2003 Winter Aquatic Studies in the Sahtu Settlement Area
Principal Investigator: Povey, Andrew (93)
Licence Number: 13415
Organization: Mackenzie Project Environmental Group
Licensed Year(s): 2004 2003
Issued: Apr 09, 2003
Project Team: Serge Meti

Objective(s): Imperial Oil Ventures Ltd., Aboriginal Pipeline Group, ConocoPhillips Canada (north) Ltd., Shell Canada Ltd, and ExxonMobil Canada Properties conducted a number of baseline studies during 2001 and 2002 as part of the Mackenzie Gas Project. These studies are being continued in 2003. Local knowledge and technical/scientific research, in combination with a synthesis of existing technical information, is being used to develop a suitable knowledge base for planning, assessment of impacts and development of environmental protection plans. The TeraAGA Consulting Group (Mackenzie Project Environment Group) has been retained to conduct the baseline studies. No specific gas developments are finalized yet but the project concept is assumed to include: gas field developments in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region; gathering pipelines; gas compression facilities near Inuvik; a pipeline to transport natural gas and liquids to Norman Wells and on to southern markets. Although located in remote areas, noise from the proposed developments could affect people and wildlife along the proposed pipeline corridor. The winter aquatics investigations will involve the survey of selected streams and lakes along the proposed pipeline corridor. This is required to assess overwintering conditions for fish and watercourse freezing conditions in the vicinity of potential pipeline crossing sites. This will complete the multi-season assessment of watercourses begun in 2002 (spring, summer, fall programs), as requested by regulatory agencies.