Various methods have been developed and used to revegetate sites disturbed by oil and gas
activities in Western Canada. Considerable information describing these methods and their
effectiveness exists, although not all of this information is readily available as widely distributed,
published literature. Much of this information exists in the form of research studies, monitoring
program results and even anecdotal information and personal experience. This document
presents the findings of a study which was undertaken to summarize past and current efforts
and produce a “road map” that directs industry, regulators and researchers to the more
detailed, original sources.
The study had two key objectives. These were to: 1) bring together into a single document the
state of the art technology and methodology for revegetating sites disturbed by oil and gas
activities in Western Canada, and 2) identify areas of concern or uncertainty where future
research efforts should be focused. Information was collected from a review of existing
literature and legislation, from responses to a study questionnaire and from interviews
conducted with contacts who were identified as having relevant information.
The document presents the findings in five main sections. A summary of the legislative
framework for revegetation in each of the three provinces is presented. This is followed by a
general description of revegetation principles and techniques. The information in this section is
general enough that it may apply to a wide range of environmental settings and conditions.
Topics covered include soil conservation, site preparation, erosion control, seeding, planting,
natural recovery, the application of chemical and organic amendments and vegetation
management. Revegetation techniques are then reviewed as they apply to specific natural
regions, namely, the grassland, boreal and cordilleran environments. The document also
summarizes revegetation principles and techniques for special situations. Situations addressed
in this section include low-level contaminated sites such as oil and brine spill areas, special land
uses such as water courses, key wildlife and rare plant areas, access roads and sites with little
or no topsoil. Finally, the document identifies areas for which there is limited information and for
which further research is required.