Environmental Consulting - HWA Wildlife Consulting
Environmental Consultants

Reclamation

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Reclamation Planning and Monitoring

HWA has worked hard since 2010 to develop reclamation plans that meet required standards, are cost effective, and improve the reclamation process. 

Extensive pre-disturbance field work is an integral part of developing a site specific reclamation plan. HWA works diligently to form the most cost-effective and outcome focused plan that includes:

  • Soil analyses to determine soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, and reactivity.

  • Vegetation transects to identify and record species present at the site, and a reference site.

  • A variety of landscape characteristics are also recorded, such as drainages, erosion potential, topography, and landform.

  • By considering soils, vegetation, and landform, the site is classified as a standard Ecological Site Description (ESD), and an appropriate seed mix is developed. 

  • Detailed instructions and maps for topsoil salvage are prepared by HWA.

  • In some cases, seed mixes and topsoil salvage methods may differ within a site to reflect the pre-disturbance conditions.

  • All noxious/invasive weed species are mapped during the pre-construction field monitoring to establish baseline conditions.

  • We also can provide invasive and noxious weed control by chemical control measures to eliminate seed sources, contain weeds, and kill existing weeds.

Cost-effective and outcome focused reclamation planning

Post-construction monitoring is essential in ensuring the success of the reclamation process. HWA can complete the post-construction annual monitoring, focused largely on weeds, erosion control, and native species success.

Throughout the phases of reclamation, we communicate with all involved parties to ensure that reclamation requirements are met, conduct all necessary field work, and prepare documents and maps, all of which will facilitate reclamation, making the process more efficient. 

Final Reclamation Site Inspections

HWA has worked with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) the past few years assisting with the final inpections of oil and gas locations that meet reclamation thresholds for release. Inspections include crop assessments, vegetation assessments following COGCC methods, photographs, noxious weed and stormwater erosion inspection, and drone usage.