Husky Oil has withdrawn its application to drill for silica sand west of Yellowknife.
The energy company wanted to drill for the sand in the area of Chedabucto Lake and Whitebeach Point, on the North Arm of Great Slave Lake.
The sand is used in the fracking process, though fracking itself was never intended to be part of the project.
In mid-February, Husky’s plans were sent to an environmental assessment to be conducted by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board.
At the time, the Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board, which received the proposal, decided it “might be a cause of public concern”, particularly regarding the cultural value of Whitebeach Point to the local community.
The company had been intending to drill in March and April.
“Please be advised that Husky Oil Operations Limited (“Husky”) is withdrawing its application,” read a press release issued by the company Tuesday.
“We thank the Board and its staff, as well as the interested individuals and organizations, for their participation in this process.”
Read: Fracking: Yellowknife Audience Ain’t Buying What The GNWT Is Selling
