Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Norman Wells Esso oil field is a unique discovery with a low-cost blend. Refining costs are minimal. Mr. Speaker, this unique discovery has operated within our territory for over a century. To release the potential, the operator and the federal owners released a development expansion in the early 1980s.
Mr. Speaker, the asset, as the operator in industry refers to, has recently moved into two sections being called for an EA or, Mr. Speaker, environmental assessment; one being the oil field operating authority and the second a connection been the gathering system referred to as line 490 replacement.
Mr. Speaker, this regulatory EA process allows for IRs, or information requests, providing responses to deadlines can become challenging for proponents. Mr. Speaker, as an ex-driller during the '80s expansion and now an advocate for responsible development, and somewhat knowledgeable on our modern NWT regulatory systems since the days of development, it's concerning to me and others to see on the registry 350 IRs due by this Monday. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions to the Minister of ECC. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes.
