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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUB INVESTIGATING ODOUR COMPLAINT IN BIG VALLEY

Calgary, Alberta (June 14, 2006) Field staff from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) are investigating an odour complaint which resulted in the evacuation of staff and students from a school in Big Valley this morning.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, staff at the Big Valley School noticed a rotten egg smell in the air inside and outside the school. Local authorities were notified and 109 students from Grades 1 through 9, plus 12 staff members, were evacuated from the school. Two students complaining of nausea and irritated eyes were taken to hospital in Stettler for monitoring and released.

All local authorities were notified of the incident including Emergency Management Alberta, the David Thompson Health Region and municipal and school authorities. EUB staff arrived at the site shortly after the complaint was received and began air monitoring with assistance from local industry.

Equipment on site found no detectable levels of hydrogen sulphide. Staff and students returned to school and normal operations resumed at approximately 1:15 p.m.

As is the normal practice, EUB staff will conduct an investigation into the incident.

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

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For more information, please contact:

Davis Sheremata
EUB Communications
Tel: (403) 605-4216
Email: davis.sheremata@gov.ab.ca

NR2006-23