##  [An Overview of Land Reclamation at Suncor](/resource/overview-land-reclamation-suncor) 

Organization

[Canadian Land Reclamation Association (CLRA)](/organization/canadian-land-reclamation-association-clra)

[Suncor Energy Inc.](/organization/suncor-energy-inc)

 

 

Project

[Alberta Chapter CLRA Conference Papers](/project/alberta-chapter-clra-conference-papers)

 

Resource Type

[Report](/taxonomy/term/38)

 

 

Author(s)

Stephen Tuttle

 

 

Original Authors

Stephen Tuttle

 

 

Resource Date:

1991

 

Page Length

29

 

 

Prior to implementing a large scale reclamation program, the goals must be defined to  
develop an effective plan of action. This focuses the efforts expended on the program and  
gives direction to the research, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the operation.  
Base line information was collected on soils, vegetation, and wildlife utilization. Then  
considerable effort was invested on optimum methods to employ in the construction of a  
soil that would give the nutrients and moisture required for vegetation establishment.  
The base soil construction material is salvaged muskeg soil. The muskeg soil is spread on  
the reclamation areas to a depth of 15 cm. After revegetation treatment detailed  
monitoring is then utilized to track the development of the created soil. Natural,  
undisturbed soils are used as a reference to assess the performance of the reconstructed  
soils. Fertilizer application is adjusted to enhance this development.  
The revegetation prescription ,has been altered based on data from the continued  
monitoring and assessment work. Little or no seeding to grasses is currently done as these  
species will out-compete the woody stemmed trees and shrubs planted on the reclamation  
areas. The tree species outlined in the planting mix reflect the projected vegetation  
development on the reclaimed soils. Regeneration from salvaged soils and invasion by  
native plants is hastening the overall development of reclamation area toward the target  
forest plant communities as evident in the reference sites.