USA: Suncor Energy Opens New Reclamation Project

Suncor Energy yesterday celebrated another milestone in its reclamation efforts with the planting of a type of wetland called a fen at the company’s base plant north of Fort McMurray, Alberta.

A fen is a specific type of peat-accumulating wetland, common to the region. Suncor is one of the first companies in the world to attempt reconstruction of this type of wetland, and has been doing so in cooperation with a number of university researchers from across North America.

“I want to acknowledge the many people and organizations working together on this journey; they have played a vital part in helping us get to where we are today,” said Mark Little, executive vice-president, Oil Sands and In Situ. “I also look forward to continued collaboration on this great project, as we are deeply committed to returning land to a natural state for future generations. Looking ahead, I expect we and others in the industry will continue learning as we share the knowledge gained so far, and as we progress together through the Nikanotee Fen’s monitoring phase.”

Construction of the fen’s underlying watershed was completed in January 2013, setting the stage for planting vegetation this spring and summer. To celebrate the planting phase, Suncor held an opening ceremony earlier today, which included an Aboriginal blessing and remarks from local dignitaries including Mayor Melissa Blake and the Honourable Don Scott, MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin.

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Press Release, August 27, 2013