LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS
The Sahtu Land and Water Board has halted the review of a ConocoPhillips project that would use hydraulic fracturing on two exploratory horizontal wells in the region as they await responses on draft conditions released on May 16.
The projects would take place south of Norman Wells.
Paul Dixon, the board's executive director, said the board will decide whether to approve or deny the project, ask for further study or send the application for an environmental assessment until after the new conditions have been reviewed.
"In this case, the board has sent out draft conditions for a land-use permit and a water licence to the review agencies and the proponent to make sure the mitigations held within are acceptable and enforceable," said Dixon.
Hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as fracking, is a controversial drilling method where high-pressure water and additives are used to fracture surrounding rock. It is an efficient way to extract oil and gas, but environmental groups in other jurisdictions have called for energy companies to stop the practice, citing harmful effects on groundwater, among other concerns.
According to a draft document from the board's online registry, proposed conditions include requiring ConocoPhillips to only use chemicals approved in the project's original application, and requiring wastewater to be stored in special storage tanks which would be checked for leaks daily.
The board is also seeking clarification from the National Energy Board on what that board's jurisdiction is in this case.
Reviewers have until June 3 to submit their comments about the conditions, Dixon said.
Once comments are received, staff will compile a report with final recommendations, which will be submitted to the board, Dixon said.
"The board will reconvene after the June 3 comment period deadline for those specific terms and conditions and then we'll make a final decision on the application at that point," he said.
The National Energy Board must also approve the project before it can move ahead, Dixon said.
