The demolition of buildings next to the site of a gas explosion in downtown Wheatley is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
Chatham-Kent General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services Thomas Kelly said the process is proceeding on schedule.
"As soon as demolition is completed, excavation will begin," said Kelly in a media release Tuesday. "The excavation will go hand in hand with the pathway analysis."
According to Kelly, the analysis is a key factor in determining how the gas is reaching the source. He said it will give investigators important information that they will be able to use for remediation.
"The excavation phase of the plan carries with it an elevated risk," said Kelly. "We’re very mindful of that."
He said crews will work as quickly as possible but their safety is still very important.
In the meantime, temporary access to homes within the evacuation zone will continue to be on hold as the current work takes place.
"We will resume allowing residents to return as soon it is safe to do so, but the current work is critical to long-term resolution of the problem," said Kelly. "If there are any gaps in the work plan, temporary access will be restarted."
