Reclamation & Detailed Site Assessments
Serving Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon
Reclamation
The goal of land reclamation is to restore the site to its original state or an equivalent land use. Reclamation methods can take many years to complete, depending on the size of the site and revegetation practices. Reclamation practices can include a combination of the following:
- Removal of above/below ground infrastructure, buildings, imported gravels, etc.;
- Replacing removed subsoil and re-contouring the surrounding landscape;
- Replacing topsoil, adding topsoil amendments (manure, compost, fertilizer), and/or erosion control measures;
- Tree planting, seeding, and/or monitoring natural revegetation activities;
- Monitoring and management for prohibited noxious or problem weeds; and
- Continued monitoring of the site prior to site closure.
A Reclamation Certificate (RCA) is required to officially close a project and end surface land leases. Reclamation Certificates can be applied after a completed Detailed Site Assessment (DSA) proves a site has been returned to appropriate conditions. RCAs are submitted through the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) or Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), depending on the site.
Nichols is a trusted leader in land reclamation, providing comprehensive solutions to restore disturbed sites to sustainable conditions. With decades of experience, Nichols specializes in regulatory compliance, soil remediation, and revegetation strategies tailored to each project. Our expertise ensures efficient site recovery while meeting environmental and industry standards.
Key considerations in Reclamation include:
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to local, provincial, and federal environmental regulations throughout all phases.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with landowners, First Nations communities, and local stakeholders to address concerns and ensure sustainable land use.
- Environmental Baseline Studies: Conducted before development begins to establish reference conditions for reclamation goals.
- Adaptive Management: Adjusting remediation and reclamation strategies based on site-specific conditions and monitoring results.
Detailed Site Assessment (DSA) and Pre-Site Disturbance Assessment are not the same, although they are related processes within the lifecycle of land use and reclamation. They occur at different stages and serve distinct purposes.
Pre-Site Disturbance Assessment
A pre-site disturbance assessment is conducted before any physical activities begin on a site. Its primary purpose is to collect baseline information about the site’s environmental, ecological, and physical conditions. It serves as a reference point for future reclamation efforts and ensures regulatory compliance and proper planning to minimize disturbances. The key activities of a pre-site disturbance assessment include:
- Baseline environmental studies;
- Site mapping;
- Regulatory compliance; and
- Topsoil management planning.
Nichols conducts thorough pre-site disturbance assessments to establish accurate baseline data for effective land management. Our expertise ensures compliance with environmental regulations while minimizing site impact and optimizing future reclamation efforts.
Detailed Site Assessment
Detailed Site Assessments (DSA) are records created through field observations and background information to determine whether a site has been returned to suitable background or pre-disturbance conditions. DSAs are the final step after Phase 1 environmental site assessment (ESA), Phase 2 ESA, remediation, and reclamation programs. DSAs are conducted by filling out a Record of Observation (RoO) and following specific guidelines outlined by the desired end land use, according to the Government of Alberta’s reclamation criteria:
- 2010 Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities for Forested Lands;
- 2010 Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities for Native Grasslands;
- 2010 Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities for Cultivated Lands;
- Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities for Peatlands; and
- Reclamation Practices and Criteria for Powerlines.
The key activities of a DSA include:
- Soil assessment;
- Vegetation assessment;
- Erosion and stability checks;
- Water quality and hydrology;
- Contamination checks; and
- Regulatory reporting.
Reclamation and Detailed Site Assessments require thorough field and report writing observations, practices, and expertise. These should be completed by a professional firm with relevant experience to ensure quality and comprehensive work.
Along with Phase 1 and Phase 2 ESAs, remediation and DSAs reports must be signed off by a professional with good standing within one of the following organizations:
- Alberta Institute of Agrologists;
- Alberta Society of Professional Biologists;
- Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta;
- Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta;
- Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta; or
- Association of Alberta Forest Management Professional.
These qualities should be considered when choosing a provider:
- Rapid site access
- Accurate cost estimates
- Multi-disciplinary expertise
- Proven experience
Choosing the right provider ensures environmental compliance, cost-effective solutions, and sustainable land restoration.
Nichols specializes in remediation, reclamation, and detailed site assessments, ensuring sustainable land restoration and regulatory compliance. With expertise in environmental solutions, we help clients navigate complex site challenges efficiently. Serving Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon, we deliver trusted, results-driven services for various industries.
Office Locations
- Edmonton, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Saskatoon, SK