NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area

Tags: geology, heavy metal, glacial deposits

Objective(s): (1) to understand the chemical and biological characteristics of the Little Bear Formation bedrock unit and other shales from the underlying Slater River and Canol formations, and (2) to better understand the geological characteristics of reported glacial sediment deposits along the eastern front of the Mackenzie Mountains, and what the precise ages for each of the suggested glaciation layers might be.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 5903. The objectives of the research are: (1) to understand what the chemical and biological characteristics of the Little Bear Formation bedrock unit and other shales from the underlying Slater River and Canol formations are, in order to understand if they could be introducing dissolved heavy metals and high acidity levels into the surface environment, and (2) to better understand the geological characteristics of reported glacial sediment deposits along the eastern front of the Mackenzie Mountains, and what the precise ages for each of the suggested glaciation layers might be. Using a helicopter to access various sites, small (1 kg) samples of bedrock will be collected every metre or so, throughout the height of natural exposures of the Little Bear, Slater River and Canol formation shales at several sites within the area of proposed field area. Particular attention will be paid to collecting samples from any volcanic ash beds that are seen. These samples will be returned to the lab for chemical and biological analysis, and age dating. Water samples and field measurements will be collected at sites where ponds sit within these layers of exposed bedrock, and from upstream, within, and downstream of where they drain through natural exposures. These will be shipped south to be analyzed in various labs. An unusual characteristic of the Smoking Hills Formation bedrock is that it spontaneously combusts (burns); we know this also happens in the Slater River and Canol formations, but are unsure if it does in the Little Bear Formation. We will collect samples from the different rock units to determine what causes this spontaneous combustion (it’s related to the concentration of iron pyrite and organic matter in the shale, we believe). A helicopter will drop a group of 3-4 people at the glacial deposit sites, and then a simple tent-based fly-camp will be used for 3-4 days at each site before being moved by helicopter to the next site. To study these deposits, a scramble up the exposed slopes is required before it is possible to look in detail at the types of sediments and rocks contained in each layer. Using shovels and trowels, small sections (1 x 1 m) will be cleaned off and then measurements will be taken and small (2 kg) and large (20 kg) samples will be taken for analysis in labs later for chemistry, rock and mineral types, and for age dating. It is hoped that two local wildlife monitors will accompany the research team while working on the land. Because the bedrock geology and water chemistry work will require daily helicopter trips from Norman Wells, it is expected the research team would hire someone from Norman Wells to accompany the team. The glacial section work would better involve someone from Tulita who would be picked up and returned home at the beginning and then end of the field investigations by helicopter, but would stay throughout the fly-camps. The communications plan includes extensive engagement with communities and Indigenous organizations of Norman Wells and Tulita to present the proposal and receive feedback and guidance on what may be acceptable, or require changes, including the areas to be worked in. This has involved sending letters out the end of January, followed by a visit to Norman Wells on February 20-22, an in-person meeting with the Tulita Renewable Resources Council (Feb 21), and then on-line meetings with the Sahtu Renewable Resource Board (Feb 27) and the Fort Norman Métis Community (Feb 28). Going forward, if this research project is approved, the research team will work with these organizations to provide an update report in the fall/winter following our summer 2024 field work, along with E-mail notification and hard copies mailed out of any and all publications arising from this research. Also, the team is committed to returning to the communities in winter 2025/2026 to report back on findings, and what is still being worked on. In conversations with individuals while in Norman Wells this past February, a potential interest in our coming into the schools during our winter 2025/2026 visit to make presentations to the students has been identified– teachers will be contacted to see if this is desired, and what they may be most interested in. Throughout this activity, contact information will be provided to the communities and organizations so that they can respond with questions at any time, or seek additional information related to the research we hope to conduct. An attached file detailing our communications and meetings to date is attached. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: July 22 - August 03, 2024