Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 04/02) - Twenty or more natural gas wells are expected to be drilled in the Deh Cho this winter, a substantial jump from previous seasons.

"From last year, it's definitely a big increase," said Dennis Nelner, regional petroleum advisor for the Department of Resources and Economic Development.

"There's going to be lots of activity and lots of work."

Because there are no seismic projects scheduled for this winter, the primary demand will be for drill rig workers, heavy equipment operators and camps and catering employees.

In Fort Liard, Don Sandercock, acting general manager for Beaver Enterprises, said he is anticipating the winter to be "busier than usual."

In Fort Simpson, the Liidlii Kue First Nation is offering safety certification courses this week for those interested in oil and gas industry jobs.

Nelner surmised that the increase in drilling is due to some land leases drawing to a close in the near future. Therefore oil and gas companies are acting on the seismic data they've collected over the past few years to determine whether they will extend their licences.

"It's not written in stone that there's actually oil and gas there.

"You have to actually punch a hole in the ground to make sure that it's there," said Nelner.

Anadarko Canada and Paramount Resources will be drilling the majority of wells.

If the drilling is successful a pipeline will be needed to tie the gas into an existing pipeline running south to Fort Nelson, B.C.

Some drilling applications are already before the Mackenzie Land and Water Board for regulatory approval. Others are expected in the coming weeks.

The drilling season peaks around January.