Part E Conceptual Conservation and Reclamation Plan · 2017-05-31 · Part E: Conceptual C&R Plan...

Part E

Conceptual Conservation and Reclamation Plan

VALUE CREATION INC. Part E: Conceptual C&R Plan

Advanced TriStar Project

September 2012 Page E-i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page E. CONCEPTUAL CONSERVATION AND RECLAMATION PLAN ..........................1

E.1 INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................1

E.2 RECLAMATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................3

E.2.1 Reclamation to Equivalent Capability .....................................................................3

E.3 SOIL SALVAGE AND STORAGE PROGRAM ...........................................................8

E.3.1 Timber and Vegetation Management.......................................................................9

E.3.2 Interim Reclamation.................................................................................................9

E.3.3 Erosion and Sediment Control ...............................................................................10

E.3.4 Final Reclamation ..................................................................................................11

E.3.5 Soil Resources ........................................................................................................12

E.3.6 Soil Salvage ...........................................................................................................12

E.3.7 Soil Storage ............................................................................................................45

E.4 SOIL CONSERVATION – OPERATIONS..................................................................52

E.4.1 Erosion and Sediment Control ...............................................................................52

E.4.2 Soil Quality of Stockpiles ......................................................................................52

E.4.3 Interim Revegetation Strategies .............................................................................52

E.4.4 Weed Control .........................................................................................................52

E.5 RECLAMATION AND SOIL REPLACEMENT PROGRAM ....................................53

E.5.1 Final Site Grading and Re-contouring ...................................................................53

E.5.2 Soil Replacement ...................................................................................................55

E.5.3 Post Reclamation Land Capability for Forestry.....................................................58

E.6 REVEGETATION .........................................................................................................60

E.6.1 Revegetation Practices ...........................................................................................61

E.6.2 Revegetation Species .............................................................................................62

E.6.3 Woody Species Planting ........................................................................................67

E.7 RECLAMATION MONITORING PROGRAM ...........................................................69

E.7.1 Monitoring Objectives ...........................................................................................70

E.7.2 Monitoring Schedule ..............................................................................................70

E.8 ABANDONMENT AND CLOSURE ...........................................................................71



September 2012 Page E-ii

List of Tables Page Table E.1.0-1 Components of the Project Footprint ..................................................................2

Table E.2.1-1 Pre-disturbance Land Capability for the Project Footprint .................................4

Table E.2.1-2 Pre-disturbance Ecosites for the Project Footprint..............................................7

Table E.3.6-1 Soil Material Available for Salvage within the Project Footprint ....................15

Table E.3.7-1 Reclamation Material Balance for the Project Footprint ..................................48

Table E.5.3-1 Predicted Reclaimed Forest Land Capability for the Project Footprint ............59

Table E.5.3-2 Comparison of Baseline and Reclaimed Land Capabilities within the Project Footprint ...............................................................................................60

Table E.6.2-1 Proposed Tree and Shrub Species to Achieve Representative Upland Ecosite Phases ...................................................................................................63

Table E.6.2-2 Potential Revegetation Species for Wetlands and Depressional Pond Areas ...64

Table E.6.2-3 Potential Native Species for Use in Seeding of Disturbed Areas .....................66

Table E.6.4-1 Baseline and Estimated Reclaimed Ecosites in the Project Footprint...............67

List of Figures

Figure E.2.1-1 Pre-disturbance Forest Land Capability in the Project Footprint

Figure E.2.1-2 Pre-disturbance Ecosites in the Project Footprint

Figure E.3.5-1 Soil Inspection Sites and Soil Map Units in the Project Footprint

Figure E.3.6-1 Upland and Organic Soils in the Project Footprint

Figure E.3.7-1 Potential Soil Stockpile Locations in the Project Footprint

Figure E.5.3-1 Reclaimed Forest Land Capability in the Project Footprint

Figure E.6.4-1 Reclaimed Ecosites in the Project Footprint



September 2012 Page E-1

E. CONCEPTUAL CONSERVATION AND RECLAMATION PLAN

E.1 INTRODUCTION

This section presents the C&R Plan for the Project. This C&R Plan includes conceptual details for the proposed Project’s footprint components.

The conceptual C&R Plan for the Project serves numerous purposes:

• it provides the regulatory agencies with the information needed to assess whether the land can be reclaimed and returned to equivalent land capability for the desired end land uses;

• it provides information about the ongoing reclamation activities that VCI will carry out during the life of the Project to ensure that environmental effects are kept to a minimum and end land use objectives and goals are attained;

• it provides conceptual information about the ultimate closure and abandonment plans for the facilities once the Project has ceased operations; and

• after considering landforms, soils, vegetation and the hydrological regime, the C&R Plan identifies the reclamation practices and mechanisms that will be carried out to ensure that a sustainable post-Project landscape meets the equivalent land capability of the pre-Project landscape.

Conservation and reclamation methods described in this conceptual C&R Plan are based on the current field-proven reclamation practices used for successful reclamation of conventional oil and gas well sites and SAGD Projects, pipelines, and access roads in Alberta's boreal region. The concepts discussed are based on utilization of these reclamation techniques as well as regulatory requirements from other recent SAGD projects and implementation of current reclamation trends in the Oil Sands. VCI will adapt the plan to comply with the regulatory requirements in place at the time of construction and reclamation.

In order to develop a C&R Plan suitable for resources within and adjacent to the proposed disturbance area, information on existing biophysical conditions is required. Information sources utilized to design the C&R Plan include:

• Project design and development processes to be utilized by VCI;

• the Final Terms of Reference (FTOR) for the Project (AESRD 2012);

• a review of C&R requirements in recent Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD) approvals for in situ projects; and

• applicable regulatory guidance documents relating to development and reclamation.

The Project footprint includes the development of ATS-1, ATS-2 and ATS-3. Components of the Project footprint are listed in Table E.1.0-1 and provided on Figure A.3.0-2.




Table E.1.0-1 Components of the Project Footprint

Project Component (number of components) Area (ha)

Central Processing Facility (CPF) (3) 55.5

Well Pads (35) 146.5

Borrow Pits (6) 48.5

Topsoil and Subsoil Storage Areas 39.6

Utility Corridors 115.9

TOTAL 406.0

To supplement this C&R Plan, once the Project is operational, VCI will prepare an Annual C&R Report for submission to AESRD. The annual report will summarize the C&R activities of the preceding year along with those planned to be undertaken in the following year.

In addition to preparing a C&R report for SAGD projects, AESRD has also implemented a process that requires a detailed Pre-disturbance report to be prepared prior to construction occurring. This is an important component, as project proponents can prepare conceptual C&R plans such as this one, and then refine the plans later in the preparation of a pre-disturbance Assessment and detailed C&R Plan as per AESRD’s Guidelines for Submission of a Pre Disturbance Assessment and Conservation & Reclamation Plan (PDA/C&R Plan) Under an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Approval for an Enhanced Recovery In-Situ Oil Sands and Heavy Oil Processing Plant and Oil Production Site (AENV 2009) (PDA document). For all applicable Project components VCI will ensure that the required Pre-disturbance information is collected as per the PDA document and provided to AESRD prior to construction as typically required in the EPEA approval.

Another regulatory process that project proponents must follow relates to borrow pit developments that require a public lands surface disposition (SMC or SML). The surface disposition applications have detailed operational design and reclamation requirements that must also be included in these applications. This information includes detailed development design, water management plans (if required), pre and post development cross sections, geotechnical information, and a detailed reclamation plan, as per the Guidelines for Acquiring Surface Material Dispositions on Public Land (ESRD 2007). VCI will also provide the information required for development and subsequent reclamation of all borrow developments during this process.

In compliance with typical Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) approvals, an abandonment and reclamation plan will be submitted to AESRD six months prior to decommissioning the surface facilities.

The information provided within this conceptual C&R Plan provides high level information related to processes and operations needed for the development and reclamation for the Project.




Detailed development and reclamation for Project components will be addressed as per the aforementioned regulatory processes.

E.2 RECLAMATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The reclamation goal for the Project is to reclaim developed lands to equivalent land capability. Equivalent land capability is the ability of the land to support various land uses after reclamation is similar to the ability that existed prior to any activity being conducted on the land, but the ability to support individual land uses will not necessarily be equal after reclamation (Powter 2002).

The reclaimed landscape will have a land capability equivalent to that of the pre-disturbance landscape to allow for:

• re-establishment of merchantable forests;

• establishment of diverse wildlife habitats that include a range of vegetation communities and landscapes that are compatible with the surrounding ecosites; and

• vegetation community diversity that will provide traditional land uses similar to pre-disturbance conditions.

Objectives of the conceptual C&R plan include:

• development of the Project to mitigate environmental effects to soil, landscapes, vegetation, wetlands and streams within and immediately adjacent to the development footprint;

• soil conservation throughout the life of the Project to provide sufficient soil material of suitable quality at reclamation;

• mitigate potential effects to watercourses throughout the life of the Project through prevention of sedimentation or soil erosion;

• creation of reclaimed landscapes that tie into adjacent undisturbed lands and accommodate appropriate surface drainage patterns across reclaimed lands;

• providing a prescriptive soil replacement plan; and

• creating a revegetation plan.

E.2.1 RECLAMATION TO EQUIVALENT CAPABILITY

E.2.1.1 Land Capability for Forestry

The distribution of forest communities in the Project footprint is determined by parent materials, soil types (texture and development), topography, and drainage patterns. The potential for commercial forestry in the development area has been assessed using the Alberta Vegetation Inventory (AVI) (Alberta Pacific Forest Industries 2004).

Forest communities that develop on the reclaimed sites will be determined by the forested land capability of the reclaimed lands, degree of disturbance, adjacent undisturbed forest communities




and success of the revegetation efforts. The pre-disturbance forest soil capabilities within the Project footprint are provided in Table E.2.1-1 and are shown on Figure E.2.1-1.

Table E.2.1-1 Pre-disturbance Land Capability for the Project Footprint

Component Pre-Disturbance Land Capability Rating

Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Total Area (ha)1

Central Processing Facility (CPF) 55.4 - 0.1 55.5

Well Pads 80.5 5.3 60.8 146.5

Borrow Pits 46.4 1.3 0.7 48.5

Topsoil and Subsoil Storage Areas 33.3 1.0 5.3 39.6

Utility Corridors 58.5 1.7 55.6 115.9

Total Area (ha)1 274.1 9.3 122.5 406.0 1 Due to rounding of values, totals may not equal the sum of the individual values presented in the table.

The Project footprint is covered by predominantly Class 3 (274.1 ha) and Class 5 (122.5 ha) land capability landscapes. Limitations to Class 3 landscapes were variable and included soil reaction (moderately acidic pH in the upper profiles), firm consistence in the upper subsoil layers as well as moisture limitations due to rapid drainage and nutrient limitations. Class 5 lands are limited by poor drainage and are associated mostly with organic landscapes.

Class 4 soils account for 9.3 ha of the Project footprint and represent transitional areas between the uplands and organics. Limitations of Class 4 soils are mainly associated with poor drainage and firm consistence in the subsoil layers.

Appropriate soil and subsoil salvage, storage, and replacement on re-contoured lands coupled with effective revegetation will ensure lands suitable for commercial forests (i.e., Class 3) achieve similar capability, post disturbance. All other lands (Class 4 and 5) will be reclaimed to provide equivalent capability and provide ecological function similar to pre-disturbance conditions. Details on baseline soil and terrain are provided in CR #9 Baseline Soil & Terrain Assessment.

E.2.1.2 Surface Water Drainage Systems

The Project lies within the drainage basin of the Clearwater River. A majority of the area is drained by small tributaries and undefined drainages which flow into the main stem before it flows westerly into the Clearwater River. There are no permanent lakes in the vicinity of the Project footprint but small beaver ponds exist on a number of the streams and drainages (Section D.6 and CR #6).

The Project footprint will not cross streams with defined channels. There will be 12 crossings of mapped drainages where the drainage pathways will be maintained with adequately sized culverts. Most of the disturbed areas have been located to avoid mapped watercourses. One of




the proposed well pads and two of the borrow pits are located on a mapped drainage. These drainages are not navigable as no defined channels are present (CR #6, Figure 13).

Surface water runoff will be directed around various Project components through use of ditches. Surface water flow will also be maintained across disturbance areas using ditches and culverts where necessary. Surface water run-off from each CPF will be directed to separate storm water retention ponds located to take advantage of natural elevation gradients. Surface runoff will be collected in the storm water runoff ponds and will either be returned to each CPF to be used as makeup water or (depending upon site and operating conditions) released into the surrounding watershed. Prior to discharge, the water will be tested and released in accordance with the terms and conditions of the operating approval. VCI will monitor pump off receiving areas for potential erosion and appropriate mitigation implemented if signs of erosion are recorded.

The Project has been designed to mitigate effects to drainage and surface waters. Maintaining site drainage patterns during operations will facilitate return of proper drainage patterns upon closure. Management of the local drainage systems is an integral component of a reclaimed landscape, which is a focus of the operational and closure plans for the Project.

E.2.1.3 Fisheries & Aquatics

Baseline aquatic resources inventories were conducted at three locations. Existing water in the winter season was frozen to depth at all three sampling locations and watercourses were dry in most seasons at two sites. A fish inventory was conducted at one site in spring 2011 when there was sufficient water to conduct inventories. No fish were captured in the watercourses contained in the Project area (Section D.2 and CR #2).

Throughout the development, operation and reclamation of the Project, VCI will ensure that all activities undertaken are carried out utilizing appropriate mitigation and monitoring activities to minimize impacts to fisheries and aquatic resources. A 50 m buffer will be maintained between Project activities and any watercourses with defined channels. Sediment control plans will be implemented prior to undertaking earthworks activities, and erosion control undertaken in areas where vegetation has been removed and site grading or contouring has been completed. Prompt revegetation and proper surface drainage in and around the footprint will ensure minimal impact on the surface water quality and fisheries resource. VCI will follow the necessary mitigation and monitoring requirements as detailed in Section D.2.4.

E.2.1.4 Wetlands

Wetlands within the LSA have been mapped into nine classes and the details of which can be found in Section D.10 and CR #10. Wetlands were classified using the Alberta Wetland Inventory Standards (Halsey et al., 2004). Construction and operation of the Project will affect 123.2 ha of wetlands within the Project footprint. The distribution of the wetlands is as follows:

• 55.8 ha of wooded bog without internal lawns (BTNN);

• 0.9 ha of wooded bog with internal lawns (BTNI);

• 49.9 ha of non-patterned, wooded fens with no internal lawns (FTNN);




• 13.0 ha of open shrub-dominated fen (FONS);

• 3.2 ha of non-patterned, open, graminoid-dominated fens (FONG); and

• 0.3 ha of wooded coniferous swamps (STNN).

Deciduous swamps (SONS), open graminoid dominated marsh (MONG) and open water (WONN) that were identified to occur in the LSA are not affected by the proposed Project footprint.

During the life of the Project, drainage control measures will minimize any effects on the remaining wetlands within the Project footprint and maintain the integrity of the wetlands outside the Project footprint. Removal of drainage control structures and fill materials, and re-contouring during reclamation will be implemented to re-establish natural drainage patterns. VCI will follow the necessary mitigation and monitoring requirements as detailed in Section D.10.4.

E.2.1.5 Vegetation

An assessment of vegetation for the Project has been conducted (Section D.10 and CR #10). Delineation of vegetation communities was based on AVI map units, and detailed field sampling and were then classified into ecosite phases using The Field Guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta (Beckingham and Archibald 1996).

The Project footprint is dominated by ecosite d (low-bush cranberry) in upland areas and poorly drained landscapes are dominated by i (bogs), j (poor fens), and k (rich fens). Sixteen ecosite phases were mapped in the Project footprint, including:

• lichen/jack pine (a1);

• blueberry/jack pine – aspen (b1);

• blueberry/aspen – white spruce (b3);

• Labrador tea-mesic/jack pine – black spruce (c1);

• low-bush cranberry/aspen (d1);

• low-bush cranberry/aspen – white spruce (d2);

• low-bush cranberry/white spruce (d3);

• Labrador tea-subhygric/black spruce – jack pine (g1);

• Labrador tea – horsetail/white spruce – black spruce (h1);

• treed bog (i1);

• shrubby bog (i2);

• treed poor fen (j1);

• shrubby poor fen (j2);

• treed rich fen (k1);

• shrubby rich fen (k2); and

• graminoid rich fen (k3).




