Proactively reducing the effects of our projects to the environment is an ongoing priority for us. Our reclamation work takes into consideration the needs of the ecosystem and the people who use the land. We work closely with landowners and communities to understand their land use activities and ensure any site-specific requirements are met. We incorporate their concerns in our reclamation process, for instance by replanting local species or seeding crops.
Reclamation
Proactive Reclamation Work
Surface Reclamation Program
In our North American conventional operations, we reclaimed and certified 880 hectares of land in 2010, for a total of 4,526 hectares since 2007.
At Horizon, we successfully reclaimed 77 hectares last year, for a total of 154 hectares of progressive reclamation that involved site reconstruction and topsoil salvage operations and placement. As part of our reforestation program, we monitored the progress of 92,000 white spruce seedling planted in 2009, and we planted more trees and shrubs in the summer of 2011.
Through our site prioritization processes we manage the abandonment and reclamation of inactive wells. During 2010 we doubled the number of inactive well abandonments completed in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, totalling 1,251, up from 655 in 2009. This proactive work also includes the decommissioning of inactive facilities and remediation work at different operating facilities.
We reduce our environmental liabilities through the abandonment of wells according to regulated requirements, the reclamation of abandoned well sites, and the decommissioning of shut-in facilities. Throughout the operating life of our wells and facilities we conduct due-diligence inspections, site assessments, and remediation projects to minimize our environmental impacts.
Preserving Ecological Integrity
The Great Sand Hills in Saskatchewan is one of the largest native grassland tracks within the largest sand dune complex in Canada. Canadian Natural's development in this environmentally sensitive region, partially located on Wildlife Habitat protected land, is focused on minimal disturbance drilling, thereby reducing the need for land reclamation.
Mitigative measures used to achieve this goal include site selection, project scheduling and environmentally aware operating practices. These measures are designed to preserve and protect wildlife, water bodies and surface soil, while we ensure valuable gas exploration and production. Environmental protocols and responsible practices, together with cooperative stakeholder involvement, have been instrumental in preserving the ecological integrity of this nationally recognized area.
Canadian Natural is committed to including stakeholders in our reclamation activities. Learn more about these efforts: