NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: limnology, traditional knowledge, delta lakes

Objective(s): The objective of this study to examine lakes possibly affected by the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project pipeline, and lakes that can serve as future control/reference sites.

Project Description: This licence is being issued for the scientific research application no. 977. The objective of this study to examine lakes possibly affected by the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project pipeline, and lakes that can serve as future control/reference sites. The researchers will measure the following: nutrients and metals in lake water and sediments, lake water quality (DO, pH, conductivity, etc.), and plankton abundance/species composition. The researchers will sample approximately 10 lakes in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region which will be affected by the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project pipeline route. These lakes will be chosen based on advice from the Inuvialuit. The researcher will access the lakes via helicopter during March 2009. At a deep, central site on each lake, the researchers will: (1) measure water quality (temp, DO, pH, conductivity, turbidity) with depth using a YSI multiparameter sonde, (2) collect plankton using a fine-mesh net, (3) collect water samples using a Niskin water bottle, and (4) collect sediment sample using an Eckman dredge. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted at Kimialuk Lake, Big Lake, Parsons Lake, Yaya Lake, Jimmy Lake, Noell Lake, E. Hans Lake, W. Hans Lake, Old Trout Lake, Denis Lake, Grassy Lake, Pullen Lake, Mid Lake, Wolf Lake, Trench Lake, Old Trout Lake, Sitidgi Lake, Huskey Lakes, Unnamed Lake (N68.99222, W135.11003), Unnamed Lake (N69.22156, W135.03332), Unnamed Lake (N69.23916, W 135.33007), Unnamed Lake (N69.12153, W135.79249) from March 01 to April 30, 2009.