Trout Lake (Oct 01/04) - Oil and gas company EnCana is proposing an 80 kilometre seismic project on Trout Lake's traditional land this winter.

At least a portion of the area in question has been nominated for protection from development by Trout Lake's Sambaa K'e Dene Band. That could raise doubts about the long-term viability of the project.

"With respect to what may or may not be open to long-term development, I think that will depend a lot on the knowledge they gain and eventually some potential exploration and some land acquisitions, things of that nature," said Alan Boras, manager of media relations for EnCana in Calgary. "It's very early days. We have no specific plans to drill anything."

It will be a two-dimensional seismic program southwest of the community. Boras wouldn't disclose the amount the company has budgeted for the seismic program.

He described it as a comparatively "small project" that will, at the very least, offer employment for community members. Community consultation is ongoing, he added.

Dennis Deneron, chief of the Sambaa K'e Dene Band, did not return the Drum's phone calls.

Herb Norwegian, grand chief of the Deh Cho First Nations, said he was not familiar with the proposed seismic program.

If the work would have any impact on surrounding communities, Norwegian said he would expect the Sambaa K'e Dene Band would consult with its neighbours.

Although the political climate in the Deh Cho has forestalled other seismic programs, Boras seemed philosophical.

"No matter where you do the work, you need to work with the communities where you're operating," he said.

He said the majority of the project will be conducted on existing cutlines.

Because technology has improved, there's interest in re-tracing some areas of previous exploration, he explained.

EnCana has natural gas holdings in northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta.