Further Update on the Final Phase of the Wheatley Investigation

The final phase of investigation in downtown Wheatley is nearing completion, with contractors having investigated roughly 75% of the affected properties. Work is currently underway at the site of 15 Talbot Road East and will continue east towards 23 Talbot Road East property in the coming days.

To date, there have been no active gas wells discovered. On September 18, excavation activities uncovered a historic brick structure with a 2” pipe in the middle immediately beneath the cement slab of 15 Talbot Road E. No natural gas was detected in the hole or pipe. Equipment was mobilized to evaluate the depth and type of well. On September 19, further excavation revealed the depth to be approximately 4 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.

The investigation work will continue at least into next week, and should anything substantial be found, work will continue after that to address any issue present. Chatham-Kent Fire & 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.

Media releases will only be posted in the event of significant milestones or if pertinent information needs to be communicated to the public.