View PDF File

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ERCB APPROVES THREE NATURAL GAS WELLS ON CFB SUFFIELD

Calgary, Alberta (August 25, 2009) The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has issued Decision 2009-051, which approves applications submitted by EnCana Corporation to drill three sweet natural gas wells within Canadian Forces Base Suffield. The proposed wells are situated outside of the Suffield National Wildlife Area.

After considering all evidence submitted to an ERCB Board Panel in a written hearing, the panel determined that drilling the wells would be in the public interest. The written hearing took place between February 4, 2009 and May 27, 2009.

In making its decision, the ERCB ruled that:

• the environmental effects of the wells are acceptable provided EnCana fulfils various commitments it made to mitigate environmental disturbance, most notably to re-survey the three well sites for wildlife species of concern prior to drilling;
  
  
• the wells would not impair the sustainability of the Suffield Base for future military operations, and
  
  
• the ERCB has jurisdiction to issue well licences on the Suffield Base, but has no jurisdiction to grant surface access to the Suffield Base to any party.

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

- 30 -

This news release and Decision 2009-051 are available on the ERCB website at www.ercb.ca.

For more information, please contact:
Bob Curran
ERCB Communications
Phone: (403) 297-3392
Email: bob.curran@ercb.ca

NR 2009-22