Inuvik (July 06/01) - Shell Resources Ltd. plans to conduct a 2D seismic program this winter in Shallow Bay and Kendall Island.

The program will cost roughly $12 million and employ around 130 people. The program runs from December to April 2002, and will cover about 200 hectares.

John Brown spoke recently on a proposed seismic program by Shell Resources Ltd. for this winter.

During a community consultation meeting, John Brown, senior seismic supervisor with Shell Canada, explained the company will also finish its 2D and 3D program from last winter, which was not finished due to mild weather. (This activity is still covered under existing land use permits.)

The Arctic Star barge, which recently docked at Inuvik to house delegates in town for the Inuvik Petroleum Show, will serve as camp. Brown said a sleigh camp may also be established.

"We're hoping to come up with a drilling site for the next winter, if all goes right," Brown said.

He said the new program will come close to many cabins, and that lines will be moved away so as not to interfere with local residents.

"It's important to us we're not disturbing their peace and quiet," Brown said.

WesternGeco has been contracted to conduct the seismic program, and will provide the geophysical crew and equipment necessary for the recording portion.

Community meetings were also held in Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik.

Shell's 2D Seismic Program

The 2001-02 season consists of two parts, about 400 kilometres in total length, located on Inuvialuit 7(1)(a) and Crown lands within Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

- Southern section: 13 lines, south and east of Shallow Bay, about 12 kilometres north of Aklavik.

- Northern section: three lines on Langley Island, Kendall Island, and Richard's Island, about 97 kilometres north of Aklavik.