Utilization of Wood Waste

This project tested the use of wood waste mulch to create all-weather access roads for drilling operations. The method involved logging and mulching on-site, spreading a 20 cm thick mulch mat that supported heavy equipment and semi-truck traffic, even during wet conditions. The trial demonstrated that mulched access roads could be constructed and reclaimed effectively while reducing land disturbance and costs compared to conventional gravel roads.

The mulched access road successfully supported drilling operations, including large semi-trucks, without delays or traffic restrictions, even during wet conditions. Construction of the mulched road cost $57,000, or $105 per meter, which is slightly higher than the typical $100 per meter for conventional graded gravel roads, but reclamation was significantly cheaper at $10,000, or $19 per meter, compared to similar costs for gravel roads. Environmental benefits were substantial, including a 50% reduction in access road footprint, elimination of the need for borrow areas, minimized soil disturbance, and improved potential for natural revegetation. Overall, the approach allowed the well to be drilled on schedule, reduced total lifecycle costs, and ensured that the site could be effectively reclaimed with minimal long-term environmental impact.