Work was Paused at the APEC 1

Work was paused at the APEC 1 site while crews prepare to do additional testing following last Wednesday’s gas release.

The two-hour release was measured at 24 parts per billion in the atmosphere, less than one-hundredth of the amount that would represent a safety hazard. Some smell was noticeable at the site.

There has been no gas emission since that time.

A thorough review of the gas monitoring system and health and safety plans confirmed that no further action is required.

Work is expected to resume by the end of the week at which time an odour of gas may be detected. If residents at any time detect the smell of gas, they are asked to immediately call 9-1-1.

Workers were in the process of excavating around the well in preparation for driving a larger conductor pipe over the existing well when the release occurred.

At the time Chatham-Kent Fire Chief Chris Case confirmed that the safety plans guiding the operations worked as planned. “Gas was collected and directed to the vent to be flared. At no time was there a risk to our community located beyond the evacuation zone.”