LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Enbridge is in the midst of geophysical surveys and borehole drilling work on both sides of the Mackenzie River as well as on the river ice as it weighs options for replacing part of its pipeline.

The Norman Wells pipeline, also known as Line 21, was shut down in November after the company realized the Mackenzie River bank close to the pipeline near Fort Simpson was unstable.

The surveys and borehole work will help gather information for future planning, according to a document posted to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board from Ann Marie Tout, Enbridge's Northern Region manager.

Although the pipeline still has no timeline for re-opening, the company is considering its options for replacing part of the line. Enbridge spokesperson Suzanne Wilton stated in an e-mail the company is still in the early stages of planning and no scope of work has yet been determined.

According to Tout's letter to the land and water board, one of the options Enbridge is evaluating is using horizontal directional drilling to replace the section in question.

That would involve drilling a tunnel several metres under the bed of the Mackenzie River and pulling pre-assembled pipe through the tunnel from one side of the slope to the other.

Tout said the drilling option would be designed to "ensure the long-term protection of the Mackenzie River" and provide optimal protection for the pipeline running along the river bank.

Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian said he has a meeting with Enbridge representatives this week in order to discuss the company's options.

"I think that one way or another, they're going to figure out how they're going to get their line across. The technology is out there," he said, adding directional drilling was used for the fibre optics line in order to get the line across the MV Lafferty ferry crossing at the Liard River.

"That came to be quite successful. I was just amazed by that technology and how they do that."

Norwegian said he expects Enbridge's situation will be a larger undertaking that will require strict monitoring "every inch of the way" by both the company and communities.

"They're looking at probably drilling a 12-inch hole right across underneath the Mackenzie River, which could be a little dicey if it's not done properly," he explained.

"I'd imagine that the people who are going to be doing this are going to make sure all aspects of the environment are being taken care of."

On Jan. 31, Enbridge representatives met with Fort Simpson's village council to update them on the project as well.

According to Coun. Sean Whelly, the company has been checking soil types down to 150 metres with a geotechnical drill in preparation for horizontal directional drilling.

He said councillors heard the company would be looking to put a new section of pipe under the river and reconnect the pipeline by October.