More than 3 years after Wheatley explosion, Chatham-Kent officials 'optimistic' gas issue is resolved

Town officials say they're "optimistic" that gas emission issues in downtown Wheatley may be resolved, more than three years after an abandoned gas well explosion rocked the core.

The town made the announcement Thursday in a news release, adding that the drilling rig placed in the community's core will soon be removed.

The abandoned well at 17 Talbot St. E.  that caused the massive explosion in 2021 has been drilled, cased and cemented. A monitoring well established in 2021 has stopped venting gas, including hydrogen sulfide.

"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, 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."

This is the corner where the explosion took place in downtown Wheatley as seen in December 2022, according to Chatham-Kent's website. (Chatham-Kent )

The 2021 explosion injured 20 people and levelled parts of the rural community in Chatham-Kent. Many of the buildings impacted by the blow were demolished this summer.

The town says that ongoing testing of the monitoring well will provide more information and "confirm if the abandonment efforts have been successful in stopping the gas migration in downtown 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 complete, and no additional deep wells have been found," the town said.

Residents can except some road closures to load trucks on Friday and early next week.

Now, the town says, restoration work will begin with the community's recovery task force.