Residents of downtown Wheatley will be hearing knocks on their doors this week from representatives of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to inform them about investigative work being done to find more gas and water wells in the core.
The municipality said emergency response work following the explosion of August 2021 is anticipated to start on September 3, 2024 and last a few months, adding preparatory work is already underway.
"The excavation of the current evacuation zone is to confirm or deny the existence of any more water or gas wells on the site and to remove the remaining foundations of the buildings," said the municipality in a news release. "Chatham-Kent along with the contractors have developed an extensive Emergency Response Plan to cover any scenarios that could be encountered during the work. This plan includes having all staff and equipment on standby prepared to work 24 hours a day to remediate a gas well if found."
Evacuation of the area could happen, the municipality previously said.
A community open house will also be held on August 8, 2024 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Wheatley Village Resource Centre. Municipal officials noted technical details of the task will be explained and questions will be answered by the experts during the session.
The consultant will also be flying a drone capable of detecting methane emissions over the village and surrounding rural areas, according to the municipality.
"This work will be done pre and post excavation in the work zone to confirm if any activities caused a change in known methane emissions," municipal officials said.
According to the municipality, the drone will start flying on August 7, 2024 and is anticipated to be flying for several days before and after the dig.
A temporary staging area for staff and contractors has been set up at a vacant lot at 17 Elm Street in Wheatley during the excavation work.
"Residents can expect to see the site being prepared for office trailers over the coming weeks. After the project is complete, future uses for the property will be further reviewed and considered," said the municipality.
Those who can't attend the open house can click here to see the meeting materials the municipality will post and to get updates on the Wheatley project.
