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Reclamation Services

AXYS botanists have extensive experience in impact assessment, weed management, erosion control, revegetation planning and have worked closely with First Nations communities to identify vegetation resources of traditional value. Our terrestrial specialists have detailed knowledge of soil capability standards, vegetation and wildlife needs so that reclamation can be directed towards preventing erosion, returning wildlife habitat capability and protecting soil resources.

By working closely with our clients, our proven ability to manage the entire job from design to on-site implementation and evaluation ensures that project coordination for all phases will remain simple and cost effective.

The Reclamation Process

Planning

Reclamation work should be planned in advance of construction activity. Our planners identify issues and concerns relevant to the oil sands region and are knowledgeable in materials needed to complete work and in preparing schedules for completion.

AXYS reclamation specialists pay close attention to detail, reflecting the unique environmental conditions of the oil sands region. Our understanding of the complex ecological process involved in reclaiming disturbed sites provides our clients with consistent project success.

For example, prior to construction of oil sands facilities, soils that may be subject to wind erosion are stockpiled and covered or seeded immediately. In addition, some soils such as the Marguerite soils tend to have a thin surface organic layer and additional peat or other sources of organic matter may be required during reclamation.

Stakeholder Input and Involvement

AXYS seeks to fully address our clients’ reclamation requirements. Consultation with required parties on oil sands leases is conducted prior to designing our reclamation plan. An important part of this plan is the identification of current and future land uses.

AXYS can also provide Aboriginal consultation when designing reclamation plans to form working partnerships that build community capacity to ensure the goals of reclamation are achieved. AXYS seeks to communicate with Aboriginal communities towards building a working relationship that will have an enduring and positive effect on the success of oil sands companies.

Implementation

Our reclamation specialists are knowledgeable of applicable regulatory requirements within the oil sands region to ensure implementation occurs. We build professional relationsihps with industry, government and local people to ensure reclamation protocols are implemented in a timely and expert fashion. Through a close association with Interior Reforestation Co. Ltd., we offer a full complement of services and work at integrating the entire reclamation process to ensure long-term success.

Follow Up and Monitoring

We ensure revegetation success by establishing standards jointly with the provincial land use managers and the oil sands client. Through on-going monitoring efforts we ensure that sites failing to achieve reclamation standards are re-worked until standards are met.

As an example, reclamation sites should be revisited when seedlings emerge (approximately six to eight weeks) or at the end of the first growing season. In this way, our specialists can determine if there are enough seedlings present to produce an adequate stand of vegetation or if the site requires re-seeding.

Selected Experience

For over 30 years, environmental professionals at AXYS have been offering clients a range of reclamation expertise to meet the diverse needs of each project, delivering high quality management as well as innovative approaches and solutions.

Our specific project experience includes:

• pipeline rights-of-way and wellsite reclamation planning
• oil sands reclamation planning
• highway and railway reclamation planning
• mined land and open pit reclamation planning
• silviculture planning and implementation
• reforestation treatment and planning schedule