NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, hydrology, ecology, industrial development, pipeline corridor, topography, biophysics

Objective(s): To conduct biophysical and reconnaissance studies in the Gwich'in Settlement Area, including route and site reconnaissance, aquatic, terrestrial, engineering, geological and geophysical studies.

Project Description: Several biophysical and engineering studies on the feasibility of a pipeline in the Mackenzie Valley have been conducted, and will continue in 2007. Local knowledge, scientific research, and existing technical information are being used to develop a knowledge base for environmental protection plans, engineering design and regulatory processes. Route and site reconnaissance will be by helicopter, and crews will land at selected sites based on observations made during the flight. Reconnaissance surveys of road-water crossings will be performed. Pipeline-water crossings will be surveyed in detail. Depths will be measured by echo sounders from small boats, or by wading, using survey rods. Crews will collect fish, fish habitat, hydrology, and water quality data and samples at proposed barge landing sites. Fish habitat in waters adjacent to borrow sites might be studied. Winter fish and fish habitat surveys may be conducted in late winter at select streams with running water under the ice. Holes will be augured through the ice to determine ice thickness and water depth. Water quality, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH will be measured. Spring breakup will be observed to assist in engineering of watercourse crossings. Time lapse and video cameras, might be temporarily installed to monitor the breakup cycle. High resolution stereo aerial photography will be used for assessment of pipeline routes. A wildlife monitor will assist in terrestrial studies, observing and recording data, rare plants, and in identifying sensitive areas/ issues of cultural importance. Mapping of vegetation at infrastructure sites, roads, borrow sites, the anchor field and locations along the pipelines will be conducted. Soil samples will be collected, typically where a rare plant survey is conducted. A soil pit 15 cm x 15 cm x 0.5 m deep, or to the top of the permafrost will be excavated, the soil profile documented, and then backfilled with the excavated material and the sod replaced. Thermistor strings and data loggers will be installed in previously prepared sites. Slope and soil resistivity studies will involve reconnaissance of slopes along the pipeline routes identified from aerial photography and LiDAR data for thermal and stability issues. Geophysical surveys will evaluate the surveying techniques in mapping geologic features. The study will be located within the Gwich’in Settlement Area, based out of Inuvik, and might include other activities based in Aklavik, Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic. Studies will be conducted primarily by helicopter. A local assistant will be hired. Boats, ATVs, and equipment will be rented locally (where practical), if required. Alternative locations may be investigated under the guidance of the local assistant/ wildlife monitor to avoid areas of seasonal use by local residents or wildlife. Communities and stakeholders will receive regular reports, and meetings will be provided where Imperial is invited. Results will be reported to the Aurora Research Institute. The biophysical and reconnaissance studies will be carried out from March 16 to December 31, 2007.