Work remains paused in Wheatley

Work remains paused in Wheatley

Work was paused at an area of ​​potential environmental concern in Wheatley while crews prepare to do additional testing following last Wednesday’s gas release.

Work remained paused at an area of ​​potential environmental concern in Wheatley’s downtown near the site of an August 2019 explosion while crews prepared to do additional testing following last Wednesday’s gas release.

The two-hour release 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.

There has been no gas emission since that time, stated a release from the municipality Tuesday.

“A thorough review of the gas-monitoring system and health and safety plans confirmed that no further action is required,” officials said.

Work is expected to resume by the end of the week, at which time an odor of gas may be detected. If residents detect the smell of gas at any time, they are asked to call 911.

Workers were excavating around the well in this area in preparation for driving a larger conductor pipe over the existing well when the release occurred.

Chatham-Kent fire Chief Chris Case confirmed at the time that safety precautions worked as planned, as gas was collected and directed to the vent to be flared.

“At no time was there a risk to our community located beyond the evacuation zone,” he said.

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