View PDF file

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

ERCB ON SCENE OF SWEET GAS WELL BLOWOUT NEAR COLD LAKE

Calgary, Alberta (February 4, 2011) The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is working with Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNRL) at the scene of a sweet natural gas well blowout 12 km southeast of Cold Lake, Alberta.  The well is licensed to CNRL and the blowout occurred at approximately 9:30 am on Thursday, February 3. CNRL has commissioned well control specialists who are on site.

There is no threat to public safety at this time. The gas well is not on fire; however, it is releasing small volumes of sweet natural gas into the atmosphere.  Stationary air monitoring units have been set up at the site and a mobile air monitoring unit is sampling in the vicinity. ERCB inspectors are on site and an investigation into the incident will be conducted, as is the normal practice.

Residents in the area have been notified.  The closest resident to the well is .75 km away.  There have been no injuries resulting from the incident.  All appropriate authorities have been notified. 

Blowouts in Alberta are rare. In 2009, the ERCB recorded a blowout rate of .149 blowouts per 1,000 non-abandoned wells.  Last year, ERCB field surveillance staff conducted a record 25,373 field inspections and audits of energy facilities in Alberta.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:
Davis Sheremata
ERCB Communications
Phone: (403) 605-4216