Province to take over Wheatley gas investigation

WHEATLEY — The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has committed to undertake an investigation to identify the source of the Wheatley gas detection and what might be done to mitigate future occurrences.

Ministry staff are consulting with industry experts to develop plans for the investigation. The province will share additional information with the municipality and the public as it becomes available.

In the interim, the emergency declaration remains in place at 15 Erie Street North and gas monitoring has been maintained at this location. There has been no new detection of gas since the last report July 19.

The Municipality of Chatham is working with the property owner and ministry staff to develop plans that will ensure the rescinding of the emergency declaration.

As was the case with the emergency declaration in June, the municipality is recommending gas monitoring continues after the declaration has been rescinded.

Given the reoccurrence of the gas detection, the ongoing monitoring offers an increased level of safety for those working in the building and ensures emergency services can be notified and a further public evacuation can be implemented, if needed.

“We appreciate the ongoing support and patience of the property owner and the community as we work to address the challenges presented by the situation”, said a release last week from the municipality.