When developing oil and gas well pads, the vegetation and soil are removed to level the areas for drilling and operations.
Links:
[1] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/news/new-scientific-approach-assesses-land-recovery-following-oil-and-gas-drilling
[2] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/newspaper/environment-news-network
[3] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/oil
[4] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/natural-gas
[5] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/natural-gas-exploration
[6] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/oil-exploration
[7] http://admin.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/thesaurus/united-states-america-us