DENINU KU'E/FORT RESOLUTION
A lot of questions could be answered this summer about an old and unused fuel pipeline beneath Fort Resolution, most importantly whether it has caused any environmental contamination.
Chief Louis Balsillie of Deninu Ku'e First Nation holds what is believed to be a section of an old and unused fuel pipeline that runs underneath Fort Resolution. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo
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For many years, the line has been a cause for concern in Fort Resolution about possible contamination of soil and water.
"A few years ago, they were working in a ditch by the church and, when they were putting a culvert in, they pulled a pipe out and it still had diesel fuel in it," said Arthur Beck, president of the Fort Resolution Metis Council.
He added the diesel-filled pipe was also rusted.
The culvert work in 2010 uncovered five or six truckloads of contaminated soil.
The people of the community were aware of the pipeline before the culvert work revealed a section of pipe.
"When they were digging for the culverts, it just confirmed everything we were saying," said Beck, who noted he reported the community concern to Environment Canada about seven years ago after talking with elders.
"We really don't know if it is a hazard or not," he said of the pipeline.
The GNWT has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for an environmental site assessment of the pipeline.
The RFP, which closes on June 30, has been issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).
Judy McLinton, manager of public affairs and communication with ENR, said the plan is to have the two-phased environmental site assessment take place this year.
"Once we do that this summer, we'll find out if there is contamination," she said. "And if there is contamination, then we will be negotiating with Canada for the cleanup."
McLinton said the federal government will likely provide the funding for a cleanup, if it is determined to be necessary.
As of right now, it's not known what exactly is below Fort Resolution.
"They're going to be coming here in August to assess that and I will be with them to kind of let them know the route the pipe went," said Beck. "I'm not exactly sure myself. I was just really young when the pipe was in place, and I can't remember it all. There have been some road changes since then. But a lot of that pipe is just right alongside the road all the way through town."
Beck said he wouldn't be surprised if the pipe goes all the way to the airport, and there may also be different branches.
The pipeline is believed to have been built in the early 60's by the federal government.
Fuel was barged from Hay River and transported from a dock on Great Slave Lake to various federal locations in the community - most likely including the airport and federal government buildings, such as a game warden office, the RCMP detachment, a teachers' residence and a Department of Public Works shop.
The pipe was apparently used until the early 70's when it was no longer needed with the opening of Highway 6.
McLinton told News/North the devolution agreement between the federal government and the GNWT dealt with waste sites, but three sites - including Fort Resolution - were set aside for separate negotiations on clean-up, if required.
