Calgary, Alberta

Deer Creek Energy Ltd (DCEL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Total E&P Canada, advises that an incident occurred at its Joslyn Creek SAGD facility, 60km North of Fort McMurray, on May 18, 2006 at 5:15am.

A release of steam occurred from underground, unsettling the ground and a few trees over a distance of approximately 100 metres nearby. Steam was released to the atmosphere for approximately 5 minutes.

No injuries occurred as a result of this incident and there was no harmful gaseous emission into the atmosphere. 

Both the injector and the producer wells were immediately shut down and pressures were reduced in neighbouring wells, which are currently undergoing steam circulation. All wells are secured.

The causes of the incident are currently under investigation.  The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment were immediately informed, per regulation, as was the neighbouring community of Fort McKay.