Fort Simpson (Apr 04/03) - Representatives from a Calgary-based seismic company made their pitch to Deh Cho aboriginal leaders on Tuesday.

WesternGeco Canada Ltd. is hoping again this year to scope 1,800 kilometres worth of the Liard and Mackenzie rivers for oil and gas potential. The company has budgeted up to $18 million for the work, according to Steve Whidden, a WesternGeco employee.

WesternGeco wanted to carry out the project last year but couldn't get the necessary permits. They also ran into some opposition in the Deh Cho.

To prove its two-dimensional seismic methods won't cause any damage, the company has performed ecological tests of its methods for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. No fish were killed as a result of the bubbles of compressed air shot from the company's "air gun."

The sound waves created by the oscillating bubbles are recorded to give an impression of the geology of the earth below.

Jonas Antoine of Fort Simpson worked with the company during last year's testing. He also attended Tuesday's meeting and acknowledged that a mistrust of industry practices still exists.

"It appears to be very safe but there's still the age-old question, What are the long-term effects?" Antoine said. "It seems like everybody's worried about it."

There's also the issue of what consequences the seismic data will have. WesternGeco, like any seismic company, plans to sell the information to oil and gas companies.

Those oil and gas companies will likely want to conduct exploratory drilling, possibly under the river.

That presents a conflict, Antoine admitted, because the Deh Cho First Nations have been seeking to have the Mackenzie and Liard rivers protected from development through their self-government negotiations.

"If (seismic) proves fruitful, other things will follow," said Antoine. "I think that's something this leadership really, really has to take into consideration."

Chief Rita Cli has been pondering the issue.

She said she's been advocating that the Deh Cho draft an impact benefits agreement (IBA) to outline expected benefits from industry. Voisey's Bay, James Bay or even the Dogrib IBAs could be used as templates, she suggested.

"We need to come up with something," said Cli. "The IBA is the document we need now."

Whidden said the Deh Cho, if it approves of the project, would be offered access to the seismic data for its own use. WesternGeco would still reserve the exclusive right to sell the data to oil and gas companies, he added.

He noted the 2-D seismic project provides "very preliminary" data. It wouldn't indicate precise locations for drilling, he said.

WesternGeco requires its permits by early June in order to mobilize for this summer, according to Whidden.

Feedback from other Mackenzie regions has been positive, he said.

"We would have a very hard time going forward without the blessing of the people along the river," said Whidden.