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August 9, 2024

Corunna residents whose water systems were affected by a diesel spill over the weekend have been given the all celar.

Over the weekend, diesel was spilled into the St. Clair River after a train derailment at Arlanxeo in Sarnia. Downstream, at Hill and Lyndock Street in Corunna, people saw the sheen. St. Clair Mayor Jeff Agar says some people were swimming in it before they realized it was diesel fuel. He’s demanding answers for what he says was poor communication about the spill.

Lambton Public Health says the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks ran tests in the Corruna area, particularly around the area where about a half dozen homeowners still draw water from the St. Clair River for drinking. In a news release Friday, public health says the MECP says there are no longer impacts to private drinking water systems.

“Nearby residents with private drinking water systems continue to be notified directly,” officials said in the news release.

Homeowners using St. Clair River water have been told to;

  • Flush cold water taps for at least one minute before using.
  • Run drinking water fountains for one minute.
  • Flush all garden hoses by running water for one minute.
  • Drain and refill hot water tanks.
  • Replace water filters used to filter untreated water.

Public health says the river has also been cleared for swimming, however public health warns people should assess the water before going into the river.

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