Restoration Ecology

Jasper National Park

2011

Trans Mountain Pipeline Anchor

Loop Project

TMX ANCHOR LOOP PROJECT

Began in Jasper August 2007 and was complete October 2008. Built in the early 1950s, the Trans Mountain pipeline is a 1,150 kilometer petroleum products pipeline The Canada National Parks Act does not provide for any new utility corridors through national parks. Kinder Morgan Canada inherited provisions granted in the 1950s that allowed the TMX Anchor Loop to progress.

Restoration Requirements Kinder Morgan undertook a comprehensive environmental assessment of the pipeline route

The pipeline right of way was to be restored to its pre-disturbance state, post construction monitoring is to continue for at least 5 years. Evaluation includes reclamation success, vegetation establishment, erosion control and weed growth

Part of the agreement on top of restoration of the pipeline right of way was for Kinder Morgan to commit to enhancing ecological and commemorative integrity in Jasper National Park. This program was called the “Net Gains Program”

Miette River Crossing

In total there were 43 river crossings that were affected by the pipeline. At this location a dam was installed to halt water flow and pumps were used to divert the water around the construction area. Pipe was installed and water flow resumed in a 24 hour period.

Restoration

For seed bed stability heavy equipment operators packed the soil so their tracks were perpendicular to the slope. This provided a protected soil base for seeds to establish while preventing erosion from wind or water

Replanted Pine, Mountain Alder and locally native shrubs on both banks to match the naturally occurring forest vegetation

The sandbar on the right bank was replaced along with large stones and cobble along the flow level of the left bank to pre disturbed conditions

A bank root zone was re-established for an appropriate foundation for the establishment of newly planted native woody species

The bank was recreated using biodegradable wraps filled with local soil and layered with live willow stakes.

Construction panel fencing was used to limit wildlife access to the newly establishing saplings, forbs and grass species.

Miette Wetland

Located near the CN rail line the Miette Wetland ran a 4 kilometer strench and posed quite the change as a restoration project.

Restoration

Frost was packed along the right of way and then additional ice was made on that surface. A ditch wheel was used to excavate the trench. This method ensured a narrow ditch, disturb less soil, and require less soil storage area resulting in minimal disturbance to the area.

Wetlands are an important wildlife area with sensitive soils. To reduce damage to wetland vegetation during pipeline construction, all work was completed during the winter months.

Various native woody and riparian vegetation species were collected and transplanted back to this site.

This ensured that the same structure and function was restored to the wetland in a pre-disturbed state.

Weed/invasive specie control is critical in any restoration success. We discovered Canola, barley and wheat growing on CN rail line adjacent to the Miette Wetland.

Apple Moss Haller’s Apple Moss (Endangered) was discovered in an area near the pipeline right of way. Maintaining the sensitive habitat of this moss was overlooked. Mature trees were removed, which provided the necessary components for this species survival

Negative effects of canopy removal raises air temperature and light intensity, and decreases relative Humidity which is essential in the Haller’s Apple Moss survival.

A burlap screen was constructed to simulate a moist, shady growing environment until newly planted trees are established. Relative humidity and temperature are being monitored at this site to determine the effectiveness of restoration efforts.

Relative humidity and temperature data collected over two growing seasons (2008, 2009) suggest that the habitats that Haller’s Apple Moss occupy have a higher mean relative humidity and lower mean temperature then nearby microhabitats at the same sites. (Recovery Strategy for Haller’s Apple Moss in Canada, Species at Risk, Oct 2010)

Pipeline Right of Way East

of Jasper

Directly north of highway 16, this site is used by elk and big horned sheep for calving, rutting and as winter forage range. Initial restoration of this site was unsuccessful as high levels of erosion occurred along the slope.

Restoration During the post-construction phase the soil was prepared in a manner which encouraged water erosion. Crews had to return to create erosion control ridges and add matting to slow the pronounced drainage of water .

The slope was reseeded with unpalatable grasses and forbs to discourage wildlife grazing along the highway. A log rail fence was then erected around restoration site. This style was selected due to its natural appearance that would be more appealing to public perception and restricting wildlife access.

Grass Seed Mixes for Each Site

Miette River Crossing and Miette Wetland -Hairy Wild Rye -Fringed Bromegrass -Awned Wheatgrass -Northern Wheatgrass -Tufted Hair grass -Rocky Mountain Fescue -June Grass -Alpine Bluegrass -Fowl Bluegrass -Spike Trisetum -Bluejoint

Pipeline Right of Way East of Jasper (unpalatable Seed mix) -Smooth Wild Rye -Spike Trisetum -June Grass -Rocky Mountain Fescue -Rough Hair Grass -Alpine Bluegrass

Exam Questions What was the purpose of restoring the Miette wetland in the winter? What detail was overlooked while dealing with Haller’s Apple Moss? On the Miette wetland, why is there still a visible path where the pipeline right of way is after

almost 3 years? Why was Kinder-Morgan allowed to build a petroleum pipeline through Jasper National Park? List some groups needed to be consulted before construction started on the TMX Anchor loop

Pipeline? List some considerations that needed to be made when diverting water during a river crossing

construction? What methods were used to seed native grasses in JNP? What considerations were made with construction scheduals with reguards to wildlife? What were some important things to think about while dealing with the “appearence” of the

pipeline project? Jenny claims to have seen eyes in the dark durning our stay at Cadamin campground. What was the

likely species she saw? Werewolf, Yogi bear, ground Squirelle or the Saber Toothed species that Josh ID at the wetland restoration site