The objective of the proposed fieldwork was to gather information to develop a suitable knowledge base for project planning, assessment of impacts and drafting of environmental protection plans related to the development of the Niglintgak natural gas field.
A geotechnical survey was conducted to collect information on permafrost. Thermistors were installed in boreholes, and the depth of the active layer and the boundaries of thick ice was determined. Boreholes were also used to assess HDD alignment and scope changes that have occurred since the 2005 geotechnical survey.
Material from some of the boreholes were use to collect a representative of the sediment that will be excavated and disposed of during the preparation of the site. Shallow sediment samplings were also conducted at the test pit location. These samples were analyzed for particle size, moisture content, total organic content, metals, and hydrocarbons.
A test pit located below the high water mark was excavated using an IronWolf Crusher to conduct permafrost degradation testing to test an insulated foundation designed to protect permafrost. The excavation also tests the performance of the IronWolf in the winter climate conditions.
Spring break-up peak water level were monitored and flood depths measured in the vicinity of the site. Confirmation of peak water levels was needed to ensure the planned structure is above the maximum water levels.
Testing to identify the most effective GCF ballast tank for the northern climate was conducted at a facility in Tuktoyaktuk. An experimental tank was designed and fabricated. Each compartment configuration was monitored to see how effectively pressure is relieved throughout the freeze/thaw process..
| Investigator: | Seligman, Ben |
| Affiliation: | Shell Canada Limited |
| Licence Number: | 14092 |
| Region(s): | Inuvialuit Settlement Region |
| Location(s): | Niglintgak area; Kittigazuit S-Bends; Camp Farewell; private facility in Tuktoyaktuk |
| Year of Research: | 2007 |