Reclamation

Obtaining your reclamation certificate requires proper site preparation, appropriate restoration techniques for your specific landscape, ongoing monitoring, and documentation that satisfies Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) standards.

Terra-Sano provides comprehensive reclamation services across Alberta, managing every phase from initial site preparation through final reclamation certificate approval. We handle everything in-house to execute the work, not just plan it.

Reclamation Services

Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Surveys

Reclamation requires precise site documentation. Our RTK-equipped drones and ground equipment deliver the precise surveying data regulators expect, eliminating guesswork and reducing the likelihood of deficiency letters questioning your site work.

RTK surveys are utilized to estimate topsoil needs and understand surface drainage, topography, soil volumetrics, and site-specific requirements.

Surface Water Management

Water pooling, erosion, or inadequate runoff management can destroy vegetation establishment and delay reclamation certificates for years.

Our team designs and implements surface water management solutions that:

  • Prevent erosion and soil loss
  • Eliminate standing water that inhibits vegetation growth
  • Direct runoff appropriately to protect surrounding areas
  • Meet regulatory requirements for site drainage

Ecosystem-Specific Restoration

Native Grassland Restoration

For sites in native grassland ecosystems, successful reclamation requires specialized equipment, custom seed blending, and expert knowledge of native plant establishment. This is one of Terra-Sano's core strengths.

Because native grassland restoration is such a critical component of reclamation success, we've built dedicated capabilities around it. Learn more about our Native Grassland Seeding services.

Native Grassland Seeding

Water Body Restoration

Sites with water body impacts—whether it's historic crossing disturbances, riparian area degradation, or wetland impacts—require specialized restoration approaches that satisfy regulatory requirements.

Water body restoration is one of the more complex aspects of site reclamation, often requiring additional approvals and long-term monitoring. Our environmental professionals navigate these requirements while our field crews execute the physical restoration work.

Forested Reclamation

Reclaiming well sites in forested areas requires understanding successional forest development, selecting appropriate species for site conditions, managing competing vegetation, and creating conditions where natural regeneration can occur.

Our forested reclamation services include:

  • Site preparation and soil conditioning
  • Tree and shrub species selection based on native plant communities
  • Planting strategies that account for natural regeneration
  • Understory vegetation management

With proper planning and execution, we can demonstrate to regulators that your site is on a clear trajectory toward meeting reclamation criteria, even if full forest maturity takes decades.

Project Management That Delivers Reclamation Certificates

Reclamation projects involve multiple phases, regulatory approvals, fieldwork timing, monitoring periods, and final documentation. Your project manager at Terra-Sano coordinates everything from initial planning through reclamation certificate approval.

The industry average timeline from receiving the well file to achieving a reclamation certificate is 10-13 years. Terra-Sano consistently delivers in 2-3 years. That difference comes down to integrated capabilities, experienced project management, and a focus on moving sites toward closure rather than letting them sit inactive.

Why Terra-Sano is Trusted
for Reclamation Services

Because We Optimize for Reclamation Certificate Success

We've done this hundreds of times. We know what regulators look for in reclamation certificate applications. We know which shortcuts cause problems years later. We know how to build sites that don't just pass initial inspection—they achieve certification.

Because We Understand Alberta's Variable Conditions

Our project managers and field crews work throughout Alberta. We understand regional differences in site conditions, vegetation, and regulatory nuances. You're getting reclamation strategies tailored to your specific sites and regions.

Because We Control the Entire Process

Most reclamation projects involve coordinating multiple contractors. Each contractor has their own schedule, their own equipment availability, and their own invoice.

Terra-Sano eliminates those scheduling and rescheduling headaches. Our environmental professionals develop the reclamation plan. Our earthworks division handles recontouring and site preparation. Our equipment does the seeding. Our project managers coordinate everything.

Because We Know You're Tired of Sites Sitting Inactive

Every year a site sits inactive, you're paying regulatory fees, carrying liability on your books, and potentially attracting regulatory attention. Reclamation isn't just an environmental obligation—it's a financial and strategic priority.

Our team moves sites from "needs reclamation" to "reclamation certificate approved" as efficiently as possible, keeping you informed throughout the process and delivering results that close out liability.

Contact Your Complete Reclamation Team

If you have inactive well sites that need reclamation, or if you're frustrated with how long it's taking to achieve reclamation certificates, we can help. Contact Terra-Sano today to discuss your reclamation needs and start moving sites toward completion.

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Page Summary
  • RTK surveys, surface water management, and reclamation activities to ensure proper site preparation
  • Native grassland and forested restoration with specialized equipment and ecosystem-specific expertise
  • Achieve reclamation certificate in 2-3 years through integrated reclamation services