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Going geo-technical

Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Dec 19/03) - As an introduction to surveying, drilling and soil sampling, 12 men from the Deh Cho began geo-technical work on a proposed new Fort Simpson subdivision over the past week.

Project manager Bob Johnson said the data will help determine whether the existing soil is suitable as a base for construction.

The six-day, hands-on program allowed the trainees to rotate from one station to another every two days. Peter Cazon Jr., one of the participants, said it was beneficial to get experience in each field.

"That way we understand why we're drilling and what the samples mean," he said, adding that surveying, geophysical drilling and soil sampling each represent career opportunities. "There's that many doors that have opened."

Brian Ekotla, of Nahanni Butte, remarked that he's interested in working as a driller.

"That's my goal," he said.

The only criticism that Cazon Jr. had of the project was that it should have gone on for another week or two.

"It's pretty damn informative but it should be longer" he said. "They throw a lot of good stuff at us. This is an awesome program."

Nogha Engineering and Environmental Services Ltd. was behind the initiative. Lyall Gill, general manager of Nogha Enterprises, said the experience will put the trainees in a position to fill related jobs during Imperial Oil's winter geo-technical field work program, should it go ahead.

Bob Johnson called the past week's training project "excellent." The participants had 100 per cent attendance, he noted.

"I'm really happy with this," he said, adding that safety was kept at the forefront.

Safety was the primary reason for a gathering of Nogha employees and trainees at the Cultural Centre in Fort Simpson on Dec. 12. Gill officially endorsed an Occupational Health and Safety Policy for the Nogha Group of Companies.

The avoidance of accidents on job sites is key to gaining pipeline-related contracts, Gill told the group. He introduced Gilbert Cazon as the company's safety officer and announced that regular safety meetings will be held.

"Read the (safety) policies because, as of this morning it's game on," Gill advised. "You're going to have to be aware."