Yellowknife (Dec 10/99) - The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board is recommending that the development of a natural gas pipeline tie-in project near Fort Liard proceed, subject to conditions outlined in its reasons for decision.

The development, which is a joint-venture among Chevron Canada, Ranger Oil Ltd. and Canadian Forest Oil, would be located on the west side of the Liard River near the community. The pipeline would tie into the existing Pointed Mountain pipeline.

The review board has forwarded its reasons for decision to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Robert Nault, and to the National Energy Board (NEB). The minister or the NEB may accept, modify or reject the recommendations after consultation with the review board.

A copy of the reasons for decision is available online at http://users.internorth. com/~mveirwg.