Fort Nelson First Nation and Geoscience BC agreement keeps water data flowing
Fort Nelson, BC - November 8, 2017 - Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) and Geoscience BC have signed a new agreement which will see FNFN take over four hydrometric water monitoring stations in its territory.
FNFN will use the stations at D'Easum Creek, Dilly Creek, Kiwigana River and Sahtaneh Creek to monitor water flow as part of its Liard River Basin Monitoring Initiative project. Previously, the stations have been part of Geoscience BC's Horn River Basin Aquifer Project.
Commenting on the news, Fort Nelson First Nation Chief Harrison Dickie said: "These stations will build on the existing data collected by FNFN. This will ensure that when industry levels pick up, FNFN can make accurately and timely decisions in regards to proposed water withdrawals. This gives us the ability to make decisions with sound data to ensure our water is being utilized in a safe and sustainable manner."
Geoscience BC Vice President of Energy Carlos Salas said: "The stations have been important in understanding any impacts the natural gas sector has on water flow. This new agreement ensures they can continue to provide open and valuable information for anyone to use, and will be a part of FNFN's own locally-run initiative."
Data from the monitoring network will be independently verified by a qualified professional. As part of the two-year agreement, FNFN will then add the information to the Mackenzie DataStream water data website. This allows anyone to explore and share water data relating to the Mackenzie River Basin stretching from BC and Alberta all the way to the Arctic Ocean.
A description of the project can be found here.
About Geoscience BC
Geoscience BC is an independent, non-profit organization that generates earth science information in collaboration with First Nations, local communities, governments, academia and the resource sector. Our independent earth science enables informed resource management decisions. Geoscience BC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
For additional information, please contact:
Richard Truman
Geoscience BC
604-662-4147
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