Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier. (2017-2018 à 2020-2021)

Oil sands extraction results in widespread ecosystem disturbance across Canada's boreal forest, including thex000D
construction of well-sites. At least 84,000 ha of well-site disturbance are present in the region; given that 30%x000D
of the region consists of peatland, many of these well-sites have been constructed in peatland ecosystems.x000D
Despite the introduction of peatland reclamation criteria for well-sites and associated infrastructure (e.g., accessx000D
roads, pipelines, etc.) by the Province of Alberta, ecological restoration methods for well-sites remainx000D
inefficient. Therefore, the energy sector is faced with the challenge of developing and employing innovativex000D
peatland restoration techniques to meet regulatory requirements and recreate functioning ecosystems. Thex000D
proposed research program will evaluate a variety of peatland restoration techniques for oil sand well-sitex000D
disturbances on peatland for their ability to meet provincially set reclamation criteria. In addition, a range ofx000D
ecosystem functions, including hydrologic regulation, biodiversity support, chemical conditions, peatlandx000D
accumulation and greenhouse gas exchange, will be assessed and compared to rates in regional undisturbedx000D
peatlands as a reference. The congruence between the structure of the vegetation community and the ecosystemx000D
function can then be assessed. Results from the study will inform best management practices for peatlandx000D
well-site restoration, improve the environmental performance of the energy sector, and help ensure thex000D
long-term health of Canada's boreal forest.