NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: environmental assessment, environmental impact, social sciences, traditional knowledge, socio-economics, environmental compensation, social impact

Objective(s): Devon has requested a number of Biophysical Baseline Studies to be done during 2002 to support proposed Beaufort Sea Offshore Exploratory Drilling Program. Kavik-AXYS with AMEC Earth and Environmental Ltd. LGL Limited, RWDI West Inc., B.Wright & Associates and North South Consultants have been retained to conduct these baseline environmental studies. Objectives of the baseline studies are to: 1) develop a baseline data inventory of resources that could be affected by the offshore drilling program; 2) evaluate the environmental constraints relating to the Devon lease areas; 3) Acquire an adequate level of information to determine potential effects of an offshore drilling program within the Beaufort Sea; 4) identify, collect and verify existing socio-economic baseline information; 5) in cooperation with the communities and HTC's identify and obtain traditional information on resources and traditional uses and assess how the proposed project could effect these uses; 6) assist in the development of mitigative strategies & 7) assist in the assessment of worst-case spill scenario and the development of a wildlife compensation plan. Data are being collected to determine technical and environmental issues and meet regulatory requirements for a possible Comprehensive study under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and a review by the Environmental Impact Review Board. The data will also be used to address concerns by Inuvialuit and Territorial agencies, councils and committees. Socioeconomic data will be collected and analyzed to predict impacts of the exploration activities on the human environment.