Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

In Canada, peatlands are terrains covered by >40 cm of peat, which is an organic material formed and accumulated in place due to incomplete decay of plants and mosses under water-saturated conditions. Thirty percent of the oil sands regions of northern Alberta are located within peatlands. Resource exploration and extraction of oil in peatlands often require the addition of mineral fill and geotextile to create features, such as roads and well pads, to provide access and support for heavy equipment. These mineral features have long-lasting impacts on the soil, biogeochemistry, hydrology, and vegetation at the local and regional scales. Reclamation techniques for mineral features range from complete removal of the mineral fill, partial removal, and left as is, each with varying degrees of vegetation recolonization and recovery of peatland functions, such as net carbon (C) uptake. While complete removal of mineral fill has been successful, it is expensive. Initiation of peatland processes on residual mineral fill is being considered as a feasible alternative. Limited studies have shown that fen species can grow on the mineral substrate and reclaimed sites can become a net C sink after a few years. However, more research is needed to determine when peat accumulation and other peatland functions may return, and under what conditions. This project will study several reclaimed in-situ oil and gas features (well pads and roads) built with mineral fill in Alberta's boreal peatlands. We will evaluate vegetation development after partial removal of mineral fill and compare it to reference ecosystems (natural peatlands) and sites where all mineral fill and geotextile has been removed. Primary production and decomposition of major plant groups will be measured to quantify peat accumulation potential as the reclaimed sites develop over time. This project will assess the feasibility of establishing peat-accumulating vegetation on mineral substrates and provide critical benchmark information for peatland related policy development and implementation. The results of this study will be used to develop best management practice and field guides for use by industry partners and reclamation specialists.