Presented by John Augustyn Reclamation Approval Coordinator with

Alberta Environment and ParksSeptember 27, 2017

Land

Soil

Aggregate (Sand and Gravel)

Vegetation

Water

Landowners

Operators

Public

Municipalities

Provincial regulators

Landowners

Operators

Public

Municipalities

Provincial regulators

Income

Product

Continued value of land (equivalent land capability by means of conservation and reclamation)

Integrity of water

Something new(alternative end land uses)

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (1992 origin) – defines pits and reclamation; to construct, operate or reclaim a pit is an activity under the Act.

Activities Designation Regulation –registrations are required for any pit 5 hectares or larger (includes infrastructure and stockpiles) (aka Class I pit)

Conservation and Reclamation Regulation – any land being used for construction, operation or reclamation of a pit is “specified land” (no distinction of Class I or II); an operator must conserve specified land and reclaim specified land.

Code of Practice for Pits – standards and process (Activities Plans, full cost reclamation security, and reporting requirements)

Guide to the Code of Practice for Pits- detailed information for plans guiding conservation and reclamation.

Applications:◦ Activity plan

◦ Pre-disturbance assessment

◦ Soils

◦ Groundwater evaluation

◦ Current status if an operating pit

◦ Full cost security estimate representing next 5 years operations.

◦ Proposed end land uses

◦ Authorizations from municipalities

An activity within the water requires an approval. (Wet pit excavation, construction of end pit lakes)

A use of water will typically require a licence. (gravel washing, dust control)

Disturbance of wetlands requires authorization, but re-creation of wetlands through reclamation is a valid option.

No distinction for Class I or II pits.

Thorough assessment of site before disturbance guides conservation of soil.

Conservation of soil at the beginning allows reclamation of pit by maximizing soil placement.

Focus on topsoil (All of L, F, H & A horizons) & subsoil (B and C horizons to a maximum of 1.2 meters)

Stripping of topsoil for at least 5 meters from pit faces and stockpiled.

3m separation from other stockpiles

All topsoil is to be used strictly for reclamation of the pit.

Erosion

Weeds

Setbacks

Soil conservation

Sloping

Water management

Material movement to be complete

Site re-vegetated

Weeds have been managed

Water bodies constructed as authorized

Initiated by the registration holder by application.

Assessed by a reclamation inspector.

Target is minimum of 80% productivity of pre-site landbase.

AEP focus: Soil

Land

Water (surface and ground water)

Reclamation Security

Municipality focus: Land use / zoning (critical component)

Resident consideration such as noise and traffic

Lafarge Cherry Pit 1986

Lafarge Cherry Pit is now Legends Golf Course

Echo Lake – Westlock County

Echo Lake - Westlock County

WhiteRidge MX park – Woodlands County

Hawrelak Park – City of Edmonton

Hawrelak Park – City of Edmonton