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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

ERCB ON SCENE AT ABANDONED WELL LEAK NEAR TABER

Calgary, Alberta (April 18, 2009) The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is working closely with BHP Billiton (Trinidad East Coast) Ltd. and well control specialists to stop the flow of saline water and trace amounts of oil from an abandoned sweet oil well located about 17 kilometres northwest of Taber, Alberta.

An unknown amount of fluid has been released since the incident began. The leak was discovered at 2:45 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2009.

The well is owned by BHP Billiton (Trinidad-East Coast) Ltd.

There was no fire, no sour gas, and no danger to public safety. No wildlife have been affected. The leak is on dry ground and no fluid has entered any river or body of water. 

In Alberta in 2008, there were 133,464 abandoned wells.  Of those, 88,883 (approximately 60 per cent) have received reclamation certificates.

Abandoned well leaks are very rare in Alberta. Since 2006, there have been 5 leaks in the 133,464 abandoned wells.

ERCB inspectors are on site and have begun an investigation into the incident. All appropriate authorities have been notified. 

An ‘abandoned well’ is a well that is non-productive or no longer profitable and is decommissioned according to ERCB regulations. Companies remain responsible for the abandoned well.

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For more information, please contact:
Darin Barter
ERCB Communications    
Ph: 403-681-0946    
Email: darin.barter@ercb.ca

NR 2009-11