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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

ERCB ON SCENE AT SWEET OIL WELL BLOWOUT NORTHWEST OF COLD LAKE

Calgary, Alberta (January 27, 2009) The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is working closely with Imperial Oil Resources Ltd. at a sweet oil well blowout approximately 40 km northwest of Cold Lake. 

The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27. Currently, the well is emitting steam. The well is licensed as a sweet oil well, but contains trace amounts of hydrogen sulphide (up to .01 per cent).

Air monitoring units are in place and have detected no H₂S in the air at the site. Roadblocks have been set up at the entrance to the site.

The nearest residence is located 8 km from the well. There were no injuries, no danger to the public and no public complaints have been registered.

All appropriate authorities have been notified and ERCB staff are on site. As is the normal practice, the ERCB will conduct an investigation into the incident.

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For more information, please contact:
Davis Sheremata
ERCB Communications    
Ph: 403-605-4216    
Email: davis.sheremata@ercb.ca

NR 2009-02