The final phase of the gas investigation in downtown Wheatley is nearing completion, Chatham-Kent officials say, with contractors having looked into approximately three-quarters of the affected properties.
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Work is underway at the site of 15 Talbot Rd. E. and will continue east toward 23 Talbot Rd. E. in the coming days, according to a municipal release Friday.
To date, there have been no active gas wells discovered. On Wednesday, excavation activities uncovered a historic brick structure with a five-centimeter pipe in the middle, beneath the cement slab at 15 Talbot Rd. E.
“No natural gas was detected in the hole or pipe. Equipment was mobilized to evaluate the depth and type of well,” officials said.
“On Sept. 19, further excavation revealed the depth to be approximately four meters below grade, and native soil was located at this depth indicating that no deep well is present. Backfilling of the area will continue. Once backfilling is competed the excavation activities will continue as per the original plan.”
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The investigation work will continue at least into next week, and should anything substantial be found, work will proceed to address any issues.
Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue Services, as well as Chatham-Kent EMS, remain on site at all times to ensure the safety of the site and the surrounding community.
Last month marked the third anniversary of the Aug. 26, 2021, gas explosion, linked to toxic hydrogen sulphide gas seeing through the ground in the downtown area.
The blast destroyed two buildings, damaged others and injured 20 people in the community
Updates continue to be posted on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent Wheatley Updates webpage, found at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates
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