring, ensuring sites remain stable for years to come.
THE BENEFITS OF LANDFILL GAS COLLECTION
Landfill gas collection is an increasingly important aspect of waste management, offering both environmental and economic benefits. By capturing methane emissions, landfill operators can reduce their greenhouse gas footprint and, in many cases, generate renewable energy.
KBL has designed and implemented landfill gas collection systems that allow operators to convert methane into usable energy, such as electricity or renewable natural gas. These projects not only help meet sustainability goals but also create new revenue streams for municipalities and private landfill operators. By integrating landfill gas recovery into long-term planning, operators can turn environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN WASTE MANAGEMENT
Managing a landfill effectively requires expertise across multiple disciplines, from regulatory compliance and environmental protection to operational efficiency and long-term planning. By addressing these challenges with innovative solutions, KBL helps landfill operators and municipalities optimize their waste management strategies.
As landfill gas utilization and sustainable waste management practices continue to evolve, KBL remains committed to providing industry-leading solutions that enhance landfill performance and environmental responsibility.
