Officials optimistic that Wheatley gas emission is resolved

The drilling rig located in uptown Wheatley is moving off-site as investigation work wraps up.

Following the discovery, drilling, casing and cementing of the abandoned well found at 17 Talbot Street East, the monitoring well has entirely stopped venting gas, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S). 

Upon establishing the monitoring well in 2021, it was continuously emitting H2S and methane until the newly discovered well was re-entered. Since this time, no gas signatures have been detected on the monitoring well or the other water wells abandoned on the site previously, suggesting that the issue may have been resolved.

“The team is very happy with the results of the project so far and are optimistic that this is the solution to the gas emissions on site,” said Ryan Brown, Chatham-Kent’s Director of Public Works. “The community has been very patient and understanding while we worked through this project, and we are excited to share these results and help Wheatley move forward into a prosperous future.”

Ongoing testing of the monitoring well will provide further understanding and confirm if the abandonment efforts have been successful in stopping the gas migration in uptown Wheatley. Final expert reports are expected later this year that will be shared with the public. 

The remainder of the excavation work has now been completed and no additional deep wells have been found. Crews are preparing for all equipment to leave the area, with intermittent road closures as the trucks are loaded.

With equipment moved off site, restoration work can now begin. The Wheatley Recovery Task Force is continuing their work, which will ultimately be guided by the expert reports received. 

To keep up to date on Wheatley news, check out www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates.