Peat Resources Limited: Peatlands Research in Northwestern Ontario
April 15 2010 - 1:45PM
Marketwired
Peat Resources Limited (TSX VENTURE: PET) is pleased to acknowledge
important research completed by scientists at Lakehead and McMaster
Universities on the peatlands of northwestern Ontario. The research
was carried out under the Atikokan Bioenergy Research Centre,
funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Centre for
Excellence - Energy. Peat Resources Limited was a contributing
private sector partner to the program.
Field studies were carried out in 2007-2009 near Upsala, about
130 km northwest of Thunder Bay, on peatlands held under permit by
Peat Resources Limited and were part of an investigation of the
environmental effects of wet-harvesting peat as an alternative
biomass energy source for the OPG Atikokan Generating Station. The
research was directed by Dr. Peter Lee (wetland biologist, Lakehead
University) and Dr. Mike Waddington (peatland specialist, McMaster
University).
Key results and conclusions include the following:
-- Confirmation of the wet peat harvesting system developed by Peat
Resources Limited and successful wetland rehabilitation.
Wet harvesting does not require pre-drainage of the peatland.
The upper growing layer of the bog can be preserved and, after
harvesting of the underlying fuel-grade peat, is rehabilitated as
part of a functioning wetland. In contrast, the dry harvesting
method of peat production used in Europe and in horticultural peat
operations elsewhere in Canada requires complete pre-drainage and
clearing of the site causing significant environmental change.
-- Maintenance of biodiversity values in post-harvest areas.
The research has shown that the abundance and diversity of plant
species in the rehabilitated harvested areas are comparable to
those in adjacent natural areas. In fact, growth of sphagnum moss,
the principal plant in these types of peatlands, was found to be
enhanced in the rehabilitated zones.
-- Greenhouse gas exchange from post-harvest rehabilitated wetlands is
within the range of northern peatlands.
In their natural state, peatlands are both emitters (methane)
and absorbers (carbon dioxide) of greenhouse gases and are a net
carbon source to the atmosphere. Removal of the fuel-grade peat
reduces the methane emissions and enhanced growth of the mosses in
post-harvest areas increases the sequestration of carbon dioxide.
Appropriate selection of harvesting sites can therefore result in a
net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
-- Excellent post-harvest conditions for valuable agricrops.
Field and laboratory tests have demonstrated that careful
management of the post-harvest rehabilitation process can create
ponds (suitable for wild rice) or drier terrain (suitable for
blueberries). There is a growing demand for these products which
can stimulate additional local economic benefits.
Results of these investigations are relevant to the efforts of
Peat Resources Limited which is developing peat fuel pellets for
power generation. The research confirms the minimal environmental
impact of the production of this sustainable bioenergy resource.
The results are also timely; the recent interest in mining
developments in the Ring of Fire area of northern Ontario indicates
a future need for large amounts of reasonably-priced power which
the use of peat fuel can help to facilitate.
Peat Resources Limited was formed to develop, produce and market
peat fuel and is currently active in Ontario and Newfoundland with
a view to serving energy needs in the Great Lakes and
trans-Atlantic markets. Rising fuel costs, increased sensitivity to
environmental issues, and government energy policies have enhanced
opportunities for the use of peat fuel in electricity generating
stations and other facilities that require economically
competitive, environmentally favourable, and consistent quality
energy supplies.
Further information and links to articles regarding the northern
Ontario peatland research may be accessed on the Company's website
- www.peatresources.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contacts: Peat Resources Limited Peter Telford President and CEO
416 862-7885 416 862-7889 (FAX) peatfuel@peatresources.com
www.peatresources.com
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