Blast zone cleanup is complete; work continues to find source

By Mark Ribble

WHEATLEY — The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has announced that the clean-up of debris within the immediate area of 15 Erie Street North in Wheatley is complete.

Tons of debris were cleaned up and taken away in large disposal bins last week as investigators continue to search for the hydrogen sulphide gas leak that has eluded them so far.

A media call held last Thursday cleared up some rumours and speculation about the future of the remaining Erie Street North buildings in that area.

“The structural integrity of buildings in the vicinity of the blast has not been determined as of yet,” said Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire. “Municipal officials will take the appropriate action regarding structures when it is safe to do so.”

Shropshire warned that people sharing photos and speculating on social media as to the future of the block are hindering the investigation.

“We count on the media to get our message out and we trust them to do so,” he said. “Facebook rumours cannot be trusted.”

Shropshire thanked the media for helping them get accurate information to the community and reiterated his pleas for everyone to stay away until the leak is found and dealt with.

The debris that filled the street and nearby alleys has been taken away with precautions taken due to possible asbestos and other contaminants in those old buildings.

A clear picture is starting to emerge of what remains and that should help investigators in their quest to find the elusive leak and get it plugged.

A technical advisory group — including municipal emergency, building, engineering and utilities — along with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, is examining how best to determine the source of the leak. Private sector officials are providing technical advice as well.

A strong odour drifted through many parts of Wheatley on Saturday, September 11, prompting speculation that the gas leak had returned, but gas level monitors detected no gas. It was eventually thought to be lake inversion, which happens when the warm surface water cools quickly and the warm water underneath rises to the surface.

Municipal officials were busy on the weekend going door-to-door in the village, answering questions and giving out pertinent information to over 300 residents.

Meanwhile, the community continues to wrap its arms around those residents directly affected by the blast.

The reception centre at Wheatley Arena is approaching 200 visits from 100 unique households. The centre is open from 10 am to 2 pm daily.

Anyone in need can call 519-351-8573 and ask to speak to a Wheatley Crisis Case Manager. After hours, you can call 519-354-6628.

Currently, about 12 families remain in accommodations provided by the municipality.

For those wondering about the Royal Bank, RBC has set-up a mobile bank in the Wheatley Arena parking lot with bank employees on-site during regular business hours.

Adamson Guardian Drugs is operating out of the Thomson Guardian Drugs location in Leamington. Wheatley customers should still call the Wheatley number at 519-825-4111.

Wheatley mail is still being handled in Leamington until further notice.

Basic food items such as bread and milk, etc., are available for purchase at Mercer’s Service Centre, on the corner of Talbot St. E. and Little St., and at Heidi’s Eats & Sweets and Dockside Fisheries at 913 Drovers Rd. (3rd Concession).

As reported in last week’s Sun, the Wheatley Area Food Bank is up and running at 108 Talbot Street East for anyone in need of food. Community efforts are still being coordinated through Active Citizens of Wheatley, Wheatley BIA and the Food Bank.

The GoFundMe page set up by Lauren Anderson and Kim Grant has more than doubled its goal by raising over $40,000 for the Disaster Relief Fund.

The Wheatley Strong fish fry on Sunday, September 12 was a huge success with parked cars overflowing onto Kent Rd. 1 as locals gathered to help the cause.

As investigators continue their efforts to find and solve the gas leak issue, the people of Wheatley and surrounding areas continue their efforts to come together as one.