The pre-disturbance ecosites for the Project footprint are provided in Table E.2.1-2 shown on Figure E.2.1-2.

Table E.2.1-2 Pre-disturbance Ecosites for the Project Footprint

Component Ecosite

A B C D G H I J K AlH1 CIW1 CL1 Total

Central Processing Facility (CPF)

<0.1 <0.1 <0.1 54.4 - 0.9 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 - - - 55.5

Well Pads 0.2 6.0 2.6 70.4 3.0 1.4 31.7 21.0 9.8 - - 0.4 146.5

Borrow Pits - - 8.3 36.8 1.7 <0.1 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.2 - 0.1 48.5

Topsoil and Subsoil Storage Areas

<0.1 0.8 3.3 27.6 0.9 0.6 1.9 1.6 2.7 <0.1 - 0.2 39.6

Utility Corridors

- 2.6 4.4 51.0 3.3 0.5 22.3 18.6 12.0 <0.1 0.4 0.9 115.9

Total Area (ha)2

0.3 9.3 18.6 240.3 9.0 3.4 56.3 41.5 25.1 0.3 0.4 1.6 406.0

% of Project Footprint

0.1 2.3 4.6 59.2 2.2 0.8 13.9 10.2 6.2 0.1 0.1 0.4 100

1 AIH – permanent right-of-ways, CIW – geophysical well sites that have been seeded, CL – unspecified clearing (includes cutlines). 2 Due to rounding of values, totals may not equal the sum of the individual values presented in the table.

Drier landscapes include ecosites a, b, c, and d which account for a total of 268.5 ha of the Project footprint. Transitional communities, ecosites classified as g and h, account for 12.4 ha. Lowland (organic landscapes) includes ecosites i, j and k which account for 122.9 ha of the Project footprint. Vegetation community diversity, post revegetation will be achieved through re-establishing a range of moisture and nutrient regimes on the landscape. Appropriate re-contouring of reclaimed lands will provide a range of moisture regimes by establishing drainage patterns and flora that will be similar to pre-disturbance conditions. Prescriptive replacement of soil material in the reclaimed areas will allow for a range of soil moisture and nutrient regimes to form on the reclaimed landscape that will influence vegetation community diversity, post reclamation and revegetation.

E.2.1.6 Wildlife

VCI conducted an assessment of the wildlife resources for the Project (Section D.11 and CR #11). The Project footprint is located in mid-successional to mature boreal forest dominated by treed and shrubby bogs and fens with inclusions of trembling aspen and white spruce upland areas. Wildlife habitat in the study area was classified on the basis of ecosite phases (Beckingham and Archibald 1996) and field observations. Wildlife species of concern (sensitive, rare, threatened, or endangered) typically associated with the habitats identified in the




Project footprint include woodland caribou, olive-sided flycatcher, Canada warbler, rusty blackbird, sandhill crane, yellow rail, Canadian toad, and northern myotis bat.

Reclamation will be progressively executed during the life of the Project. This reclamation approach allows increased variation of wildlife habitat due to uneven habitat age development. Reclamation is also performed to establish biologically self-sustaining landscapes with equal or greater productivity than pre-disturbance conditions. The Project footprint will be reclaimed to forest, wetland, marsh and stream habitats based on topography and in relation to adjacent undisturbed areas. Wildlife typically use reclaimed areas as soon as herbaceous vegetation is established, and the diversity of wildlife use tends to increase with increasing vegetation cover and shrub and tree establishment. Wildlife use of natural and reclaimed areas will be monitored to provide information of the success of re-establishing wildlife habitat.

E.2.1.7 Traditional Land Use

The Athabasca Oil Sands Region has a long history of use by Aboriginal peoples. First Nations and Métis within the local area include the communities of Fort McMurray. Traditional resource use in the region includes hunting, trapping, fishing, berry picking, collecting medicinal plants, and the use of trail networks, cabins and special sites (e.g., sweat lodges). Further information on Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) and use within the region is being gathered as discussed in Part F. VCI is also working directly with the local communities to identify site specific TEK information for the Project. This information will be used to enhance the capability of the C&R process to return these values to the land.

E.3 SOIL SALVAGE AND STORAGE PROGRAM VCI will use the following objectives as the basis for operational and reclamation program design:

• all timber harvesting and vegetation clearing will be completed in consultation with the Forest Management Agreement (FMA) holder and in compliance with all regulatory requirements related to removal and harvest/disposal of timber and vegetation;

• all upland topsoil, upper subsoil and organic material < 1.0 m will be salvaged for replacement at reclamation;

• facility development, well pads, roadways, pipelines, and other landscape alterations will be constructed to be geotechnically stable;

• all natural resources will be conserved to allow for end land use objectives to be met;

• reclamation is designed to create a landscape that is self-sustaining and capable of supporting soils and vegetation processes similar to the adjacent undeveloped areas;

• following soil placement or de-compaction, vegetation communities will establish and will be capable of ecological succession processes similar to those found within the region;

• on localized sites that are sensitive to erosion (i.e., coarse textured soils) soil stabilization/conservation will take priority over vegetation objectives;




• on disturbances immediately adjacent to watercourses, watershed protection will take priority over other vegetation objectives;

• water discharges will have acceptable input into the receiving drainages; and

• reclaimed lands will meet the criteria for reclamation certification.

The areas disturbed by construction will be progressively reclaimed to minimize post-construction impacts such as soil erosion. Final reclamation will be undertaken when components of the Project are complete.

E.3.1 TIMBER AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

VCI will salvage all merchantable timber in compliance with regulatory requirements. Harvesting of merchantable timber will occur annually as required.

Clearing of woody debris will commence once all merchantable timber has been salvaged. Care will be taken to remove as much woody debris as possible before soil salvage commences.

Woody debris will either be mulched or burned depending on site conditions and will only be spread to a maximum thickness of 5 cm over the ground surface as per ASRD Directive 2009-1 (ASRD 2009).

It is expected that through the process of timber harvest and vegetation removal (via burning or mulching) VCI will conserve some coarse woody debris (CWD). VCI intends to utilize some CWD for site reclamation. CWD allows for increased vegetation diversity, moisture retention and decreases the risk of erosion of replaced soil materials at reclamation (ASRD 2009). CWD retained (not burned or mulched) for use in reclamation (either final or interim reclamation) will be stored on select sites that are not immediately adjacent standing timber. VCI’s final CWD management plan will comply with AESRD debris management standards (ASRD 2007 & ASRD 2010).

E.3.2 INTERIM RECLAMATION

Interim reclamation will be undertaken to minimize the amount of active surface disturbance. For example, road ditches will have the topsoil replaced allowing natural revegetation to occur upon completion of road construction. Interim reclamation will occur until a particular component of the Project is no longer required for construction or operations, then the final site decommissioning, abandonment, grading and re-contouring activities will take place.

Interim reclamation will also focus on re-vegetation and erosion control of soil stockpiles, access corridor ditches, edges of well pads and workspaces. Erosion control of these areas will remain a priority until the desired interim vegetation cover has established.

Interim reclamation activities throughout the life of Project will adhere to the processes and activities listed in this C&R Plan as well as AESRD requirements outlined in the Public Lands Act approval.




E.3.3 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

The risk of erosion to surface materials is greatest when the soil has been removed (salvaged) from the site. Soil materials replaced during reclamation are at risk of erosion by wind and/or water during soil handling activities and immediately after replacement until a suitable vegetative cover has been established. A majority of the terrain slopes within the Project footprint are considered to be nearly level to very gentle. A total of 71% of the proposed Project footprint occur in lands that have slopes from 0.5-5%. The remaining area is made up of organic landforms (29%), which are dominated by level to nearly level organic plains. Reclaimed landscapes will be re-contoured to achieve similar landscapes and slopes as the pre-disturbance conditions. The erosion potential for reclaimed landscapes will be low. Details on erosion ratings for various soil and terrain map units are provided in Section 4.4, CR #9 Baseline Soil and Terrain Assessment.

During soil handling, stockpiling, and reclamation activities VCI will minimize erosion risk by implementing the following:

• when stockpiling soil material, soil piles will be placed in strategic locations, to minimize exposure to wind or water;

• stockpiles will have relatively gentle slopes less than or equal to 3H:1V, and will be contoured with small ridges perpendicular to slope direction (Knapik 1999);

• topsoil stockpiles utilized as long-term storage will be seeded with a non-invasive weed free seed mix that establishes quickly;

• reclaimed landscapes that have a high probability of erosion (i.e., coarse texture) will be reseeded with a quick establishing, non-invasive cover crop to minimize the length of time bare soil is exposed to potential wind and water erosion. In addition, soil stabilizers or other measures will be utilized (where necessary) to minimize the effect of water erosion (i.e., check bales, silt fences, sediment traps, etc.) on susceptible slopes; and

• monitoring of stockpiled soils and reclaimed areas will be conducted to ensure mitigative measures are effective.

If erosion concerns arise VCI will implement erosion control plans on a case-by-case basis. Determination of erosion control methods will depend on many variables related to soil texture, landscape (slope length and gradient), vegetation cover and type, level of disturbance, and distance to sensitive receptors (i.e., adjacent drainages). Pertinent factors that will be considered when determining specific erosion control methods include:

• cause of erosion – wind, water, or both;

• dominant soil texture in area of concern – coarse, medium or fine textured surface soils;

• vegetative cover – sparse cover, moderate cover or good establishment;

• slope length and steepness – a combination of estimated slope length and slope gradient (%);

• distance to any water bodies, drainages, or other sensitive receptors (if applicable);




• expected level of runoff – is the area of concern considered to be a large catchment area with respect to surface runoff;

• location of erosion issues – is the area of concern easily accessible by equipment or, is access difficult; and

• likelihood of reoccurrence – based on site specific characteristics and cause of potential erosion; is the likelihood of future erosion expected.

Determination of erosion control methods will involve an evaluation of all aforementioned factors. This assessment will be completed on a site specific basis for all landscapes that occur within the Project footprint. Potential erosion control methods that VCI may utilize throughout the life of the Project include, but are not limited to:

• silt fencing;

• brush or rock berm;

• continuous (earth-filled geotextile) berm;

• earth dyke barrier;

• hydroseeding or hydromulching;

• live staking or brush-layering;

• addition of tackifiers; and/or

• slope texturing.

E.3.4 FINAL RECLAMATION

The Project reclamation program will implement the following procedures to ensure the reclaimed Project components achieve an equivalent capability:

• determination of pre-disturbance land capability prior to construction;

• removal of facilities;

• remediation of contaminated areas (ongoing throughout operations as well as at decommissioning);

• ripping well pads, roadways, and facility pad areas, as required, to alleviate surface compaction;

• re-contouring and re-establishment of natural drainage patterns;

• placing subsoil over areas in which subsoil material was salvaged prior to topsoil placement;

• placing salvaged topsoil (litter and mineral A horizons) over the disturbed area with replacement depths similar to what existed prior to development;

• completion of appropriate reclamation of peat lands as per the end land use objectives, including:

• re-contouring of pads in areas where deep organic material was salvaged (< 1 m thickness) to create transitional or upland landscapes followed by replacement of salvaged peat materials to depths similar to what existed prior to development; and/or




• removal of pads in areas of deep organic material with peat thicknesses greater than 1 m.

• promoting natural recovery as the primary means of ground cover re-establishment (where necessary, specific sites will be seeded with either a nurse crop or longer-lived, non-invasive vegetation cover and planted with tree species consistent with the revegetation plan);

• undertaking regular monitoring and maintenance activities following reclamation and revegetation in order to assess reclamation success, identify areas of concern, and apply adaptive management strategies where applicable to improve reclamation and revegetation; and

• undertaking a post-reclamation site assessment to verify that equivalent capability has been achieved for the site prior to applying for a reclamation certificate.

E.3.5 SOIL RESOURCES

An assessment of soil resources for the Project has been conducted and is included in the Baseline Soil Survey and Impact Assessment report (Section D.9 and CR #9). Figure E.3.5-1 displays the Project components and includes baseline soil map units with the average soil thickness values for each soil map unit, and labelled soil inspection sites located within the Project footprint.

E.3.6 SOIL SALVAGE

VCI will salvage upland topsoil, subsoil and shallow organic soil (<40 cm in thickness), for the CPFs and well pads. Handling of deep organic soils is dependent on the development component, thickness of the organic soil, and preferred construction methods. VCI plans to pad over deep organics with peat thicknesses greater than 1 m and to salvage peat material that is less than 1 m thick.

There are five footprint components that will have different soil salvage requirements which are described further in this section include:

• CPFs;

• well pads;

• borrow pits;

• topsoil and subsoil storage areas; and

• utility corridors.

A description of upland and organic soil salvage activities are provided in Section E.3.6.6. A summary of available soil materials (upland and organic) for each component is provided in Table E.3.6-1. The data supplied in Table E.3.6-1 is based on the soil interpretation data from the baseline soil survey (CR#9).




E.3.6.1 Topsoil

Topsoil is defined by AESRD in various operating approvals as the uppermost layer of soil comprised of the following (if present):

• all organic horizons (L, F, H, and O) as defined in The Canadian System of Soil Classification, 3rd Edition (CSSC)(Soil Classification Working Group (SCWG) 1998);

• A horizons defined in the CSSC and rated as good, fair or poor, as described in Soil Quality Criteria Relative to Disturbance and Reclamation (Soil Quality Working Group (SQWG) 1987) (AENV 2010b); and

• the replaced topsoil layer in a reclaimed soil.

VCI will salvage all upland soils (and subsoil), shallow organic materials (<40 cm of surface organics) and organic material with peat thicknesses less than 1 m. These soil materials will be used during reclamation with the intent to support revegetation activities, allow ecological succession and achieve equivalent land capability for the desired end land uses. The upland and organic soils that are found within the Project footprint are shown on Figure E.3.6-1.

E.3.6.2 Subsoil

Subsoil is defined by AESRD as the layer of soil directly below the topsoil layer consisting of all B horizons defined in the CSSC and rated as good, fair, or poor, as described in Soil Quality Criteria Relative to Disturbance and Reclamation (SQWG 1987) (AENV 2010b).

AESRD requires that subsoil (to a maximum thickness of 30 cm) be salvaged from upland soil units in the CPFs and well pads as part of soil conservation for SAGD developments. This salvaged subsoil material will be stockpiled separately from topsoil.

E.3.6.3 Deep Organics

Deep Organics are defined by AESRD as soil with surface organic horizons that are greater than 40 cm in depth (AENV 2010b). VCI intends to pad over all deep organic soils with peat thicknesses greater than 1 m and to salvage peat material less than 1 m thick in the Project footprint. Borrow pits will have all topsoil and organic materials salvaged for replacement at reclamation.

VCI will provide more detailed information with respect to the handling of organic materials for the construction of the Project components through submission of a PDA Document. Based on the findings of the PDA Document modifications to the organic soil handling plan provided in this document may be made.

E.3.6.4 Areas of Special Concern

Areas of special concern are soil map units that due to soil and/or landscape characteristics may require additional mitigation or monitoring measures to minimize potential impacts during soil salvage, storage and replacement (i.e., coarse textured soils). All soils within the Project footprint are not at risk of erosion via wind or water under current baseline conditions, however, upon removal of vegetation and subsequent soil handling and stockpiling various soil types soils




may be at risk of impacts via erosion. Within the Project footprint, four map units are of special concern that may require additional management inputs: MIL5/U1l and MIL5/U1h that comprised of mainly coarse textured soils, and WNHR2/U1l and WNHR2/U1h map units containing significant coarse textured soils. Most dominant are the WNHR9/U1h and MIL5U1h map units, which account for 33.3 and 17.9 ha of the planned disturbance, respectively. The MIL5/U1l and WNHR2/U1l map units occupy 10.4 ha and 10.3 ha within the Project footprint, respectively.

