The gas explosion in Wheatley this past summer, and the ongoing search for a source, was one of Chatham-Kent’s top stories of the year.
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The gas explosion in Wheatley this past summer, and the ongoing search for a source, was one of Chatham-Kent’s top stories of the year.
Content article
On Aug. 26, a blast rocked the downtown core, injuring 20 and resulting in the evacuation of the surrounding area, which remains closed off.
However, gas was first detected at an Erie Street North building in early June, prompting the immediate evacuation of homes and businesses in the area.
The following month, three-dozen homes and businesses were evacuated after hydrogen sulphide – a highly poisonous, corrosive and flammable gas – was again detected at the site.
Officials have said that gas periodically builds up and releases, although the exact source is unknown, along with how to best mitigate the problem.
In previous weeks, property owners in the cordoned-off area were permitted to return temporarily to retrieve any important belongings, such as documents and valuables.
However, there are still no answers as to when it will finally be safe enough for them to permanently return.
Recently, a second well was found close to where the explosion leveled two buildings.
Petroleum inspectors from the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry were on site earlier this week to collect information to help them understand more about this newly discovered well.
Last month, in response to the financial hardships facing many residents, the province announced $ 3.8 million in funding for those who were displaced.
The new money is in addition to a $ 2-million grant announced in September to help Wheatley’s downtown businesses resume their operations.