In Situ Land Footprint Intensity Reduction Best Practices

Forty-three attendees from industry, academia and government toured nine locations, at various stages of disturbance and reclamation, at Suncor Firebag and ConocoPhillips Canada Surmont operations near Fort McMurray, Alberta, on October 3 and 4, 2017 with two main objectives: (1) to learn about reclamation and other footprint reduction opportunities that will support the COSIA Land in situ performance goal, “reduce land intensity by 10% by 2022” and (2) to ensure reclamation planners and researchers remain connected to the landscapes they are creating to support successful closure and certification of disturbed lands. Company representatives introduced each site and answered questions during the tour. Local trappers and first nation groups were invited but unable to attend. The resulting Field Tour Report presents qualitative data collected from discussions at each site.

For each of the nine locations, the Field Tour Report presents site background information, key discussion themes, what worked on-site, what did not work on-site, improvements, regulatory comments and a summary for the site, including potential future directions. Main discussion themes from the tour included progressive reclamation, stakeholder engagement, weed control, erosion, surface roughness, hydrology, planning, peatland reclamation, planting density, stockpile management and soil handling practices. Attendees identified a number of key challenges and constraints related to implementing best practices and conservation and reclamation plans. Better communication between internal company silos about intended outcomes, consistent and streamlined regulatory processes, clear technical guidance to operators to overcome status quo inertia and support from top management is needed to execute reclamation efficient and effectively. The value of outcome based planning and execution was discussed.