VCI will ensure that Project components that contain these particular soil types are addressed through prompt revegetation upon stockpiling and soil replacement to minimize potential soil losses. These areas will be monitored regularity until suitable vegetation has established. If erosion concerns are noted VCI will implement an erosion control program as outlined in Section E.3.3.

E.3.6.5 General Soil Conservation Practices

To mitigate the risk of topsoil, salvaged organic material, and subsoil loss during soil salvage, handling, and stockpiling throughout the life of the Project, the following will be implemented by VCI during soil salvage activities:

• a qualified site supervisor will be present for soil salvage, handling, and stockpiling activities during Project development;

• soil salvage activities related to expected soil layer thickness values and locations of potential sensitive areas will be guided by the information presented in this report , the advice of an accredited soils expert and information contained in future PDA’s;

• materials will not be salvaged during extremely windy or wet conditions; and

• soil salvage operations may occur during frozen conditions, and areas to be salvaged will be ripped to the expected soil salvage depth prior to salvage activities to minimize admixing of materials.

E.3.6.6 Soil Salvage Details

Approximately 288.3 ha of the total 406.0 ha of the Project footprint is considered upland and will have topsoil material salvaged and stockpiled separately for replacement at reclamation. The following sections detail the topsoil, subsoil, and organic material salvage and handling with associated volumes of soil materials. The values provided in Table E.3.6-1 are based on the soil survey information and map unit interpretations provided in CR#9. Detailed soil salvage, handling, storage and reclamation activities will be provided to AESRD prior to construction in a PDA/C&R report for the Project footprint.

.




Table E.3.6-1 Soil Material Available for Salvage within the Project Footprint

Soil Map Unit Map Unit

Type 1 Area (ha)

Anticipated Depth of Soil/Organic Materials Available for Salvage (cm)

Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)

Anticipated Depth of Subsoil Material

Available for Salvage (cm)

Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil

Combined Topsoil/Litter

Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

CPFs – ATS 1, 2, 3

HRR2/U1l Upland 12.3 10 15 16-37 30,666.5 40 27-59 36,799.9 -

HRR9/U1h Upland 7.5 10 20 14-39 22,499.2 40 15-61 22,499.2 -

HRR9/U1l Upland 35.7 10 15 8-50 89,183.0 40 23-82 107,019.7 -

MUS1m-G/O2 Organic 0.1 60 0 60-60 - 0 0-0 - 469.8

Sub-total4 - 55.5 - - - 142,348.8 - - 166,318.7 469.8

Well Pad 01

HRR2/U1l Upland 5.1 10 15 16-37 12,825.0 40 27-59 15,390.0 -

Sub-total4 - 5.1 - - - 12,825.0 - - 15,390.0 0.0

Well Pad 02

HRR9/U1l Upland 5.1 10 15 8-50 12,825.0 40 23-82 15,390.0 -

Sub-total4 - 5.1 - - - 12,825.0 - - 15,390.0 0.0

Well Pad 03

HRR2/U1l Upland 0.6 10 15 16-37 1,552.6 40 27-59 1,863.1 -

MLD1m-G/O1 Organic 4.5 75 0 75-75 - 0 0-0 - 33,817.2

Sub-total4 - 5.1 - - - 1,552.6 - - 1,863.1 33,817.2

Well Pad 04

HRR2/U1l Upland 5.1 10 15 16-37 12,825.0 40 27-59 15,390.0 -

Sub-total4 - 5.1 - - - 12,825.0 - - 15,390.0 0.0






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

Well Pad 05

HRR9/U1l Upland 5.5 10 15 8-50 13,796.5 40 23-82 16,555.8 -

MLD1m-G/O3 Organic 0.2 65 0 35-130 - 0 0-31 - 984.1

Sub-total4 - 5.7 - - - 13,796.5 - - 16,555.8 984.1

Well Pad 06

HRR2/U1l Upland 2.8 10 15 16-37 6,974.4 40 27-59 8,369.3 -

HRR9/U1l Upland 0.8 10 15 8-50 1,943.1 40 23-82 2,331.7 -

MUS1m-G/O2 Organic 0.1 60 0 60-60 - 0 0-0 - 544.4

MUS3/O1 Organic 0.05 220 0 185-240 - 0 0-0 - 1,130.5

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 8,917.4 - - 10,700.9 1,674.9

Well Pad 07

HRR2/U1l Upland 1.8 10 15 16-37 4,449.3 40 27-59 5,339.2 -

MUS2m/O1 Organic 0.8 120 0 50-160 - 0 0-0 - 9,063.2

Sub-total4 - 2.5 - - - 4,449.3 - - 5,339.2 9,063.2

Well Pad 08

HRR2/U1l Upland 2.5 10 15 16-37 6,337.5 40 27-59 7,605.0 -

Sub-total4 - 2.5 - - - 6,337.5 - - 7,605.0 0.0






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

Well Pad 09

HRR9/U1l Upland 2.4 10 15 8-50 6,082.3 40 23-82 7,298.7 -

MIL5/U1h Upland 0.5 5 15 12-35 984.2 35 8-58 1,476.3 -

Sub-total4 - 2.9 - - - 7,066.5 - - 8,775.0 0.0

Well Pad 10

HRR9/U1h Upland 3.8 10 20 14-39 11,471.2 40 15-61 11,471.2 -

MIL5/U1h Upland 0.7 5 15 12-35 1,322.5 35 8-58 1,983.8 -

Sub-total4 - 4.5 - - - 12,793.7 - - 13,455.0 0.0

Well Pad 11

HRR9/U1h Upland 4.5 10 20 14-39 13,455.0 40 15-61 13,455.0 -

Sub-total4 - 4.5 - - - 13,455.0 - - 13,455.0 0.0

Well Pad 12

HRR9/U1h Upland 2.9 10 20 14-39 8,595.2 40 15-61 8,595.2 -

WNHR9/U1h Upland 1.6 10 20 16-44 4,859.8 40 20-79 4,859.8 -

Sub-total4 - 4.5 - - - 13,455.0 - - 13,455.0 0.0

Well Pad 13

WNHR9/U1h Upland 3.7 10 20 16-44 11,115.0 40 20-79 11,115.0 -

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 11,115.0 - - 11,115.0 0.0






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

Well Pad 14

MUS1f/O1 Organic 3.7 65 0 41-95 - 0 0-0 - 24,082.5

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 0.0 - - 0.0 24,082.5

Well Pad 15

CHT21/U1l Upland 1.0 30 0 30-30 2,983.5 0 0-0 0.0 -

MLD1m/O1 Organic 1.8 80 0 55-100 - 0 0-0 - 14,154.4

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.2 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 2,579.5

Sub-total4 - 2.9 - - - 2,983.5 - - 0.0 16,733.8

Well Pad 16

CHT21/U1l Upland 1.4 30 0 30-30 4,052.5 0 0-0 0.0 -

HRR9/U1l Upland 0.02 10 15 8-50 50.4 40 23-82 60.5 -

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 1.6 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 9,323.9

Sub-total4 - 2.9 - - - 4,102.9 - - 60.5 9,323.9

Well Pad 17

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 4.1 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 24,570.0

Sub-total4 - 4.1 - - - 0.0 - - 0.0 24,570.0

Well Pad 18

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 3.7 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 22,230.0

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 0.0 - - 0.0 22,230.0






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

Well Pad 19

MIL5/U1h Upland 4.5 5 15 12-35 8,970.0 35 8-58 13,455.0 -

Sub-total4 - 4.5 - - - 8,970.0 - - 13,455.0 0.0

Well Pad 20

HRR9/U1h Upland 4.5 10 20 14-39 13,455.0 40 15-61 13,455.0 -

Sub-total4 - 4.5 - - - 13,455.0 - - 13,455.0 0.0

Well Pad 21

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.02 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 270.9

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 1.7 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 10,386.9

WHM20/U1l Upland 1.6 25 15 20-55 6,539.2 20 15-25 3,269.6 -

WNHR9/U1h Upland 2.9 10 20 16-44 8,571.3 40 20-79 8,571.3 -

Sub-total4 - 6.2 - - - 15,110.4 - - 11,840.9 10,657.8

Well Pad 22

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.001 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 17.2

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 0.4 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 2,123.8

WHM20/U1l Upland 0.3 25 15 20-55 1,020.5 20 15-25 510.2 -

WNHR9/U1h Upland 2.3 10 20 16-44 6,944.5 40 20-79 6,944.5 -

Sub-total4 - 2.9 - - - 7,965.0 - - 7,454.8 2,141.0






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

Well Pad 23

MLD2m/O1 Organic 1.7 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 27,383.6

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 4.5 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 27,148.9

MUS2m/O1 Organic 1.6 120 0 50-160 - 0 0-0 - 18,840.9

WHM20/U1l Upland 0.001 25 15 20-55 2.3 20 15-25 1.1 -

Sub-total4 - 7.8 - - - 2.3 - - 1.1 73,373.5

Well Pad 24

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.2 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 2,880.0

MUS2m/O1 Organic 1.1 120 0 50-160 - 0 0-0 - 13,440.0

Sub-total4 - 1.3 - - - 0.0 - - 0.0 16,320.0

Well Pad 25

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.2 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 3,886.1

MUS2m/O1 Organic 3.5 120 0 50-160 - 0 0-0 - 41,545.4

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 0.0 - - 0.0 45,431.5

Well Pad 26

CHT21/U1l Upland 0.2 30 0 30-30 473.1 0 0-0 0.0 -

MLD2m/O1 Organic 1.0 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 16,545.1

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 2.5 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 15,079.4

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 473.1 - - 0.0 31,624.5






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

Well Pad 27

MLD1m/O1 Organic 1.0 80 0 55-100 - 0 0-0 - 7,611.1

MNS20/U1l Upland 2.1 10 5 15-16 3,194.9 25 26-28 5,324.9 -

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 0.6 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 3,742.0

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 3,194.9 - - 5,324.9 11,353.1

Well Pad 28

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 3.7 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 22,230.0

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 0.0 - - 0.0 22,230.0

Well Pad 29

HRR9/U1l Upland 1.3 10 15 8-50 3,317.4 40 23-82 3,980.8 -

MIL5/U1l Upland 2.8 10 15 15-30 6,920.1 35 20-45 8,304.2 -

Sub-total4 - 4.1 - - - 10,237.5 - - 12,285.0 0.0

Well Pad 30

HRR9/U1h Upland 2.7 10 20 14-39 8,178.2 40 15-61 8,178.2 -

MIL5/U1l Upland 0.05 10 15 15-30 113.8 35 20-45 136.6 -

WNHR9/U1l Upland 0.9 5 15 9-42 1,866.8 50 40-60 2,800.2 -

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 10,158.8 - - 11,115.0 0.0

Well Pad 31

HRR9/U1h Upland 0.03 10 20 14-39 94.4 40 15-61 94.4 -

WHM20/U1l Upland 0.01 25 15 20-55 40.0 20 15-25 20.0 -






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

WNHR9/U1l Upland 7.8 5 15 9-42 15,507.3 50 40-60 23,260.9 -

Sub-total4 - 7.8 - - - 15,641.6 - - 23,375.3 0.0

Well Pad 32

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 4.7 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 27,964.9

WHM20/U1l Upland 1.1 25 15 20-55 4,218.3 20 15-25 2,109.1 -

Sub-total4 - 5.7 - - - 4,218.3 - - 2,109.1 27,964.9

Well Pad 33

MLD1m/O1 Organic 0.2 80 0 55-100 - 0 0-0 - 1,940.1

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.2 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 3,910.9

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 0.003 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 19.7

MUS2m/O1 Organic 3.2 120 0 50-160 - 0 0-0 - 38,577.4

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 0.0 - - 0.0 44,448.0

Well Pad 34

HRR2/U1l Upland 1.2 10 15 16-37 3,035.1 40 27-59 3,642.1 -

MLD1m-G/O3 Organic 2.5 65 0 35-130 - 0 0-31 - 16,104.0

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.01 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 214.6

Sub-total4 - 3.7 - - - 3,035.1 - - 3,642.1 16,318.6

Well Pad 35

MLD2m/O1 Organic 2.1 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 33,063.8

MNS20/U1l Upland 0.2 10 5 15-16 288.5 25 26-28 480.8 -






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 1.0 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 6,225.0

Sub-total4 - 3.3 - - - 288.5 - - 480.8 39,288.8

Borrow 1

HRR2/U1l Upland 4.3 10 15 16-37 10,708.1 40 27-59 12,849.7 -

MLD1m-G/O3 Organic 0.3 65 0 35-130 - 0 0-31 - 1,943.0

Sub-total4 - 4.6 - - - 10,708.1 - - 12,849.7 1,943.0

Borrow 2

HRR9/U1h Upland 14.2 10 20 14-39 42,716.3 40 15-61 42,716.3 -

HRR9/U1l Upland 2.6 10 15 8-50 6,615.5 40 23-82 7,938.6 -

MIL5/U1h Upland 0.3 5 15 12-35 616.9 35 8-58 925.3 -

Sub-total4 - 17.2 - - - 49,948.7 - - 51,580.2 0.0

Borrow 3

HRR9/U1h Upland 0.003 10 20 14-39 8.1 40 15-61 8.1 -

MIL5/U1l Upland 6.3 10 15 15-30 15,692.7 35 20-45 18,831.2 -

Sub-total4 - 6.3 - - - 15,700.8 - - 18,839.4 0.0

Borrow 4

HRR9/U1h Upland 0.05 10 20 14-39 146.1 40 15-61 146.1 -

WNHR9/U1h Upland 4.5 10 20 16-44 13,456.6 40 20-79 13,456.6 -

Sub-total4 - 4.5 - - - 13,602.7 - - 13,602.7 0.0






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

Borrow 5

CHT21/U1l Upland 0.2 30 0 30-30 665.7 0 0-0 0.0 -

HRR9/U1l Upland 12.2 10 15 8-50 30,413.8 40 23-82 36,496.5 -

MLD1m/O1 Organic 0.01 80 0 55-100 - 0 0-0 - 63.9

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.1 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 1,523.3

Sub-total4 - 12.5 - - - 31,079.5 - - 36,496.5 1,587.3

Borrow 6

HRR2/U1l Upland 1.9 10 15 16-37 4,864.0 40 27-59 5,836.8 -

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.1 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 1,634.9

MNS20/U1l Upland 1.3 10 5 15-16 2,010.2 25 26-28 3,350.3 -

Sub-total4 - 3.4 - - - 6,874.2 - - 9,187.1 1,634.9

CPF Topsoil Storage Area

HRR9/U1l Upland 4.8 10 15 8-50 11,959.8 40 23-82 14,351.8 -

Sub-total4 - 4.8 - - - 11,959.8 - - 14,351.8 0.0

CPF Subsoil Storage Area

HRR9/U1l Upland 2.2 10 15 8-50 5,437.4 40 23-82 6,524.9 -

MLD2c/O3 Organic 1.3 190 0 190-190 0 0-0 25,260.8

MUS3/O1 Organic 2.3 220 0 185-240 0 0-0 49,805.5

Sub-total4 - 5.8 - - - 5,437.4 - - 6,524.9 75,066.3






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

Borrow 1 Topsoil/Poor Construction Material Storage Area

HRR2/U1l Upland 1.3 10 15 16-37 3,311.1 40 27-59 3,973.3 -

MLD1m-G/O3 Organic 0.3 65 0 35-130 0 0-31 2,072.0

Sub-total4 - 1.6 - - - 3,311.1 - - 3,973.3 2,072.0


HRR9/U1h Upland 2.5 10 20 14-39 7,422.4 40 15-61 7,422.4 -

HRR9/U1l Upland 0.2 10 15 8-50 445.9 40 23-82 535.0 -

MIL5/U1h Upland 0.5 5 15 12-35 984.2 35 8-58 1,476.4 -

Sub-total4 - 3.1 - - - 8,852.4 - - 9,433.7 0.0


HRR9/U1h Upland 0.2 10 20 14-39 594.5 40 15-61 594.5 -

MIL5/U1l Upland 1.1 10 15 15-30 2,680.1 35 20-45 3,216.1 -

Sub-total4 - 1.3 - - - 3,274.5 - - 3,810.5 0.0


HRR9/U1h Upland 0.2 10 20 14-39 622.1 40 15-61 622.1 -

WNHR9/U1h Upland 1.0 10 20 16-44 3,033.9 40 20-79 3,033.9 -

Sub-total4 - 1.2 - - - 3,656.0 - - 3,656.0 0.0


CHT21/U1l Upland 0.04 30 0 30-30 119.9 0 0-0 0.0 -






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

HRR9/U1l Upland 4.1 10 15 8-50 10,175.6 40 23-82 12,210.7 -

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.2 160 0 80-225 0 0-0 2,964.1

