By Bird Bouchard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Ridgetown Independent News
Another gas leak is expected in Wheatley.
Based on the patterns that have taken place over the last six months, officials in Wheatley say they are anticipating another gas release within the coming week.
According to a media release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Jan. 5 was day 45 since the last release, and the five previous gas releases dating back to June 2 of last year took place between 38 and 47 days of each other.
The past several weeks have seen buildings being demolished near the site of the gas explosion. Excavation work has taken place, and two abandoned wells have been confirmed.
Officials say the changing landscape due to work may impact the typical time cycle of the release of gas.
While preparations have been made to vent the gas safely, the next step is to drill and conduct tests to determine if there is a connection between the two wells underground.
“Depending on the gas release date, residents may see heavy equipment on-site within a week,” read a release from the municipality.
Resident visits to evacuated dwellings will resume when it is appropriate to do so, the release said.
