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Alberta’s energy watchdog says it has taken the unprecedented step of forcing a Calgary oil and gas company into receivership for allegedly failing to look after its assets safely and responsibly.

Lexin Resources Ltd.’s more than 1,600 wells, pipelines and facilities will be put up for sale by a court-appointed receiver, the Alberta Energy Regulator said Tuesday.

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All of the Calgary company’s assets were shut down by the regulator last month after Lexin raised doubts it could ensure the safety of its sour gas wells, which contain potentially deadly gas.

“We believe that this is the most appropriate course of action following Lexin’s continued disregard for AER requirements to ensure public safety and environmental protection,” Cara Tobin, a spokeswoman for the watchdog, said Tuesday.

The regulator has never before forced an oil and gas company into receivership.

Lexin could not be immediately reached for comment, but it has previously blamed most of its problems on the energy regulator.