Sub-total4 - 4.3 - - - 10,295.5 - - 12,210.7 2,964.1


HRR2/U1l Upland 0.3 10 15 16-37 731.8 40 27-59 878.2 -

MLD2m/O1 Organic 0.1 160 0 80-225 0 0-0 953.7

MNS20/U1l Upland 0.5 10 5 15-16 822.5 25 26-28 1,370.8 -

Sub-total4 - 0.9 - - - 1,554.2 - - 2,248.9 953.7

Well Pads Topsoil Storage Area

HRR2/U1l Upland 1.7 10 15 16-37 4,215.0 40 27-59 5,058.0 -

HRR9/U1h Upland 1.7 10 20 14-39 5,150.8 40 15-61 5,150.8 -

HRR9/U1l Upland 1.0 10 15 8-50 2,528.0 40 23-82 3,033.7 -

MIL5/U1h Upland 0.4 5 15 12-35 809.1 35 8-58 1,213.6 -

MIL5/U1l Upland 0.2 10 15 15-30 528.6 35 20-45 634.3 -

MLD1m-G/O3 Organic 0.3 65 0 35-130 0 0-31 1,670.5

MNS20/U1l Upland 0.1 10 5 15-16 163.4 25 26-28 272.3 -

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 0.4 60 0 8-115 0 0-60 2,587.1

MUS1m-G/O2 Organic 0.03 60 0 60-60 0 0-0 205.2

WHM20/U1l Upland 0.2 25 15 20-55 660.9 20 15-25 330.5 -

WNHR9/U1h Upland 0.9 10 20 16-44 2,763.8 40 20-79 2,763.8 -






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

WNHR9/U1l Upland 0.8 5 15 9-42 1,607.1 50 40-60 2,410.6 -

Sub-total4 - 7.8 - - - 18,426.6 - - 20,867.5 4,462.7

Well Pads Subsoil Storage Area

HRR2/U1l Upland 1.9 10 15 16-37 4,665.9 40 27-59 5,599.1 -

HRR9/U1h Upland 1.8 10 20 14-39 5,378.5 40 15-61 5,378.5 -

HRR9/U1l Upland 1.7 10 15 8-50 4,191.1 40 23-82 5,029.3 -

MIL5/U1h Upland 0.7 5 15 12-35 1,477.1 35 8-58 2,215.7 -

MLD1m-G/O1 Organic 0.004 75 0 75-75 0 0-0 27.0

MLD1m-G/O3 Organic 0.1 65 0 35-130 0 0-31 750.2

MNS20/U1l Upland 0.2 10 5 15-16 275.6 25 26-28 459.4 -

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 0.2 60 0 8-115 0 0-60 939.6

MUS2m/O1 Organic 0.1 120 0 50-160 0 0-0 1,006.8

MUS3/O1 Organic 0.04 220 0 185-240 0 0-0 798.3

WNHR9/U1h Upland 1.4 10 20 16-44 4,113.6 40 20-79 4,113.6 -

WNHR9/U1l Upland 0.8 5 15 9-42 1,617.7 50 40-60 2,426.6 -

Sub-total4 - 8.8 - - - 21,719.6 - - 25,222.2 3,521.9

Utility Corridors

CHT21/U1l Upland 2.0 30 0 30-30 6,092.2 0 0-0 0.0 -

HRR2/U1l Upland 8.0 10 15 16-37 20,014.6 40 27-59 24,017.5 -

HRR9/U1h Upland 21.2 10 20 14-39 63,698.4 40 15-61 63,698.4 -






Type 1 Area (ha)


Volume of

Upland Topsoil

Available for

Salvage2 (m3)



Volume of

Subsoil3 Available

for Salvage

(m3)

Volume of Deep

Organic Soil

Available for

Salvage (m3)

Ave. Litter/Organic

Material

Ave. Topsoil


Range

Estimated Subsoil

Thickness

Subsoil Thickness

Range

HRR9/U1l Upland 4.0 10 15 8-50 10,096.6 40 23-82 12,115.9 -

MIL5/U1h Upland 10.3 5 15 12-35 20,549.9 35 8-58 30,824.8 -

MLD1m/O1 Organic 5.4 80 0 55-100 - 0 0-0 - 43,430.2

MLD1m-G/O1 Organic 1.5 75 0 75-75 - 0 0-0 - 11,474.8

MLD1m-G/O3 Organic 3.8 65 0 35-130 - 0 0-31 - 24,557.1

MLD2m/O1 Organic 10.7 160 0 80-225 - 0 0-0 - 171,617.5

MNS20/U1l Upland 0.5 10 5 15-16 712.9 25 26-28 1,188.2 -

MUS1f/O1 Organic 3.2 65 0 41-95 - 0 0-0 - 20,665.6

MUS1m-G/O1 Organic 24.5 60 0 8-115 - 0 0-60 - 147,082.9

MUS2m/O1 Organic 4.5 120 0 50-160 - 0 0-0 - 53,526.3

WHM20/U1l Upland 1.2 25 15 20-55 4,997.4 20 15-25 2,498.7 -

WNHR9/U1h Upland 15.0 10 20 16-44 44,914.5 40 20-79 44,914.5 -

WNHR9/U1l Upland 0.02 5 15 9-42 30.3 50 40-60 45.4 -

Sub-total4 - 115.9 - - - 171,106.7 - - 179,303.3 472,354.4

Total4 - 406.0 - - - 761,107.2 - - 843,565.7 1,050,661.5

Dash (-): a particular component does not contain a value associated with a row and/or column. 1 Upland – contains a shallow organic and/or topsoil material at surface. Organic – contains a surface peat layer >40 cm thick. Disturbed – disturbed lands (well sites, pipelines, roads, etc.). Water – mapped as open water. 2 Calculation based on the average mineral topsoil and litter layer thickness values (cm) combined. 3 Subsoil salvage will be completed to a maximum thickness of 30 cm. Therefore, a maximum value of 30 cm is utilized to calculate available subsoil material for salvage (recorded baseline values may exceed 30 cm). 4 Due to rounding, total values may not equal the sum of the individual values.




Central Processing Facility (CPF)

The CPFs (ATS 1 to 3) occupy 55.4 ha of upland and 0.1 ha of deep organic soils (Figure E.3.6-1). All upland topsoil material and organic material within the CPFs will be salvaged and stockpiled together in designated topsoil stockpile areas for replacement at reclamation. Due to the limited deep organic material within the CPF (0.1 ha) VCI intends on salvaging this small amount of deep organic material with the upland topsoil material. Subsoil material will also be salvaged from the CPF and stockpiled separately from topsoil material within designated CPF soil stockpile areas. The following is a summary of the soil materials available within the CPF and the amount planned for salvage:

• Available Soil Materials:

• upland topsoil material (55.4 ha) = 142, 348.8 m3;

• upland subsoil material (55.4 ha) = 166, 318.7 m3; and

• deep organic material (0.1 ha) = 469.8 m3.

• Planned Salvage:

• upland topsoil material (55.4 ha) = 142, 348.8 m3;

• upland subsoil material (55.4 ha) = 166, 318.7m3; and


Soil Storage Areas - CPF

Two soil storage areas are designated for the CPF totalling 10.6 ha, of which 7.0 ha is considered upland and 3.6 ha is considered deep organic. Topsoil and organic material salvaged from the CPF will be stockpiled within the storage areas. VCI will be stockpiling soil materials on “like” material. In areas where topsoil material will be stored, the topsoil material within these areas will not be salvaged prior to topsoil material placement. In locations where subsoil material is to be stored, the topsoil material will be salvaged and stockpiled separately from the subsoil material. The salvaged subsoil material from the CPFs will be stored on subsoil material within designated subsoil stockpile areas. The topsoil material salvaged from the subsoil stockpile areas will be placed within the topsoil storage areas and marked to ensure this material is replaced within the subsoil stockpile areas at reclamation. No subsoil material will be salvaged from the subsoil stockpile areas.

A portion of the subsoil storage area is located in deep organic landscapes with > 1 m of organic material (3.6 ha). In order to store sub soil material on organic landscapes in the soil storage areas VCI will pad over the deep organics prior to stockpiling materials in order for the stockpiled material to be located in a stable and retrievable location.

The following is a summary of the soil materials available within the CPF Soil Storage Areas and the amount planned for salvage:

CPF Topsoil Storage Area (4.8 ha):





• upland topsoil material (4.8 ha) = 11,959.8 m3;

• upland subsoil material (4.8 ha) = 14,351.8m3; and

• deep organic material (0.0 ha) = no organic soils within component.


• upland topsoil material (0.0 ha) = no salvage of topsoil;

• upland subsoil material (0.0 ha) = no salvage of subsoil; and

• deep organic material (0.0 ha) = no organic soils within component.

CPF Subsoil Storage Area (5.8 ha):



• upland subsoil material (2.2 ha) = 6,524.9 m3; and

• deep organic material (3.6 ha) = 75,066.3 m3.




• deep organic material (0.0 ha) = no salvage, organic soils to be padded over.

Well Pads

There are 35 well pads planned for the Project totalling 143.4 ha. Approximately 88.2 ha within the well pads are considered upland, with 58.2 ha located in organics soils (Figure E.3.6-1). All upland areas will have the topsoil material salvaged and stockpiled on-site for replacement. Soil thickness values provided in Table E.3.6-1 are used for the conceptual C&R Plan to assist in determining estimated soil thickness values and volumes. Subsoil material will also be salvaged from upland areas within the well pads and stockpiled on-site separately from topsoil material. Deep organics with peat thickness < 1 m in thickness will be salvaged for replacement and deep organics with greater than 1 m of organic material will not be salvaged from the well pads. The deep organics with > 1m of organic material will be padded over with geotextile and fill materials.

The following is a summary of the soil materials available within the 35 well pads and the amount planned for salvage:

Well Pad 01 (5.1 ha)



• upland subsoil material (5.1 ha) = 15,390.0 m3; and,

• deep organic material (0 ha) = no organic soils within component.





• upland topsoil material (5.1 ha) = 12 825.0 m3;

















































• upland subsoil material (3.6 ha) = 10,700.9 4 m3; and

• deep organic material (0.1 ha) = 544.4 m3 and <0.1 ha of deep organic soil (>1 m) is to be padded over.









• deep organic material (0 ha) = no salvage, deep organic soils (>1 m) to be padded over.













• upland topsoil material (4.5 ha) = 13,455.0 m3














• upland topsoil material (0 ha) = no topsoil within component;

• upland subsoil material (0 ha) = no subsoil within component; and














• deep organic material (1.8 ha) = 14,154.4 m3 and 0.1 ha of deep organic soil (>1 m) is to be padded over.







• upland subsoil material (1.4 ha) = 60.5 m3; and










• deep organic material (4.1 ha) = 24.570.0 m3.




• deep organic material (4.1 ha) = 24.570.0 m3.



















• upland topsoil material (4.5 ha) =8,970.0 m3;




















• deep organic material (1.7 ha) = 10,386.9 m3 and <0.1 ha of deep organic soil (>1 m) is to be padded over.









• deep organic material (0.4 ha) = 2,123.8 m3 and <0.1 ha of deep organic soil (>1 m) is to be padded over.






• upland topsoil material (<0.1 ha) = 2.3 m3;

• upland subsoil material (<0.1 ha) = 1.1 m3; and



• upland topsoil material (<0.1 ha) = 2.3 m3;

• upland subsoil material (<0.1 ha) = 1.1 m3; and









• upland subsoil material (0 ha) = no subsoil within component; and,

• deep organic material (0 ha) = no salvage, organic soils to be padded over.









• deep organic material (0 ha) = no salvage, organic soils to be padded over.



• upland topsoil material (0.2 ha) = 473.1 m3;



























• deep organic material (1.0 ha) =6,225.0 m3 and 2.1 ha of deep organic soil (>1 m) is to be padded over.

Soil Storage Areas - Well Pads

Soil storage areas designated for the well pads comprise 16.6 ha. Approximately 15.5 ha are considered upland and 1.1 ha are considered deep organic (Figure E.3.6-1).

In locations where subsoil material is to be stored, the topsoil material will be salvaged and stockpiled separately from the subsoil material. The salvaged subsoil material will be stored on subsoil material within designated subsoil stockpile areas. The topsoil material salvaged from the subsoil stockpile areas will be placed within the topsoil storage areas and marked to ensure this material is replaced within the subsoil stockpile areas at reclamation. No subsoil material will be salvaged from the subsoil stockpile areas.




If subsoil material is to be stored in deep organic landscapes VCI will either pad over the deep organics (if thicker than 1.0 m) or salvage the deep organics (if <1.0m in thickness) and construct a clay pad in order to create a stable and retrievable location for the stockpiled materials.

The following is a summary of the soil materials available within the Well Pad Soil Storage Areas and the amount planned for salvage:

Well Pad Topsoil Storage Areas (7.8 ha)






• upland topsoil material (0.0 ha) = no salvage of topsoil;


• deep organic material (0.0 ha) = no salvage of organic material.

Well Pad Subsoil Storage Areas (8.8 ha)









Borrow Pits

There are six borrow pits proposed for the Project footprint. Approximately 48.0 ha of the total 48.5 ha are considered upland, and 0.5 ha are considered deep organic (Figure E.3.6-1). The topsoil material and deep organic material will be salvaged and stockpiled on designated areas for replacement at reclamation. The stockpiled topsoil and organic materials will be seeded to establish a vegetative cover and used at final reclamation of the borrow pits. In addition to the topsoil and organic material salvage, VCI will also stockpile materials excavated during borrow pit development that are not suitable for construction purposes. This poor construction material will be stockpiled separately from the salvaged topsoil and organic material and used to re-contour the borrow disturbance at reclamation.




VCI plans to submit a Surface Material Licence/Lease Application to AESRD with a detailed operating and reclamation plan for approval for the borrow areas. In addition the borrow pits will be included in the PDA document which also requires detailed development and reclamation plans As such, conceptual information related to the development and reclamation of the borrows is supplied for the Application as VCI will supply all detailed borrow pit development and reclamation information prior to construction in two separate AESRD documents for review.

The following is a summary of the soil materials available within the Project footprint borrow pits and the volumes planned for salvage:

Borrow Pit 1 (4.6 ha)







• upland subsoil material (0 ha) = no salvage of subsoil; and


















































Soil Storage Areas – Borrow Pits

Soil storage areas designated for the borrow pits are totalling 12.5 ha. Approximately 11.9 ha are considered upland and 0.6 ha are considered deep organic (Figure E.3.6-1). In locations where poor construction material is to be stored, the topsoil material will be salvaged and stockpiled separately from the poor construction material. The salvaged poor construction material will be stored on subsoil material within designated areas. The topsoil material




salvaged from the poor construction material stockpile areas will be placed within the topsoil storage areas and marked to ensure this material is replaced within the poor construction material stockpile areas at reclamation. No subsoil material will be salvaged from the poor construction material stockpile areas. No data on exact volume of poor construction material are available at this time and therefore no data on planned salvage of topsoil material within the borrow soil storage areas is provided. Information on expected poor construction material volumes and associated stockpile requirements will be provided in the Surface Material Licence/Lease Application to AESRD.

