Fort Liard (Sep 24/01) - Though microscopic by comparison, a pipeline proposed for the Deh Cho will serve as an indication of how well two of the groups that would be at the centre of an environmental review of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline can work together.

"It's the first time we have worked together in this way, so in some ways I suppose it is a test of something that might happen in the future," said National Energy Board (NEB) official Bonnie Gray, emphasizing the difference between this project and a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

The 15-kilometre stretch of the 12-inch (29.5 centimetre) pipeline and a gathering system would link 11 existing Cameron Hills wells and another nine the company hopes to develop there to the Bistcho gas plant, 55 kilometres northeast of Zama, Alta.

A joint review is being conducted because the route for the Paramount line crosses a provincial-territorial boundary.

Beaufort-Delta producers group spokesperson Hart Searle said the Paramount review is not being followed "in any kind of intense way" but added it is also not being ignored.

"Schedules are important, obviously, so that's an area that is of some interest," Searle said.

"In these sorts of things, typically, what you're really watch for is what the decision is, what the outcome is, what conditions might or might not be attached to their development."

Signed last December, the memorandum of understanding between the MVEIRB and NEB set out broad principles of co-operation.

So far, the Paramount assessment is on track. Officials met recently in Yellowknife to discuss what information, above that Paramount has already provided, will be needed to assess the environmental impact of the project.

The agencies have set Oct. 30 as the deadline for a decision on the project.

Still hoping to decide this year

Searle would not say how close Beaufort producers are to deciding whether or not they will propose a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

"Right now we're still digesting the outcome of the Wrigley assembly," he said. At the assembly, held three weeks ago, Deh Cho First Nations passed a resolution to negotiate terms for pipeline development with the federal government.

A federal negotiator has since said pipeline negotiations would more properly take place between the Deh Cho and industry.

"We've not come to any decision yet as to if or when we might proceed with development of regulatory applications," Searle said. He added that the group still hopes to make the decision this year.