Land reclamation services are the process of returning disturbed land to a productive, healthy state for sustainable use. The practice is often associated with resource extraction, but it can be applied to a range of land uses and natural environments.
Whether it’s returning mine land to pre-mining conditions, repurposing an industrial facility for recreational use, or simply restoring land affected by a natural disaster, land reclamation requires a comprehensive suite of engineering and ecological services to achieve project goals while balancing regulatory expectations and costs. Trihydro has the expertise to deliver a full scope of land reclamation services, from characterizing site conditions to implementing an interconnected suite of sediment and erosion control; stream restoration and stabilization; and revegetation – all with the goal of returning the land to productive use.
Environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands or marine habitats, must be protected from development. Reclamation projects can help protect these lands from encroachment or a loss of wildlife.
Soil stabilization is also a key component of the land reclamation process, as it can prevent erosion and stabilize soil pH levels that could harm native wildlife. Typically, lime is added to create the appropriate pH levels for plants and animals that require specific soil conditions. However, applying the exact amount of lime to a wide area with complex topography can be challenging.
Sediment management is a critical part of land reclamation, as it can contain metals or other hazardous materials that may migrate offsite during an event or be deposited into nearby waterways. It can also clog streams and other water distribution systems, creating health risks for humans and environmental concerns.
Reclamation methods vary by site and region, and the choice of method depends on many factors including foundation soil, seabed topography, presence of fine material, and so on. Infilling, the most common method, is a simple process of filling an area with large rocks and cement. This method is prone to liquefaction, particularly in areas that are subject to earthquakes, but can be mitigated with geogrid-stabilised structures.
The construction of dams and other structures that bring irrigation water to arid or semi-arid lands is another popular land reclamation activity. In the western United States, for example, the Bureau of Reclamation builds more than 600 dams to supply reliable water and hydropower to a variety of agricultural industries.
Aside from reclaiming land that has been damaged by a natural event, reclaimed lands can also be replanted with native species to mimic the original landscape and provide habitat for plants and animals. Using prescribed seeding, soil amendments, or other ecological treatments can restore habitat to its natural state while ensuring that soil is able to support plant growth.
Liquefaction is a problem that can affect the integrity of land reclamation projects, especially when granular soil is used for the fill material. During seismic events, liquefaction can cause ground subsidence that can deform buildings. Fortunately, structural solutions are now available to prevent this damage and ensure the safety of workers and property.
