Further gas testing will be taking place this week near the site of last year’s gas explosion in Wheatley.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said contractors will be conducting a production flow test on Tuesday, at the site of the monitoring well located in the municipal parking lot.
Water will be pumped out of the well for six hours to measure the quantity and concentration of any gasses emitted.
Preparations for the test took place on Monday.
The data gathered from this test will inform the municipality when reviewing the evacuation zone, which has been in effect since the explosion at 15 Erie St. N. on August 26, 2021. The information will also help to determine the correct size of any equipment needed in the future.
All air monitors will continue to operate in the event of gas release and Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services will also be at the site.
In the meantime, the municipality said the gas well closest to the site of the explosion was successfully capped last week. As well, restoration and clean-up work has begun, but some equipment remains at the site.
Any residents who smell gas are asked to immediately call 911.