Evaluating Ecological Restoration Outcomes for Oil Sand Disturbances on Peatland: Linking Ecosystem Structure and Function

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Oil sands extraction results in widespread ecosystem disturbance across Canada's boreal forest, including theconstruction of well-sites. At least 84,000 ha of well-site disturbance are present in the region; given that 30%of the region consists of peatland, many of these well-sites have been constructed in peatland ecosystems.Despite the introduction of peatland reclamation criteria for well-sites and associated infrastructure (e.g., accessroads, pipelines, etc.) by the Province of Alberta, ecological restoration methods for well-sites remaininefficient. Therefore, the energy sector is faced with the challenge of developing and employing innovativepeatland restoration techniques to meet regulatory requirements and recreate functioning ecosystems. Theproposed research program will evaluate a variety of peatland restoration techniques for oil sand well-sitedisturbances on peatland for their ability to meet provincially set reclamation criteria. In addition, a range ofecosystem functions, including hydrologic regulation, biodiversity support, chemical conditions, peatlandaccumulation and greenhouse gas exchange, will be assessed and compared to rates in regional undisturbedpeatlands as a reference. The congruence between the structure of the vegetation community and the ecosystemfunction can then be assessed. Results from the study will inform best management practices for peatlandwell-site restoration, improve the environmental performance of the energy sector, and help ensure thelong-term health of Canada's boreal forest.