Northern Cross files court action against YESAB

Northern Cross Limited has filed an application in federal court against the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board, saying YESAB's procedure is inconsistent.

The application is in relation to the company's controversialapplication for anoil and gas exploration project in Eagle Plains, which the energy company says tookabout 20 months to process through YESAB.

Northern Cross president Richard Wyman saidsimilar applications took betweentwo and seven months.

Now, the application has been referred to YESAB's executive committee for further review.

"This whole process was unique compared to any other experience we've had with YESAB," saidWyman.

The application is for exploratory drilling. Wyman says the company has had three similar applications successfully assessed recently. He saidapplications to build roadsand do seismic testing were also recently assessed without any delays.

Wyman saidthe intent of court action isn't to alter or eliminate the need for assessment.

"What I am asking for is consistency from one process to the next for similar activities, so that there is a predictability of process, time frame, information required, treatment of the information, so on."

According to an evaluation report of Northern Cross's application on the YESABwebsite, the board was "unable to determine the probability or magnitude of changes to caribou migration and seasonal distribution in relation to project activities and the associated duration, reversibility, and extent of such effects."

Still, Wyman saidhe is "surprised and disappointed" that YESAB referred the application to its executive committee for further review. He saidNorthern Cross invested time, effort and money into this process.

"I would just say that when you look at other jurisdictions on the planet for similar activities, it's not quite the same setup."

YESAB wouldn't commenton thecourt action.