Many studies have been underway as part of the planning for the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project. These studies look at any impacts the Project might have on the northern environment or way of life. Impacts may be positive, negative or neutral.

Studies called environmental and socio-economic impact assessments (EIAs/SEIAs) are required as part of the regulatory application process. We must demonstrate our consideration of the Project's potential impacts and explain our plans for managing them.

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) include changes the Project may have on the plants, animals, fish, water, soil or air of an area.

Socio-economic impact assessments (SEIAs) include activities that could affect lifestyle or create a change in a community's social or financial well-being.

Public input is an important part of these assessments. We will consider community feedback when planning how to manage and monitor impacts.

The process for developing these studies includes the following steps:

• Collect "baseline" information that describes the existing environment or way of life in an area. This includes Traditional Knowledge of areas that might be affected by the Project.
• Review this information with affected communities and interested organizations to make sure it is correct and to decide what issues are most important.
• Through these consultations, understand why these issues are important to individual communities and regions.
• Develop, with community input, ways to manage and monitor impacts.
  

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