NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Dehcho Region

Tags: physical sciences, environmental assessment, fish habitat, wildlife, infrastructure planning, wellsite

Objective(s): The objective of this study is to determine the presence or absence of fish habitat and wildlife in the area of three proposed exploratory petroleum well sites and along associated access routes. This field study is a continuation of initial survey work completed in 1998. The proposed fisheries work includes habitat and stocking surveys as described in a Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) collection permit. Details surrounding the collection of wildlife data may be found in the Resources Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED) wildlife research permit application for this project. Information obtained through the field studies will be used, along with a literature review, to write an environmental assessment report to support land and water license permit applications, for continued development of the proposed well sites.

Project Description: The proposed field program is designed to provide information on fish habitat and wildlife in the area of three exploratory petroleum well sites and along their respective access routes in the Fort Liard/Nahanni Butte area. Researchers will travel to the well sites and along access routes sites by helicopter with survey work carried out by air, small boat and on foot. Fish habitat assessments, water quality samples and fish census techniques (outlined in the DFO fisheries research permit) will be carried out in the vicinity of the proposed well locations and along the transportation routes to them. Wildlife field studies will involve helicopter flights and ground searches for raptor nests, potential or actual den sites, ungulate activity and bird species present. Further details surrounding the collection of wildlife information are outlined in the applicant's wildlife research permit from RWED.