The following is a summary of the soil materials available within the borrow pits soil storage areas:

Borrow 1 Topsoil/Poor Construction Material Storage Area (1.6 ha)

































Utility Corridors

The Utility Corridors include access roads, interconnecting piping and power lines between the CPFs, well pads and borrow pits. VCI expects that the entire width of right-of-way within each corridor will be disturbed.

Approximately 62.3 ha of the total 115.9 ha are considered upland and 53.6 ha are considered deep organic along the utility corridors (Figure E.3.6-1). The topsoil will be salvaged by blading the soil material to the edge of the right-of-way, out of the way of construction activities. For access roads, this topsoil material will be spread evenly along the ditches after construction is complete to provide a growing medium for vegetation establishment. Upland subsoil will not be salvaged. Excess soil material will be placed in a stockpile until it is needed for reclamation. Deep organic soil areas will be salvaged according to site specific conditions and organic material thickness (> 1m vs. < 1m in thickness) and stockpiled separately from upland soil materials. Based on estimated organic material thickness values a total of 15.2 ha of organics contain organic material thicknesses >1 m and will be padded over.

The following is a summary of the soil materials available along the utility corridors and the amount planned for salvage:









E.3.7 SOIL STORAGE

Soil storage areas for the borrow pits, CPF and a majority of the well pads have been designed for each Project component to ensure that the estimated volume of topsoil and subsoil material to be salvaged can be stockpiled to provide maximum stockpile heights ranging from 1 -3 m.




All upland and organic materials that are salvaged, as described in Section E.3.6.6, will be placed in designated soil stockpiles as follows:

• soil material salvaged along the utility corridors will be stockpiled along the right-of-way and some of this topsoil material will be spread along the ditches after construction of the road is complete and some will be stored along the right of way in stockpiles and used at final reclamation of the utility corridor;

• topsoil and subsoil materials salvaged from the well pads will be stockpiled separately at the designated areas and utilized at reclamation. Topsoil will be stored on topsoil and salvaged subsoil materials will be stored in areas where the topsoil layer has been salvaged;

• topsoil materials salvaged from the borrow pits will remain at the borrow soil storage area in stockpiles until required for reclamation; and

• topsoil and subsoil materials salvaged from the CPFs will remain at the facilities in designated soil storage areas. Topsoil will be stored on topsoil and salvaged subsoil materials will be stored in locations where the topsoil layer has been salvaged.

The stockpiles will be constructed as follows:

• soil will be stockpiled on similar material (i.e., topsoil stockpiled on topsoil);

• long-term stockpiles will have a set-back of 5 m from standing timber;

• topsoil will be stockpiled separately from salvaged subsoil and other materials;

• stockpile foundations will be stable;

• stockpiles will be stabilized to control water and wind erosion;

• stockpiles will be constructed out of the way of surface water flow;

• stockpiles will be accessible and retrievable;

• stockpiles will be revegetated and controlled for weeds;

• all stockpiles will include signage that indicates the type of reclamation material; and

• the average height of the stockpiles will vary and depend on the volume and type of material to be stored. It is expected that the average height of soil stockpiles will vary from 1-3 m with side slopes not exceeding 3H:1V slopes.

Figure E.3.7-1 displays the estimated stockpile locations and material types of all salvaged soils within the Project footprints, respectively. Materials salvaged from utility corridors are not displayed on the figures.

E.3.7.1 Soil Material Balance

The reclamation material balance for the Project is shown in Table E.3.7-1. The estimated volume of soil material that is expected to be salvaged from the Project footprint is based on the summary of soil salvage information. The replacement volume of soil material is assumed to be equal to the estimated in-situ volume prior to disturbance.




The soil volumes provided in Table E.3.7-1 for the Project footprint are based on soil results adapted from the baseline soil map and thickness information (CR #9).

Approximately 1,257,637.3 m3 of topsoil and deep organic material and 419,407.3 m3 of subsoil is planned to be salvaged for the Project footprint (Table E.3.7-1). The total volumes of soil materials estimated for salvage the Project is provided below:

• VCI ATS Footprint (406.0 ha)

• topsoil material = 730,720.7 m3;

• subsoil material = 419,407.3m3; and

• deep organic material = 526,916.6 m3.




Table E.3.7-1 Reclamation Material Balance for the Project Footprint

Project Component

Total Component Area (ha)

Area of Upland

Soils to be Disturbed

(ha)

Area of Deep

Organic Soils to be Disturbed

(ha)

Area of Deep

Organic Soils to be Salvaged

(ha)

Volume of Upland

Topsoil to be Salvaged

(m3)1

Volume of Deep

Organic Material to be Salvaged

(m3)

Total Volume of Topsoil &

Organic Material to be Salvaged for Reclamation

(m3)

Average Replacement Depth

of Upland Topsoil

(cm)

Average Replacement Depth of Deep Organic Material

(cm)

Total Volume of

Replacement Topsoil & Organic

Material (m3)

Replacement Material

Balance (m3)

Volume of Subsoil

to be Salvaged

(m3)

Average Replacement

Depth of Salvaged Subsoil

(cm)

CPF 55.5 55.4 0.1 0.1 142,348.8 469.8 142,818.6 26 0 142,818.6 0 166,318.7 30

Well Pad 01 5.1 5.1 0 0 12,825.0 0 12,825.0 25 0 12,825.0 0 15,390.0 30

Well Pad 02 5.1 5.1 0 0 12,825.0 0 12,825.0 25 0 12,825.0 0 15,390.0 30

Well Pad 03 5.1 0.6 4.5 4.5 1,552.6 33,817.2 35,369.8 25 75 35,369.8 0 1,863.1 30

Well Pad 04 5.1 5.1 0 0 12,825.0 0 12,825.0 25 0 12,825.0 0 15,390.0 30

Well Pad 05 5.7 5.5 0.2 0.2 13,796.5 984.1 14,780.6 25 65 14,780.6 0 16,555.8 30

Well Pad 06 3.7 3.6 0.1 0.1 8,917.4 544.4 9,461.9 25 60 9,461.9 0 10,700.9 30

Well Pad 07 2.5 1.8 0.8 0 4,449.3 0 4,449.3 25 NS 4,449.3 0 5,339.2 30

Well Pad 08 2.5 2.5 0 0 6,337.5 0 6,337.5 25 0 6,337.5 0 7,605.0 30

Well Pad 09 2.9 2.9 0 0 7,066.5 0 7,066.5 24 0 7,066.5 0 8,775.0 30

Well Pad 10 4.5 4.5 0 0 12,793.7 0 12,793.7 29 0 12,793.7 0 13,455.0 30

Well Pad 11 4.5 4.5 0 0 13,455.0 0 13,455.0 30 0 13,455.0 0 13,455.0 30

Well Pad 12 4.5 4.5 0 0 13,455.0 0 13,455.0 30 0 13,455.0 0 13,455.0 30

Well Pad 13 3.7 3.7 0 0 11,115.0 0 11,115.0 30 0 11,115.0 0 11,115.0 30

Well Pad 14 3.7 0 3.7 3.7 0 24,082.5 24,082.5 0 65 24,082.5 0 0 0

Well Pad 15 2.9 1.0 1.9 1.8 2,983.5 14,154.4 17,137.8 30 80 17,137.8 0 0 0

Well Pad 16 2.9 1.4 1.6 1.6 4,102.9 9,323.9 13,426.9 30 60 13,426.9 0 60.5 0

Well Pad 17 4.1 0 4.1 4.1 0 24,570.0 24,570.0 0 60 24,570.0 0 0 0

Well Pad 18 3.7 0 3.7 3.7 0 22,230.0 22,230.0 0 60 22,230.0 0 0 0

Well Pad 19 4.5 4.5 0 0 8,970.0 0 8,970.0 20 0 8,970.0 0 13,455.0 30

Well Pad 20 4.5 4.5 0 0 13,455.0 0 13,455.0 30 0 13,455.0 0 13,455.0 30

Well Pad 21 6.2 4.5 1.7 1.7 15,110.4 10,386.9 25,497.3 34 60 25,497.3 0 11,840.9 26





Project Component


Area of Upland


(ha)

Area of Deep


(ha)

Area of Deep


(ha)

Volume of Upland


(m3)1

Volume of Deep


(m3)



(m3)


of Upland Topsoil

(cm)


(cm)

Total Volume of


Material (m3)


Balance (m3)

Volume of Subsoil

to be Salvaged

(m3)

Average Replacement


(cm)

Well Pad 22 2.9 2.6 0.4 0.4 7,965.0 2,123.8 10,088.8 31 60 10,088.8 0 7,454.8 29

Well Pad 23 7.8 0.001 7.8 4.5 2.3 27,148.9 27,151.2 40 60 27,151.2 0 1.1 20

Well Pad 24 1.3 0 1.3 0 0 0 0 0 NS 0 0 0 0

Well Pad 25 3.7 0 3.7 0 0 0 0 0 NS 0 0 0 0

Well Pad 26 3.7 0.2 3.5 2.5 473.1 15,079.4 15,552.5 30 60 15,552.5 0 0 0

Well Pad 27 3.7 2.1 1.6 1.6 3,194.9 11,353.1 14,548.0 15 72 14,548.0 0 5,324.9 25

Well Pad 28 3.7 0 3.7 3.7 0 22,230.0 22,230.0 0 60 22,230.0 0 0 0

Well Pad 29 4.1 4.1 0 0 10,237.5 0 10,237.5 25 0 10,237.5 0 12,285.0 30

Well Pad 30 3.7 3.7 0 0 10,158.8 0 10,158.8 27 0 10,158.8 0 11,115.0 30

Well Pad 31 7.8 7.8 0 0 15,641.6 0 15,641.6 20 0 15,641.6 0 23,375.3 30

Well Pad 32 5.7 1.1 4.7 4.7 4,218.3 27,964.9 32,183.2 40 60 32,183.2 0 2,109.1 20

Well Pad 33 3.7 0 3.7 0.2 0 1,959.7 1,959.7 0 80 1,959.7 0 0 0

Well Pad 34 3.7 1.2 2.5 2.5 3,035.1 16,104.0 19,139.1 25 65 19,139.1 0 3,642.1 30

Well Pad 35 3.3 0.2 3.1 1.0 288.5 6,225.0 6,513.5 15 60 6,513.5 0 480.8 25

Borrow 12 4.6 4.3 0.3 0.3 10,708.1 1,943.0 12,651.1 26 0 6,325.5 6,326 NS NS

Borrow 22 17.2 17.2 0 0 49,948.7 0 49,948.7 29 0 24,974.3 24,974 NS NS

Borrow 32 6.3 6.3 0 0 15,700.8 0 15,700.8 25 0 7,850.4 7,850 NS NS

Borrow 42 4.5 4.5 0 0 13,602.7 0 13,602.7 30 0 6,801.3 6,801 NS NS

Borrow 52 12.5 12.4 0.1 0.1 31,079.5 1,587.3 32,666.7 25 0 16,333.4 16,333 NS NS

Borrow 62 3.4 3.3 0.1 0.1 6,874.2 1,634.9 8,509.1 21 0 4,254.5 4,255 NS NS

CPF Topsoil Storage Area

4.8 4.8 0 0 0 0 0 NS 0 0 0 NS NS





Project Component


Area of Upland


(ha)

Area of Deep


(ha)

Area of Deep


(ha)

Volume of Upland


(m3)1

Volume of Deep


(m3)



(m3)


of Upland Topsoil

(cm)


(cm)

Total Volume of


Material (m3)


Balance (m3)

Volume of Subsoil

to be Salvaged

(m3)

Average Replacement


(cm)

CPF Subsoil Storage Area

5.8 2.2 3.6 0 5,437.4 0 5,437.4 25 NS 5,437.4 0 NS NS

Borrow 1 Topsoil/Poor Construction

Material Storage Area3

1.6 1.3 0.3 0.3 3,311.1 2,072.0 5,383.0 25 65 5,383.0 0 NS NS



3.1 3.1 0 0 8,852.4 0 8,852.4 28 0 8,852.4 0 NS NS



1.3 1.3 0 0 3,274.5 0 3,274.5 26 0 3,274.5 0 NS NS



1.2 1.2 0 0 3,656.0 0 3,656.0 30 0 3,656.0 0 NS NS



4.3 4.1 0.2 0 10,295.5 0 10,295.5 25 NS 10,295.5 0 NS NS



0.9 0.8 0.1 0 1,554.2 0 1,554.2 18 NS 1,554.2 0 NS NS





Project Component


Area of Upland


(ha)

Area of Deep


(ha)

Area of Deep


(ha)

Volume of Upland


(m3)1

Volume of Deep


(m3)



(m3)


of Upland Topsoil

(cm)


(cm)

Total Volume of


Material (m3)


Balance (m3)

Volume of Subsoil

to be Salvaged

(m3)

Average Replacement


(cm)

Well pads Topsoil Storage

Area 7.8 7.0 0.7 0 0 0 0 NS NS 0 0 NS NS

Well pads Subsoil Storage

Area 8.8 8.4 0.4 0.3 21,719.6 1,716.8 23,436.4 26 62 23,436.4 0 NS NS

Utility Corridors 115.9 62.3 53.6 38.4 171,106.7 247,210.6 418,317.3 27 64 418,317.3 0 NS NS

Total4 406.0 288.3 117.7 82.5 730,720.7 526,916.6 1,257,637.3 - 64 1,191,097.8 66,540 419,407.3 -

Dash (-): a particular component does not contain a value associated with a row and/or column. 1 Considers topsoil to be shallow organics and mineral topsoil horizons salvaged as one lift. NOTE: the volumes provided include salvage of all topsoil within a particular Project component. Where storage of subsoil is to occur, the actual amount of topsoil salvaged will depend on the final size and dimensions of the soil stockpiles. 2 The borrow areas are expected to be reclaimed with a wetland or water body occupying approximately 30-50% of the reclaimed land. Therefore, soils will be replaced over an area smaller than what was originally salvaged. Surplus material will be utilized for reclamation where necessary. 3 No topsoil salvage planned for the topsoil stockpiles. Topsoil stripping will be implemented for poor construction material pile. Volume of poor construction material is not predictable at that stage. However soil salvage calculations are done for the entire topsoil/poor Construction Material Storage Area 4 Due to rounding, total values may not equal the sum of the individual values. NS – No salvage of soil materials planned for a particular Project component.




E.4 SOIL CONSERVATION – OPERATIONS

E.4.1 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

Throughout the life of the Project, operational areas and stockpiled materials will be monitored for signs of erosion. If erosion concerns arise, an Environmental Professional will devise an erosion control plan based on specific needs required as detailed in Section E.3.3 Sediment and Erosion Control. VCI will ensure that Project components containing the MIL5 and WNHR2 soil map units are monitored regularly upon completion of soil stockpiling until suitable vegetation establishment, upon vegetation establishment stockpiles containing these soil types will continue to be monitored for signs of erosion.

All erosion control implemented will be site-specific and continuous monitoring and maintenance will be performed as required.

E.4.2 SOIL QUALITY OF STOCKPILES

Soil stockpiles will be placed in locations that are not expected to be impacted by operations and potential operational incidents that may occur throughout the life of the Project. If soil stockpiles are impacted as a result of operations, VCI will remediate the impacted materials (to meet regulatory standards in place at the time of the incident).

Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles will have signage identifying the material that is stored. Relocation of stockpiled material (if required) will be done under the supervision of a qualified professional. Details related to the relocation of the material will be provided in the Annual C&R Report to AESRD and include the appropriate details.

E.4.3 INTERIM REVEGETATION STRATEGIES

VCI will undertake revegetation of any areas disturbed during operations to reduce impacts to disturbed soils, minimize erosion potential and minimize the spread of invasive or weedy species in the development area. VCI will use an approved designed seed mix incorporating native species that will provide rapid emergence and erosion control. Only Weed Free Certified Seed will be used and VCI will consult Alberta Environment’s Revegetation Using Native Plant Materials: Guidelines for Industrial Development Sites (AENV 2003) as well as AESRD when designing an appropriate seed mix.

