Firebag Pad 106 Road Wetland Reclamation Trial

The Wellpad 106 road, transversing both deep and shallow peatland, was constructed in 2007 and removed in 2013. This program was initiated to address a condition of Suncor’s APEA approval and to better understand critical peat physical properties that determine peatland hydrological and biogeochemical functions, and how road construction effects them. Specific objectives were to: (1) characterize/compare peat physical characteristics upstream, downstream and under roads; (2) record changes in peat properties over time since road removal; (3) characterize hydrologic environment before and after road removal; (4) evaluate capability to manage water flow via existing culverts; (5) determine viability of propagules in previously buried peat to see if it can self-revegetate; (6) assess road fill for moisture, compaction, and compactability, and % volume fit for re-use; and (7) assess formerly buried peat re. propagule viability and decompression ability, and compare propagule viability and volume loss with stockpiled peat.

Fill is likely re-usable in most cases. There is evidence of natural peat hydraulic properties re-establishing relatively quickly after roads are removed. The ability of peat to naturally revegetate appears good, with much vegetation reappearing in road areas as hydrologic conditions stabilize; this will need to be further examined with seed/spore propagule viability and new vegetation surveys. Additional tools (e.g. temporary flow control) can be used to temporarily manage hydrology and to ensure active revegetation; further flow and water table level monitoring need to be conducted to ensure reclaimed area does not remain inundated. Peat compression will be minimized, and natural peat rebound with minimal intervention will be achieved, if infrastructure placement is targeted to peat deposits exceeding a minimum of 1m. It is hoped further study will confirm complete fill removal projects as a cost effective and ecohydrologically efficient road reclamation approach.