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Three energy companies have been charged with leaking potentially deadly hydrogen sulphide gas in Northern Alberta.

The Alberta Energy Regulator has laid five environmental and conservation-related charges against both Tourmaline Oil and its spinoff Topaz Energy Corp., and three charges against CWC Energy Services.

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It’s alleged the Calgary-based firms leaked hydrogen sulphide “that impacted human health” in the Spirit River area on Feb. 25, 2018.

The charges allege the companies are guilty of “knowingly releasing a substance to the environment that caused or may have caused an adverse effect.”

Representatives from the companies are scheduled to appear in court Feb. 19 in Grande Prairie.

With just a few breaths at higher concentrations, hydrogen sulphide — a colourless, flammable gas that smells like rotten eggs — can lead to unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis, coma and even death.

An AER spokesman said no further details on the leak and its impact would be released because the matter’s before the courts.

“To ensure each company has a right to a fair prosecution, the AER cannot release any further details on its investigation findings,” Shawn Roth said in a statement.

BKaufmann@postmedia.com

on Twitter: @BillKaufmannjrn