Pierre River Mine Project

WATER AENV SIRS 15 – 43
Section 12.1
Request 27c Provide information on what is currently known about peat-forming processes on
reclaimed landscapes in the oil sands region. Discuss current research studies
and results.
Response 27c There is ongoing research in the Oil Sands Region related to peatland
reconstruction. Shell participates in the Canadian Oil Sands Network for
Research and Development (CONRAD) and supports research projects,
including studies on the initiation of wetlands and controls of soil moisture
regimes on reconstructed landscapes. Shell supports Dale Vitt’s research on
understanding peatland initiation processes that will contribute to the
development of best practices for peatland reconstruction. Shell will continue to
incorporate results from current research studies into its reclamation operations,
where feasible.
References
Current reclamation knowledge and experience in the region states that organic
bogs and fens (peatlands) cannot be reclaimed (CEMA 2007), but research is
currently underway within CONRAD (CONRAD 2008) and the Wetlands and
Aquatic Sub Group (WASG) of the Cumulative Environmental Management
Association (CEMA) to investigate methodologies for wetlands reconstruction on
reclaimed landscapes. For example, CONRAD supports fen reclamation research
that is investigating the success of vegetation island transplants. The WASG has
initiated reclamation research on the processes and function of existing wetlands
for practical application in the Oil Sands Region.
CEMA. 2007. Guideline for wetland establishment on reclaimed oil sands leases
(revised edition) 2007. Prepared by Harris, M.L. for CEMA Wetlands
and Aquatics Subgroup of the Reclamation Working Group, Fort
McMurray, AB. Dec/07.
CONRAD. 2008. 2008 Annual Update. Canadian Oil Sands Network for
Research and Development – Environmental and Reclamation Research
Group (CONRAD ERRG).
Request 27d Clarify how this knowledge will be used in progressive wetland reclamation
planning on the Pierre River Mine Site.
Response 27d Reclamation programs will be adaptively managed to incorporate the results and
recommendations from ongoing research regarding the establishment of bogs and
fens on the closure landscape. As discussed in the response to AENV SIR 27c,
Shell will progressively incorporate the results of current wetlands reconstruction
research into reclamation planning and operations, where feasible.
12-40 Shell Canada Limited April 2010
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