RECL2019 Imperial

Imperial’s commitment to progressive reclamation

Muskeg Lake on the Kearl lease was constructed to compensate for fish habitat that will be lost

The 30-ha lake, known as Muskeg Lake, and its surrounding riparian and upland areas, demonstrates Imperial’s vision of how successful reclamation will look.
Development of the oil sands in north eastern Alberta is often perceived by some as representing daunting environmental challenges. One particular area of stakeholder focus is the nature of the surface-land footprint associated with mineable oil-sands developments.

Successful reclamation endeavors require an integrated team of subject-matter experts in the fields of wetlands, vegetation, soils, wildlife, hydrology, and hydrogeology, working together with mine, tailings, and reclamation planners. In addition, geotechnical specialists and construction and operations personnel is required for this to be a successful project. 

Imperial’s commitment to progressive reclamation

Muskeg Lake on the Kearl lease was constructed to compensate for fish habitat that will be lost

Development of the oil sands in north eastern Alberta is often perceived by some as representing daunting environmental challenges. One particular area of stakeholder focus is the nature of the surface-land footprint associated with mineable oil-sands developments.

Successful reclamation endeavors require an integrated team of subject-matter experts in the fields of wetlands, vegetation, soils, wildlife, hydrology, and hydrogeology, working together with mine, tailings, and reclamation planners. In addition, geotechnical specialists and construction and operations personnel is required for this to be a successful project. 
The 30-ha lake, known as Muskeg Lake, and its surrounding riparian and upland areas, demonstrates Imperial’s vision of how successful reclamation will look.
The Kearl Oilsands Mine (Kearl) 70 km north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, is a mining, extraction, and processing facility operated by Imperial. Kearl demonstrates how progressive land reclamation has been integrated into the mine-planning process from the outset of project planning and how the soil, overburden, groundwater, surface water, vegetation, and wildlife resources are considered throughout the life of the mine from a reclamation perspective. 
The Kearl lease is within the traditional territory of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, the Mikisew Cree First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Metis, Fort McKay Metis, Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, McMurray Metis and the Fort McKay First Nation. In developing a process to facilitate the input and concerns of the Aboriginal community members with regard to reclamation and closure planning, Imperial formed an Aboriginal Reclamation Planning Group in 2011. 
The purpose of this group is to review and provide input into the reclamation plans being developed, adapted and updated during the life of Kearl. The Reclamation Planning Group includes a youth and an elder representative from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and Fort McKay First Nation.
Monitoring at Muskeg Lake has confirmed the presence of nine species of fish.
Observing vegetation at Muskeg Lake in September 2018.
Reclamation material (surface soil and subsoil) was salvaged from the lake footprint and later placed in 2010 when the lake excavation was completed. Since 2011 six tree and twelve shrub species were planted in the riparian and upland areas surrounding the lake. As of June 2013, two months after the startup of bitumen production at Kearl, Imperial had reclaimed 69 hectares of land on its lease.
As part of Kearl’s long-term vision for reclamation success, Imperial is currently salvaging, segregating, and storing soil, and collecting and banking native seeds so that these valuable reclamation materials are available in the future.


In November 2012, Kearl became the first oil sands mining development to earn international recognition from the Wildlife Habitat Council, an international, non-profit organization that works with conservation groups and business to promote wildlife-habitat enhancement and education programs, for its commitment to enhancing wildlife habitat and awareness. 
A bull moose is observed on reclaimed land surrounding Muskeg Lake in September 2013.
Muskeg Lake, September 2018.
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