Improved Interim and Final Reclamation Strategies for Appalachian Shale-Gas Infrastructure.

Appalachian landscapes have experienced oil and natural gas development for over 100 years, which has resulted in an extensive network of well pads, pipelines, and access roads across the state. Recent development of unconventional shale-gas reservoirs (Marcellus and Utica formations) has added to this historic disturbance. Interim and final site reclamation protocols for this infrastructure largely focuses on maintaining site stability and minimizing potential erosion. We present a study designed to assess current and alternative physical reclamation techniques and planting mixes that strive to improve the status quo and more effectively restore ecosystem function. Treatments consisted of two status quo scenarios (no subsoil compaction alleviation and with or without stone support removal prior to topsoil placement) and 20 and 50 cm subsoil ripping with topsoil replacement. All topsoil was ripped to 8 cm. Planting mixes consisted of the status quo warm season grasses and two alternative mixes with greater percentages of cool season grasses and pollinators. In addition various tree planting strategies are included that are designed to mimic a gradual forest edge with a random or ordered planting pattern.