Reconnaissance Surveys to Select Sample Sites for Detailed Biophysical Surveys in the Sahtu Settlement Area
Principal Investigator: Green, Jeff (3)
Licence Number: 13257
Organization: Kavik-AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd.
Licensed Year(s): 2001
Issued: Sep 14, 2001
Project Team: three additional Kavik - AXYS personnel and one Sahtu RRC representative

Objective(s): Imperial Oil Resources, Gulf Canada Resources Ltd, Shell Canada Ltd, and ExxonMobil Canada are planning a number of Biophysical Baseline Studies during 2001-2002 as part of a feasibility study for the Mackenzie Delta Gas Opportunity. Local knowledge & technical/scientific research will be used to assess potential impacts and todevelop 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 survey will: (1) aid the selection of sample sites located on Crown Lands within the Sahtu Settlement Area for detailed surveys, considering areas of interest for both local communities and the research leads; (2) allow discipline leads to identify specific areas of interest within the Sahtu Settlement Area and to familiarize themselves with the areas which may be affected by development activities; (3) provide opportunities for RRC or community members to identify areas of interest and provide advice on areas to be avoided during sampling within the Sahtu Settlement Area; (4) facilitate discussions with RRC representatives.

Project Description: The proposed research program will be carried out on Crown Lands located within the Sahtu Settlement Area. The research team will conduct water and aquatic, terrestrial and social reconnaissance surveys on Crown Lands located within the proposed development area. Helicopters will be used, to allow aerial examination of specific sites and, if required, to land for ground inspections. Helicopters will 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 survey will be used to: (1) confirm 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 be affected by 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 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 RRC representatives to identify areas of concern for vegetation and wildlife. The land use survey will be used to: (1) identify potentially important archaeological, cultural and traditional use sites; (2) work with RRC representatives to identify important cultural sites and traditional use areas; and (3) visually inspect and confirm current land use. Landings will only occur at sites where clearings or low vegetation would permit safe landing of a helicopter. 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.