Work has begun to install a conductor pipe at the APEC 1 (area of potential environmental concern) site as mitigation efforts continue for last year’s gas explosion in downtown Wheatley.
The work to install a conductor pipe over an abandoned well near the site of last year’s gas explosion in downtown Wheatley resumed this week after being paused in early July due to safety concerns.
Investigatory work has since taken place at the site since a small amount of gas was detected July 6 while workers were excavating in preparation for driving the larger conductor pipe over the existing well, the release added.
It was previously reported the two-hour release last month was measured at 24 parts per billion in the atmosphere, less than one-hundredth of the amount that would represent a safety hazard. Some smell was noticeable at the site, officials said.
There has been no other gas emissions since that time, officials added.
“A thorough review of the gas monitoring system and health and safety plans was undertaken,” the release said. “At no time was there a risk to the community beyond the evacuation zone.”
As work resumes at the downtown site, an odor of gas may be detected, the release warned. If residents detect the smell of gas at any time, they are urged to immediately call 911.
Much of the work being done at the downtown site involves placing the conductor pipe around the well and, with the help of cement or a similar material, sealing the shaft.
After the early-July gas release, officials also decided to put in a relief well to provide “redundancy in the venting of any potential gas release away from the work taking place.”
“Installation of the conductor pipe is the first step toward completing a redundant pressure relief well in the municipal parking lot near the … site,” a municipal media release stated.
The old well, which is roughly 100 feet deep, was likely used as a source of water, municipal officials have said.
Gas was first identified at the Erie Street North site in early June 2021, which prompted the immediate evacuation of homes and businesses in the immediate area.
The following month, three-dozen homes and businesses were evacuated after hydrogen sulphide – a poisonous, corrosive and flammable gas – was again detected at the downtown site.
On Aug. 26, 2021, toxic gas detectors placed around the site raised an alarm that afternoon, providing municipal staff and emergency crews enough time to clear the area before a blast leveled two buildings about 90 minutes later.
Twenty people suffered minor injuries from the explosion.