Officials warn of crude oil spill in St. Clair River

A boom deployed at the mouth of the St. Clair River following an oil spill, March 27, 2025 (Dwayne Oud/CTV News London)

Suncor officials in Lambton County say they’re cleaning up an oil spill in the St. Clair River.

The township initially sent out a community alert at around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. It was confirmed that nearby residents may notice ‘an odour’ near the Suncor dock.

Residents are warned not to use water from the river, avoid skin contact, and advising people against using boats in the river.

Officials say the spill involves crude oil and it has been contained by booms from Suncor and Shell, who provided mutual aid to Suncor.

A release by Suncor states:

It was confirmed that township drinking water has not been affected.

In a community alert the source of the spill was confirmed to be a ‘release of hydrocarbons,’ and it was stated that the source had been identified, and confirmed to be isolated.