NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: renewable energy, engineering, wind energy, wind monitoring

Objective(s): To identify the depth of bedrock and other materials underlying the permafrost onsite that will determine the access route, the project location, and the turbine installation technique.

Project Description: Geotechnical investigations are proposed to identify the depth of bedrock and other materials underlying the permafrost onsite. The results of the geotechnical investigations will be used to determine the access route, the project location, and the turbine installation technique. This activity will include drilling of boreholes and collection of samples for testing. Thirteen boreholes are planned as part of the program. Equipment will include a bulldozer, three snowmobiles, two water trucks, two snowcats, four dump trucks, pickup trucks, a self-propelled drill, and necessary spill containment and spill management gear. The drill will be brought in at the start of geotechnical work and removed after drilling is complete. Drilling crews will likely travel to and from the site via snow machines. The work is planned to take approximately nine days – work will begin as soon as the land freezes and permits are acquired. This geotechnical investigative program supports the ongoing development of a wind energy project proposed by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Nihtat Corporation is supporting the development of the project on behalf of the GNWT. The geotechnical program will provide work opportunities to members of these three companies living in Inuvik and the surrounding region. A short summary of results will be provided to Aurora Research Institute once the work is complete. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from February 15, 2018 to March 31, 2018.