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The Tanana Chiefs Conference has been contracted to collect environmental data for ConocoPhillips to continue the gas line permit process.

The contract asks TCC surveyors to scout for possible contamination in World War II sites in the Tok area and from Delta to the border and along the Haines-Fairbanks pipeline. Surveyors also will run extensive hydrology studies in the area to help ConocoPhillips and partner BP get the necessary permits to establish a well-marked route for the natural gas pipeline.

There are about 60 different Native allotments from Delta to the border region, each making up about 160 acres.

“This (contract) really recognizes what professional services the Tanana Chiefs Conference has to offer,” TCC President Jerry Isaac said.

Although the contract will only run through the 2008-2009 field seasons, TCC is in the process of negotiating additional contracts to create more training and employment opportunities along the upper Tanana region as the pipeline process continues.

“At this point, we’re looking at expansion in all levels that we may have a capacity for,” Isaac said.

The nonprofit corporation serving the Interior acts as a clearinghouse for employment for its beneficiaries, and Isaac is confident the organization can satisfy the issue of hiring workers for the project.

“We can provide that kind of support service to ConocoPhillips or any group authorized to build the pipeline,” Isaac said.

The major oil companies will also rely on TCC to engage local communities about pipeline research activity.

“TCC plans to participate and cooperate in any endeavor that affects our region,” Isaac said.

The president of the nonprofit regional corporation is confident his employees can do the work.

“We feel we have one of the most finely developed survey systems in the state,” Isaac said.

According to a press release issued Monday by the TCC, “three-quarters of the pipeline proposed by ConocoPhillips in Alaska is within the TCC region.”

Under a contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, TCC is required to be part of the permit process for land along the proposed route of the gas line.

“We are contracting with them for their expertise with engaging locals so that the community is aware of our field activities,” ConocoPhillips spokeswoman Natalie Lowman said.

The contract between the two organizations was implemented prior to ConocoPhillips announcing a gas line partnership with BP. It will essentially give ConocoPhillips and BP permission to work on Native land.

“We’re rolling this work into a larger effort to work with the local community,” Lowman said.

According to Isaac, safety concerns for villagers also motivated TCC to be involved in the project.

“The route of the gas line could potentially run right alongside some communities,” Isaac said.

According to TCC, bridges and safe turning lanes have to be improved along highways in order to withstand the expected workload.

“We’re offering to be partners to jointly find ways to minimize negative impacts and maximize the positive impacts,” Isaac said.