Inuvik (Mar 20/06) - Proponents of the proposed Mackenzie Valley Pipeline promoted their project design when the Joint Review Panel resumed hearings in Inuvik, March 14.

The fact that 800km of access roads, 177 water sources for anchor fields, camps and road construction, combined with 30 infrastructure sites needed for construction of the pipeline has left some people wondering how damage to the environment can be minimized.

But proponents emphasized that experience and knowledge are main factors in reducing any harm to the land, lakes and rivers.

"In developing our plans, we have benefitted from experience in Norman Wells, the Ikhil pipeline northwest of Inuvik, and Alaska, as well as extensive world-wide experience from the proponents of this project and their affiliates," said Rick Luckasavitch, proponent panel spokesperson.

The proponents mentioned some of the brightest minds in geotechnical and river engineering, environmental science and construction were involved in the "rigorous route and site selection process" that also included representatives from Delta communities.

On hand at the technical hearing to question the proponents on their proposed pipeline routing and design was Environment Canada.

"There's a number of potential impacts due to climate change and climate variability... slope stability, catastrophic lake drainage, changes of precipitation, changes in temperatures or extremes of temperatures," said Chuck Brumwell, Environment Canada spokesperson.

He was asking whether or not proponents have considered climate change within their proposed project route and design. Proponents voiced concerned over climate trends and stated the project has taken into account both long-term and yearly changes in climate - especially how thawing will affect the buried pipeline.

"Over 25 years, using the climate warming rates that we have applied, you would get approximately one metre of additional thaw in response to climate change," said Jim Oswell, a proponent spokesperson, speaking on measures in place related to climate change.

Oswell explained their "toolbox" to deal with problems associated with climate change includes surface insulation, surface drainage and ground-water control, and something called thermosyphones, which are pipes that can transfer heat away from areas requiring cooler temperatures.