NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

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

Objective(s): To conduct biophysical and reconnaissance studies in the Inuvialuit Settlement Area, including route and site reconnaissance, aquatic, terrestrial environmental studies, and a suite of engineering, geological and geophysical studies.

Project Description: Several environmental and engineering studies were conducted between 2001 and 2006 to assess a proposed pipeline in the Mackenzie Valley. These studies will continue in 2007 and 2008. 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. Studies will be conducted primarily by helicopter. A wildlife monitor will be hired. Boats, ATVs, and a guide will be hired locally, if required. Crews will be based primarily in Inuvik, but some may operate out of Swimming Point or Camp Farewell.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. Regular reports to communities and stakeholders will be provided, and meetings 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.