Reconnaissance Surveys to Select Sample Sites for Detailed Biophysical Surveys in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region: Biophysical Baseline Studies in Support of the Mackenzie Delta Gas Feasibility Study.
Principal Investigator: Green, Jeff (3)
Licence Number: 13238
Organization: Kavik - AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd.
Licensed Year(s): 2001
Issued: Jul 17, 2001
Project Team: three additional Kavik - AXYS personnel and one Inuvialuit HTC representative

Objective(s): Imperial Oil Resources, Gulf Canada Resources Limited, Shell Canada Limited, and ExxonMobil Canada are planning to initiate a number of Biophysical Baseline Studies during 2001-2002 as part of a feasibility study for the Mackenzie Delta Gas Opportunity. Local knowledge and technical/scientific research, in combination with a synthesis of existing technical information, will be used to develop a suitable knowledge base for planning, assessment of impacts and development of environmental protection plans. TERA Environmental Consultants, in association with Kavik-AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd., AMEC Earth and Environment Ltd., and Golder Associates Ltd., has been retained to conduct the reconnaissance survey for all additional baseline environmental studies. The purpose of the reconnaissance surveys is to: (1) aid the final selection of specific sample sites for detailed surveys, taking into account areas of interest for both local communities and the scientific discipline leads for each detailed survey, as well as avoidance of sensitive sites; (2) allow discipline leads to identify specific areas of interest and to familiarize themselves with the specific areas which may be affected by development activities; (3) provide an opportunity for an HTC representative or community member to work with the discipline leads to identify areas of interest and to provide advice on areas to be avoided during subsequent sampling; and (4) facilitate discussions with HTC representatives. CONDITION: This licence is only valid for research conducted on Crown Lands within the Sahtu Settlement Region. The unanimous written permission must be obtained from the Tulita Land Corporation, Fort Norman Metis Land Corporation and Ernie McDonald Land Corporation for any research work that will be conducted on Private Lands within the Tulita District Land Trust.

Project Description: The research team will conduct water and aquatic, terrestrial and social reconnaissance surveys of the proposed development area. Helicopters will be used, to allow aerial examination of specific sites and, if required, to land for ground inspections (outside sensitive sites identified by the HTCs and archaeological sites identified by information obtained from the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre). Helicopters will generally fly at elevations greater than 100 m above ground level (AGL), although at some sites, it may be necessary to fly at lower altitudes (50-75 m AGL) or conduct visual inspections by hovering at elevations of 35-50 m AGL. The proposed reconnaissance survey for water and aquatic systems will be used to: (1) confirm the locations of watercourses crossed by the pipeline corridor; (2) identify streams or lakes that are unmarked on existing maps; (3) identify delta lakes and watercourses that could potentially be affected by tentative production areas and gathering pipeline systems; and (4) determine sampling sites for detailed groundwater, surface water flows, surface water quality, and fish and fish habitat surveys. The reconnaissance survey for terrestrial ecosystems will be used to: (1) ground truth existing soil and vegetation maps; (2) determine sample sites for future sampling of soils, vegetation and wildlife; and (3) work with HTC representatives to identify areas of concern for vegetation and wildlife. The reconnaissance survey for land uses will be used to: (1) identify potentially important archaeological, cultural and traditional use sites; (2) work with HTC representatives to identify important cultural sites and traditional use areas; and (3) visually inspect and confirm current land use (other than traditional land use). For safety reasons, landings will only occur at sites where clearings or low vegetation would permit safe landing of a helicopter. Landings will not be made within 500 m of occupied camps or sites, or in areas where large wildlife or wildlife concentrations are visible. Due to traditional hunting activities along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Delta, the survey will avoid the northern end of Kendall and Richards Islands.