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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUB WORKING WITH EMERGENCY SERVICES FOLLOWING EXPLOSION AT OILFIELD WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY NEAR GRANDE CACHE

Calgary, Alberta (December 7, 2006) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) is working closely with emergency services personnel after an explosion at an oilfield waste disposal facility near Grande Cache this afternoon.

At approximately 3 p.m., an explosion and subsequent fire occurred when a vacuum truck was unloading fluid into a tank at the facility licensed to Deepwell Energy Services 27 km south of Grande Cache. Initial reports indicate that two workers suffered injuries and were transported to hospital in Grande Cache.

Fire crews are on the scene working to bring the fire under control. The facility does not handle waste from sour gas facilities, no evacuations of the public were necessary, there have been no environmental impacts, and none are expected to occur. There are no residences within 5 km of the facility. The main road into the facility from Highway 40 was closed following the incident and has been reopened.

When the fire has been brought under control, the EUB will commence an investigation into the incident.

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:

Davis Sheremata
EUB Communications
Office: 403-297-2252
Cell: 403-605-4216

NR2006-52