E.4.4 WEED CONTROL

VCI will undertake a weed control and mitigation program throughout the life of the Project. Details on weed and invasive species control are provided in Section E.6.4 Weed Control.




E.5 RECLAMATION AND SOIL REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

E.5.1 FINAL SITE GRADING AND RE-CONTOURING

VCI will re-contour disturbed land to approximate the natural landforms in the areas adjacent to the footprint. VCI will re-establish surface drainage on reclaimed areas to integrate it with the adjacent land. Specific objectives in relation to reconstruction of topography and surface drainage include:

• construct geotechnical stable landforms that will resist slumping, sliding or any other alterations;

• provide functional drainage pathways and effective hydrologic regimes through a site specific re-contouring plan;

• re-establish surface drainage on all reclaimed areas such that it is integrated with the adjacent land;

• provide strategically designed contours to enhance the initiation of habitat in both upland, transitional, and wetland areas; and

• remove any facility related land disturbance that is not desired in the end land use (i.e., culverts, roads, geotextile and fill materials, etc.).

Organic landscapes salvaged for Project development (<1 m of organic material) will have the pad material re-contoured to provide either a transitional or upland landscape that will accommodate adjacent drainage patterns and tie into adjacent landscapes.

Deep organic material >1 m thick, that was padded over for Project development will have the fill material removed, exposing the underlying organic material and will likely require some conditioning as the deep organic layer will be compressed in comparison to pre-disturbance conditions. Conditioning of organic materials will include de-compaction of the organic material. This may include deep ripping and cross ripping the deep organic profile using a dozer or a backhoe. The process of ripping or scarifying the deep organic layer will allow for increased water and air movement through the upper portion of the profile and raise portions of the compressed organic layer to allow for the surface of the organic layer to be slightly above, slightly below, or at the surface of the water level. Creating an environment that maintains the water level at or near surface is beneficial for future organic material development (Quinty and Rochefort 2003 & Alberta Environment 2008).

Re-contouring process and prescriptions for the Project footprint may be modified and updated based on the findings when a PDA document is prepared. The PDA will also be submitted to AESRD prior to development of the Project.

E.5.1.1 Re-contouring - Compaction Issues

Gravel surfaces such as the working surface of access roads, plant facilities and well pads, will all be subjected to significant load applications and traffic over their life. VCI will ensure that compacted sub-grades along the access roads are deep ripped or “subsoiled” prior to replacement




of topsoil material. These activities will help ensure that densities of the formerly compacted soils are not substantially different from that of nearby undisturbed lands.

In locations where geotextile and fill materials are to be removed from deep organic soils, the peat surface (once exposed) will be de-compacted to allow for vegetation and water flow throughout the deep organic landforms.

E.5.1.2 Re-contouring - CPF

Once decommissioning of the CPF is complete (facility removal and remediation of potentially impacted materials), all of the surface gravel will be removed. Final re-contouring will involve contouring of the reclaimed landscape to blend with surrounding areas and ripping/de-compaction. The reclaimed landscape will provide similar surface drainage patterns as pre-disturbance conditions. This will be accomplished by ensuring connectivity between the adjacent undisturbed lands and the re-contoured and reclaimed landscape.

No re-contouring is expected within soil stockpile areas. For a majority of the stockpile areas, the landscape will not be altered as the soil profile will only be disturbed in the subsoil storage locations. In these areas, once the stockpiled subsoil has been replaced, the salvaged topsoil will be replaced.

E.5.1.3 Re-contouring – Well Pads

Reclamation of the well pads can only begin once they are decommissioned. At this point, all contamination on the pads will be remediated, facilities will be removed, and contouring/grading can start.

In upland areas, final re-contouring of well pads will involve the removal of fill material where applicable, ripping/de-compaction, and re-contouring of the reclaimed landscape to blend with surrounding areas. The reclaimed landscape will provide similar surface drainage patterns as pre-disturbance conditions and allow connectivity of surface drainage patterns across the re-contoured lands and undisturbed lands. Upon completion of final re-contouring, the base material will be de-compacted prior to placement of salvaged subsoil material.

Deep organic landscapes padded over at construction will have the geotextile and fill material removed to expose the underlying organic soil. Some conditioning of this organic material may be required to relieve compaction and promote vegetation establishment. The process to be used for conditioning of deep organic material is detailed in Section E.5.1.1.

Final re-contouring of area of deep organic soils where organic material was salvaged will involve the re-contouring of fill material where applicable to blend with surrounding areas to provide suitable surface drainage through and around the re-contoured upland/transitional landscapes. Upon completion of final re-contouring, the base material will be de-compacted prior to placement of salvaged organic material.




E.5.1.4 Re-contouring – Utility Corridors

VCI will reclaim all utility corridors by removing culverts and other structures (e.g., surface pipelines), and all watercourse crossings will be removed as part of the final reclamation.

In upland areas (62.3 ha), upon removal of gravel, all topsoil material that was replaced within the ditches will be salvaged by blading the material to the edge of the right-of-way and placing it into stockpiles until re-contouring and de-compaction activities are completed. Road bases will be de-compacted and re-contoured to restore natural surface drainage patterns perpendicular and parallel to the former bed. The re-contoured base materials will then be de-compacted and prepared for topsoil replacement.

In deep organic landscapes padded over for road development (>1 m thickness of organic material) (15.2 ha), upon removal of gravel, pad materials used to create the road base will be removed to expose the underlying organic material. Some conditioning of this organic material may be required to relieve compaction and promote vegetation establishment. Conditioning of deep organic material is detailed in Section E.5.1.

In deep organic areas where organic material was salvaged (< 1 m of organic material thickness) (38.4 ha) re-contouring activities will be similar to those on upland soils.

E.5.1.5 Re-contouring – Borrow Pits

VCI expects that 30-50% of the borrow disturbances will likely be reclaimed as a water body and/or wetland depending on the location of the borrow pit in the landscape and volume of material extracted for construction. The completed borrow pit will be contoured with slopes no steeper than 3H:1V into the center where water will collect forming the waterbody. Poor construction material stockpiled during borrow pit development will be spread out with the re-contouring.

VCI will aim to provide connectivity to surrounding natural drainage patterns and provide water inflow – outflow from the reclaimed borrow landscapes. The ability to create surface water connectivity will depend on the landform in which the borrow area is developed as well as the adjacent landforms. Borrow pits that are located in upland areas will be re-contoured to encourage eventual development into upland sites where the lowest portion of the borrow area may fill with water while the upper portions will be reclaimed and revegetated to create upland sites. Borrow pits located primarily in transitional and organic landscapes will be re-contoured to provide a reclaimed landscape with similar relief and provide water inflow – outflow through the borrow area to maintain surface water flow patterns across the re-contoured lands.

E.5.2 SOIL REPLACEMENT

VCI will reclaim land to achieve land capability equivalent to that which existed prior to disturbance or meets the desired end land use (i.e., organic to upland). Replacement of soil materials for the Project footprint are based on the soil salvage procedures as listed in Sections E.3.6.6 and the material balance as provided in Table E.3.7-1.




Soil replacement activities will be determined for each Project component by the type of soil salvage that occurred during site construction. VCI will replace salvaged topsoil and subsoil materials on re-contoured areas such that the average depth of the replaced soil material in the reclaimed profile for each reclamation area shall be equivalent to or greater than 80% of the original topsoil depth (this is not a target, it is the minimum). VCI will replace all salvaged soil materials at reclamation.

Approximately 70% (82.5 ha) of the deep organic soils (up to 1 m thick) in the Project footprint will be salvaged. In some instances there may be excess organic material once all reclamation has been completed. This material may be used to enhance reclamation for other components of the Project.

Salvaged topsoil and subsoil will be replaced once final re-contouring and de-compaction of the surficial materials is complete. The goal of soil replacement is to establish a soil profile that permits the establishment of an initial vegetation cover, subsequent natural recovery of the plant community and initiation of natural soil processes such that land capability equivalent to that which existed prior to disturbance is achieved. The reclaimed soil profile will provide:

• adequate moisture supply;

• adequate nutrient supply; and

• capability to support a self-sustaining vegetative cover similar to pre-disturbance conditions.

Equivalent forested land capability is the primary consideration for reclamation. This focus is not expected to alter soil salvage criteria, but it will assist in managing the placement of better-suited reclamation material.

A description of re-contouring and expected soil replacement activities for each component is summarized in the following sections.

E.5.2.1 CPFs

Upon completion of site re-contouring, all stockpiled topsoil/organic material and subsoil material will be replaced over the re-contoured and conditioned landscape. Before subsoil replacement begins, base material on site will be disked to alleviate any compaction.

Within upland terrain, after re-contouring and de-compaction of the base material, approximately 166, 318.7 m3 of subsoil will be spread evenly across the upland CPF disturbances to a target thickness of 30 cm, as required in EPEA Approvals. The subsoil will be alleviated of compaction prior to placement of topsoil material.

Approximately 142, 818.6 m3 of upland topsoil and of deep organic material will be replaced evenly across the CPF. The estimated average replacement depth of topsoil and deep organic material is 26 cm. Topsoil material will be replaced in a manner that allows for a range of different moisture and nutrient regimes to develop in the reclaimed landscapes. For example,




topsoil replacement will likely result in thicker topsoil layers in mid to lower slope positions and thinner topsoil layers in upper slope and crest positions.

Soil replacement will be required where subsoil material had been stockpiled. When the subsoil has been removed, soil material will be replaced. No soil replacement will be required in locations where the topsoil material was stockpiled on in-situ topsoil material. In these areas, no topsoil salvage would have been completed.

A summary of the estimated volume and replacement depth of salvaged soil materials for the CPFs are provided in Table E.3.7-1.

E.5.2.2 Well Pads

Within upland terrain, after re-contouring and de-compaction of the base material, approximately 253,088.6 m3 of subsoil will be spread evenly across the upland well pad disturbances to a target thickness of 20-30 cm. Once replaced, subsoil will be alleviated of compaction prior to placement of topsoil material.

Estimated volume of topsoil and organic material to be replaced on the 35 well pads is 231,250.5 m3 and 270,282.0 m3, respectively. Average replacement depth of topsoil and organic material vary from 15-40 cm and 60-80 cm, respectively.

A summary of the estimated volumes and replacement depths of salvaged soil materials for every well pad are provided in Table E.3.7-1.

E.5.2.3 Utility Corridors

Soil replacement will occur on all upland landscapes and where organic material was salvaged along the utility corridors. Upon completion of topsoil re-salvage and re-contouring, all upland topsoil will be replaced evenly over the re-contoured material. Organic material will be replaced evenly on area of organic soils where organic material was salvaged. Approximately 171,106.7 m3 of topsoil will be distributed across the re-contoured upland areas within the former utility corridors to an average target replacement depth of 27 cm. Approximately 247,210.6 m3 of deep organic material will be allocated over the organic soil area with average depth of 64 cm. The replacement values are expected to be variable as salvaged materials will be replaced on the landscape to allow for the development of a variety of moisture and nutrient regimes in the reclaimed landscape.

A summary of the estimated volume and replacement depth of salvaged soil materials for the utility corridors are provided in Table E.3.7-1.

E.5.2.4 Borrow Pits

All topsoil and deep organic material will be salvaged for the development of the borrow pits. A majority of the borrow areas are located in upland landscapes (48.0 of the 48.5 ha occur in upland landscapes). It is expected that the deep organic material salvaged from the borrow pits will be salvaged and stockpiled with the upland topsoil.




Once a borrow pit has been completed and re-contoured, soil replacement will commence. The estimated soil volumes for replacement are based on a reduction of replacement area by 30-50% (due to formation of a water body and/or wetland). This area is based on a conceptual design of the borrows. Estimated volume of topsoil and deep organic material to be replaced on the 6 borrow pits development is 133,079.1 m3. Average replacement depth of salvaged materials ranges from 21-30 cm. The target replacement depths for the borrow pits are based on achieving similar topsoil replacement depths as the estimated pre-disturbance topsoil thickness values Surplus topsoil will be used to enhance reclamation of other footprint components.

Replacement depths provided are average values based on the estimated disturbance area requiring topsoil replacement. The actual replacement values will be variable as topsoil material will be replaced on the landscape to allow for the development of a variety of moisture and nutrient regimes in the reclaimed landscape.

Subsoil material will not be discretely salvaged from the borrow pit developments, however, it is likely that some subsoil material will be salvaged and stored on-site as the material may not be suitable for construction purposes. Any subsoil material salvaged and not used in construction will be used for re-contouring of the depleted borrows.

Detailed development, operations and reclamation information of all of the borrow pits will be provided to AESRD in the PDA document as well as the Surface Material Licence/Lease Application.

A summary of the estimated volumes and replacement depths of salvaged soil materials for every borrow pit development are provided in Table E.3.7-1.

E.5.3 POST RECLAMATION LAND CAPABILITY FOR FORESTRY

VCI will reclaim the land to have characteristics (soils, topography and drainage) that result in a return of land capability equivalent to that which existed prior to disturbance.

The post reclamation forest land capabilities will be similar to the numerical ratings determined for the baseline soil map units. The predicted reclaimed forest soil land capability ratings are presented in Table E.5.3-1 and shown on Figure E.5.3-1. Details on the methods and assumptions used to calculate baseline and reclaimed land capability using the Land capability Classification System for Forest Ecosystems in the Oil Sands (CEMA 2006) is provided in CR#9.




Table E.5.3-1 Predicted Reclaimed Forest Land Capability for the Project Footprint

Component (number of components) Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Water1 Total Area

(ha)2

CPF (1) 55.4 0.1 - - 55.5

Well Pads (35) 80.5 47.7 18.3 - 146.5

Borrow Pits (6) 22.3 1.9 - 24.3 48.5

Topsoil and Subsoil Storage Areas (56) 33.3 2.3 4.0 - 39.6

Utility Corridors 58.5 40.2 17.2 - 115.9

Total Area2 250.0 91.7 40.0 24.3 406.0

% of Project Footprint2 61.6 22.6 9.8 6.0 100.0 1 Wetland/pond created as a result of the creation of the borrow pits. 2 Due to rounding of values, totals may not equal the sum of the individual values presented in the table.

Although the shape of the soil polygons will be altered as a result of the development, the reclaimed capability will be similar to pre-existing patterns, with the exception of the borrow areas where water bodies and/or wetlands are expected to develop as well as the reclamation of various well pads located in deep organic landscapes to upland or transitional landscapes.. The reclaimed land capability classification system (LCCS) values were calculated using the physical and chemical characteristics of baseline soils using assumptions of reclaimed soil characteristics that are based on the anticipated soil salvage, storage and eventual replacement conditions within the re-contoured landscape. The LCCS ratings assigned to the baseline soil map units and reclaimed LCCS ratings are not meant to imply that the identical soil profiles and distribution of soil units exist upon completion of reclamation, however, they do estimate the expected reclaimed land capability based on the known soil and physical attributes of the soil materials (that existed in a baseline map unit) coupled with the reclamation processes to be used.

The reclaimed LCCS ratings incorporate assumptions of salvaged soil characteristics and the likely composition of expected reclaimed soil profiles.

The reclaimed suitability ratings anticipated for the proposed Project footprint are similar to the baseline ratings calculated. Overall, the decrease in uplands as a result of borrow pit development will be offset by the reclamation of various padded well pads to upland/transitional landscapes. Table E.5.3-2 presents a comparison of the reclaimed and baseline LCCS ratings for soil map units within the proposed footprint.




Table E.5.3-2 Comparison of Baseline and Reclaimed Land Capabilities within the Project Footprint

Capability Class

Baseline Capabilities Reclaimed Capabilities

Difference (%)1 Area (ha)

Proportion (%)

Area (ha) Proportion

(%)

Class 3 274.1 67.5 250.0 61.6 -5.9

Class 4 9.3 2.3 91.7 22.6 +20.3

Class 5 122.5 30.2 40.0 9.8 -20.4

Water2 - - 24.3 6.0 +6.0

Total1 406.0 100 406.0 100 0 1 Due to rounding of values, totals may not equal the sum of the individual values presented in the table. 2 Wetland/pond created as a result of the creation of the borrow pits.

