News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WELL CONTROL EFFORTS AT ACCLAIM SITE GAS FLOW MAY BE SUBSIDING

St. Albert, Alberta (December 23, 2004) The Alberta government's Regional Emergency Operations Centre, led by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB), continues to work with Acclaim Energy Trust, the City of Edmonton, Capital Health, Alberta Environment, government agencies, and well-control specialists to control the blowout on an Acclaim well west of Edmonton in the County of Parkland.  Recent activity at the well site indicates that the natural gas reservoir beneath the well is depleting and the uncontrolled gas flow from the well may subside or cease within the next several days.

Monitoring for hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions will continue uninterrupted throughout the duration of the blowout. There are currently eight stationary and four mobile air monitoring units taking measurements in the surrounding area. These monitors have recorded negligible readings of H₂S and SO₂. Air quality specialists from Capital Health and Alberta Environment believe that there is currently negligible risk to public health or safety due to emissions from the well site.

In response to the blowout, the EUB has established an offsite emergency operations centre at its St. Albert Field Centre. Members of the public may call the St. Albert Field Centre at (780) 460-3800 for incident information. Area residents who have any health-related questions are being encouraged to call the Capital Health Link (24 hours) at 780-408-5465. The EUB is also posting updates to its website on an ongoing basis that detail aspects of the well-control operation, at www.ercb.ca.

All of the authorities at the operations centre are ensuring all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard public safety. Once the well is under control, the EUB will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, and publicize its findings and recommendations.

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NR2004-34