Reclamation Program

1
Reclamation Program

• BLM Fluid Minerals Conference
• Presented by Stephanie Tomkinson, Questar
  Biologist
• May 20, 2008

2
Agenda

• Attitude
• Reclamation Science
• Sequential Steps
• Monitoring Responsibility Shift
• From agencies to industry
• Multiple Use

3
Attitude

• Dedicated staff of biologists/ecologists
• Dedicated resources
• AFE line item reclamation costs
• Cooperation/support from employees and contractors

4
Reclamation Science
Enhanced Reclamation Projects
5
Reclamation Science

• Soil chemistry
• proper topsoil removal
• proper topsoil replacement
• soil analysis
• amendments

6
Reclamation Science
Enhanced Reserve Pit Evaporation
7
Reclamation Science
Reserve Pit Backfill Recontour
8
Reclamation Science
Rip Relieve Compaction
9
Reclamation Science
Spread Topsoil with Scraper
10
Reclamation Science
Shrub Island 1 of 4
11
Reclamation ScienceFunctionality
Ditch Perimeter of Production Pad
12
Reclamation Science
PLANT SPECIES SELECTION Soil stability Weed
control Wildlife Livestock
Introduced Species
Native Species
Crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum
Thickspike wheatgrass, Elymus lanceolatus ssp.
lanceolatus
13
Reclamation Science
Bull Moose 2 Wamsutter, Wyoming Field August 30,
2007 Year 1 Monitor
Constructed Fall 2005 Completed March
2006 Backfilled October 2006 Seeded November
2006 Inspected August 2007
Area disturbed 3 acres Area reclaimed 2
acres Production pad 1 acre
Area disturbed 3 acres Area reclaimed 2
acres Production pad 1 acre
14
Reclamation Science
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, Cleome serrulata
15
Bull Moose 2 Wamsutter, Wyoming Field August 30,
2007 Year 1 Monitor
16
Reclamation Science

• Seed treatment
• Nutritional supplement
• Quicker emergence
• Stronger, bigger root systems
• Increased yields

17
Reclamation Science
Moisture Retention Erosion Control
18
Moisture Retention Erosion Control
19
Moisture Retention Erosion Control
20
Reclamation Science
Snow Fence and Reclamation Fence
21
Reclamation Science
Snow Fence and Reclamation Fence
22
Monitoring Responsibility

• Shift from agency to industry
• Condition of Approval or Applicant Committed
  Measure in most NEPA documents
• Annual reports and photo documentation

23
Multiple Use
24
Questions/Comments
Vermillion Creek, Wyoming