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News Release      

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUB Issues Pre-Hearing Meeting Decision on Bitumen Conservation

Calgary, Alberta (October 14, 2004) - The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has issued Decision 2004-088, which establishes the scope of the EUB's Phase 3 final hearing on Bitumen Conservation in the Athabasca Oil Sands Area, and sets a date for the initial filing of evidence in the hearing. Decision 2004-088 results from an EUB pre-hearing meeting held in Calgary, Alberta on September 15, 2004.

The decision states that the final EUB hearing on this matter will allow full consideration of all issues. The EUB will not impose restrictions on the evidence parties may present at the final hearing, assuming that parties adhere to the EUB's normal hearing requirements and bring forward issues or evidence that are relevant.

The decision further requires parties wishing to participate in the final EUB hearing to file a list of wells and intervals they want the hearing panel to consider, along with their supporting evidence, by February 14, 2005. Parties are then to advise the EUB by February 21, 2005, of the amount of time they need to file reply evidence and to propose a starting date for the final hearing. The Board will then give notice of the date for filing further evidence and also state when the final EUB hearing will begin.

The decision also notes that the Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation made a submission regarding the impacts of natural gas producer operations on its traditional lands. The EUB will be asking proceeding participants to submit proposals to address the issues raised by the Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation. The EUB will review those submissions and make a decision regarding the concerns raised by the Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation.

The EUB ensures that the discovery, development, and delivery of Alberta's resources and utilities services take place in a manner that is fair, responsible, and in the public interest.

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This news release and Decision 2004-088 are available on the EUB Web site at www.ercb.ca

For more information, please contact:
Tom Neufeld, EUB Communications
Tel: (403) 297-8565
Fax: (403) 297-3757
Email: tom.neufeld@gov.ab.ca

NR 2004-28