2012-015 Tommy Y. Ng

Tommy Y. Ng (NWT Archaeologist’s Permit 2012-015)

On behalf of MWH Canada, Inc., acting as agent for ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Corporation, Bison Historical Services Ltd. conducted a Heritage Resource Survey for the proposed ConocoPhillips Chinook Drilling Program within the exploration licence area of EL470 within the Tulita District of the Sahtu Region. The exploration licence area is located within the Mackenzie Plain, which is southeast of the Town of Norman Wells and on the south side of the Mackenzie River.

During the 2012/2013 winter season, CPC plans to use an ice bridge access owned by Husky Energy in early winter, drill two vertical petroleum wells, develop access to a storage and staging area on the shores of the Mackenzie River, and construct an ice bridge across to Norman Wells for light truck traffic. The Norman Wells ice bridge access would be CPC’s main access for subsequent years. Additionally, CPC wants to assess two petroleum well locations planned for the 2014 winter season.

The heritage resource survey for ConocoPhillips was conducted at 14 locales, which included two 2012/2013 vertical petroleum wells, the two 2014 petroleum wells, base camp, construction camp, staging area, storage area and five ground water wells. All of these developments are located next to an existing access route. Also included is a heritage resource survey of the proposed new cut (D – E) that will be connecting two segments of the existing access route.

Personnel of Bison Historical Services Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, assisted by a wildlife monitor and local advisor from the Tulita Renewable Resources Council. The heritage resource survey was conducted from August 8 to 11, 2012 and included a helicopter overflight to assess the archaeological potential of the entire proposed project area. Additionally, pedestrian reconnaissance accompanied by shovel tests were conducted in areas deemed to have moderate to high archaeological potential within the proposed project area. A total of 159 shovel tests were conducted and no artifacts were found. No new heritage resource sites were identify and there are no previously documented heritage resource sites within the general vicinity of the proposed project area.

It is recommended that the proposed ConocoPhillips Chinook Drilling Program be granted approval to proceed with development. This recommendation is subject to the approval of the Government of Northwest Territories through the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

(Edited by Shelley Crouch, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre)