Suncor's current method of reclamation and tree planting results in a diverse herbaceous cover
developing within a year of soil amendment application providing erosion protection along with a source of
cover and food for wildlife. Ecosystems re-established on reclaimed sites will be self-sustaining and will function in a similar manner to ecosystems on undisturbed areas adjacent to the Suncor development. Individual components of reestablished ecosystems have been evaluated as follows:
- Reconstructed soils have been shown to be equivalent to or better than original soils.
- Results of field monitoring indicate that Suncor's reclamation sites are developing into sustainable ecological units comparable to nearby natural forest areas. These results together with those from terrain modelling show that Suncor's reclamation strategy will achieve longterm, mature communities sustainable under current topographic and climatic trends.
- Successful development of a viable reclamation area vegetative cover together with establishment of reclamation drainage systems means that reclamation ecosystems will become viable wildlife habitats.
The characteristics and ecological diversity of reclamation areas will provide the flexibility to accommodate a number of end uses. Suncor believes that the reclamation plan and methods presented will meet the goal of achieving maintenance-free, self-sustaining ecosystems in the oil sands region with capability and plant community diversity equivalent to the pre-disturbed condition.