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Wheatley Site Update: Progress, Monitoring, and Community Engagement

Site Enhancements and Landscaping

With the departure of contractors, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is now overseeing essential tasks to prepare the site for spring. This includes:

  • Site Leveling & Grass Seeding: The site will be leveled and planted with wheat and grass seed to reduce dust and improve its appearance over the coming months.
  • Sidewalk Repairs: Work is underway to address necessary sidewalk repairs for safer pedestrian access.


Scrubber Monitoring and Safety Fencing

The scrubber will remain on-site for a six-month monitoring period, which began at the end of October. Temporary fencing around the scrubber has been re-installed to ensure safety during this period. Additionally, a smaller fence will be erected around the wellhead.

Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) staff will continue to oversee the site until all monitoring equipment is configured for remote alerts. Once this system is operational, it will monitor for gas 24/7. Daily checks will ensure proper functionality, and in the event of any gas detection, the system will issue alarms, prompting an immediate response from the crew.


PW Trailer and Wellhead Decisions

The PW trailer will remain stationed at 17 Elm Street for at least the duration of the six-month monitoring period. Pending favourable monitoring results, discussions will be held on the future of the wellhead, specifically whether it will be left as is or cut and buried, a decision that will be made with guidance from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

Thank you for your attention and ongoing support during this phase of the project.


Business and Community Service Organization 1:1 Interviews

Throughout November, the Task Force and Economic Development Office (EDO) are conducting a series of one-on-one interviews with business owners and community service organizations in Wheatley. These interviews are part of our ongoing efforts to gather insights and strengthen support for the local community.

If you are a business owner or work with a community service organization and have not yet scheduled an interview, we encourage you to reach out to Kyra Knapp at kyra.knapp@chatham-kent.ca to arrange a convenient time. Your input is valuable to our work in supporting Wheatley's growth and resilience.