News Release 08 March 1999

FOR RELEASE AT 11:00 A.M.

EUB TO DELAY DECISION ON PUBLIC INQUIRY REQUEST FOR HYTHE AREA FAMILIES

Calgary (8 March 1999) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board will defer consideration of a request for a public inquiry into oil- and gas-related complaints of several families in the Hythe area. The reason for putting the decision on hold is that criminal proceedings are under way against some of those who asked for the inquiry. The Board believes it would be inappropriate to comment on issues that may be the subject of these proceedings.

The Board sent a letter about the deferral to counsel for the Ludwig, Schilthuis, Boonstra, Bryzgorni, Wraight, and Johnstone families, and Dr. W. O Scott. On 21 October, these applicants asked the Board to hold an inquiry under Section 22 of the Energy Resources Conservation Act. The request expressed health and environmental complaints about emissions from oil and gas operations and increasing community concerns about intentional damage to petroleum facilities in the Hythe area.

"Above all else, the Board must be fair to everyone involved," says Board Member Frank Mink. "When current trial proceedings involving Trickle Creek residents (Ludwig, Boonstra, Schilthuis) are complete, we will decide whether or not to hold an inquiry.

"Meanwhile, EUB field staff continue to monitor oil and gas operations and are available to respond to landowner concerns."

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Copies of this news release are available on the EUB website at http://www.ercb.ca and in hard copy from EUB Information Services, Main floor, 640 - 5 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, Telephone 403-297-8190.

For more information, please contact:

Simone Marler
EUB Communications Leader
403-297-8552

NR99-02