NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, contaminants, water quality, hydrocarbon exploration

Objective(s): To document natural variations in the surface water conditions within the Exploration License (EL 494) area and monitor potential impact of oil and gas exploration activities.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.4568. The study will document natural variations in the surface water conditions within the Exploration License (EL 494) area and monitor potential impact of oil and gas exploration activities. Surface Water Quality Sample Collection: Surface water samples will be collected from selected sampling locations targeted near areas where exploration activities have occurred. The water samples will be used to evaluate the water quality of the selected surface water bodies in EL 494. The suite of parameters to be analyzed during the monitoring program is outlined below. Grab samples will be collected from each selected location. At each sample location, field parameters (i.e., pH, specific conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and oxidation reduction potential) will be measured using a YSI 556 multi-meter (or similar). Prior to use, equipment will be calibrated according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Observed parameters will be documented. Sample preparation: Laboratory supplied bottles and new filters will be used at each location to obtain samples. Clean nitrile gloves will be used during the field program and replaced frequently at every sample collection point. Sterile laboratory-supplied sample containers with appropriate preservatives will be used for sampling. Once collected, the samples will be kept cooled at approximately 4° Celsius and shipped under chain-of-custody to the selected analytical laboratory. Laboratory Analyses: Surface water samples will be analyzed by a laboratory accredited for specific analytical tests under the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation Inc. (CALA), which conforms with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. All laboratory directions regarding appropriate bottles, filtering and preservation will be followed, and sample containers will be filled consistent with the analytical requirements. In general, any parameter that requires filtering will be filtered in the field, and subsequently preserved if necessary. Sample containers will be labeled prior to sample collection and placed in appropriate coolers and packaged for shipping. QA/QC: Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples will be collected. Field blanks will be collected in the field, using laboratory supplied deionized water. Blind duplicates will be collected from the sampling location immediately after the original sample, filling bottles for similar analytical groups for the original and then for the duplicate, before filling bottles for other analytical groups. Blind duplicates will be labelled with a fictitious name or sample number, leaving the laboratory “blind” to the origin of the sample, or the fact that it is a QA/QC sample. Reporting: Husky will prepare a surface water report which will be submitted to the Sahtu Land and Water Board (SLWB) by April 30 of the year following the fieldwork. This will allow sufficient time for sample analyses, interpretation of results, and report preparation. Upon submission to the SLWB, it is Husky’s understanding that the information becomes available to the public. Husky will also share information gathered for the programs with the community and community leadership during public consultations. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from January 25, 2020 to December 31, 2020.