Alaskan Gas Producers Pipeline Team Environmental Studies for the Portion of the Proposed Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Route Located Within the Sahtu Settlement Area.
Principal Investigator: Collard, Tod (2)
Licence Number: 13254
Organization: ExxonMobil Resources Ltd.
Licensed Year(s): 2001
Issued: Sep 14, 2001
Project Team: Serge Metikosh, Les Sawatsky, Dennis Trotter, Andrzej Slawinski, Carol Stefan, Steve Johnson, Dave Reid, Larry Turchenek, Callum Thompson, Les Frank, Thom Stubbs

Objective(s): The proponent is proposing to conduct a series of environmental studies in connection with a Mackenzie Valley pipeline route, which is part of an alignment being considered from Prudhoe Bay on the Alaskan Coast to Chicago, Illinois. A portion of the proposed route lies on Crown Lands located within the Sahtu Settlement Area. The 2001 study program has the following objectives for the on-land study area of the NWT: (1) to start to develop a contemporary baseline data inventory of resources within the Sahtu Settlement Area that could potentially be affected by the construction of a terrestrial pipeline traversing lands just west of the Mackenzie Delta and then up the Mackenzie Valley; (2) to initiate acquisition of an adequate level of information to determine the potential impacts of a terrestrial pipeline just west of the Mackenzie Delta and then up the Mackenzie Valley on the natural and cultural resources present, as well as the significance of those impacts; and (3) to start to use field results to assist in the development of mitigative strategies.

Project Description: The proposed field research program on lands located within the Sahtu Settlement Area will include the following general areas of study: (1) freshwater aquatics (freshwater fish and their habitats, water quality, hydrology); (2) terrestrial wildlife, including waterfowl; (3) vegetation and soils; (4) archaeology; and (5) noise. For all studies, access will be by helicopter, boat or on foot, as appropriate. Most access will be by helicopter. Methods to be employed involve standard environmental survey techniques and do not involve any new technology. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and appropriate scale maps and aerial photos will be used for recording point location information and navigation. Studies will be conducted within a 5 km wide corridor centered on the proposed alignment. Staff will combine between-discipline teams for logistical efficiency, and to minimize potential environmental impacts of the study. All waste generated during the study will be back-hauled, for proper disposal. Fish will be captured live and released, during aquatic studies. Interactions with wildlife will be minimized, and wildlife monitors will be utilized during the completion of the study program. CONDITION: The licence under which this research may be conducted is only valid only on Crown Lands within the Sahtu Settlement Region. 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. The written permission of the Ft. Good Hope Metis Land Corporation is required for any research work that will be conducted on Private Lands within the K'ahsho Gotine District Land Trust.