Evaluating ecological restoration outcomes for oil sand well-site 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 the construction 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., access roads, pipelines, etc.) by the Province of Alberta, ecological restoration methods for well-sites remain inefficient. Therefore, the energy sector is faced with the challenge of developing and employing innovative peatland restoration techniques to meet regulatory requirements and recreate functioning ecosystems. The proposed research program will evaluate a variety of peatland restoration techniques for oil sand well-site disturbances on peatland for their ability to meet provincially set reclamation criteria. In addition, a range of ecosystem functions, including hydrologic regulation, biodiversity support, chemical conditions, peatland accumulation and greenhouse gas exchange, will be assessed and compared to rates in regional undisturbed peatlands as a reference. The congruence between the structure of the vegetation community and the ecosystem function can then be assessed. Results from the study will inform best management practices for peatland well-site restoration, improve the environmental performance of the energy sector, and help ensure the long-term health of Canada's boreal forest.