Fort Simpson (July 28/06) - Pacifica Resources Ltd. is seeking to re-open a road between Cantung Mine and Howard's Pass in the Yukon.

The 80km road was built in 1976 and used until 1981 to support an underground drilling project.

Pacifica is currently exploring for lead and zinc resources at Howard's Pass and would use the road to support the project.

The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board held a community hearing in Fort Simpson on July 25 to seek input on terms and conditions to be included in the land use and water permits that Pacifica has applied for.

"This is an opportunity to hear people's views and work towards finding some solution that will work for everybody," said Justin Himmelright, the manager of environmental and community affairs for Pacifica.

The road rehabilitation project would take place in the winter and include clearing vegetation, repairing river spans and replacing bridge decking, said Himmelright.

Concerns about the project are being raised by Dehcho First Nations, Nahanni Butte Dene Band, Parks Canada and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). Many of the groups voiced similar issues.

The main concern focuses around the possible effects on caribou populations.

Katherine Cumming, an environmental assessment scientist with Parks Canada, presented information showing how the road runs through an area used for calving and rutting.

All of the groups stated that if the road was reopened, hunters will have greater access to the area.

Concerns were also raised about grizzly bears being disturbed by noise and habituated to human garbage.

Other issues included disturbance of fish habitat and the possible effects of spills.

In their written submission, the Dehcho First Nations and the Nahanni Butte Dene Band state that they object to Pacifica applying to re-build a road that was previously built and abandoned and left to fall into to disrepair just to access property in the Sahtu settlement region.

The project will have no benefits for the Deh Cho and will only adversely impact the land, water and wildlife, according to the document.

Dehcho First Nations also states that they haven't been adequately consulted by Pacifica.

Each group also requested that Pacifica be required to make a security deposit for the reclamation of the road.

"CPAWS is of the opinion there should always be the maximum security deposit required," said Karley Ziegler, a conservation coordinator with CPAWS.

Himmelright explained that Pacifica is already working to insure that during the rehabilitation, no barriers will be created by brush piles or snow berms that could effect caribou migration.

Shipments will be planned in convoys to minimize traffic. The convoys will also avoid sensitive times such as caribou calving and rutting seasons, said Himmelright.

Contractors will be required to carry spill kits in the case of emergencies on the jobsite.

When the road is decommissioned, closure will include removing the bridge decking and spans as well as the culverts.

Areas along streams will be recontoured and seeded to prevent erosion, said Himmelright.