Differences in reclaimed and baseline land capability ratings for the Project are mainly due to wetland/water body creation in the former borrow pits and a transition of padded well pads to upland /transitional reclaimed landscapes. The development of the Project will result in a decrease of approximately 24.1 ha of Class 3 lands due to borrow pit development, increase of approximately 82.4 ha of Class 4 lands and reduction of Class 5 lands of approximately 82.5 ha.

E.6 REVEGETATION The primary objective of the revegetation program is to provide site conditions suitable to support plant communities similar to pre-disturbance conditions capable of developing into self-sustaining forest ecosites that provide watershed protection, traditional land uses, wildlife habitat and commercial forest production, with possibilities for recreation and other end uses.

VCI will follow the recommendations in the following documents for revegetation of the reclaimed areas:

• Guidelines for Reclamation to Forest Vegetation in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (Oil Sands Vegetation Reclamation Committee (OSVRC) 1998);

• Guideline for Wetland Establishment on Reclaimed Oil Sands Leases (2nd edition; AENV 2008);

• A Guide to Using Native Plants on Disturbed Lands (Gerling et al., 1996 ); and

• Native Plant Revegetation Guidelines for Alberta (Native Plant Working Group 2000).

Revegetation is intended to follow an ecosystem-based approach for establishment of suitable reclaimed site conditions for the Project. The target reclaimed vegetation communities for upland sites will be similar to adjacent undisturbed communities. Specific revegetation programs for each disturbance area will consider reclaimed landforms and surface drainage, reclaimed soil profiles and pre-disturbance vegetation communities (pre-disturbance ecosites).




Final consultation with AESRD and other stakeholders will be completed prior implementation of the revegetation program.

E.6.1 REVEGETATION PRACTICES

Revegetation practices are designed to enhance the natural recovery of vegetation communities. Natural recovery of revegetated plant communities is determined in large part by the degree of disturbance and the expected time required for natural recovery processes to adequately re-establish disturbed areas. On those sites where the level of disturbance is low, natural recovery is expected to occur without additional revegetation activities. Additional revegetation activities may need to be employed where following revegetation monitoring inspections, establishment of revegetated species does not occur. Where the degree of disturbance is higher tree and shrub planting may be required.

On those sites with a higher degree of disturbance, site characteristics such as slope, aspect, topography, and slope position become important in determining the most effective methods to encourage natural recovery.

Salvage and direct placement of soil onto reclamation sites normally enhances natural recovery of vegetation communities because of the viable seed, roots and other plant material fragments (propagules) transferred with the soil. Directly replaced soil requires less revegetation effort to achieve revegetation objectives. The soil to be replaced (i.e., type and texture) is also an important factor in determining a revegetation strategy.

Soil to be used in the revegetation program for the Project will be either organic or upland mineral soil, and most will have been in stockpile or covered by fill material for extensive periods prior to reclamation. This material will have little viable seed or root material (propagules) remaining, and will need more revegetation effort to achieve objectives. Opportunities for direct replacement, as with most SAGD projects, will be limited to ditches along access roads and surface pipeline corridors. Revegetation of disturbances will be coordinated with construction/reclamation activities to limit the area of exposed soil at any one time.

Revegetation of disturbances will be coordinated with construction / reclamation activities to limit the area of exposed soil at any one time. Revegetation practices to be employed as part of the reclamation program are discussed in terms of the degree of disturbance experienced with respect to the vegetation communities:

• Low degree of disturbance – above ground pipeline and power line rights-of-way. On these sites, rollback will be completed in areas disturbed (unless it is determined that access is to be maintained to meet other land use objectives). Natural recovery is expected to redevelop native plant communities that are similar in composition to those of adjacent undeveloped areas. No further revegetation activities will be conducted unless site-specific conditions warrant additional revegetation inputs, (e.g., a side slope that needs runoff diversion work and/or revegetation) or monitoring results indicate additional revegetation activities are required.




• Moderate degree of disturbance – borrow pits and underground pipeline facilities. On these sites, soil materials are expected to be in stockpiles for a relatively short period of time, therefore propagules and seed banks will likely be viable at soil replacement. Upon replacement of soil materials, a short-lived nurse crop will likely be seeded. This nurse crop will provide short-term erosion control and leave a protective layer of organic matter that will help to encourage natural recovery of the vegetation communities. On those sites where erosion is not an issue, a nurse crop may not be necessary. Tree planting will be conducted on those upland reclaimed disturbances that had tree cover prior to disturbance, tree species and distribution will be similar to adjacent ecosite communities. On poorly drained sites and depressional areas in reclaimed borrow pits, natural recovery will be relied upon for woody species re-establishment. Tree planting will reduce the time needed for these sites to regain a forest cover; otherwise, it is expected that a full range of herbaceous and shrub species will re-establish naturally.

• Highest degree of disturbance - well pads, road grades and plant sites. After the soil profile on these sites has been reclaimed, natural recovery will be encouraged, especially on deep organic sites. On upland areas, the application of a short-lived nurse crop and subsequent planting with tree seedlings will be carried out. The nurse crop will provide short-term cover, a protective organic layer, and conditions that will encourage the natural ingress of locally native herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. Planting of trees will be site specific and prescriptions will be based on the adjacent ecosites in upland areas. In deep organic landscapes, completion of organic material conditioning will create suitable microhabitat and various moisture regimes to allow for the establishment of desirable vegetation species. Addition of similar organic material from reclaimed borrow pits will also assist in establishment of desirable wetland vegetation species in the reclaimed organic areas.

Some areas located in the vicinity of water bodies or drainages may be sensitive to soil erosion. In such areas, the value of watershed protection supersedes other vegetation objectives, and special measures are required to stabilize soils including the use of agronomic species that are effective due to their quick establishment. In consultation with AESRD, VCI will utilize an appropriate seed mix for erosion control. Seed mixes used throughout the life of the Project will be detailed in the Annual C&R Report to AESRD.

E.6.2 REVEGETATION SPECIES

Revegetation of the reclaimed disturbances using appropriate species, and representative proportions of species will allow for the establishment of reclaimed vegetation communities that provide similar plant communities to pre-disturbance conditions.

E.6.2.1 Trees and Shrubs – Uplands and Transitional Areas

Tree and shrub species expected to be utilized in revegetation of upland areas on moderate to high disturbance areas are provided in Table E.6.2-1. The tree and shrub species lists are based on the ecosite phases which will be disturbed by Project development. The species composition may be altered on a site specific basis to provide similar species and proportions of species that are present within the adjacent undisturbed ecosites. The planting program is premised upon




target site characteristics of the reclaimed lands (soil types and texture, aspect, slope, and drainage) plant communities, and land use objectives.

Table E.6.2-1 Proposed Tree and Shrub Species to Achieve Representative Upland Ecosite Phases

Target Ecosite Phase

Native Tree Species1 Native Shrub Species1

a1 jack pine blueberry, bearberry, twin flower

b1 jack pine, aspen, white spruce blueberry, bearberry, Labrador tea, green alder

b3 aspen, white spruce, white birch blueberry, bearberry, Labrador tea, green alder

c1 jack pine, black spruce Labrador tea, green alder, bog cranberry, blueberry

d1 aspen, white spruce, balsam poplar, white birch

low bush cranberry, buffalo berry, Saskatoon, green alder, rose, raspberry

d2 aspen, white spruce, balsam poplar, white birch

low bush cranberry, Canada buffalo berry, Saskatoon, green alder, prickly rose, raspberry

d3 white spruce, aspen, balsam poplar, white birch

low bush cranberry, Canada buffalo berry, Saskatoon, green alder, rose, raspberry,

g1 black spruce, jack pine Labrador tea, bog cranberry, twinflower

h1 white spruce, black spruce, white birch Labrador tea, bog cranberry, rose, twin flower 1 Species selected for each ecosite phase are based on Field Guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta (Beckingham and Archibald 1996), A Guide to Using Native Plants on Disturbed Lands (Gerling et. al. 1996), Guidelines for Reclamation to Forest Vegetation in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (Oil Sands Vegetation Reclamation Committee (OSVRC) 1998), and species data collected from vegetation plots within the Project LSA.

E.6.2.2 Wetlands/Poorly Drained Sites – Transitional and Poorly Drained

In organic landscapes (deep organic deposits) with no salvage of soil materials the original soil profile will remain intact. The conditioning of deep organic soils to allow for creation of microsites and water movement through the disturbed organic profile is the preferred method of revegetation in these disturbances. No specific tree or shrub species planting or seeding prescriptions are planned in deep organic soils. Potential species that VCI may decide to utilize in areas of deep organic soils where no salvage has occurred (original organic material thickness > 1 m) are listed in Table E.6.2-2 under the subhydric to hydric moisture regimes.

In organic landscapes where the organic material was salvaged prior to pad construction revegetation efforts will consider estimated moisture regime(s) of the reclaimed former pad. VCI may decide to seed, or transplant vegetation species onto the replaced deep organic areas if monitoring results determine additional revegetation efforts are required. Potential species that VCI may decide to utilize in areas where the deep organic material has been replaced over a re-contoured former pad are listed in Table E.6.2-2 under the subhygric to hygric moisture regimes. If it is determined upon completion of re-contouring and organic material replacement that the expected moisture regime will be drier for portions of the reclaimed former pad areas, VCI will apply a revegetation prescription as listed in Table E.6.2-1 based on the expected moisture and nutrient regime.




Table E.6.2-2 Potential Revegetation Species for Wetlands and Depressional Pond Areas

Moisture Regime1 Associated Ecosites2 Potential Species to be used in Revegetation

Subhygric to Hygric Subhygric – g

Hygric – g, h

Carex aquatilis (water sedge)

Carex atherodes (awned sedge)

Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass)

Glyceria striata (manna grass)

Mentha arvensis (wild mint)

Rubus arcticus (dwarf raspberry)

Vaccinium vitis-idea (Bog cranberry)

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hair grass)

Rumex occidentalis (western dock)

Salix spp. (willows)

Picea mariana (black spruce)

Larix laricina (tamarack)

Subhydric to Hydric Subhydric – i, j, k

Hydric – l

Potentilla palustris (marsh cinquefoil) Utricularia spp. (bladderwort

Hippuris vulgaris (mare’s tail)

Callitriche verna (water starwort)

Ranunculus aquatilis (white water crowfoot) Ranunculus gmelinii (yellow water crowfoot) Ceratophyllum demersum (hornwort)

Nuphar variegatum (pond lily)

Potamogeton gramineus (pondweed)

Typha latifolia (cat tail)

Scirpus lacustris (common bulrush)

Sagittaria cuneata (arum leaved arrowhead) Sparganium eurycarpum (giant bur reed)

1 Moisture regimes based on definitions and descriptions adapted from Table 9 of the Land capability Classification System for Forest Ecosystems in the Oil Sands (CEMA 2006).

2 Ecosites as defined and described in the Field Guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta (Beckingham and Archibald 1996).

E.6.2.3 Borrow Pits

Revegetation of reclaimed borrow pits will require a wide range of species as a result of the potential to have a wide range of moisture gradients in reclaimed borrow pits. It is expected that upland and various transitional areas within the borrow areas will be revegetated as per the species list provided in Table E.6.2-1. Revegetation of portions of the transitional zones, depressional areas, and margins around water bodies will require a range of different species depending on the resultant moisture regime.

A mix of plant species selected from Table E.6.2-2 is recommended for revegetating areas of higher relief within and immediately adjacent to the wetlands/ponds in the reclaimed borrows




(margins of the wetlands and portions of the transitional areas), this corresponds to a subhygric to hygric moisture regime. Species presented for the hydric and subhydric moisture regimes are suitable for revegetating areas of lower relief within and adjacent to open water (hydric and subhydric moisture regimes) for the Central Mixedwood Subregion of the Boreal Forest Natural region.

The wetlands/ponds within borrow developments will initially be open water and are expected to transition to marsh once revegetated and established. Over time, these areas may, through the process of natural succession, become peatland type wetlands (bogs or fens).

E.6.2.4 Seeding

Prior to any seeding, VCI will design a native seed mix in consultation with AESRD at time of reclamation. Only weed free certified seed will be used and accompanied with a seed analysis certificate. Seeding will occur in areas where:

• stockpiles have been created;

• the soil material has been replaced within the road/pipeline corridor upon completion of road construction;

• various disturbed areas within the Project footprint where seeding is required to reduce the potential of invasive species;

• natural revegetation is expected to occur slowly and a cover crop is necessary to minimize invasive species and reduce erosion potential of soils; and

• site monitoring indicates additional revegetation efforts are required.

Table E.6.2-3 displays a range of native species that VCI may be included in seed mixes for the Project. Seed mixes will be based on expected moisture regimes and intended target use (i.e., soil stabilization on stockpiles or cover crops for a range of revegetated landscapes).




Table E.6.2-3 Potential Native Species for Use in Seeding of Disturbed Areas

Moisture Regime1 Associated Ecosites2 Potential Species to be used in Revegetation3

Subxeric to Submesic Subxeric – a, b

Submesic – b, c

Carex obtusata/siccata (blunt/hay sedge)

Oryzopsis pungens (northern rice grass) Festuca saximontana (rocky mountain fescue)

Elymus innovatus (hairy wild rye)

Koeleria macrathia (june grass)

Poa arida (plains bluegrass) Schizachne purpurascens (purple oat grass)

Elymus canadensis (Canada wild rye)

Hedysarum boreale (northern sweet vetch)

Mesic Mesic – c, d

Elymus innovatus (hairy wild rye)

Schizachne purpurascens (purple oat grass)

Bromus ciliatus (fringed brome)

Agropyron trachycaulum var. unilaterale (awned wheatgrass)

Oryzopsis asperifolia (mountain rice grass)

Trisetum spicatum (spike trisetum)

Agrostis scabra (tickle grass)

Poa interior/glauca/palustris (bluegrass)

Vicia americana (American Vetch)

Subhygric to Hygric Subhygric – g

Hygric – g, h, f

Carex aquatilis (water sedge)

Carex atherodes (awned sedge)

Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass)

Glyceria striata (manna grass)

Mentha arvensis (wild mint)

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hair grass) 1 Moisture regimes based on definitions and descriptions adapted from Table 9 of the Land capability Classification System for Forest Ecosystems in the Oil Sands (CEMA 2006).

2 Ecosites as defined and described in the Field Guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta (Beckingham and Archibald 1996). 3 Potential species adapted from A guide to using Native Plants on Disturbed Lands (Sinton Gerling et. al., 1996).

Some areas located in the vicinity of water bodies or drainages may be sensitive to soil erosion. In such areas, the value of watershed protection supersedes other vegetation objectives, and special measures are required to stabilize soils including the use of agronomic species that are effective due to their quick establishment. In consultation with AESRD, VCI will utilize an appropriate agronomic seed mix for erosion control. Any agronomic mixes used throughout the life of the Project will be detailed in the Annual C&R Report to AESRD.

The species provided in Table E.6.2-1, E.6.2-2, and E.6.2-3 is not exclusive and VCI may also utilize other suitable native species appropriate for the resultant target ecosite and moisture regime.




E.6.3 WOODY SPECIES PLANTING

Establishment of woody plants in reclamation areas is an important part of revegetation activities. Selection of species and the proportion of each species in the planting mix are based on:

• expected growth of woody-stemmed species from seeds and root fragments in the replaced soil;

• woody-stemmed species common to the adjacent ecosites;

• existing field conditions;

• vegetation type or types desired for development on the site, based on end land use objectives and landscape terrain features; and

• the ability to produce the species at a practical scale.

