Fort Simpson (Mar 07/03) - The Mackenzie Gas Project announced on Tuesday the start of a geo-technical program in the Inuvialuit settlement region.

Similar work proposed for the Deh Cho cannot yet proceed, however, because permits have not been granted by the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board. Hart Searle, spokesperson for Mackenzie Gas Project -- backed by a consortium led by Imperial Oil Limited -- said his organization expected some downtime since filing the application in November.

"We, and possibly the authorities, are also on a learning curve. The important thing is to do it right and make sure we are following all the proper steps ... these things take time," Searle said, adding that a response on the permits is expected soon.

The proposed work would include soil analysis, creek sampling and geo-technical surveys. Searle described the undertaking as a fundamental part of the needed engineering data.

Although time is ticking down on the winter season, Mackenzie Gas Project has scheduled work for the summer as well.

The project definition phase for a Mackenzie Valley pipeline is scheduled to take three to four years.

Kaa Dule United Corporation, a private business formed by four Deh Cho political bodies in October, submitted proposals in hopes of securing contract work this winter. Consultant Doug Bryshun, hired by the Sambaa K'e Dene Band in Trout Lake, said Kaa Dule United Corporation will weigh all its options.

We'll continue to forge ahead with business opportunities, whatever they may be," he said, declining to disclose any details on other possible projects.