Vertex, Enviro Q&A Services, NAIT, & Innotech Alberta
June 2022
2020-RRRC-05 (2)
Abstract
In 2018, the Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada (PTAC) initiated a multi‐stage project on the reclamation certification process for sites that were constructed using imported mineral soil pads in peatlands (padded sites). Stage 1 of the project has been completed and identified knowledge gaps for making decisions to accept or reject requests for a change in land use for padded sites during the reclamation certification process. Stage 2 is nearing completion and includes a decision framework and support tools for making decisions related to reclamation certification of padded sites; however, some of the factors that the framework and support tools are based upon, are knowledge gaps. Stage 3 is the field research component of the project to address the knowledge gaps. The pilot study described in this document is a component of Stage 3. The pilot study sought to provide preliminary results for one of the knowledge gaps from Stage 2: factors that result in sustainable forest ecosystem development on padded sites in peatlands. As a pilot study, it was also meant to verify methods and identify efficiencies for a large‐scale study.