Work underway on Wheatley water well

Crews have begun working on a water well that they believe is leaking gas.

Crews believe a water well was the source of gas emissions in Wheatley that prompted an evacuation in June.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent confirmed work began on Tuesday at the believed well site, near the library on Talbot Street West.

“Crews quickly unearthed a six-inch metal casing in the area of the gas emissions consistent with a water well mentioned in historical records,” a release read.

After excavating the area, a new pipe was installed to extend it to the surface.

On June 26, a portion of the community was evacuated due to a gas odour. Officials confirmed the leak to be hydrogen sulphide, the same gas responsible for the 2021 explosion.

“The contractor has mobilized the water well drilling rig to the site and preparations are being made to enter the well tomorrow morning,” the municipality noted.

Once the size and depth of the well are confirmed, crews will ensure it is free of debris, and a drilling rig will begin plugging the well.

During a virtual community meeting held on Saturday, it was estimated that the work could take between seven and 10 days.

An in-person community meeting for those seeking more information about the operation is scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. inside the Wheatley Village Resource Centre.