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News Release June 11, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUB RELEASES FIRST ANNUAL REPORT ON APPROPRIATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS

Calgary, Alberta (June 11, 2002) With increasing demand for oil and gas and the proliferation of energy facilities and pipelines, competing visions for the use of Alberta's land are often the result. Landowners, environmental groups, industry, and government have been seeking options, direct involvement, and control over resolving their disputes. Appropriate Dispute Resolution, or ADR, offers an important option in finding solutions, according to the EUB's Appropriate Dispute Resolution Annual Report.

When disputes arise, the purpose of the ADR Program is to help people explore and understand each other's interests and develop acceptable solutions together.

"ADR is available for individuals, groups and companies willing to work together on mutually acceptable solutions, before other steps are necessary, such as an EUB hearing. ADR has a proven track record of resolving conflict faster, cheaper and in the spirit of cooperation," says Bill Remmer, ADR Coordinator at the Energy and Utilities Board.

The EUB's Appropriate Dispute Resolution Annual Report shows the numbers to support that view. In 2001, 161 EUB staff facilitations were initiated between landowners and companies, and 115 were completed, with 98 or 85% fully resolved. In addition, 30 more complex disputes were referred to third party mediators and 23 were completed with 19 or 82% fully resolved. People using the EUB ADR program were very supportive with 97% of those providing feedback indicating they would try ADR again and 94% indicating they would recommend others try ADR. The average cost of the ADR process was $4,300 and the average duration from referral to end of mediation was 28 days.

This news release and the Appropriate Dispute Resolution Annual Report and a Summary are available on the EUB Web site at http://www.ercb.ca, or contact Information Services at EUB Head Office in Calgary.

For more information, please contact:

NR 2002-11