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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ERCB ISSUES MINEABLE OIL SANDS INSPECTION DIRECTIVE
Board expects to double mineable oil sands inspections

Calgary, Alberta (April 11, 2008) Alberta’s Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has issued a major update to its mineable oil sands inspection and enforcement regulations and is asking for input on Draft Directive 2008: Requirements for Inspection and Compliance of Oil Sands Mining and Processing Plant Operations.

The ERCB is asking for input from the public, industry and other stakeholders into the draft directive by June 30, 2008. Following the consultation, the ERCB will finalize the regulatory requirements and procedures in the new directive.

The draft Directive details ERCB regulatory requirements that operators of oil sands mining and processing plant operations must follow as well as the expectations of ERCB field inspectors. 

The ERCB expects to double the number of inspections at mineable oil sands facilities over the next year. In 2007, the ERCB conducted 18 inspections of mineable oil sands facilities. Each inspection can take up to one week to compete.

The ERCB believes that compliance in meeting or exceeding regulations and standards is the responsibility of the energy industry. The ERCB expects that companies understand the requirements and has the infrastructure in place to ensure compliance.

As with all other ERCB inspections, enforcement action will occur if the company is found to be in non-compliance with regulations.

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For more information, please contact:

Darin Barter
ERCB Communications
Tel: 403-297-4116
Cell: 403-681-0946
Email: darin.barter@ercb.ca

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