Move made to improve chances of drilling well
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Dec 08/00) - A 3D program is to be conducted this winter as part of efforts to improve chances to drill a natural gas well in the area next year.
More than 30 people who attended a community meeting at Ingamo Hall Monday heard that this proposed 3D program will take place on a tract of land on Langley Island, for which a 2D seismic program had already been planned.
The 136 square kilometre tract of land is about 100 kilometres north of Inuvik, and is also about 100 kilometres from Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik.
Delona Butcher, land representative with Chevron Canada Resources, explained that Burlington and Chevron, as well as BP Energy Canada, have recently decided to work together.
"To give us the best possible chance of having a successful well, we will shoot 3D," Butcher said.
Kevin Williams, geophysicist with Chevron, explained that 3D gives much more accurate and detailed readings than 2D.
"3D's kind of the stepping stone," Williams explained after the meeting.
"3D will help us define targets and ensure a drilling location for next drilling season, which is really only 12 months away."
He pointed out that, if approved, the 3D program would replace the 2D program slated for that area.
"Burlington had some 2D program on a map and Chevron had some 2D program on a map. This 3D program will be shot in place of some of that work."
The cost of the 3D program is estimated at $7 million.
Wayne Ross of Veritas DGC Land, which has been contracted to conduct the 2D program, said about 60 people will be hired to conduct that program, and that about 30 more would be needed if the 3D goes ahead.
Williams pointed out it's late in the season to be holding community meetings. (They also held meetings in Tuk on Tuesday and in Aklavik on Wednesday.)
He explained it's because the partnership between Burlington, Chevron and BP is just being finalized.
Williams said if the project is approved, the 3D would commence in mid-February and wrap up in April.
Williams said the environmental impact should be minimal.
"The main activity you're going to see out there is vehicles travelling over snow and ice."
He said there's little vegetation there.
One cause for concern is that it's unclear yet whether two lakes in the area are fish bearing, he added.
Williams said a crew will be sent out soon if the companies can not find that out during their consultations.
