If you’ve read our recent piece on the importance of reclamation and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), you’ll know that the field has played a key role in maintaining the health and wellness of our environment, as well as safeguarding our natural resources. At ESAK Consulting we offer comprehensive environmental services, including reclamation consulting, assessments, training and more. We believe in working alongside our clients in the energy, transportation, and infrastructure sectors (to name a few) to educate and support continued progress where reclamation is concerned.

Below, we take another look at the goals of reclamation as a whole, as well as the role specialists in the field play in bringing these objectives to fruition. Read on to learn more.

A Quick Review

As we explored in our previous piece, reclamation is particularly important in provinces like Alberta, where a rich industrial history intertwined with unparalleled access to natural resources can often lead to heavy demand on the land. Left unchecked, this demand can cause extensive damage to the landscape, local flora and fauna, wildlife, and even surrounding communities. The goal of reclamation efforts is to return a site to a state that allows for similar uses and vitality as it was prior to mining or excavation. While total restoration is not possible, reclamation seeks to mitigate extensive damage and allow for minimal disruption to the area, both in the long and short term.

How Reclamation Consultants Help

When it comes to designing and implementing reclamation plans, extensive knowledge of the specific land area, as well as various environmental and industrial processes is key. Reclamation Consultants like the team with ESAK Consulting often pull from a multi-disciplinary approach to facilitate successful orchestration and delivery. In addition to identifying contaminated areas, consultants develop tailored plans for each site, as well as inspect, monitor, and evaluate existing reclamation projects. They also partner with clients to provide specific direction as to how to ensure compliance with federal and provincial environmental regulations across all stages of a project.

On the ground, a consultant’s work involves touring prospective and existing sites (both pre- and post-construction), collecting samples for future reference, and recording data and observations. Outside of the field, environmental consultants help clients tackle related paperwork, communicate between stakeholders and government officials, research evolving information and legislation, and more.

Partnering with an experienced team of reclamation experts can save companies countless hours of paperwork, money, and ensure an efficient process moving forward. Find out how ESAK can help you facilitate reclamation for your next project with ease by contacting us today.