Habitat Equivalency Analysis – understanding change in closure ecosystem service plans relative to predisturbance

Habitat Equivalency Analysis (HEA) is a quantification methodology used to quantify level of ecosystem services in existence prior to implementation of a project, services affected during project implementation, and the appropriate compensation or mitigation required to achieve No Net Loss (NNL). The intent of this pilot project is to test the HEA methodology’s capability to quantify habitats and their associated ecosystems services. Results will be used to determine if HEA is an appropriate methodology to be used to as a quantification framework for mitigation to enhance Suncor Oil Sands and In Situ Closure Strategy. Scope of work: (1) quantify baseline of an area prior to the implementation of a Suncor oil sands mine project; (2) quantify footprint of Suncor’s oil sand operation from an ecological services perspective; (3) quantify existing reclamation projects to determine their current ecosystem service provision;(4) compare baseline, project footprint and project reclamation to determine proportional change in ecological services relative to baseline of project location.

Overall, a valuable addition to the planning toolbox. Can provide insights and help guide decisions, but may be better decision-making tools for some development opportunities. Advantages: (1) allows quantification of baseline services, loss of services due to development, and services generated from reclamation/ mitigation activities on “apples to apples” basis; (2) reclamation/mitigation options can be tailored to specific sites; (3) easily adapted to new scenarios once background information developed; (4) easily adapted to incorporate additional parameters of interest. Limitations: (1) project types may limit use of HEA in some cases, particularly developments with long-term impacts but limited short-term reclamation; (2) for model to provide greatest value, accurate and complete baseline data is required. Best Applications: (1) planning – allows streamlined evaluation of development areas and reclamation projects; (2) evaluation – allows comparison of multiple projects and determination of increase in services per dollar spent; (3) justification – can quantify service uplift of post-reclamation activities such as engineered wetlands or upland habitat improvements