An investigation into the ongoing gas leak in Wheatley is making progress, say Chatham-Kent officials.
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The investigation into the gas leak suspected of triggering an explosion that devastated part of downtown Wheatley has made substantial progress, Chatham-Kent officials say.
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On Monday, the casing stub – a remnant of a long section of pipe – for the abandoned well identified as the second area of potential environmental concern was exposed.
Work is continuing to bring this well casing, located in a municipal parking lot near the blast site, to the surface.
“Bringing the abandoned well to surface level will enable the team to monitor the well, which will assist with identifying future activities and mitigation options,” a Tuesday media release stated.
“Once that is accomplished, officials plan to conduct tests with pressurized water to determine if an underground connection exists between the two wells.”
The second area of concern is approximately 50 meters from the first area of potential environmental concern (APEC 1), a well located at the scene of last August’s explosion.
Since no gas has been detected at the site since Nov. 21, officials are expecting a release soon, given the time interval and previous pattern of releases. The test separator and venting system remain connected to APEC 1 to improve the overall safety in the area.
The first detection of gas at the Erie Street North site in early June prompted 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 downtown site.
On Aug. 26, toxic gas detectors raised the alarm that afternoon, giving municipal staff and emergency crews enough time to evacuate the area before a blast destroyed two buildings about 90 minutes later. Twenty people suffered minor injuries from the explosion.
Since the August blast, Wheatley’s downtown has remained cordoned off.
Homeowner and business access will resume when appropriate to do so, officials say.