Flood-closed Highway 402 sections reopen: OPP

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A section of Highway 402 in eastern Lambton County closed by Tuesday morning flooding has reopened, provincial police say.

The 402 east had been closed at Nauvoo Road and the 402 west at Kerwood Road about 10 a.m., OPP police had tweeted on X. The highway in both directions has reopened, police said about 3 p.m.

The closing came as Environment Canada ended a rainfall warning and severe thunderstorm watch for Lambton County after heavy rains moved through the area.

Incidents related to heavy rain also were reported Tuesday morning at two Sarnia-area refineries.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority warned Tuesday morning of elevated water levels in a flood watch notice.

Fifty to 150 millimetres of rain have fallen in the area since July 9, leading to saturated soil, ponding and flooding in parks and floodplain areas, the authority said.

“Individuals are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks and cold, swift moving water,” the authority said.

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Suncor said heavy rain led to an incident at its Sarnia refinery about 8 a.m. Tuesday.

“As a precaution, the refinery’s spill response team deployed booms into the St. Clair River,” the company said in a morning post to the Sarnia-Lambton Alerts public information system.

“Currently, no sheens have been observed on the river and monitoring continues.”

Odours were present in the area and the refinery was conducting air monitoring, Suncor said.

“Appropriate recovery and cleanup operations will be determined,” it said.

The company said it was “assessing an overflow of stormwater to the South Vidal Street ditch” and water sampling and measures to manage water were underway.

“All appropriate regulators, including the Spills Action Centre, have been notified,” Suncor said.

Later in the day, Suncor said the St. Clair River was not affected.

Shell reported Tuesday morning that a “small, light sheen was noticed on Talfourd Creek” near its refinery and the sheen had entered the St. Clair River.

“Shell is taking measures to contain and remove the sheen from the water,” the company said in a post to Sarnia-Lambton Alerts.

“At this time, no action is required from the community as a result of this occurrence,” Shell said.  “All safety precautions and standard regulatory protocols are being followed.”

pmorden@postmedia.com

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