An underground survey is set to begin at the site of the explosion in downtown Wheatley.
According to a media release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, crews arrived Tuesday to conduct a geophysical survey of the area surrounding the site of the August 26 explosion that rocked Wheatley's downtown core.
Chatham-Kent General Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure Services Thomas Kelly said the survey will use ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic technology to map the subsurface and provide detailed information on soil features, non-metallic objects, and the exact location of any abandoned steel-cased wells.
In addition, gas monitoring has been deployed throughout the site.
"The goal of this work is to determine the precise source of the gas emission," Kelly said. "Once this information is known, the next steps will be to determine the appropriate remediation strategy."
The explosion happened near where a hydrogen sulphide leak was first discovered back in early June and again in July on 15 Erie Street North.
In late September, the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry committed to taking the lead in investigating the source of the explosion, which sent three people to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and severely damaged multiple buildings in the area.
Several households in the evacuation zone have been unable to return home in the last month and a half since the blast.
According to Kelly, the survey work could take two weeks but that timetable could vary depending on what is found as the project proceeds.
"The gas that caused the explosion is both toxic and flammable.," he said. "We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding that work must proceed in a careful and methodical manner to ensure a continued safe working environment for all."
Meanwhile, efforts by the municipality to reach out to businesses and residents affected by the explosion continue.
Although all known businesses in the area have been contacted, the municipality said on Tuesday that it has been unable to reach a small number of residents regarding relief options. Letters are being sent to those individuals to determine their needs.
On September 18, applications opened for the Wheatley BIA Disaster Relief Fund.
