Mackenzie Valley Landslide Geotechnical Investigations
Principal Investigator: Nichol, Susan L. (1)
Licence Number: 13813
Organization: Geological Survey of Canada
Licensed Year(s): 2005
Issued: May 20, 2005
Project Team: Grant Su (Analysis Engineer, Geological Survey of Canada)

Project Description: The objective is to improve knowledge about landslides in the Mackenzie Valley. The results of this study will enable better environmental impact assessments and help to reduce environmental impacts related to the construction and operation of the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline. As well, the results will have a broader application to a wide range of future development activities in the region. The researchers will carry out initial reconnaissance followed by detailed mapping of landslides at the three sites. They plan to take soil samples using a small gas-operated coring machine and by digging shallow test pits. Some test plots may be set up by removing a small area of surface organics adjacent to an existing landslide to monitor the impact on ground temperature and other condition changes. The disturbed area is expected to be approximately 20m by 20m. Instruments will be installed to monitor ground temperature, grou... Show morend water levels and slope movement. No drilling fluids will be used other than water. Additionally, mini weather stations will be set up. These stations will monitor rain and snow, air temperature, humidity and wind speed. Data loggers will collect information between site visits. All instruments will be monitored until March 2009. Some tree dating might be carried out, which involves taking a small cored sample from a tree. This process leaves a small hole, but does not otherwise harm the tree. Travel will be by helicopter from Inuvik, Fort Good Hope and/or Norman Wells. It is anticipated that overnight camping will be required for up to two weeks at a time at each site during detailed mapping and instrumentation installation. A team of up to four people will be working in the field, completing work at one site before moving on to the next. Subsequent instrument monitoring will require several short visits to each site. The researchers will rent vehicles and accommodation and purchase supplies in the communities as needed, and hire local guides/monitors as needed for short periods to assist with field work. The researchers will publish results of this study, which will be sent to the communities and regional governing organizations, and would be happy to provide any additional information needed by the communities. The study will be conducted at about 10 km NW of Noell Lake (ISR), 20 km east of Travaillant Lake (GSA), 125 km NW of Fort Good Hope (SSA), near the proposed pipeline corridor. Show less