In June of 1969, Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Research Ltd. retained Canadian Bechtel Ltd. to assist in researching the practicability of constructing a large-diameter crude oil pipeline from the North Slope of Alaska to Edmonton, Alberta. Part of the research

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program was to design, construct, and operate an experimental test loop at Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Inuvik is on the Mackenzie River, midway between the Arctic Circle and the Beaufort Sea.

The test loop was constructed in the fall of 1969 and placed in operation in early 1970. Continuous operation is scheduled at least through the summer of 1971.

Information is being compiled daily and indications to date are confirming the wisdom of constructing the Arctic test facility.

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