The Alberta Reclamation process is generally devised into a number of assessment phases, and then, the final reclamation application. All sites require at least a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, however, they may not all require a Phase II and/or Phase III ESA if specific conditions and criteria are met in the earlier phases.
Phase I Reclamation Assessment
This phase is used to develop the site history and consists of a well file review, an aerial photo review, landowner and operator interviews, and a site visit. In some cases, the drilling waste information may not be available in the wellfile. In this case, these sites require a visit to the ERCB Core Research Center where the Tour Sheets are obtained and reviewed.
If it can be determined that there are no potential sources of contamination on the site (production facilities, flare pits, pipeline breaks, drilling mud additives outside the “Gel Chemical” such as diesel, etc.), the process skips to the Detailed Site Assessment and final Reclamation Application (below). This is generally limited to recently drilled D&A sites, as most sites indicate there was a potential source of contamination on site at one time and require a Phase II Assessment.
Phase II Reclamation Assessment
A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment consists of intrusive sampling and is used to confirm or deny the presence of contamination. If the sampling of the potential sources of contamination (as determined in the Phase I assessment) indicates there is no contamination, the process can skip to the Detailed Site Assessment and Reclamation Application (below). If contamination above the regulated criteria is found, the extent of contamination must be delineated and the contaminants managed though a Phase III.
Phase III Reclamation Assessment
The Phase III consists of the remediation of the contamination through a variety of possible methods (biotreatment, landfill, alternative, etc.) and confirmatory sampling to ensure that the treatment method chosen has been successful. The reclamation can then move to the Detailed Site Assessment and Reclamation Application.
Detailed Site Assessment and Reclamation Application
Once historical sources of contamination have been managed through one of the above Phases, or a combination of more than one Phase, the process moves on to the detailed site assessment. The Detailed Site Assessment (DSA) is completed for the location once the soils have been replaced on the location and the vegetation has had the opportunity to re-establish. This is generally completed after a few growing seasons, but may take a little longer if the site encounters issues such as weed infestations, severe drought conditions, etc. The DSA is completed to ensure the lease has been returned to an equivalent land capacity to the surrounding area. It compares off lease and on lease soils depths and quality;as well as vegetative health and density.
If the DSA determines that the lease meets criteria, the site moves to the Reclamation Application. This is done by completing the 17 page application and preparing a landowner information package. This is presented to the landowner, and a final landowner interview is completed. If the landowner is satisfied with the location and reporting, he/she signs a landowner acknowledgement form. If they are not happy, there is a mitigation process that is managed through AB Environment, and an attempt is made to satisfy both parties.
If the acknowledgement form is signed, The Reclamation Application Package is forwarded to Alberta Environment, and Reclamation Certification can generally be expected within one year of submission.
Contact Information:
Tom Stevenson (VP Environmental) (403) 237-8137
Alternative Contacts:
Troy Wawrinchuk, Renee Heshka (403) 237-8137
