By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The work to keep Wheatley safe from potential hydrogen sulfide gas explosions continues.
As part of next steps to address concerns with the possible discovery of gas-emitting abandoned wells, the municipality is set to remove the foundations of buildings located within the evacuation zone in the town’s downtown.
At its July 15 meeting, council approved two contracts related to the work. A $6-million contract has been awarded to 360 Engineering and Environmental Consulting Ltd., and T.L. Watson and Associates is contracted for $250,000.
The demolition of nine buildings in the blast zone was recently completed. Now the municipality needs to dig deeper to remove the foundations of the affected structures by excavating the entire site.
According an administrative report, the main challenge going forward is that another hazardous well could be discovered, leading to another possible evacuation. As a result, Chatham-Kent must have emergency resources on standby for the duration of the excavation slated to begin the first week of September. It’s expected to take several weeks.
C-K public works director Ryan Brown said the municipality knows there is risk associated with the work and the engineering team will be working closely with the fire department.
“It’s going to have some angst around this work,” Brown told council, adding experts will be brought in, including some from Alberta who are familiar with the scenario Wheatley faces.
West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson thanked Brown and staff for the work they’ve undertaken, noting it’s an unprecedented situation.
She too emphasized that an emergency plan will be in place to keep residents safe and timely information will be communicated to the public.
Brown assured Anderson that the municipality will engage with community groups and residents to keep the public apprised of progress on the excavation.
Work in Wheatley has been ongoing for the past three years, since the Wheatley explosion in August 2021.
