Development of Reclamation and Management Guidelines for Class 5R Non-Irrigable Lands in Alberta

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1 Development of Reclamation and Management Guidelines for Class 5R Non-Irrigable Lands in Alberta Brent Paterson, P.Ag. Irrigation Technical Conference March 1, 2018, Taber, Alberta

2 Background There is increasing demand for irrigation expansion within the irrigation districts. Most expansion requests are in areas supported by existing infrastructure. Many of the land parcels considered for expansion have areas of non-irrigable land (Class 5 pending), that may be reclassified as irrigable if successful reclamation is carried out.

3 Causes Excess Salinity and/or High Water Table Canal Seepage Natural Groundwater Flow Over-Irrigation

4 Example of Land Classification Class 5 (pending) Non-irrigable pending more investigation; and Non-irrigable pending reclamation improvement (pipeline, drainage, canal lining, on-farm irrigation management). Main issues related to Class 5 (pending) land are: Excess salinity in the root zone; and High water table.

5 Example Class 5 (pending)

6 Transition Process (Current) There are currently no guidelines to assist irrigation producers assess, plan and implement a successful reclamation program for Class 5 (pending) non-irrigable lands. The Class 5 (pending) classification indicates that the land classifier considers there is potential for reclamation to irrigable status. The producer can request the land classifier to re-classify the Class 5 (pending) land to Class 5R status but only after an acceptable reclamation program has been implemented.

7 Transition Process (Current) The irrigation district may grant a terminable irrigation water right for the Class 5R land during the 5 to 10-year reclamation period. If the reclamation program is successful, the Class 5R land can be re-classified as irrigable, and the irrigation district may grant a permanent water right. If the reclamation program is not successful within the 10 year period, the Class 5R land is re-classified as non-irrigable (Class 6), and the terminable water agreement must be cancelled.

8 Guidelines Report Worked with Ivan Friesen (EID) to study this issue, and prepare this report. Reclamation and Management Guidelines for Irrigated Class 5R Lands Reclamation and Management Guidelines for Irrigated in Class Alberta 5R Lands in Alberta Funding for this study provided by the Canada- Alberta Growing Forward 2 Program.

9 Guidelines Report Identifies the issues related to Class 5 (pending) and Class 5R lands. Identifies the need for an investigation to assess reclamation potential, planning, and costs before requesting the land be re-classified to Class 5R. Identifies the need for the producer to develop a reclamation program. Investigation; Reclamation options and priorities; Management requirements; and Implementation plan.

10 Reclamation/Management Options

11 Considerations Subsurface drainage is the most expensive reclamation option, but costs can be minimized with a proper investigation. Leaching excess salts can be difficult and time-consuming. Agronomic management practices will improve crop production during reclamation.

12 Report Recommendations Improve the transition process from Class 5 (pending) to Class 5R Lands Preparation of a more formal process is recommended to assure the irrigation producer that Class 5 (pending) land will be reclassified to Class 5R after the reclamation plan is implemented. Reinforce the Need for a Reclamation Investigation Irrigation producers interested in pursuing a reclamation program for Class 5 (pending) land, should be encouraged to acquire the services of a qualified professional to carry out a comprehensive investigation, before any reclamation activities are implemented. Recommend a Longer Reclamation Timeline It is recommended that the total reclamation timeline for Class 5R land be extended from 10 years to 15 years.

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