The planting prescription for establishing woody species on the Project footprint will consider ecological site characteristics, land use objectives for the site, the degree of disturbance, moisture and nutrient regimes, and the likelihood that woody plants will recover naturally. Where feasible, the planting prescription will use those species that are present within the adjacent ecosite (Table E.6.2-1). Typically the tree species that will be planted will include jack pine, white spruce, black spruce and aspen. Tamarack, balsam poplar and white birch may also be planted to enhance the re-establishment of certain ecosite phases.

E.6.4 Post-Reclamation Ecosites

A comparison between the predicted post disturbance/reclaimed ecosites and the baseline ecosites in the Project footprint are provided in Table E.6.4-1. The reclaimed ecosites are shown on Figure E.6.4-1.

Table E.6.4-1 Baseline and Estimated Reclaimed Ecosites in the Project Footprint

Ecosite

Baseline Reclaimed Difference

(%)1 Area (ha)

Proportion (%)

Area (ha)

Proportion (%)

a – lichen/jack pine 0.3 0.1% 0.3 0.1% 0.0%

b – blueberry (submesic) 9.3 2.3% 9.3 2.3% 0.0%

c – Labrador tea (mesic) 18.6 4.6% 12.3 3.0% -1.6%

d – low bush cranberry 240.3 59.2% 212.5 52.3% -6.9%

g – Labrador tea (subhygric) 9.0 2.2% 87.8 21.6% 19.4%

h – Labrador tea/horsetail 3.4 0.8% 15.8 3.9% 3.1%

i – bog 56.3 13.9% 11.1 2.7% -11.2%

j – poor fen 41.5 10.2% 15.2 3.7% -6.5%

k – rich fen 25.1 6.2% 11.1 2.7% -3.5%

l - marsh 0 0 4.4 1.1% 1.1%

AIH – permanent right-of-ways 0.3 0.07% 0.1 0.03% -0.04%




Table E.6.4-1 Baseline and Estimated Reclaimed Ecosites in the Project Footprint

Ecosite

Baseline Reclaimed Difference

(%)1 Area (ha)

Proportion (%)

Area (ha)

Proportion (%)

CIW – geophysical well sites 0.4 0.1% 0.4 0.1% 0.0%

CL – unspecified clearing 1.6 0.4% 1.5 0.4% 0.0%

Water2 0 0 24.3 6.0% 6.0%

Total1 406.0 100 406.0 100 0 1 Due to rounding of values, totals may not equal the sum of the individual values presented in the table. 2 Wetland/pond and appropriate surrounding ecosites (L, G) created as a result of the creation of the borrow pits.

The addition of water bodies and/or ponds in the reclaimed borrows as well as the conversion of wetland sites to upland or transitional landscapes results in the largest change to post-disturbance ecosites.

A total of 24.3 ha of water bodies/ponds are expected to develop from the projected post-reclamation landscape. The increase in estimated distribution of various other ecosites (e.g., ecosite l) is based on the assumption that proposed vegetation communities will form around the periphery of the reclaimed pit areas. The re-contoured landscapes will be designed in such a way as to provide appropriate drainage (in flow and outflow) through the reclaimed borrow developments. It is assumed that the reclamation of previously disturbed lands to equivalent capability will also result in a substantial change to post-disturbance ecosites.

Increases in transitional to upland ecosites (e.g., ecosites g and h) are estimated post reclamation as a result of the reclamation procedures for padded components in which the pad materials have been left in place. It is expected to result in a drier moisture regime (hygric to subhygric)

As reclamation proceeds, monitoring of reclamation and revegetation performance over time allows land use objectives to be reviewed and adjustments made to site conditions according to natural revegetation processes. The intent of adaptive management is to facilitate and respond to the soil replacement and revegetation process to meet specific objectives and allow for improvements to be made to the reclamation and revegetation process.

E.6.5 Weed Control

VCI is committed to undertaking weed and invasive species management and control throughout all stages of the Project as per The Alberta Weed Control Act (Province of Alberta 2010). VCI will also comply with ASRD’s Weed Management in Forestry Operations - Directive 2001-06 (ASRD 2001).

Control of invasive weed species will be completed through the establishment of native vegetation on soil stockpiles as well as during interim reclamation to mitigate weed populations in disturbance areas. Ongoing inspections for the presence of weed species will be performed throughout the construction, operations, reclamation and post reclamation stages of the Project to




identify the occurrence of weeds and invasive species. Non-chemical control of weeds is the preferred method and includes mowing, cultivation, and/or hand picking. Herbicides applied will be appropriate for site conditions, and only non-residual herbicides will be considered.

The following identifies best management and regulatory practices that will be utilized by VCI in development and implementation of a weed management program:

• disturbance areas will be monitored for weeds during the life of the Project. Pre-disturbance information on weeds in the Project footprint will be used to monitor for known weeds. Weed control will be undertaken in a timely manner and records of weed control activities will be kept and detailed in the Annual C&R Report;

• equipment mobilized to the Project area will be cleaned to be free of soil and debris, to mitigate the potential for transport of weed seeds or other invasive species;

• physical removal of weeds (mowing, cultivation, and/or hand picking) is the preferred method, particularly near water and riparian areas; herbicides will be used only where necessary;

• a seed certificate will be obtained for each native seed component used in seed mixtures. This documentation will be provided in the Annual C&R report;

• erosion control products that do not contain agronomic straw will be preferred (i.e., erosion control matting);

• an annual cereal crop may be used to control erosion if it is more appropriate than other methods and soil stabilization, sediment loading, or slope stability are considered a priority. VCI will consult with AESRD prior to seeding of any agronomic species. Use of any agronomic species will be reported in the Annual C&R report and include; location (and area seeded), seed mix, seeding rate, and planned mitigation and monitoring (to control the agronomic species);

• species defined as “prohibited noxious” in the Weed Control Act (AQP 2010) must be destroyed, and those classified as ‘noxious’ must be controlled. The document Weed Management in Forestry Operations – Directive 2001-06 (ASRD 2001) will be followed as appropriate;

• herbicides will be selected and applied by a licensed industrial pesticide applicator to comply with the Pesticide (Ministerial) Regulation (Alberta Regulation 43/1997) and federal regulations; and

• soil sterilants will not be used for control of weeds.

E.7 RECLAMATION MONITORING PROGRAM Development of the Project will progress in a phased manner, allowing for sequential reclamation of well pads, access roads and facilities over the operating period of the Project. This development schedule minimizes the active footprint within the Project area at any one time, and will allow for C&R program improvements to be implemented through adaptive management as reclamation, revegetation and monitoring progress through the various stages of Project development. Reclamation monitoring will be incorporated into the Annual C&R Report




to document the success of reclamation efforts and, over time, to refine measures according to site-specific conditions.

E.7.1 MONITORING OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the reclamation monitoring program are to evaluate the success of reclamation measures and to adjust or modify those measures where necessary to ensure:

• natural recovery of desired plant communities;

• erosion control and slope stability;

• self-sustaining vegetation cover on all disturbed areas;

• weed and invasive species control;

• establishment of the designated end land uses; and

• reclamation certification.

The objectives will be met through regular site inspections and implementation of additional reclamation measures (if necessary). VCI will also evaluate the results of monitoring programs on reclaimed areas and update reclamation practices, as necessary, to allow for continual improvement of the reclamation program throughout the life of the Project.

E.7.2 MONITORING SCHEDULE

Reclamation monitoring will be consistent with the Project development schedule to ensure that reclaimed sites are fully documented according to the types of reclamation measures employed in the area. Information on each reclamation site will include:

• a description of the type of development (e.g., plant site, well pads, roads);

• a description of the reclamation activities undertaken (e.g., re-contouring, soil depths, seeding, tree planting);

• the date when the reclamation activities took place; and

• end land use objectives that were established for each site.

E.7.2.1 Revegetation Monitoring

Each reclaimed and revegetated area will be inspected after the first growing season following site landscaping, soil replacement and revegetation, according to best current practices. The inspections will be used to gauge the success of initial revegetation activities and to evaluate conditions designed to encourage success of the revegetation efforts and natural recovery. The inspections will provide information regarding soil stabilization, erosion control and the status of tree, shrub, forb and graminoid vegetation composition and structure, and will include other pertinent information as required.

Subsequent annual inspections will be undertaken to monitor the continued establishment of the vegetative cover and progress towards reestablishment of plant communities, as well as to identify requirements for follow-up activities. The annual program will include a routine




maintenance component to address any potential erosion repair and control as well as any supplemental seeding and fertilizing needs for the reclaimed and revegetated sites. Assessments of older reclaimed areas will be conducted on a less frequent basis if deemed necessary at the time.

E.7.2.2 Terrain and Soils Monitoring

The performance of reconstructed soils and reclaimed landscapes is a key element in erosion control, watershed protection and ecosystem sustainability. Soil and slope stability monitoring of all reclaimed sites will be undertaken in conjunction with the revegetation assessment, using a combination of site observations and systematic transects. Soils will be monitored for signs of erosion or compaction issues through examination of surface soil profiles. VCI will monitor the reclaimed soil profiles by completing post reclamation profile checks and by comparing soil physical and chemical parameters on the reclaimed sites with the Land Capability Classification System for Forest Ecosystems in the Oil Sands (CEMA, 2006). Reclaimed landscapes will be inspected for slumping, ponding, and improper drainage patterns.

If subsequent monitoring events (after the initial assessment) indicate that the reclaimed soil and landscapes are appropriate for the desired end land use, then less frequent monitoring events will be implemented until a reclamation certificate is received.

E.7.2.3 Wildlife Monitoring

VCI will include a wildlife monitoring program as a component of its reclamation activities. Monitoring wildlife use of both natural and reclaimed areas within the study areas will provide information on the success of re-establishing wildlife habitat. Previous experience from other developments in the region has shown that wildlife will begin using the reclaimed area as soon as the herbaceous vegetation cover has been established. The diversity of wildlife use tends to increase over time, as the vegetation cover increases and shrub and tree species colonize the area.

Initially, the wildlife monitoring program will largely be confined to observational recordings and incidental information on general wildlife use of the reclaimed areas. More systematic approaches to monitoring the reclaimed sites for wildlife will be considered as the reclaimed areas mature.

E.8 ABANDONMENT AND CLOSURE Project facilities will be decommissioned at the end of Project life. In compliance with the EPEA Approval, an abandonment and reclamation plan will be submitted to AESRD six months prior to decommissioning of surface facilities. It is envisioned that abandonment and closure plans will address the following:

• the use of an adaptive management approach that incorporates knowledge learned during the operation of the Project;

• undertaking site assessments on required facilities to characterize and delineate any soil or groundwater contamination present. Remediation will also be undertaken, as required;




• removal of surface structures and equipment. Wells will be cut off 1.2 m below the surface, cemented and blanked off. Steel piping will be cut off 1.2 m below surface;

• abandonment of all production, geotechnical and hydrogeological monitoring wells in accordance with AESRD and Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) standards;

• reclamation of mud pits and the oily waste holding facility by relocating all contents of these facilities to an agreed upon location then addressing any remaining soil or groundwater contaminant issues;

• abandonment of access roads and removal of culverts;

• re-contouring all sites to restore natural drainage patterns and topography;

• ripping, as required, to alleviate surface compaction on former disturbed areas;

• removal of fill materials and conditioning of underlying organic materials;

• placement of soil over the disturbed areas followed by revegetation activities;

• reclamation of peat landscapes to ensure reclaimed landscapes are appropriate for successional vegetation to eventually achieve the desired ecosite community;

• promotion of natural recovery of vegetation as the primary means of ground cover re-establishment. Where necessary, specific sites will be seeded with either a nurse crop or longer-lived, non-invasive vegetation cover and planted with tree species consistent with the revegetation plan;

• undertaking regular monitoring and maintenance activities, following reclamation and revegetation, to assess reclamation success and identify areas of concern; and

• undertaking a post-reclamation site assessment to determine the status of the site prior to applying for a reclamation certificate.

R8 R7 W4MR9 R8

Tp 89 CPF

Borrow 2

Borrow 5

WP 23

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WP 05 WP 02

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Borrow 1

Borrow 4

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Sep 18/12

10-033NE

Pre-disturbance Forest Land Capabilityin the Project Footprint


PROJECT:

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DRAWN: FIGURE:TITLE:

E.2.1-1

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REF: MEMS 2012

Legend

Development Footprint

Local Study Area

Streams with defined channels

Drainages without defined channels

Waterbody

Forested Land Capability Classes

Class 3

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Sep 18/12

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Pre-disturbance Ecosites in theProject Footprint


PROJECT:

DATE:

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E.2.1-2

I

0 1 2 km

REF: MEMS 2012

Legend


VCI Lease Area



Waterbody

Dominant Ecosite Phase

b1-Blueberry-Aw

c1-Labrador tea -mesic Pj-Sb

d1-Low-bush cranberry Aw-Sw


d3-Low-bush cranberry Sw

g1-Labrador tea-subhygric Sb-Pj

h1-Labrador tea/horsetail Sw-Sb

i1-Treed bog

i2-Shrubby bog

j1-Treed poor fen

j2-Shrubby poor fen

k1-Treed rich fen

k2-Shrubby rich fen

k3-Graminoid rich fen

Existing Disturbance

#

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VPM31

VPM26

VPM25

VPM14

VPM04

VPM01

VKP17

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V2JJ29

V2JJ26

V2JJ23

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V2JJ13

VRM026

VRM025 VRM024

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VRM015

VRM012

VRM008VRM005

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VJJ024

VJJ018

VJJ017

VJJ012

VJJ003

VBP024

VBP020

VBP019

VBP013

VBP012

VBP009

VBP008

V2JJ007

V2JJ012

V2JJ009

V2JJ008

V2JJ006

V2JJ004

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2540

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Sept 4/12

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Soil Inspection Sites and Soil Map Unitsin the Project Footprint


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E.3.5-1

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0 1 2 km

REF: MEMS 2012

Legend


VCI Lease Area



Waterbody

Soil Inspection Site

! 2012

# 2010

Mineral

Chateh (CHT)

Horse River (HRR)

Mildred (MIL)

Moonshine (MNS)

Wanham (WHM)

Winefred/Horse River (WNHR)

Organic

McClelland (MLD)

Muskeg (MUS)

Litter plus Topsoil Thickness (cm)

Upper Subsoil Thickness (cm)

2540

P70 Peat Thickness (cm)

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Upland and Organic Soils in theProject Footprint


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E.3.6-1

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REF: MEMS 2012

Legend


VCI Lease Area



Waterbody

Upland Soil

Organic Soil < 1m Thick

Organic Soil > 1m Thick

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Potential Soil Stockpile Locations in theProject Footprint


PROJECT:

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E.3.7-1

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REF: MEMS 2012

Legend

VCI Lease Area



Waterbody


Topsoil Storage

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Borrow Pit

CPF

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Sept 4/12

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Reclaimed Forest Land Capabilityin the Project Footprint


PROJECT:

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E.5.3-1

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0 1 2 km

REF: MEMS 2012

Legend


VCI Lease Area



Waterbody

R8 R7 W4MR9 R8

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Sept 4/12

10-033NE

Reclaimed Ecosites in the Project Footprint


PROJECT:

DATE:

CHECKED:


E.6.4-1

I

0 1 2 km

REF: MEMS 2012

Legend


VCI Lease Area



Waterbody

Dominant Ecosite Phase

b1-Blueberry-Aw

c1-Labrador tea -mesic Pj-Sb



d3-Low-bush cranberry Sw

g1-Labrador tea-subhygric Sb-Pj

h1-Labrador tea/horsetail Sw-Sb

i1-Treed bog

i2-Shrubby bog

j1-Treed poor fen

j2-Shrubby poor fen

k1-Treed rich fen

k2-Shrubby rich fen

k3-Graminoid rich fen

l1-?

Open Water

Existing Disturbance

Part E Conceptual Conservation and Reclamation Plan · 2017-05-31 · Part E: Conceptual C&R Plan...

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Transcript of Part E Conceptual Conservation and Reclamation Plan · 2017-05-31 · Part E: Conceptual C&R Plan...