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Forests, Faster

ConocoPhillips Canada is one of several producers who piloted aggressive reclamation programs this year. Nexen Inc., Statoil Hydro, Suncor Energy and Total E&P piloted similar programs and shared best practices with one another. Collectively, the programs targetted the planting of approximately 140,000 trees this year, with plans to accelerate reclamation efforts in the years ahead.

The first seedlings for "Faster Forests" hit the ground in the summer of 2009. Standard reclamation programs for exploratory well sites usually plant a mix of grass seeds and let trees come along naturally. But that can take years. Drawing on recommendations from the University of Alberta long term study on reclamation, ConocoPhillips planted three tree species: spruce, birch and aspen.

Next, the company wants to expand the types of trees and add a number of species of native shrubs, wild flowers and even blueberries on reclaimed lands. ConocoPhillips Canada will work with local First Nations to identify the types of vegetation that may have a traditional use and include those plant species in the reclamation mix.

Eventually, ConocoPhillips Canada is planning to help seed some economic benefits to the local communities as well. The company wants to create employment opportunities for local contractors and suppliers and help establish the necessary training in biology, planting and monitoring of reclamation sites.

"We think it’s a step change in reclamation," says Peter Zimmerman, ConocoPhillips Canada’s Manager, Environment & Stakeholder Engagement, Oil Sands. "This is about more than planting trees. In the long-term it will be about creating opportunities in the local community, rehabilitating wildlife habitat and demonstrating our commitment to sustainable development."

It all starts with careful planning to determine which sites are suitable for what type of vegetation. At an in situ operation, the land is typically disturbed three ways; a large pad with a number of wells and a processing facility, linear seismic lines and smaller, 40 X 40 metre drilling pad sites.

ConocoPhillips Canada will begin planting on the smaller drilling pad sites that have been clear the longest. "It’s a first step and we’re proud of that but it’s a first little step and we’ll be taking bigger ones," says Zimmerman.

Meanwhile, the University of Alberta is about half way through the 10 year study on removing wellsite footprints. ConocoPhillips Canada’s accelerated reclamation plans, furthered with support of their Surmont joint-venture associate Total, are based on the study’s five year recommendations. This is one of several examples of producers that are working on ways to accelerate reclamation in the area, either on or off their lease sites.