Several residents in St. Clair Township are still feeling the impacts of a train derailment over the weekend that caused diesel fuel to spill into the St. Clair River.
Arlanxeo reported the incident at around 2 p.m. Saturday, after a sheen was spotted on the water's surface.
Lambton Public Health (LPH) said the water supply was contaminated for private drinking water users in the area located near Hill Street and Lyndoch Street in Corunna.
In an update on Tuesday, LPH said a Do Not Use advisory remains in place for those residents, and swimmer precautions are still in effect for the St. Clair River near Lyndoch Street and Hill Street.
Residents are advised to avoid swimming in the area until further notice.
An alternate source of water should be used for things like bathing, drinking, brushing your teeth, cleaning, laundry, preparing food, and washing dishes.
In a post on social media, St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar voiced his frustration with the notification process.
"I myself am really upset that this was not reported as a spill when it happened," said Agar. "Our emergency personnel was not informed until it was discovered as a sheen in the river. I will pursue this to ensure the safety of all St. Clair Township residents. There has been many years dedicated in putting all safety protocols in place. I would like to thank our St. Clair Township Fire Department, St. Clair Township Public Works and Dr. K. Dueck, Medical Officer of Health from Lambton County Public Health Unit for all their assistance in this matter."
LPH said it's still working with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), who is collecting water sampling data, before they can determine when to lift the alerts.
The health agency said when it's confident there are no longer any impacts to drinking water systems or recreational water, the advisory will be lifted and media will be notified.
LPH is working with the MECP to monitor the situation.
For more health information contact Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 or visit their website.