The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) and Alberta Environment have commenced reviewing the two-part Integrated Application for approval submitted on December 14 of last year.

"The ERCB and Alberta Environment review marks a significant milestone," said Michael Borrell, President of Total E&P Canada Ltd. "Total has committed to the ongoing improvement of the environmental performance of its facilities and operations. The Group is proud to be moving into the application review stage of this project and one step closer to growing its presence in Canada."

The Integrated Application submitted by Total provides a description of the planned upgrader and an assessment of its impact on the environment and its socio-economic features.

"Total intends to make Alberta its home for a long time. As our mining and in-situ activities in the Athabasca oil sands ramp up it makes sense to upgrade the bitumen here so we can ensure that the social and economic benefits of these projects stay in this province," said Borrell.

It is expected that the Total Upgrader will require up to 4,000 workers to construct the upgrader. Once it is in operation, the upgrader will employ 300-400 employees.

Subject to regulatory approvals and corporate approval from the Total Group, Total anticipates starting construction of the upgrader in the last quarter of 2009 and commencing operation of Phase 1 before 2015 at a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin approximately 3 to 4 years later at a design capacity of 245,000 barrels per day of bitumen and with subsequent optimization the capacity may reach 295,000 barrels per day.

Members of the community are invited to attend an Open House on April 16th at the Dow Centennial Center Theatre, Fort Saskatchewan. There will be three sessions from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Representatives from Total will be present to answer questions about the planned upgrader project.

Total E&P Canada Ltd. through a subsidiary, Total E&P Joslyn Ltd. is the operator of a 74% interest in the Joslyn Lease, located 65 km northwest of Fort McMurray in the Athabasca oil sands area. Total E&P Canada Ltd. also has a 50% non-operating interest in the Surmont project, 60 km southeast of Fort McMurray and covering an area of 544 square kilometers.

The company holds additional leases in the oil sands and will continue to explore opportunities for partnerships to grow and expand its Canadian portfolio.