The City of Winnipeg's administration is asking for $1 million to hire experts to study the impact of the Energy East pipeline.

The project would see the conversion of natural gas lines to oil from Alberta to eastern refineries.

The city has concerns about the pipeline's proximity to Winnipeg's water supply in Shoal Lake.

Officials with the city say the experts are needed to determine if Winnipeg needs to outright oppose the project or look for other solutions.

The city is applying for intervenor status at the National Energy Board hearings for the pipeline next year.