March 12, 2015

For Immediate Release

Lubicon Lake Nation Responds to Murphy Oil Co. Condensate Spill:

Chief Ominayak Says Health, Safety, & Environment the Priority
Little Buffalo, AB/ Murphy Oil Company Ltd. met with Chief Bernard Ominayak and the
Government of the Lubicon Lake Nation this morning to discuss the extent and impacts of an
estimated 2.7 million litre (17,000 Bbl) spill of hazardous condensate near Seal Lake, Alberta, a
hunting and trapping area of interest for the Lubicon Lake Nation. Condensate is a light
hydrocarbon liquid that is mixed with heavy oil after extraction to make it easier to transport. As
a compound it is known to be toxic and high in benzene. When exposed to the atmosphere
benzene does evaporate and can reduce air quality to harmful levels according to officials.
The condensate spill was initially located on March 1, 2015 according to Murphy Oil, but was
not reported to the Lubicon Lake Nation until 11 days later when questions were raised
regarding local and media reports of the incident. It is critical that Murphy Oil address creating
an integrated emergency response plan, as we have done with other resource companies in the
area, so we can alert our people as soon as these incidents occur when they are on the land
exercising our Aboriginal rights. said Chief Ominayak.
It is not known how long the 3 inch pipe has been ruptured and leaking according to Murphy Oil
who indicated that an investigation has begun. Chief Bernard Ominayak said in the meeting:
First and foremost our concern as the government of the Lubicon Lake Nation is the health and
safety of our people and environment. Murphy Oil provided initial maps of the spill area which
will be available on the Lubicon Lake Nation website. They also committed to an ongoing
dialogue with the Lubicon Lake Nation, the results of which will be made available to Lubicon
citizens.
For More Information Contact:
Councillor Dwight Gladue
Communications / Industry Liaison
Lubicon Lake Nation
P.O. Box 6731 Stn. Main
Peace River, AB T8S 1S3
(780) 625-4208 Direct
(780) 629-3939 Fax
info@LubiconLakeNation.ca
www.LubiconLakeNation.ca