With demolition now complete in downtown Wheatley, the final phase has begun to determine the presence of any additional hazardous wells.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said demolition of several buildings along Erie Street North was completed in July and foundations have now been removed to allow for excavation around the site of the 2021 gas explosion.
Contractors and municipal staff began mobilizing equipment to the site and into the work zone on Tuesday with excavation expected to begin on Friday. The final phase will likely continue for several weeks, the municipality said.
Chatham-Kent Council previously awarded a $6 million contract for the work to 360 Engineering and Environmental Consulting Ltd, and another $250,000 contract to T.L. Watson and Associates.
A drone capable of detecting methane emissions is currently being utilized to survey the town and surrounding rural areas.
For more information on the ongoing gas investigation efforts in Wheatley, visit the Chatham-Kent Let’s Talk website by clicking here.
