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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUB WORKING WITH CONOCO PHILLIPS TO CONTROL SOUR GAS WELL BLOWOUT SOUTHEAST OF EDSON

Calgary, Alberta (May 3, 2006) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) is working closely with ConocoPhillips Canada after an underground blowout occurred Wednesday afternoon at a shut-in sour gas well approximately 26 kilometres southeast of Edson.

The well, located at 14-17-51-15 W5, contains 0.4% hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and has an emergency planning zone of 700 metres. The nearest resident is 12 km from the site. There have been no injuries or environmental impacts.

Air monitoring equipment is currently on site and well-control specialists are enroute. So far, negligible H2S readings have been detected off-lease, although some odours are detectable in the vicinity of the well.

Roadblocks have been established by the company on two roads near the well as a precautionary measure.

All appropriate authorities have been notified, including Emergency Management Alberta, RCMP, Alberta Environment and the local health authority.

The EUB ensures that the discovery, development, and delivery of Alberta's resources and utility 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
Office: 403-297-4116
Cell: 403-651-9487

NR2006-15