Work to plug an abandoned water well that has been leaking gas in downtown Wheatley is expected to move forward later this week.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said contractors began work behind the Wheatley branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library on Talbot Street West on Tuesday, and quickly unearthed a six-inch metal casing in the area where gas emissions have been detected. The location is also consistent with a water well mentioned in historical records.
As a result, the area was fully excavated, and a new pipe was installed on the casing to extend it to the surface.
Preparations are now being made to enter the well on Wednesday to confirm the size and depth of the well. Once it has been confirmed that the well is free of debris, contractors will begin the process of plugging the well.
An in-person community meeting has also been planned for Thursday at the Wheatley Village Resource Centre for residents who would like to know more about the ongoing remediation plans. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.
