Wheatley residents who were hoping to temporarily get back inside their homes will have to wait a little while longer.
According to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, hydrogen sulphide was detected once again in downtown Wheatley on Monday. The gas had also been detected for about eight hours on Sunday in the same location.
This marks the sixth time hydrogen sulphide has been detected at the site in the last six months. One of the gas leaks resulted in an explosion on August 26, 2021, which injured 20 people, levelled several buildings and left multiple households displaced.
According to the municipality, only low levels of gas were detected on Monday for a short period of time. However, the latest incident has prompted officials to put a pause on allowing residents to re-enter their properties.
"Due to this recent development, appointments for people to temporarily enter their properties today have been postponed until it can be confirmed that the zone is safe for re-entry," the municipality said.
After nearly three months, residents were only allowed back in their homes temporarily starting last week to gather their belongings and to check on their properties.
Prior to Monday's gas detection, 10 homeowners had gotten the opportunity to go back into their houses.
"The data captured [Monday] and on Sunday will be used to assist in the continued investigation," said the municipality. "Once the technical experts have thoroughly reviewed the data, a determination will be made if adjustments are required to the work plan and temporary homeowner re-entry process."
According to the municipality, firefighters remain on-site at all hours of the day.