Explosion levels a building at the corner of Erie Street North and Talbot Trail in Wheatley, August 26, 2021. Photo credit: Kathryn Parent, Photography by Phos via Twitter.

Now that all three wells have been plugged in Wheatley, crews are wrapping up work at the site of last year’s explosion.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said a provincial contractor has begun cementing the inner casing of the well, known as APEC 1. Once the cement sets later this week, work will begin to abandon the well.

Restoring the worksite and the demobilization of contractor equipment will then take place, which is expected to occur next week.

On September 15, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office officially confirmed that methane hydrogen sulphide gas was to blame for the August 26, 2021 explosion at 15 Erie St. N.

A final gas analysis report from consultants Golder and Associates is expected to be released sometime between mid-October to November.

Residents are reminded to immediately call 911 if they detect the smell of gas.