Some Wheatley residents will be able to get back into their homes sooner than later.
For the first time since the August 26th explosion, the evacuation zone is being reduced as the investigation and mitigation process following repeated hydrogen sulphide leaks continues.
Close to 200 residents took part in an hour-long virtual meeting on Saturday morning to ask questions of municipal and provincial representatives.
Theresa Watson, an Alberta-based gas well engineer working with the emergency team in Wheatley, says the goal is to bring residents home and make Wheatley a safer community once again.
“It’s been determined that outside of a distance of 50 metres from any of emission point, evacuation is no longer required,” Watson says. “When I use the term emission, I am speaking of a release of natural gas that contains H2S and methane.”
Watson says there are seven emission potential point, which is what gives the evacuation zone an irregular shape.
Any part of a property is within 50 metres of an emission point, it will still be included in the evacuation zone.
Monitoring wells have been installed up both inside and outside the evacuation zone.
“The monitoring well is acting as a relief vent which allows the team on site to monitor, test, and relieve pressure as required,” Watson explains. “It is because of the installation of the monitoring well, the gathering and venting systems which are monitored 24 hours a day, that we are now confident that the evacuation zone can be reduced and the hard work of recovery can start.”
The process to get evacuated residents back home will begin with removing the fencing, which will take place starting on Wednesday morning.
Officials say all utilities will have to be reconnected before residents and business owners can move back in.
For owners of properties that remain in the evacuation zone, the Municipality will try to accommodate limited access for those may want access, but only to properties that are deemed safe to enter. Access will be limited to certain periods of time when on-site conditions allow for it, based on the investigation work that is ongoing.
Any property owners who need help completing a pre-inspection, including an initial gas reading and visual inspection of your residence for visible hazards, is asked to reach out to their assigned case manager. Case managers can be reached during business hours at 519-351-8573.
Economic Development officers will be reaching out to businesses over the coming days to discuss their individual circumstances.
The Provincial Wheatley Resident Assistance Program will continue to provide assistance for temporary accommodations during renovations as required and for all households that remain evacuated.
