With the final phase of the gas investigation ongoing, the project team in Wheatley has found what they believe is a wooden-cased petroleum well on the site of 17 Talbot St. E. underneath the cement floor, municipal officials say.
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No hydrogen sulfide gas has been detected, but small amounts (300 ppm) of methane were discovered.
“The team is assessing next steps and will be following the operational plan,” officials said in a media release Sunday. “The venting hood will be placed over the well when practical as an extra precaution.
“At this time there is no risk to the community from this finding. The immediate next step will be to install a conductor pipe over the well and bring it back to surface. Once further details are known they will be communicated.”
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, officials added.
A recent media release issued last week stated that contractors have looked into approximately three-quarters of the affected properties as part of the gas investigation.
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
Residents are encouraged to check back often as information on progress and future schedules will be posted.
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