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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PENN WEST PETROLEUM LTD. SWEET OIL WELL BLOWOUT
Medicine Hat, Alberta (November 1, 2005) At approximately 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, a blowout occurred at a sweet oil well operated by Penn West Petroleum Ltd. during routine well servicing operations. The well is located approximately one hour north of Medicine Hat.
No injuries are reported, no evacuations took place and no sour gas is associated with the blowout. Oil and associated liquids are being routed to a storage tank on site. Occupants of one nearby residence were notified and opted to remain in their home.
The cause of the blowout is not known at this time. EUB Field Surveillance staff will investigate when the well is brought under control
Public safety is the EUB's first priority and EUB Field Inspectors are working closely with the company to bring an end to the incident.
Blowouts in Alberta are very rare. In 2004, there were about 18,500 wells drilled and 4 blowouts occurred during drilling.
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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For more information, please contact:
Darin Barter
EUB Communications
Cell: 403-651-9487
NR2005-29
