NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Dehcho Region

Tags: environmental assessment, water quality, petroleum industry, biology, fish, wildlife, habitat, wellsite

Objective(s): Nahendeh Land and Environmental Services has been contracted to conduct baseline studies for seismic programs, well sites, access roads and other related infrastructure on behalf of Anadarko Canada Corporation. The objective of the study is to determine the presence or absence of fish and wildlife habitat in the vicinity of the proposed project. The information from these surveys will be part of an environmental assessment for the planned seismic, drilling and production operations of the project. Main vegetation types and habitat types as determined from air photo interpretation will be ground truthed. All data would be compiled and interpreted in an Environmental Assessment summary document which would highlight all key environmental issues, including fisheries and wildlife, that are related to the project. The proposed wildlife work will include the assessment of wildlife habitat and the recording of wildlife sign in the study area. The proposed aquatics work consists of two components: fish habitat and water quality. A fish habitat assessment will be completed on the relevant water bodies in the project area in consultation with DFO. The objective of the water survey is to document baseline water quality from water bodies near proposed development sites. The field crew will be based out of the existing Beaver Enterprises Camp in Fort Liard.

Project Description: Nahendeh Land and Environmental Services proposes to conduct baseline studies on behalf of Anadarko Canada Corporation, to determine the presence or absence of fish and wildlife habitat in the vicinity of the proposed project. The wildlife program will consist of a literature review, which would document any information on wildlife populations in the general project area, and identify any data gaps that might exist. A helicopter will be used to access the lands. Sensitive portions and site specific development areas will be surveyed by foot. All wildlife observations (mammal and birds) will be recorded and their GPS location noted. The emphasis of the survey will be on nests, moose and any other ungulates, black and grizzly bears, wolves and other carnivores and their dens. Wildlife information will be conducted primarily by observational methods by the study team wildlife biologists. Animals will not be captured. Aquatic studies will involve a survey of the physical, chemical and biological features of relevant water bodies, and a fish habitat assessment. Field work will be performed from a small boat or by foot; sites will be accessed by helicopter. Water quality studies will also be completed. Surface water samples will be collected from creeks or streams and from mid-depth in lakes, and analyzed for metal content, nutrients, alkalinity, hardness and major ions. Standard limnological parameters (pH, conductivity, temperature, oxygen) will also be collected from each water body. Finally, soils will be assessed on proposed lease sites and new access areas. The soil will be assessed to a one metre depth with hand augers/shovels to determine soil handling and protection measures.