Course Details
Course Code:
LAND 240
Credits:
3
Calendar Description:
This course is designed for land agents who need to understand the concepts relating to land reclamation, but will not need to apply the techniques. Course topics will cover the nature of disturbed lands and the theory, techniques, and requirements for soil stabilization, remediation, revegetation, and restoration of ecosystem processes. This information will focus on the upstream oil and gas sector and relate to the Schedule A and Schedule B process for reclaiming well sites and pipelines on agricultural lands.
Date First Offered:
2009-09-01
Hours:
Total Hours: 45
Lecture Hours: 3
Total Weeks:
15
This course is offered online:
No
Pre-Requisites:
LAND 120 Soil Investigations
Non-Course Pre-Requisites:
None
Co-Requisites:
LAND 230 Soil Classification
Rearticulation Submission:
No
Course Content:
Soil and Ecosystem Properties and Processes
- soil definition and describe soil components
- soil processes
- ecosystem components
- ecosystem processes of matter cycling and energy flow
Types and Characteristic of Disturbances
- disturbances caused by wellsite and pipeline establishment
- disturbances caused by road and landing establishment
- disturbances caused by landslides, slope failure, and surface erosion
- characteristics of degraded watercourses
- characteristics of contaminated sites
Soil Stabilization and Remediation
- processes of soil erosion
- characteristics of subsoil and overburden
- methods for reducing soil erosion
- methods for controlling slope failure
- methods of channel and stream bank stabilization
- methods of mitigating soil contamination
Suitable Revegetation Species
- autecology and uses of non-native plant species
- autecology and uses of native plant species
Revegetation Techniques
- problems associated with plant establishment on disturbed lands
- methods of ameliorating the microclimatic and chemical environment
- species and mix selection
- seed and propagule establishment methods
Government Reclamation/Restoration Standards and Guidelines
- relevant acts and regulations in BC (major) and Alberta (minor)
- reclamation/restoration standards and guidelines in BC (major) and Alberta (minor)
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe soil and ecosystem properties and processes
- Describe types and characteristics of disturbances
- Explain soil stabilization and remediation
- Describe suitable revegetation species
- Explain revegetation techniques
- Describe government reclamation/restoration standards and guidelines
Passing Grade:
D
Grading Weight:
Final Exam: 30 %
Midterm Exam: 20 %
Assignments: 50 %
Number of Assignments:
5
Writing Assignments:
Short paragraphs
Percentage of Individual Work:
100
Course Offered in Other Programs:
No
Text Books:
Required - Verbisky, L., Northern Lights College Module Supplied by the Instructor (Fort St. John, BC). Chapters Covered: All