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News Release     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

GAS RELEASE NEAR LODGEPOLE OVER; WELL SECURED

Calgary, Alberta (December 16, 2009) The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is investigating a gas release that occurred earlier today at a crude oil wellsite approximately 4 km southwest of Lodgepole, Alberta. The well was secured at 3:30 PM today and the flow of gas has ended.

There were no evacuations or injuries resulting from the incident. Mobile air monitoring units detected extremely low levels of hydrogen sulphide (sour gas) in the area. These levels posed no threat to public safety.

The ERCB was notified Wednesday morning that an oil well operated by Daylight Energy Ltd. was leaking gas. The company also notified parties in the vicinity of the well. There were no residents located within the well’s 570-metre emergency planning zone.

As a safety precaution, the company established roadblocks on a local road close to Highway 620 when the incident occurred, and subsequently on Highway 620 to ensure that no one entered the work area. These roadblocks have now been removed.

The ERCB also contacted the Pembina Mutual Aid Group (the local emergency co-op), Brazeau County emergency services, and the RCMP.

As is normal practice, the ERCB is investigating the incident.

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For more information, please contact:

Bob Curran
ERCB Communications
Phone: 403-613-5554

NR 2009-33