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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUB ISSUES PRE-HEARING MEETING MEMORANDUM OF DECISION SETS MARCH 24, 2003 DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING INTO MANHATTAN RESOURCES APPLICATIONS NEAR FORT SASKATCHEWAN

Calgary, Alberta (December 6, 2002) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) today issued a Memorandum of Decision setting March 24, 2003 as the beginning date for an EUB Public Hearing into a series of energy development applications being proposed by Calgary-based Manhattan Resources Limited (Manhattan) within Strathcona County.

The Pre-Hearing Meeting was held in Sherwood Park, Alberta on November 20, 2002 and resulted from numerous objections being filed with the EUB by area residents and landowners in the vicinity of the project being proposed by Manhattan. The company is seeking EUB approval to drill six wells, construct and operate a pipeline gathering system and well surface facilities, and to modify an existing facility on various lands northeast, east and southeast of Ardrossan.

At the November 20, 2002 Pre-Hearing Meeting, a three member Board panel heard input from the applicant and interested parties on a number of issues, including the scope of the hearing, timing, procedures, participant roles, costs, and funding. The Board did not hear evidence, submissions, or arguments pertaining to the merits of the applications or objections those will be heard at the Public Hearing.

The Memorandum of Decision offers clear advice to area residents who wish to participate in the upcoming hearing, specifically on the matter of landowners or residents obtaining "standing" with the EUB in order to have their costs covered. In identifying who may participate at a public hearing, the EUB is governed by the Energy Resources Conservation Act which states that those persons whose rights may be directly and adversely affected by the approval of an energy facility are entitled to an opportunity to provide evidence, cross-examine and give argument, in short, full participation at a hearing or "standing."

While anyone can participate in an EUB Public Hearing, not everyone is awarded costs. It is strongly recommended that those who wish to participate in the hearing read the full Memorandum of Decision issued by the EUB. Copies of the Memorandum are being mailed to everyone who has been consulted with by Manhattan with regard to the project or who registered with the EUB at the Pre-Hearing Meeting. Memorandum of Decision 2002-107 can also be viewed on the EUB's website at www.ercb.ca. Follow the links from the "News" heading on the main page to "What's New."

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This news release and Memorandum of Decision 2002-107 are available on the EUB web site at www.ercb.ca

For further information please contact:

Greg Gilbertson, Section Leader
EUB Communications
Tel: (403) 297-3648

NR 2002-27