An Overview of Land Reclamation at Suncor

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.