The March 09 US magazine National Graphic contains a substantional article on Canadian oilsands. The article has more mention of SAGD than I would have expected. It raises several points which on I wish more knowlegeable members than I could address. First, there is mention of another company's development, with apparent over development of roads, impeding movement of wildlife, etc. Second, there is a claim that SAGD costs more in overall input of energy per unit of output than open pit bitumen projects, by a substantial amount. Recent improvements in efficiency from down-the-hole pumps and use of steam would be of interest in countering the vague statements in the article. Solid facts would be important ammunition.

I believe that Connacher is in a good position to answer questions in this area. I would like members of this board or the company to make statements on how the company minimizes development on the land during exploitation, and progress in minimizing energy use (in our case natural gas) input in exploitation. The question of replacement of natural gas by bitumen fuel for steam generation would also be relevant.

I wish that I could provide answers rather than questions, but I am down in New Jersey aching after a day skiing the Catskills.

There's no business like snow business.

Longfellow